Alcove living room
10 stylish looks for nooks or niches |
Living room alcove ideas make the very most of these handsome architectural features in both practical and aesthetic terms.
Alcoves are often found alongside the chimney, but they may be located elsewhere in the room and, while their dimensions vary, they all provide equal design opportunity. And this is the case even if they aren’t an original part of the room – they can be added to square and rectangular modern rooms to create character.
We’ve put together living room ideas that reveal the style and storage potential of alcoves, along with advice from the experts.
Living room alcove ideas
While appealing features in their own right, the elegance of alcoves can be enhanced with clever decorative strategies. Meanwhile, they offer vast potential as part of small living room ideas as well as in larger spaces for storage and display – and even as separate zones. Be inspired by these living room alcove ideas.
1.
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
Think big with living room alcove ideas. 'Alcoves are a practical and characterful way to add additional storage to a living room without taking up valuable floor space,' says Katie Lion, senior interior designer at Kitesgrove .
‘Incorporating recessed shelving into a living room adds depth to the space and a focal feature to introduce contrasting living room paint ideas or finishes to the room. This creates distinctive niches to display books, artwork and plants that can evolve over time.’
2. Frame a couch within a large alcove
(Image credit: The Cotswold Company)
A large alcove can be a valuable asset in designing a living room. 'The soft curves of alcoves can help to frame a space and make it feel more inviting,' says Paul Deckland, product manager at Cotswold Company .
‘A welcome step away from traditional doors, they offer a grander and more dramatic structural alternative for those seeking open plan living, whilst still giving a subtle nod to different zones.
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3. Go bespoke for an elegant finish
(Image credit: ND Studios)
'Alcoves that flank living room fireplaces are almost always a good idea not least because they make the most out of what can often be an awkward, redundant space,' says Natascha Dartnall, managing director at ND Studios .
‘Finding freestanding furniture for these nooks can be a minefield. However, by choosing bespoke joinery for these spaces, you can ensure that they are made to be the perfect fit.’
4. Draw the eye to curvaceous alcoves
(Image credit: Neptune )
Smaller alcoves can still make a large impact as living room wall ideas. 'The curved top of these living room alcoves perfectly complements the shape of the ceiling in this grand space,' says Andrea Childs, editor, Country Homes & Interiors.
‘When designing a room do consider the architectural detailing that exists as you can enhance the feel by mimicking it in other areas. These alcoves are perfect for vases filled with lush foliage which help draw attention to their beautiful shape.
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5. Paint alcove shelves the same color as the walls
(Image credit: Gong)
Creating bookshelves in an alcove as part of living room layout ideas? 'If you're adding a bookcase to an alcove, paint the shelves the same color as the walls,‘ suggests Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens.
‘It will blend it into the decor and create a more modern look. Let the pieces you place on it add the color and texture instead, and keep your displays simple so you can see the wall color behind.’
6. New build without alcoves? Create your own
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
Consider living room alcove ideas for rooms without any. 'It would be very rare not to have at least several alcoves in an older property, but a newer home may not have any,' says Andrea Childs, editor, Country Homes & Interiors.
The solution? ‘Create your own – with the help of a carpenter,’ she says. ‘This design creates a feature as well as extra living room storage.
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7. Add a home office in an alcove
(Image credit: Kitesgrove )
Consider fitting a desk in an alcove as one of your living room corner ideas. 'Whatever the size of a living room alcove it has the potential to create a mini office space,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living.
‘With more of us working from home these alcoves have become a life saver. Small and intimate, they're a fabulous option for an office. Hang some shelves above and away you go.’
8. Blend in freestanding pieces
(Image credit: Neptune )
Often living room alcove ideas feature custom furniture, but you can use freestanding pieces instead. If so, how to make the furniture part of the alcove?
‘Paint it the same color as the wall,’ advises Melanie Griffiths. Bear in mind, though, that the interior of the piece doesn’t have to be the same shade. ‘Here, a chocolate brown interior adds depth and helps the books and ornaments stand out as a display – and the hue is a great choice as a cozy living room idea,’ she says.
9. Make a feature of an alcove
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
'We adore this living room alcove idea by interior designer Lindye Galloway with a curved top, deep shelves and, of course, its on-trend industrial-style doors,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. ‘This clever touch turns it into a display feature with the black accent following through into the rest of scheme.'
10. Highlight an alcove with a mirror
(Image credit: Brent Darby/Future PLC)
Living room mirror ideas can include alcoves as well as over the fireplace and other locations.
'In a smaller living room, you can make the most of an alcove by utilizing the space for storage with shelves and a cupboard underneath,' says Jennifer Ebert. ‘But consider also fitting mirror glass behind open shelves. This will bounce the light around the room, create the illusion of space and turn the alcove into even more of a feature.
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What can I do with the alcoves in my living room?
There are a whole host of things you can do with alcoves in a living room. They can provide space to store either behind closed doors with a custom cupboard or on open shelving as well as a place for display of decorative accessories or houseplants.
They can provide a niche for furniture such as an armchair – or even a couch if the alcove is sizeable. Or, use an alcove to make space for a home office with a desk and shelving, or as a nook for a chic bar cart.
Should a living room alcove be painted lighter or darker?
An alcove can be painted lighter or darker, depending on the effect you want to create. Painting an alcove in a lighter shade visually reduces its depth and is a more classic approach. Paint it darker and it will recede and make for a more dramatic feature.
32 Alcove ideas to help you transform an awkward space
(Image credit: Future PLC)
An alcove is something you never think about until you have one and then realise how frustratingly awkward they are to style.
Typically caused by a chimney breast protruding out into the centre of a room, this awkward recess can make the room feel smaller. But, game-changing alcove ideas will turn this into a practical and stylish space.
Knowing what to do with these nooks can be a head-scratcher and lead to generic shelves being put up as a form of storage within your living room ideas. These types of cubbyholes are often found in period properties, but they are not the only type of recess people struggle with.
Extensions and renovations can cause some tough navigating around newly created alcoves or under-stairs areas. However, instead of ignoring these recesses, make them work for you with clever design tricks.
‘If you’re lucky enough to own an alcove at home, then it’s important to show it off and accentuate it as much as you can. Alcoves are currently trending, and there is an endless range of ways to style them,’ says Rebecca Drury, co-founder of MissPrint .
Alcove ideas
Instead of seeing an alcove as a hindrance, think of it as a chance to take on a new styling challenge.
An alcove is also a clever way of adding much-needed extra space and storage to your rooms such as your small bedroom ideas.
‘If the space feels dark, a mirror can help to open it up and introduce light and fluidity to a neglected corner. Something with an organic shape can help counteract the boxy effect of a square alcove. For a more practical touch, a small occasional table or console table can provide much-needed storage. Add an occasional lamp for mood lighting and tie the corner into the rest of the room by echoing colours or shapes found in your main décor, with vases, prints or other trinkets,’ advises Darcie Hewitt-Dudding, home interior stylist at furn.com .
1. Wallpaper your alcove area
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Wallpaper can completely transform a space and make a strong focal point in a room. Instead of hiding your alcove, be proud and make it a statement with bold wallpaper ideas.
If you have symmetrical alcoves choose an eye-catching contrasting wallpaper that picks up on other accents in the room for a cohesive look.
If you only have one alcove that is already a standout feature, switch it around and wallpaper the rest of the room and leave the alcove blank. ‘We would recommend wallpapering the alcove area, as this will create more of a feature and add visual interest to the area,’ says Rebecca Drury from MissPrint.
Alternatively, a mural is a great substitute for traditional wallpaper. Choose one that reflects your personality and acts as a talking point for when guests come over. Graham Brown offers some eye-catching and unique murals which are perfect for bringing your walls to life.
2. Use different paint shades
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
‘Opting for multiple paint shades is an effective way to give separate areas, such as alcoves, their own distinct zone and character,’ says Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore .
Your alcove doesn’t need to have a drastic print or colour to make it an area of interest in your room. Add depth to a small room with an alcove in a darker shade and switch it to a lighter shade in a more spacious room.
‘A deep bold hue evokes a cosy feeling, perfect for creating a reading corner or snug where there isn’t one structurally. This can be paired with a lighter hue of a similar undertone for the rest of the space, creating harmony whilst maintaining a distinctive difference.’
Keeping the same colour throughout the room ensures the space continues to feel cohesive and makes the alcove feel part of your overall space, rather than a separate forgotten corner. This would work perfectly as part of your dining room paint ideas to add more interest to what could be a plain room.
3. Create a home office
(Image credit: Future PLC)
For your small home office ideas, an alcove can provide the ultimate work-from-home setup when you’re limited on space. Due to the narrow nature of the space, angled task lighting works best to give you a wide range of light but also a more focused spotlight depending on your needs.
Make sure you think about choosing furniture which has a double function, such as a desk with hidden storage.
Your alcove may be in an awkward shape so make sure to take accurate measurements so you know your desk, seating and any storage will fit comfortably, or alternatively go for a fitted furniture option.
‘Bespoke, made-to-measure designs will ensure your environment is ideal for both your work and own personal needs; whether that be open shelves for pieces you need quick access to or cupboards and drawers for items such as a printer or files that you would like hidden away at home,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps .
4. Highlight an accent chair
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Adding an armchair or loveseat to your alcove turns it from an unloved space to a comfy space for your to unwind and relax. Make sure that the chair you chose is the right size for the space and highlight it as the zone to unwind in by adding cushions and throws.
‘Accent chairs are a great way to add a reading nook to an alcove or awkward, unused corner space,’ recommends Gisela Lancaster, buying manager at Sofology .
‘They provide the perfect opportunity to add colour to a room without the need for repainting or wallpaper, lending personality and charm to a space. Consider a single piece in a vibrant or patterned fabric, amping up the comfort levels with a soft chenille fabric or velvet style, complementing with accent cushions and a throw. Finally, an elegant freestanding light will give the perfect lighting for reading.’
5. Turn it into a hobby corner
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Having your own dedicated area for you to indulge in your hobby may seem like a luxury reserved for those with multiple spare rooms. However, an alcove can go from dead space to your new hobby corner very easily. A pegboard or magnetic board is a good way of using the wall space in an alcove to store your tools or equipment without taking up precious space.
‘A sideboard or chest of drawers is the ideal hideaway to store your yarn and needles, or your acrylic paints and easel,’ recommends Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon .
Or if you have a record collection, add a turntable, a decent pair of headphones and a comfy chair, and you've got the perfect easy listening spot.
Greig adds, ‘Dedicating a space to your hobby will not only encourage you to participate in it more often, but it will also help to contain it within its own space, ensuring the rest of your home remains clutter-free.’
6. Make a gallery wall
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If you have a shallow alcove that isn’t suitable for fitting in any furniture due to a lack of space, a gallery wall idea is a perfect option. A gallery wall instantly turns an alcove into a focal point within a room. It allows personality and character to be injected into a room and offers a personal touch that can be changed or added to at any time.
A gallery wall can be placed in any alcove around the home, from the bathroom, to the bedroom, to the living room. It is also a savvy budget decorating idea that can easily be done in a few hours.
Before you start knocking nails into walls, plan out where each of your frames are going to go and place the artwork you love the most at eye level. Most gallery walls are built up over time, so think about where future frames could potentially hang and don’t rush to create a fully completed wall.
7. Turn it into a kitchen pantry
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith )
If you are fortunate enough to have a recess in your kitchen, use the space to create a pantry for your small kitchen storage ideas that can be created bespoke to your needs. Depending on your needs you can use the pantry as purely a storage space, or design it so it gives you extra workspace too. That workspace could become a designated coffee hub or a place for all your baking needs.
‘If your kitchen is short on storage space, turn your alcove into a pantry. Install various-sized shelves or cabinets before filling them with baskets and containers to keep your food and kitchen supplies organised.
If you are leaving the pantry ‘open’ use coordinating colours and textures to create a look that is cohesive to the rest of your kitchen,’ says Rudolph Diesel , a London interior designer.
8. Turn it into a pet zone
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Your pets are just as important as the people within your home and letting them have their own little corner will give them a safe space they know is for them. An alcove can be used to keep your pets’ food and water out of the way so there is no risk of knocking it over. Or it can be used to house a dog bed or crate so they have a designated area for any daytime snoozes.
If you do decide to create a pet zone out of your alcove, make sure it is free of anything like electrical cords, fireplaces, or heaters. If you have the space consider storage shelves or a storage trunk for their toys and games.
9. Go low with a built-in bench
(Image credit: Dulux)
Create a relaxed, modern vibe by running low-level shelving in the alcoves either side of a chimney breast.
Simple and unfussy, so perfect alongside a modern fireplace, one single long-line shelf can work as a TV bench or a display area for artwork. Fill the space underneath with a couple of chunky baskets for storing games kit and media or stashing logs and kindling.
10. Set up a reading nook for little ones
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
Create a quiet zone for reading away from the hustle and bustle of the living room or kitchen-diner. A low-level shelving unit can double up as a bench, topped off with a row of cushions or seat pads, and gives stowing space underneath for books, toys and games.
Make the space feel extra cosy by painting the bottom section of wall in a warm, tonal shade. Add a couple of book shelves above within easy grabbing distance.
11. Build diagonal cubbies for books
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Make book storage a statement feature by creating a diagonal arrangement in an alcove. Use wooden cubes or box shelving, fixed to the wall diagonally instead of in a regular, straight line.
Paint shelves dark to match the wall for a polished look, try dramatic emerald green, dark navy or dusky plum - book covers and spines will pop against darker tones.
12. Create pockets of colour
(Image credit: Dulux)
Create a breakout area by painting an alcove a contrast colour, creating a thoughtful bedroom or living room paint idea. Go just a couple of shades darker than your wall colour for a subtle, understated look or make maximum impact by choosing a dark, decadent tone for greater contrast.
An easy way of sectioning off a small area for a dressing table or work zone, just slot in a slimline desk or console table to fill the space and add a stool or chair to sit at.
13. Create ombre-effect shelves in an alcove
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Make a feature of simple floating shelves by painting the walls behind in tonal shades. Take colours from the same family, starting with the darkest tone at the bottom and going lighter as you go upwards, to give an ombre effect.
Soft shades of green, create a calm, tranquil feel, with a display of house plant ideas, greenery and ceramics in similar tones.
14. Set up a serving nook
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Put a narrow dining room alcove to good use by slotting in a set of slimline shelves. Use short lengths of kitchen worktop or scaffolding planks, resting on simple wooden brackets fixed to the wall. Slot in a trolley underneath and fill shelves with tableware, serving kit and condiments to save a trek to the kitchen each time you need something.
15. Boost bedroom storage with neat built-ins
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Ease the pressure on wardrobe space by making use of alcoves for an extra bedroom storage idea. Use a couple of Ikea Platsa freestanding cabinets (minus the feet) and repurpose as wall-hung storage - use hidden fixings inside to secure them to the walls. Kit out the interior, depending on what you want to store - add shelves for folded items or a short clothes rail to hang shirts and blouses.
16. Slot slimline shelves in at the end of a bath
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Boxed-in pipework can leave awkward nooks for small bathroom ideas. Turn unused areas into a storage opportunity by adding narrow shelving and using the space to store soaps and toiletries. Paint shelves to match panelling or woodwork to give a bespoke, fully-fitted look.
17. Create an entertainment unit
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)
If you have a deep recess in your alcove, why not make the most of it by using it to house your TV and do away with a traditional entertainment unit? Just ensure the bottom shelf has enough height/width to accommodate your existing set, or consider investing in a new one that does. Or if you're looking for a ways to hide a tv you could add doors to conceal the TV, painting the doors the same colour as the surrounding alcove colour.
18. Create a cosy reading corner
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)
An alcove is a natural spot for a reading corner idea, a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of a busy family home.
Add a chair, a table where you can rest a cup of tea or glass of wine, and shelves for books. Paint the walls a darker colour – and the shelves, too, so they don't distract – that will draw you in to this cosy sanctuary.
Make sure there are cushions and throws so you can cuddle up. Soft task lighting works best to keep this corner cosy, choose wall lights or a table lamp to highlight the corner.
19. Choose a classic treatment with built-in bookcases
(Image credit: Future PLC)
The go-to solution for living room alcoves is to fill them with built-in storage. It's a no-brainer if you live in a period property, although there are better solutions if you prefer a contemporary look.
In this smart grey living room the owners have coordinated the look by painting the chimney breast in the same colour as the furniture.
20. Build in a space-saving bed
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Attic spaces can be incredibly difficult to furnish – especially when you have to negotiate a sloping roof.
But this attic bedroom idea proves that the task is far from impossible. This deep alcove is the perfect spot for a bed, and the narrower nook within it has been filled with shelves.
Extra bedding can be stashed in the large drawer under the mattress, and a simple wall-mounted light negates the need for a bedside table. As examples of maximising space go, this room is up there with the very best.
21. Measure up for a dresser
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter)
Building kitchen furniture around an alcove can be tricky. So why not make things easy for yourself and pop a dresser there instead. You might be lucky enough to find an off-the-peg design that fits perfectly into the gap. Failing that, you could contact a carpenter or bespoke kitchen company to build a made-to-measure piece for a smart kitchen storage idea.
22. Create a nook for bathroom essentials
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)
The reality is, a little bit of storage next to your WC can be extremely practical.
A simple shelf makes the most of an awkward bathroom alcove or recess, providing a savvy bathroom storage idea. Start with a basket or bucket of loo roll underneath so that you're never caught short – then a few accessories on the shelf above. This might be a good spot to store nappies, extra hand towels and wet wipes.
23. Move your bed into the alcove
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Make bedtime extra cosy by positioning your bed within an alcove. Painting the wall behind in a feature colour makes it appear almost as an extension of the headboard. Instantly, a simple divan becomes so much more with this thoughtful DIY headboard idea of sorts.
24. Be practical in a guest room
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Carolyn Barber)
Attic spaces are always a bit awkward, but you can turn these odd angles and alcoves created by boxed-in pipework to your advantage. In this loft conversion idea, they make up a natural room divider between a cosy guest bed situated under the eaves and a handy bedroom basin and dressing area.
Painting the alcoves in different colours enhances the zoned feeling still further.
25. Get creative with how you display within the space
(Image credit: Future PLC / Rachel Smith)
Don't leave your alcove walls empty - they're practically begging for statement artworks to be hung on them. Whether you create a personal gallery with multiple pictures, or go bold with a single piece that continues your colour scheme - as here - your living room will benefit. Add interesting diagonal shelves to further the artistic impact.
See, those alcoves do have a design benefit, beyond your standard storage solutions. It's time to get creative and update your space... Question is, which room of the house are you going to tackle first?
26. Take cupboards from floor to ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)
Take a leaf out of the book of early 20th-century houses, which often featured built-in bedroom storage like this. Floor-to-ceiling, flat-fronted wardrobes streamline the space, look crisp and clean and keep clutter hidden away.
What more can you ask for? Because you are working with a recessed alcove space the cupboards won't eat into the bedroom floor plan – because the space is already set back from the wall for better alignment.
27. Pop in a mini bar
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)
If you don't have space for a cellar, but do have a penchant for wine, why not make way for your bottles in the most sociable of spaces – the living room. The cabinet above has plenty of space for wine and glasses, and frees up precious space in the fridge and kitchen cupboards? This bar idea is perfect for when friends and family come round because it provides a clear area for people to get the drinks in.
28. Make space for pampering
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)
The combination of a bay window and a fireplace alcove needn't cause excess design difficulties. Work through it by creating a neat little beauty or work area like this, which benefits from the natural light filtering through the adjacent window.
A pale wood desk and metal tolix chair combine for a smart country-style feel, while a single large art print on the wall behind the desk enhances the sense of this being a separate space.
29. Camouflage awkward recesses with pattern
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)
Don't need extra storage, and want to pretend your alcoves don't actually exist? Use a wallpaper to camouflage them into a feature wall idea, with a fireplace at the centre of the scheme.
Retro prints like this one work well – busy enough to distract you from the different depths of the wall, it also matches the fireplace tiles, and almost seems to pull the walls forward. Oh, and don't go hanging pictures or shelving on it - this will just confuse things!
30. Opt for freestanding storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)
Built-in alcove storage can look quite traditional in a period property, which is great if that's the look your after but if you want a more modern finish, freestanding storage might be a better fit for you (excuse the pun).
That's not to mention it can be costly to have bespoke built-in storage, making freestanding a great budget solution.
Use smart paint choices to recede your shelving into an alcove recess - visually, if not physically. For instance, here the grey tones of the wooden shelving blend with the dove grey shade on the chimney breast, keeping the focus on the rest of the decor, as opposed to the stacks in the alcoves.
31. Turn a recess into a dressing area
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
As good idea for little ladies as it is full-grown women, creating a dressing area will make picking outfits for the day ahead an organised and enjoyable occasion. Include a chair for 'dumping' in case you're indecisive over fashion choices, and full-length mirror for taking it all in.
32. Use the space for a shower
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
Use a bathroom recess to your advantage and install a streamlined shower enclosure (in an ideal world, it's in addition to a beautiful freestanding bath!).
Simple metro tiles and a classic glass shower screen make for a neat unit that adds to the overall feel in this luxurious bathroom.
33. Build in a seat
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
In an old farmhouse kitchen, where the stove has been removed, turn a brick chimney into a casual seating area. This area is ideal for guests to sit and chat with you while you're cooking. A wooden beach seat, a scattering of comfy cushions, and this dead space takes on a whole new lease of life.
What can you do with an alcove?
Alcoves don’t need to be an unloved awkward part of your home that you don’t know what to do with. There are lots of options to turn them into clever, unique spaces, from a reading corner, to a home office, to a kitchen pantry. However, how far you go with your alcove ideas, depends on your needs budget and which room it is in.
‘Using alcoves in your home might seem like a design head-scratcher at first, but there is so much you can do with these unique little spaces to transform them.
From function to feature, alcoves can become a beautiful accent in your home.
‘Alcoves can soon become cosy corners with the right amount of atmosphere. Think twinkly lights, candles, super soft throws, and a singular love seat where you can sit back and unwind,’ says Sam Greig from Swoon.
‘Functional alcoves such as radiator cubbies can seem tricky to navigate, however, they are a great base to build something creative into. If you have a radiator in your hallway for example, why not build a feature display by adding a slimline desk above the fitting, and adorning it with chic black-and-white family photographs, a letter stand, and a key hook element? The perfect place to host shopping lists, mail, car keys, and lanyards – a hallway storage feature is an easily installed, yet highly functional addition to your home.’
Lisa is a freelance journalist who has written about interiors for more than 25 years and has worked on all the major homes titles, primarily Ideal Home, but also including Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors, Style at Home, Livingetc, Woman & Home, Easy Gardens and Good Homes magazines.
Homes and interiors have always been a passion and she never tires of nosying around gorgeous homes, whether on TV, online, in print or in person, as well as being a serial shopper/bargain hunter.
A niche in the living room is a beautiful way of arranging the photo in the interior. A rare element can be effectively beaten in any style.
Niche design methods
An alternative to traditional walls is a niche where you can show creativity and imagination in color and texture.
This is also an excellent space adjustment. To save money, it is recommended to put a TV in a niche.
Important! To hide a TV in a niche is to solve the problem with wires that will not add aesthetics, to create an original corner for comfort and beauty.
Shelves for books, photos, etc. are often made in a niche. To give originality, spot lighting inside the niche, located around the perimeter, is ideal.
- If the niche is elongated, it is better to place the lamps on the ceiling.
- Sconces are more suitable for mirrors and a variety of paintings.
How to make a niche yourself?
Starting from the goals, carefully measure the dimensions (depth, width and height). At a short distance, plates are fixed to create a frame for metal profiles. Then we fix the profiles with screws around the perimeter of the wall.
Important! To ensure that all lines are straight, you need to check with a level or plumb.
When the frame is done, it is sheathed with drywall. All defects are puttied, polished, then you can stick wallpaper or pick up decorative plaster. Stone or tile will look stylish.
Not everyone likes cabinets and shelving, so an original solution would be a niche. It will perfectly replace any piece of furniture, its advantages:
- space saving;
- replacement cabinet for small items and souvenirs;
- you can put a TV;
- is cheaper than expensive headsets.
It is not necessary to make traditional rectangles, you can make spectacular arched structures that will decorate the interior.
The chosen style of the room should be taken into account, a niche can transform or spoil the overall image of the room. In advance, you should take into account not only the design parameters, but also the backlight, choose the desired color and design.
Niche in the kitchen
Plasterboard niche is an excellent stylistic solution, flaws and defects of the walls will be closed. Let's analyze some of the nuances that need to be taken into account when building a niche in the kitchen area:
- Consider the size of the kitchen itself, especially the layout.
- Make precise markings.
Install the metal frame, carefully fasten the drywall sheets.
It is more convenient to first make a drawing in order to achieve the desired result, to see the final image of the future structure.
This may be a drawing with the exact dimensions of the kitchen, the designation of the heating system, the indication of furniture and electrical outlets.
The more precise the drawing, the higher the quality of the niche. The most common option is to place a TV in a niche. This is a good place, protected from dirt and any dust. This will allow the hostess to watch the program (film) without looking up from household chores in the kitchen.
When drawing up the drawing, remember to take into account the thickness of the profile. For large household appliances of considerable weight, a thick metal profile is required.
Important! When installing the backlight inside a niche, you do not need to choose a large lamp power, overheating can lead to a fire.
Clear markings on the wall with places to fix the metal frame. There should be no mistakes if the wall is not even, you will need a polyurethane foam tape for a tighter fit of the metal profile to the wall.
The niche will fit beautifully into any interior. When oriented horizontally, it will visually add volume to the kitchen, and a vertical niche will emphasize the height of the ceiling.
When choosing a two-level ceiling, it is better to create a niche with a complex shape. It will fit a lot of kitchen stuff.
Microwave oven, washing machine, refrigerator or washing machine can be placed in niches.
Tip! For a niche, it is better to use the general background of the walls, a slight accent is possible to highlight the unusual decor.
Sometimes the niche is covered with doors or curtains to match the color of the room. In the kitchen, in this way, you can create a convenient cabinet-bar with a rack.
A beautiful vase of flowers can be placed in a niche in the living room. If a niche is on the floor, then shelves made of glass, metal or wood for small things are convenient.
Using the advice of professionals, everyone will be able to independently create not only a comfortable niche, but also decorate it in style.
Photo of a niche in the living room
100 photos of the best examples of design, design ideas
Contents:
- Niche in the living room: what is it?
- What are the niches
- Niche with built-in shelves
- Under TV
- Under cabinet
- For sofa
- Living Room Niche Design Ideas
Studying fashion trends regarding interior design for the living room, it can be noted that such a design element as a niche in the wall is quite common.
And this idea is used not only as a decorative design. With the help of a niche, you can successfully hide the existing defects on the walls, provide the room with additional shelves, organize lighting and many other ideas. A niche is made, as a rule, of plasterboard or may be an integral part of the living room layout. In any of the options, we propose to get acquainted with such a device in more detail and discuss its functional purpose.
Niche in the living room - what is it
Such a design device is a small structure built into the wall, which was originally provided in the layout of the room or is created additionally. It can be an imitation of any geometric shape, with or without backlighting, shelves in the form of shelves. Such an element makes the interior more original and interesting, and depending on the depth of the niche, you can judge its purpose. Niches, which are an integral part of the living room, the owners can use at their discretion. As for niches made of drywall, they can be placed against any of the walls.
What are niches
Like many other design inventions, niches can be distinguished from each other in appearance and purpose. They fit perfectly into any kind of interior and very successfully transform the overall atmosphere of the room. A niche located horizontally will be a great addition to a short wall.
Vertical structures are usually located near window openings.
Niches that are located near the floor are used to display indoor flowers, figurines and other accessories.
As for the purpose of the niche in the living room, in this matter they can be divided into decorative and functional. Decorative designs, as you understand, look attractive and blend harmoniously with gizmos designed to decorate the room, such as paintings, photographs or panels. Other types of structures are used to place furniture, appliances and other elements in them.
Niche with built-in shelves
This idea can be called the most common option that is found in the interior of modern living rooms, since this solution allows you not to load the room with a lot of furniture.
In addition, a niche with shelves can have completely different sizes, depths and the number of shelves themselves. This design looks especially chic with lamps mounted in the upper part, the stream of light of which is used to illuminate the contents of the niche and can act as an additional source of lighting for the entire living room.
Under the TV
Another popular design solution is the placement of a TV and other equipment in the niche of the living room, for example, audio equipment with speakers or a home theater. This idea looks very compact, stylish and modern. Such a proposal allows you not to clutter up the area of \u200b\u200bthe room and saves the owners from wires stretched around the entire perimeter of the living room, which not only interfere with all household members, attract pets, which creates additional problems, but also spoils the overall impression of the room.
Under cabinet
A niche under a cabinet is, as a rule, a rather spacious recess that allows you to place in it the required number of shelves and compartments for storing various things that are securely hidden from prying eyes with the help of doors.
Some owners of the premises purchase ready-made furniture that is suitable in size to fill a niche. Others order cabinets to individual measurements or simply imitate the presence of a cabinet, as we said above. Particular attention in this case is riveted to doors with a sliding mechanism, which further saves space.
For sofa
An equally original proposal is the use of a niche in the living room to install a sofa in it. It can be a miniature model that successfully takes up space against one of the short walls, or, conversely, a chic and overall product that just needs a separate area. Built-in lighting, paintings or photos on the walls, as well as floor vases, floor lamps and other accessories as an addition to upholstered furniture are welcome.
Living room niche design ideas
Despite the fact that a living room niche can be an architectural idea or, conversely, created by yourself, in order for it to look beautiful in the interior and meet all the requirements of the owners, you should take care of decorating it .
And in this case, designers offer to use a lot of ideas, the choice of which depends entirely on the overall style of the interior, taste preferences and imagination of the owners of the room.
Wall covering niche
This solution is considered the most affordable and not difficult to implement. All that is required of you is to choose wallpapers suitable for the style of the living room and paste over a large niche area with them. In this case, the wallpaper can have a completely different texture, color and quality.
Decorative stone or brick
The use of this type of materials allows you to complement the living room interior with hints of brutality and some rigor, which is especially important for a loft or minimalism. This idea looks very impressive and vaguely resembles a fireplace or a wall of a house.
Decorative plaster
The idea of decorating a niche with decorative plaster provides the owners of the premises with a lot of possibilities.
Such material wonderfully imitates any surface, and skilled craftsmen can create real masterpieces on the wall, ranging from voluminous landscapes to portraits. Such a work of art will not only become the highlight of the entire living room, but will also allow you to create a unique interior of its kind.
Mirror
Mirrored surfaces in the interior of a particular room are no longer considered something special, so, as an option, you can decorate a niche in the living room with a mirror. This design idea looks very impressive and allows you to visually increase the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
Wood or laminate
All kinds of wood or laminate in the design of the living room is not uncommon. And in addition to using such materials for finishing the floor or walls, they can be used to decorate a niche. This solution looks quite solid and is practical. In this case, it is important that the niche does not stand out from the general style of the living room.
