On the west wall of the room off the southwest corner of the atrium was an apsed niche. The niche sat 1.38m above the floor. The ceiling of the niche was stuccoed in the form of a scallop shell. On the interior of the niche were traces of red, yellow, green, and dark blue paint. The niche had a projecting floor of marble. On the wall above the niche was an architectural painting of a house ceiling. Maiuri suggested that the room may have been reserved for women’s work.