Insets: Built-in Wall Niches and How to Use Them

Image: Matthew Williams for Dwell

More and more modern homes are being built with interesting features that seem tailor-made for the people who are first to move in and live in them. That’s one of the obvious benefits of a new build or remodel—you can have things exactly as you want them to be. But what if you’re the next person to inhabit a home with a feature designed for the original owner? Let’s take a look at one example of this—the built-in wall niche.

Bedroom

This shallow niche above the bed looks great with small-framed photographs lined up. It’s a great use of the space but I could also imagine that area being home to a row of candles (careful not to burn the gorgeous woodwork!) or even an army of Lego characters. As I often say, let your imagination be your guide and do something that reflects your personality.

Image: You Are The River

Fireplace

Who wouldn’t use this niche for storing firewood? It’s such a natural location for that. But why not also install removable shelving and make a display area for favorite objects and art?

Image: DigsDigs

Kitchen Display

Look closely at this kitchen and you’ll see that’s a niche above the backsplash. A perfect location to display cooking related items or favorite glassware. It would also work well as a spice rack.

Image: Planete Deco

Kitchen Books

One of the best things about built-in wall niches in the kitchen is you have plenty of options for how to use them. Often, you can let the shape and size of a kitchen niche dictate what goes inside. Cookbooks work great in this example.

Do you have built-in wall niches in your house? How do you use them?