Alcoves in walls
Alcove ideas – 28 design solutions to maximise awkward recesses
You may not have thought too much about alcove ideas before you moved in, then grown frustrated as you tried to arrange furniture around awkward spaces.
Alcoves are usually associated with period properties, where they are created by a chimney breast jutting out in the centre of a room. Typically, these double recesses either side of the fireplace are reclaimed as storage space in bedrooms and living room ideas, with built-in shelving being a popular way to utilise the space.
But this isn't the only way to use the nooks created by an alcove. Nor is it the only type of alcove you'll find in a property. Under-stair areas, awkward corners in loft-extensions and odd spaces created by renovations and extensions can also create alcoves. But, rather than ignore them or hide them, you can make these tricky structural recesses work in your favour.
Inspirational alcove ideas
Discover opportunities to be smarter with space. From much-needed storage, to cool decorative features and even functional family areas, we have all sorts of clever ideas for alcoves that you'll love.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Use picture ledges for a display area
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Find a use for shallow alcoves by creating a display area for artwork. Narrow picture ledges require minimal depth and are ideally sized for holding picture frames, postcards and small decorative items.
Match ledges to your wall colour so that they blend in and artwork stands out. Displays are easy to rearrange with an informal set-up like this, just slot in extra items like greetings cards, decorations and greenery as the seasons change.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Indulge in your favourite pastime
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If you're taking the traditional route and building furniture into your alcove, why not turn it into a dedicated space for your favourite hobby? You could create a craft corner for knitting and sewing, or keep your record collection here. Add a turntable, a decent pair of headphones and a comfy chair, and you've got the perfect easy listening spot!
17. 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.
18. 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. Here, 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.
19. 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?
20. Create a grown-up work space
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Davide Lovatti)
If you're building or renovating an extension, why not make space in the plans for a grown-up work area. This little nook takes up barely any space, features storage for books and files, and feels like a private space in an open-plan area. Subtle and chic - one of our favourite design combinations.
21. 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?Becuaes 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.
22. 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?
23. 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.
24. 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!
25. 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.
26. 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, 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.
27. 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.
28. 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?
What you can do with an alcove depends on your needs and budget, also in which room you are looking to maximise an alcove. Using the awkward space for storage is one of the most obvious design solutions. If you have the budget, look to tailor the space to suit your exact requirements by seeking bespoke shelving or cupboards to use the space from floor to ceiling seamlessly. However there's still huge potential to use the space smarter and keep costs low, by putting up floating shelves yourself and choosing freestanding furniture to fill the space.
Alcove ideas: 25 ways to style an awkwardly shaped space
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(Image credit: Pati Robins)
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Sometimes an alcove has an obvious use. It could be the only place to house the TV or, to squeeze in shelving for an ever-expanding book collection that you promise to read but never do... But that's not to say that you can't get a little more creative with your alcove ideas to design a modern nook that serves great purpose all while looking beautiful.
Forego the idea that an alcove is a burden space and one that you'll never fill – nicely – as you have options. From bespoke shelving to multi-functioning WFH spots and house plant hubs, whether your alcoves feature in the living room, your entryway or in the bedroom, you'll be sure to make the most of it.
Modern alcove ideas for style and function
‘Alcoves can initially be perceived as an undesired design feature, but there are creative ways to turn alcoves into some of the best designed spaces in a home.
In bedrooms and living spaces, alcoves built around windows are the perfect location to add storage and create a cozy seating area,' say Oshri Adri & Jillian Dahlman Bhatia of Adri Dahlman Interiors .
1. Build alcove shelving to create a small home office
(Image credit: Pati Robins)
Think you don't have room for even the smallest of home offices? Think again. This gem of a DIY project can help you create a home office pretty much out of nowhere. All you need is an alcove, some shelving, and the tiniest bit of DIY knowledge. This one even has a door to hide away the clutter (or keep everyone else out). Love it. To create this look, head over to our guide to how to create an alcove office.
2. Build in alcove cupboards to display and disguise
(Image credit: Katie Lee)
If you know you need to use your alcove for storage, then the best way to make the most of the space is to get something built in. Ask your carpenter to install a bespoke unit.
You can design the the unit based on your needs – obviously it depends on what you want to store but we reckon a mix of shelves and cupboards as seen below in Insta influencer Lisa Dawson's living room is your best bet.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly version that still looks really bespoke, take a look at DIY alcove cabinets . You don't have to be a DIY expert to install them either, you get sent a a flat pack ‘alcove cabinet kit’ that includes everything you need with easy to read, step by step instructions.
3. Make shelving seamless
(Image credit: Sharps)
For a truly cohesive look and to give the impression that your shelves and cupboards have always been there, paint them the same color as the rest of your walls. That way they will blend in perfectly and the result will be seamless. These same size cubes are ideal for storing books and keepsakes, and don’t forget the odd trailing plant looks great too.
4. Fake a built-in look with freestanding alcove cupboards
(Image credit: Little Greene)
If you are renting you can't go for a built in option, or perhaps you would just rather spend your budget elsewhere? In either case, you can create a built-in look simply by choosing the right sized cabinet to fit into your alcove.
5. Create a home bar in an alcove
(Image credit: Matt Clayton)
Now this is an alcove idea we can get on board with. Transform that awkward space into an at-home bar. You could go all out like this home bar below and create an actual bar or you could just pop a jazzy bar cart in your alcove a decorate the wall above it with some cool prints and some fairy lights. If you want any ideas on how to style you bar cart, we obviously have a feature on that too.
6. Add a pop of color by painting an alcove
(Image credit: Alun Callunder)
If you are looking for a really quick and easy way to make more of a feature of your alcove, paint is your best bet. We love this yellow living room spot where a simply sunny hue in this tiny nook, lifts the room and adds a design interest.
7. Create a library in your alcove
(Image credit: Bruce Hemming)
Need somewhere for better book storage? Well, you know that book shelves just make sense as an alcove idea.
You could have them built in, making the most of your space, as you can go floor to ceiling, or you could just find a book shelf that fits perfectly into the alcove. Maybe have a think about how you can arrange your books so they actually become a feature of the room, use the colors of the spines for a rainbow effect or store them vertically and horizontally to create some interesting shapes. Find cute reading spots for book lovers for more style inspiration.
8. Use an alcove to make a feature with logs
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)
Another super easy alcove idea is to use them to store logs. You know what, we don't reckon you even need a log burner to get this rustic Scandi look. There's nothing wrong with having pile of chopped up tree to help channel all the Scandi living room vibes.
9. Build a wardrobe into a bedroom alcove
Just as with the living room alcove storage, you could choose to use the alcoves in your bedroom storage. Wardrobes are cumbersome things that take up a ton of room so it makes sense that if you have an alcove going unused to put it to use.
Again, you can get a carpenter to build a wardrobe into your alcove and you can completely customise the interior, based on what you need.
10. Create a cozy spare bedroom
(Image credit: Soak & Sleep)
Can we call this an alcove? Yes, we can. Or at least we will. Alcoves mixed with slanting roofs are a tricky combo to over come, but rather than hate on this small awkward space, why not accentuate the cosiness and create a cozy small bedroom if your alcove is deep enough. If you can't quite cram a bed in then settle for just a comfy armchair and make it a nice reading corner instead.
11. Make the most of awkward alcove spaces in lofts
(Image credit: B&Q)
Another example of how an awkward slanting alcove can work. Pinch this idea and build shelves into the slanting wall – practical and pretty. If you need any tips on how to put up a bracket shelf, just follow our guide.
12. Add floating shelves to a small bedroom alcove
(Image credit: Little Greene)
Floating shelves were literally made for alcoves, they just create a lovely seamless look, plus they work well for extra storage and are brilliant in a small bedroom with little room for bedside tables.
This idea's cute too, paint the shelves in different colors to make your alcove more of a feature. Conveniently, we also have a guide to how to put up floating shelves also.
13. Create a contrast in an alcove with wallpaper
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Just like paint, wallpaper is an easy way to make your alcoves more of a feature in your home. You could do the obvious and wallpaper your alcoves – this works well if you have symmetrical ones on the either side of a chimney breast, or, if you have an alcove that's more of a decorative feature like the one below, you could wallpaper the rest of the room, and leave the alcove blank. We also like this idea of filling and alcove with a gallery wall – use our guide to find how to create and display yours.
14. Add kitchen cabinets to fill an alcove
(Image credit: deVOL)
Designing a kitchen around an alcove can be tricky. You could go down the made to measure, bespoke route we have talked about previously, and have a dresser built into the space, but we thought this alcove idea was pretty handy too! Use your alcove basically as a pre-made cabinet.
In this deVOL kitchen, floating shelves have been added into the alcove and then glass cabinet doors have been installed in front, meaning you can see those gorgeous green tiles through the cabinet doors.
15. Or go for freestanding kitchen storage in an alcove
(Image credit: Conran)
You could of course always just pop a dresser into your kitchen alcove instead. You might get lucky and find the perfect sized one in an antique shop or on eBay , but if you're not up for trawling or competitive bidding, Esty have some lovely ones too.
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Ah floating shelves again. But this time you can see how they work as kitchen storage in alcoves. Rather than having wall-mounted kitchen cabinets, which tend to look bulky, especially in small or low-ceilinged rooms, fill your alcoves with open shelves that you can use to store your prettiest kitchen items, we're talking house plants, your best mugs, cute vases, those trendy, healthy cook books you never use.
..
17. You can also use an alcove as a mini mudroom
(Image credit: Naturewall)
Alcoves are really something to embrace, although they may seem awkward on first look. We love this idea from Naturewall of applying slatted wood to create a space for hanging coats up and perfect for fixing up a bench seat too. As the slats are vertical they will also give the illusion of height which is a bonus especially if your alcove is low.
18. Give a bedroom alcove some color love
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Enhance a large alcove that's smaller in depth with a pop of color. If yours is framing a bed or piece of furniture it will help add a little more design interest, especially in neutral schemes.
19. A slimline alcove calls for a slimline approach
(Image credit: Graham & Green)
Older properties tend to come with various sized nooks and crannies so you have to adapt to what you have. This tall yet narrow space is being expertly used by this slimline glass cabinet that looks fabulous.
You could even use the top of the cabinet for a plant to add further interest.
20. Create a cozy reading nook
(Image credit: Industville/Chris Snook Photography/@lunaslittlehouse)
If your alcove is large enough to fit an armchair you can turn it from a dead space into a cozy reading nook. You can still use it for storage too – pop up some shelving higher up, add a wall light with an adjustable arm for evenings and you’re all set!
(Image credit: JL Design)
It can often be hard to find the perfect spot for your pet’s food and water – without us tripping over it, we know! So this idea of keeping the bowls at the bottom of the alcove is genius and gives you storage space for their food and treats on the side. A mini countertop allows for the coffee machine so it’s win-win all round we say!
22. Highlight architectural detailing and use symmetry as a feature
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
There are several great aspects about this dining space – the painted alcove creates a visual anchor for the rest of the room and the symmetrical elements of the mirror, wall lights and console work brilliantly.
And not forgetting the fabulous pendant light above the dining table which curves with the top of the alcove, these small details are what makes for a creative interior design scheme.
23. Low and wide alcoves suit low and wide furniture
(Image credit: Industville)
Let the alcove you have dictate what furniture can go there. In this case, wide and low is what fits and we love the curvy top that accentuates the space.
Keep it proportionate width wise so you fill the space and remember that you can treat it like any other wall and hang artwork too.
24. Alcoves work well in bathrooms too
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
A narrow alcove can be perfect for a sink, small ledge, mirror and wall light. The key is to make the most of the space as it can be tight in a bathroom. Keep your basin proportions slim so it looks right visually and if it can be wall hung that will create the illusion of more space.
A small ledge or shelf will give you much needed storage and is always worth doing – how cute do these little plant pots look?
25.
Go rustic with reclaimed wood in your alcove(Image credit: Industville)
Old properties often have wonky walls and irregular shaped alcoves, you can see here how the cupboard space here has a charming sloping wall. Reclaimed wood is ideal for creating a handcrafted feel that’s full of quirks and character. Use planks to make shelving to match the cupboard and you could even make a new table top too!
How can you decorate an alcove?
‘An alcove looks best when it’s decorated as though it is a built-in architectural feature of the home. You can add rustic shelving and then a cabinet base at the bottom, or if that isn’t in your budget, you can look for a piece of furniture that fills up the space,’ advises Anna Versaci, owner of Anna Versaci Design
What are the best storage ideas for alcoves?
‘Choose a piece of furniture as close to the alcove’s size as you can get, so it looks like it was a planned architectural feature rather than an after-thought space filler.
For instance, an antique cabinet or chest with art hung above it, with an art light to showcase it, really fills up the entire alcove and looks great,’ says Versaci.
What is the best height for an alcove if you're adding one?
‘I think alcoves look best when they are almost the height of the crown molding unless you are doing a small niche storage space with shelving. Alcoves are also a great place to add arches for more architectural interest,’ continues Versaci.
Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70's style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn't writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.
A niche in the wall: 36 design ideas on how to beautifully decorate a niche in a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, corridor ? There were cases when the old owners left a built-in wardrobe instead of the second window of the room, and strange built-in niches in the hallway were made of drywall.
We look at how to equip a niche with the help of examples from professional designers and architects. ► We remind you: to ask the designer a clarifying question or order your project, click on the photo you like, go to the portfolio of the author of the project
Maria Pilipenko
Where: Moscow, Russia
Likes: how the designer solved the problem of how to close the niche in the bedroom wall. The niche was shallow, but wide enough, so a high headboard was sunk into it.
Interested in interior design?
Let's pick up the performer according to your criteria
Argentostyle
2. Niche in the hallway
Designer of the project: Argentostyle
Where: Moscow, Russia
What is you like: in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project, in this project.
niche in the corridor, was the solution with a soft seat at the entrance.
Olga Litvinova
3. A niche instead of a window
Project designer: OlgaLitvinova
Where: Moscow, Russia
Likes: When a curtain wall or partition divides the kitchen and living room, you can play with the permeability of this barrier. One solution is a niche in the wall instead of a window.
Zhenya Zhdanova
4. A niche as a showcase
Project designer: Zhenya Zhdanova
Where: Moscow region, Russia
It was singled out as a portal, built-in shelves were installed in a niche, and it turned into a showcase for a collection of plates.
LLAMA Architects
5.
Nish-rover
Architects of the project: LLAMA Architects
where: Manchester, Great Britain
What are you like: niches in the wall, which simultaneously works as a functional firewoman near fireplace, and as a decorative accent in a laconic living room.
ART-UGOL
6. Niche in the wall in the corridor
Project designers: ART-UGOL
Location: Novosibirsk, Russia
Likes: wall niche trimmed with soft material to create a comfortable changing area.
Dasha ukhlinova
7. Niche in the corridor between cabinets
Designer of the project: Dasha Ukhlinova
where: Moscow, Russia
What Like: Contrast decoration of the niche in the corridor, which was left between the upper and lower cabinets.
You can put a bag in a niche or put little things (hat, keys, umbrella) before leaving the house.
Desatori
8. Narrow niche in the hallway
Project designer: Desatori
Where: Moscow region, Russia
In this case, you need to think about how to decorate a niche in the wall. Here, the solution was the decor in the form of elongated vases.
propertylab+art
9. Kitchen wall niche
Project designers: propertylab+art
Where: Moscow, Russia
What I like: solution to decorate a niche in the kitchen wall. In old houses there are refrigerator niches in which supplies were previously stored. Here, in a cold niche under the window, the designers placed a wine rack, and in the side niche they made a storage compartment.
Clean Design
10. Cabinet in a niche
Project designers: Clean Design
Where: New York, USA
What I like: a contrasting wall covered with wallpaper solved the problem of how to decorate a niche in the wall. The depth of the indentation made it possible to place here a small office with a desktop and shelves in a niche (the photo shows that the wallpaper covers only the upper part of the office, up to the table top).
August Interiors
11. Highlight
Project Designer: August Interiors
Where: Ridgefield, USA
Likes: in the previous photo, we saw the design of a niche in the wall with wallpaper, but here the workplace was accentuated with color, leaving the wallpaper for the rest of the walls.
Valeria Maslova's design studio
12. How to use a niche in a room
Project designer: Valeria Maslova's design studio
Where: Perm, Russia
element, you need to come up with ways to use it. In the example from the photo, a niche in the room partially hid the air conditioner, distracting the gaze of those who entered from it.
Lavka-Design
13. Game of shades
Project designers: Lavka-Design
Where: Moscow, Russia
a decision on how to decorate a niche in a room and maintain a modern laconic style.
T+T Architettura
14. How to close a niche
Project architects: T+T Architettura
Where: Monza, Italy
Likes: if the size of the niche allows, it is often made into an additional rack or cabinet.
And those who work from home prefer to organize a chamber office there.
Viktoriya_design
15. Washing machine niche
Project designer: Viktoriya_design
Where: Odintsovo, Russia
washing machine.
Daria Elnikova
16. Niche in the hallway
Project designer: Daria Elnikova
Where: Moscow, Russia
ANDdesign / Aleksandra Dashkevich
0014 is an interesting trick on how to beat a niche in the wall with the help of color. Here, the back wall of the niche was painted in a shade common with the wall, and the sides, top and bottom were made white. This creates a frame effect when the niche appears to be framed by a light baguette.
Nata Volkova
18. Making a niche in the bedroom
Project designer: Nata Volkova
Where: Moscow, Russia
What do you like, how to arrange a niche in the room A shallow opening did not allow for a full-fledged closet, so the designer organized an open option for storing clothes.
Geometrium - Interior design studio
19. Niche in the bedroom
Project designer: Alexey Ivanov and Pavel Gerasimov, Geometrium design
Where: Moscow, Russia
wall, which solve the issue of replacing bedside tables.
Korneev Design Workshop
20. Niche instead of cabinet
Project designers: Korneev Design Workshop
Where: Moscow, Russia
Likes: A small niche in the bedroom wall has replaced the traditional bedside table.
Aidan Design
21. Wardrobe in a deep niche
Project designer: Aidan Design
Where: Washington, USA
Like: how to close the niche in the wall. An additional cabinet for dishes will replace an expensive showcase: just buy a few shelves and doors you like. And the frame will replace the walls of the niche.
KEEPARIS interior bar
around the portal of wardrobe cabinets and modules. In addition to color, the design of the niche in the hallway was supplemented with additional lighting.
Bureau Megabudka
23. How to arrange a niche in the hallway
Project architects: bureau Megabudka
Where: Moscow, Russia
Likes: design of a niche in the corridor that breaks the monotonous plane of the cabinets.
Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design
24. Open niche
Project designer: Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design
Where: Los Angeles, USA
likes: open niche save space and visually unload the room, it works well in small apartments.
NATALIE VERSHININA
25. Regiments instead of a window
Designer of the project: Owner apartment
Project photo: Natalya Vershinina
where: Moscow Region
that Like: that Like: that Like: adjoining the window are not empty, you can use them for storage or use them for your home library.
Buro 19.23
26. Everything at hand
Project designers: Buro 19.
23
Where: Moscow, Russia
Likes: A niche next to the countertop and the edge of the bath will help you get any bottles or towels in one motion.
Olga Shangina | PhotoGraphy
27. Niche for boiler
Architects of the project: Ekaterina and Anna Kalinina, Decora studio
Photos of the project: Olga Shangina
where: Moscow, Russia
Narrow, but high, but high a niche suitable for placing a boiler.
Delin Arkitektkontor
28. Mirror in the niche
Architect of the project: DELIN Arkitektkontor
where: Stockholm, Sweden 9000
What do you like it: . bottom edge for storage. An entire back wall mirror is also a great idea. Another niche, next to the toilet, was adapted for toilet paper.
Lauren Rubin Architecture
29. Doorway
Project Designer: Lauren Rubin Architecture
Where: New York, USA
Likes: The kitchen is always missing shallow shelves for dishes. The design of such niches helps to properly use 10-12 centimeters around the doorway.
Daria Nazarenko
30. Niche in the kitchen
Project designer: Daria Nazarenko
Location: Moscow, Russia
Favorite: if the size of the niche allows you to place a kitchen unit with a refrigerator, built-in oven or microwave, do not be afraid to use it!
Vera tarlovskaya Interiors
31. Niche for the sofa in the kitchen
Designer of the project: Vera Tarlovskaya, Vera Tarlovsky Where: Moscow, Russia
9001 .
Instead of a traditional sofa, they made a seat, under which storage boxes are hidden, and installed a soft back made of fabric panels.
I.D.interior design
Part of the bevel was adapted for a reading corner.
Yulia Rodionova
33. Soft niche in the nursery
Project designer: Yulia Rodionova
Where: Yekaterinburg, Russia
What I like: as a niche with a soft seat made it possible to create an additional place for relaxation in the nursery. Here you can sit and chat with friends or read a book alone.
MK-Interio
34. Niche in the living room
Architects Project: Maria Makhonina and Alexander Kazakovtseva, MK-Interio Studio
where: St.
Petersburg, Russia
What Like: Like: Like: Like: Like: in a niche in the living room, you can create an additional area for leisure. To do this, designers use reading nooks hidden in niches in the backlit wall.
Turnbull Griffin Haesloop
Here the niche has turned into a cozy breakfast nook by the large window.
Nataly Komova
36. Radiator niche
Project designer: Natalya Komova
Location: Moscow, Russia
What we like: You can close the radiator niche with a translucent grille, painted in a suitable color.
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This is archival material. First published in 2015, updated in 2020
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YOUR TURN…
decided the question of how to decorate a niche in the corridor or how to ennoble a niche in the wall, tell us about your experience! Show photos from real projects, how best to hang shelves in a niche, how to hang a router in it in the hallway and how to finish a niche in the wall
110 photos of original ideas and examples of modern niche design
Most design preferences change quite often, which cannot be said about its main functional elements.
One of these elements is an ordinary niche in the wall, which has now gained particular popularity.
Today we will understand what a niche in the wall is, its use, design features and much more. So, let's begin.
What is a niche in the wall
The definition is quite simple and vague - a niche is any blind recess in the wall, and both the shape and size of this recess may differ.
In fact, a niche in the wall can have a different role, purpose, functionality, as a result of which there is a division into different categories.
As we have already figured out, the division can come in shape and size, but it all starts with its role in the interior.
If you look at the photo of a niche in the wall, you will notice that it does not always have a direct functional application, because sometimes it is used as a simple decor element, just more organically integrated into the interior of the room.
Now wall niches are especially often used in the design of hallways, especially if they are not very large or just narrow.
All because there is always a desire and a physical need to place a place for outerwear in the hallway, and some other elements of the wardrobe can also be included in this category.
A simple small structure in the wall can solve several problems at once, which is why they are now so popular.
So, to summarize, there are only two types of niches - decorative and functional. If a niche contains something that you even remotely actively use, such a niche can be considered functional.
Decorative niches are recesses in the wall, which serve to decorate the room or to place decorative elements - paintings, photographs, vases, and so on.
Making a niche in the wall
When thinking about how to decorate a niche in the wall, first of all pay attention to the overall design of the room, because it should be its integral part, a continuation of the general idea.
If the niche is decorative, you should not make it an accent by decorating it, it would be better if this role is assigned to an additional decor element, such as a picture, a vase or another object of interest to you.
Depending on the place in the house, it is interesting to illuminate a decorative niche in the wall, for example, with the help of LED strips.
The design of a functional niche should be as simple and unobtrusive as possible, especially when it comes to something simple, like a niche for a library or built-in appliances - in this case, any unnecessary efforts aimed at decorating the niche itself will simply go unnoticed.
The same is true for a niche for built-in furniture - a wardrobe, a bed, a bench, a sofa, and so on.
It is worth noting that in the case of built-in furniture, it is more difficult to realize how to make a niche in the wall, because its dimensions can be quite large.
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Bathroom Wall Niche
One of the simplest yet interesting ways to use a niche is as a bathroom shelf. In this case, beautiful niches in the wall are usually created using plasterboard structures.
It is much less common to build a frame from stronger materials such as brick, although this option is more durable and works well with straight shapes and lines.
Due to the high level of humidity in the bathroom and directly next to the bathtub, lighting a niche in the wall in this case will not be entirely appropriate.
Another thing, if a niche in the wall is used near the sink - you can place shelves in it and close them with a door or doors. in this use, niche lighting would be a very good idea, and its activation can be associated with the door mechanism.
Cabinet in the wall
Different variations of the cabinet in the wall have been used for a long time even here, because they could be found in a huge part of Soviet apartments, which were built according to state projects.
Now the variations of the wall cabinets have become more diverse, and this applies not only to design, but also to forms.
As we said earlier, the design of a niche in the wall in this case is usually made simple, practical, because it belongs to the functional type.
The basis of the design of such a niche lies on the part that is visible most of the time - the doors.
Regarding lighting, several factors influence its installation at once: the location of the niche in the house and its size.
For a large wardrobe in a dark place, we would recommend installing the light inside. Otherwise, it may simply not be needed.
Don't forget that you can personalize a niche in the wall, especially when it comes to a child's room.
If the niche is made of drywall structures, you can experiment with the shape, do something interesting, but this option makes sense in the case of children under 8-10 years old, because after that it is better to look towards something more practical, universal.
