You have in your arsenal many effective tools that, when used skillfully, can give your interior the most attractive and interesting look. One of them is a niche, a small recess in the wall. From a design point of view, this element belongs to the category of architectural solutions and directly affects the visual appearance of the room, favorably emphasizing its individual character. A niche in the wall plays a key role in this regard - and therefore the knowledge and ability of how to decorate it beautifully can become your main trump card when creating a bright and memorable room design. We offer a kind of digest of the best design ideas, with the help of which we will simultaneously reveal the main secrets of integrating this solution into a wide variety of interiors.
- 6 benefits of using a niche;
- How to design a niche with your own hands;
- Interior use;
- Interaction with lighting;
- Placement methods depending on the design style;
- Examples of photos in different rooms;
- Conclusion.
Planning stage
There are many techniques that allow you to use even very narrow elements with taste and imagination. Large functional structures are used for cabinets, gaining usable space.
A few recommendations on how to design a niche:
- When arranging, you need to start from the purpose of the living space.
- The size of the niche in the wall depends on the area of the room.
- The color scheme and style echo the overall interior.
- To create a deep alcove, you should not use dark colors.
- To prevent the design from looking tasteless, you should not overload it with decorative elements.
Vases in niches Source roomester.ru
Vertical recesses Source decorationinfo.ru
For rooms for different purposes, appropriate types of finishing are used. They are combined and complemented with LED lighting, mirrors and stylish elements.
What do you need for work?
Self-sealing of openings requires the availability of the necessary minimum of tools and a selection of high-quality materials.
The technology for installing plasterboard sheets requires the use of the following devices:
It is possible to eliminate openings in brick walls that go outside. If the load-bearing wall is significantly thick, the opening from the street is filled with stone blocks, and the internal niche can be filled with cheaper and less labor-intensive plasterboard.
Dry plaster
Drywall is produced in sheets of various sizes and thicknesses. This will make the structure lighter in places where there is no physical impact on the overhead wall (niches, walls hidden behind furnishings, ceilings).
You can select a material with the desired characteristics using the following example:
The number of sheets will depend on the size of the opening in the wall to be sealed. It is preferable to apply a solid fragment cut to size onto the hole on each side.
Profile
The strength and resistance of the structure to periodic loads and vibrations of a residential building will be determined, first of all, by the correct choice of frame components.
It is allowed to make a supporting structure from wooden beams.
However, it must be recognized that wood is less durable than galvanized metal and is susceptible to drying out (loosening screws) and damage by pests.
When assembling wooden fragments, more time and effort will be required to obtain the most even plane for installation of the coating.
The special profile for installation of plasterboard sheets is standardized and is divided into the following grades:
Matching the brand of the product with the selected thickness of the applied sheet will prevent deformation and destruction of dry plaster when a lateral load occurs.
The frame of the passage to be sealed and the crossbar are made of PN. PS racks are placed in increments of 0.6 m, cross braces at a distance of 0.3–0.4 m.
Self-tapping screws
The fasteners must also be suitable in their characteristics to the parameters of all the material used. It is selected by Ø and length:
The frame is fixed to the wall using dowel-nails 6x40 mm in increments of 0.3 - 0.4 m.
The calculation of the required number of screws is made according to the sketch of the frame with a screw-in pitch of 0.2 - 0.25 m.
Design ideas
To fit the structure correctly, you need to place it successfully and arrange it accordingly. The decoration is carried out in the same style with the overall design of the room.
On narrow structures, it would be a good idea to place collectibles, family photographs, vases, figurines, and candles. Closed recesses are best suited for storing clothes, bags and shoes.
Use to place a TV and other equipment. You can easily hide wires and cables and effectively zone the space.
Rectangular plasterboard arch Source th.aviarydecor.com
The shallow structure is used as a decorative element. Paintings, panels and frescoes are placed in it. If you equip the lighting correctly and place a flowerpot or figurine on the ledge, you can make an unusual and spectacular art object out of the recess.
Niches with decorative plaster Source th.aviarydecor.com
An aquarium in a niche always looks elegant and natural. With the help of such details, they create an expressive and light eco-design, giving the room an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort.
Aquarium in a niche between rooms Source design-homes.ru
A recess for an electric fireplace, inlaid with tiles or other impressive materials, allows you to create a warm and homely atmosphere in the room.
Through niches in the wall Source photopia.ru.net
The structure can be used as a bar corner. It is advisable to decorate the shelves with collectible bottles. This original solution will attract the attention of connoisseurs and add gloss.
Alcohol shelves Source crithome.com
Bookshelves decorated with flowers and trinkets will bring an atmosphere of lightness and comfort. You can place memorabilia, photos and stylized decor on them.
Recess in the bedroom Source design-homes.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment.
For the sofa
An equally original proposal is to use a niche in the living room to install a sofa in it. This could be a miniature model that successfully occupies a place near one of the short walls or, conversely, a chic and oversized product that simply needs a separate zone. Built-in lighting, paintings or photos on the walls, as well as floor vases, floor lamps and other accessories as a complement to upholstered furniture are welcome.
Pros and cons of options
It is advisable to use one or more narrow structures located asymmetrically. In order to create an interesting interior, you can use not only decorative, but also completely functional recesses used for storing things. If you beautifully arrange cute little things on the shelves, stacks of neatly folded clothes, several books, trinkets, the room will look atmospheric. But the abundance of closets, solid shelves filled to the brim with things, looks tasteless and sloppy.
Pros of placing cabinets and shelves:
- Possibility of obtaining storage space.
- Economical use of usable space.
- A special flavor in the interior of the room.
Minuses:
- Built-in modules are limited by the dimensions of the recess.
- The need for frequent cleaning due to dust settling on open surfaces.
An empty wall in the bedroom can be decorated with a shallow design. It will be not only convenient, but also original. This is a fashionable, but not hackneyed option for creating an interior. Typically, recesses are made at the head of the bed. Additionally, there are convenient shelves and built-in lamps. If everything is put together correctly from a design point of view, the sleeping area will take on a truly magical look.
Niche in the work area Source design-homes.ru
Advantages of an alcove bed:
- Visual zoning of space.
- Getting a cozy private corner.
- Additional darkening.
Flaws:
- The space requires the creation of artificial lighting.
- Air exchange in the recess is reduced.
- Cleaning is complicated.
Functional and spacious shelves Source roomester.ru
The planes of the niche are used as a stand for equipment. The designs reduce the usable area, so they are only relevant for large rooms.
Recesses are well suited for the kitchen. They serve as stands for dishes, spices and cans of bulk products. A good idea would be to place narrow niches in the hallway wall or along the stairs. It is advisable to make several asymmetrical decorative elements and provide them with lighting.
A living flower on a niche shelf is an excellent solution Source strojka-gid.ru
Modern bedroom Source strojka-gid.ru
How to close a hole in a wall using drywall. Step-by-step instructions with video
Indoor construction or renovation work often involves major changes.
Redevelopment of structures should be approached very responsibly; project approval will be required. After moving the door blocks, you will need to cover the opening in the wall with plasterboard to create a single plane. The use of gypsum plaster boards in this case is more appropriate, since it ensures fast and high-quality implementation of all activities.
Niche made of cabinets
This option is good for a room of modest size. It significantly saves space and allows you to use it to maximum advantage. Typically this structure is built around a sofa or sleeping area. If you use a folding bed and functional cabinets, the space savings will be significant.
Large functional niche Source remontbp.com
The design of closed cabinets does not burden the interior; it looks laconic and restrained. It limits the bedroom area, creates a cozy alcove and organizes a convenient storage system.
Frame assembly
To seal a through opening, it is necessary to build 2 structures from profiles that do not need to be connected to each other. Sequence of work:
Figure 6. Layout of profiles PN 28x27 and PP 65x27
Photo 7. A frame constructed on one side to cover the opening with gypsum plasterboard sheets
If the opening width is more than 1.2 m, it is better to make a more rigid structure. To do this, the frame is supplemented with a vertical ceiling profile PP 60x27 or a rack profile in the middle so that the result is a lattice structure.
The frame assembly process is shown in the following video:
In the attic niche
The attic area is usually small, and the shape of the ceiling limits design possibilities. To ensure that a room with a complex configuration does not lose useful space, it is necessary to position the structure correctly and not oversaturate it with decorative elements. Everything should be simple and functional.
Attic decoration Source peredelka.tv
Such a room must be carefully designed. Then you will be able to effectively manage the available space, giving it maximum functionality and integrity.
Bed in a niche
It will help to create a functional and cozy interior for an apartment in the form of a studio or one-room apartment. An alcove, complemented by drawers for bedding, will allow you to avoid purchasing massive furniture pieces. Built-in bed models:
- Regular fixed beds of small width. They are not removed or folded.
- Transformers are equipped with a lifting or sliding mechanism. For the day, the linen is put away in a drawer or closet, and the bed module is transformed into a table and seats.
Podium bed options have a monolithic ledge on which the mattress is located. Beautifully designed, they have a very aesthetic appearance. Suitable for apartments with a large area.
Modern bedroom design Source orgstek.ru
The bunk bed in a niche is a comfortable and ergonomic design. Forms a compact sleeping place, allowing you to significantly save the usable area of the room. When properly decorated it looks very nice.
Good idea for a bunk bed Source editorial-ink.us
To unload the room as much as possible, you need to use a horizontal or vertical folding bed. Due to the fact that the outer side of the product matches the color of the cabinet finish, when assembled the model merges with the surrounding surface.
Wardrobe with pull-out bed Source underpassbar.com
Decorating a small niche
How to design a niche if it is shallow? If it is so narrow that it is impossible to insert shelves, then it is advisable to use wallpaper or paint to decorate the surface. Narrow structures above a sofa or bed are decorated with photographs, books, souvenirs or other stylized decor.
Hall design Source luxhome.pp.ua
Location options:
- If you need to divert attention from the heating radiator, then make a recess under the window. You can also organize storage space under the windowsill.
- Corner design is used when there is a shortage of free space, and when the room has a complex configuration.
- Placing a niche in a false wall will add unusualness and individuality to the interior.
- Recesses located above a bed or sofa make the room more organized and elegant.
Niches in the kitchen Source roomester.ru
Bright interior accents Source happymodern.ru
Shallow niches in the wall will decorate the living room interior if you give them an original shape and equip them with lighting. Place flowerpots with flowers and decorative candles. Place family photos, souvenirs and books on the built-in shelves.
High-tech interior with niches Source strojka-gid.ru
Options for decorative finishing of a niche
To design a niche in the wall, different building materials are used. Set up lighting in the form of sconces, spotlights or colored LED strips.
Niches on the wall made of plasterboard Source dekormyhome.ru
Materials for niche design:
- Wallpaper. They are used more often for shallow structures. With their help, you can give the room a modern look or add a vintage touch.
- Laminate. Practical material with a wide range of colors.
- Tile. Used for small asymmetrical niches. Depending on the color and structure, it will bring asceticism or freshness, and will help to place bright accents.
- Stone or brick. Suitable for creating a bold, unusual interior. It will help to zone the space.
- Decorative plaster. Enlivens the atmosphere, adds elegance and aesthetics.
- Tree. Eco-friendly material with good aesthetic and performance characteristics. Presented with lining and wooden panels of different types of wood.
Decorating a niche with brickwork Source kakpostroit.su
Beautiful decoration of the hallway Source repaireasily.ru
A recess in the wall will be an alternative to a wall painting or fresco; you can place indoor plants, candles or stylized decor on a flat surface.
Niches-shelves in the wall Source stavlib.org.ru
If you paint the recess to match the walls, it will not stand out from the general background. If you want to focus attention on it, you need to choose a contrasting shade of paint. An inscription or graphic looks good in a decorative niche.
Shelves or a cabinet will add practicality to the design. You can put a wardrobe in a large niche. Place candles, souvenirs, photos, books on narrow shelves. The bedroom design will be complemented by soft lighting in the depths of the alcove. A good idea would be a corner with soft seating for drinking tea or reading. In the latter case, you need a bright lamp.
Dining place in the kitchen Source baneproject.com
A niche in the bathroom can be decorated with a mirror and equipped with side lighting. Place beautiful bottles, shells, candles and things on the shelf that will help create a marine-style interior.
Japanese-style bedroom decoration Source topdom.ru
What do you need for work?
To seal the opening yourself, you will need the following tools:
You need to dwell in more detail on the choice of building materials.
Drywall is produced in different types according to purpose and thickness. The standard size of plasterboard sheets is 2500x1200 mm. To seal the opening, wall material with a thickness of 12.5 mm is optimal.
GCR is also classified according to its properties - the main types are ordinary, moisture-resistant and fire-resistant materials. So, for living rooms, as a rule, they use ordinary plasterboard with a gray front side. And for rooms with high levels of humidity, moisture-resistant products are optimal; they are greenish in color.
Figure 1. Varieties of plasterboard sheets
Usually one sheet of plasterboard is enough to cover a doorway on one side. At the same time, keep in mind that it is better to apply solid (pre-cut to the size of the opening) fragments on both sides.
Niche in the interior of the hallway
Even a small hallway can be successfully decorated with narrow structures. Decorate with hooks for clothes, baskets for keys, shelves. Recesses of different sizes with soft lighting, located asymmetrically, will help create a dynamic interior. Decorating a niche in the wall:
- Wardrobe for things
In the hallway, a recess is most often used for practical purposes. A simple crossbar or wardrobe, shelves for things and a minimum of decor. This will help avoid overcrowding and clutter in the room.
Design of a dressing room in the hallway Source topsrestructuring.com
- Hanger for a large family
Dark panels and simple hooks are more practical than light trim. Emerald green or brown will perfectly hide minor scratches and stains. An interesting design solution would be steel hooks.
Hanger with mirror in the hallway Source glomart.ru
- Illumination in a niche
In the hallway, side lighting looks advantageous; it is more comfortable and soft. For example, you can run an LED strip along the edge of a niche.
Niche from a window opening Source krovati-i-divany.ru
- Storage area
When creating space for storing things in drawers and baskets, you need to reserve space between the shelves. This will make it more convenient to remove the baskets and put them back.
Hanger in a niche Source belnovosti.by
- Cozy corner
A niche in the hallway wall can be used for a soft seat. Decorate with pillows and lighting to make reading comfortable.
Hallway in modern classic style Source pinterest.com
- Space for accessories
If the recess was not planned, but arose due to an unsuccessfully located wall, then it is better to occupy the space with open shelves. A narrow closed cabinet will not decorate the interior, so it is advisable to make shelves and add color accents.
A way to decorate a hallway in an apartment Source cdbos.rickyhil.com
Solution for a large hall Source gipsokarton-blog.ru
Drywall installation
Initially, it is necessary to cut blanks from a solid plasterboard sheet that correspond to the dimensions of the doorway. To do this, markings are made on the surface of the plasterboard, then a metal ruler is installed along the marked line or a rule according to which an incision is made in the top layer of drywall with a mounting knife. Then the sheet at the site of the cut is sharply bent and it breaks at the site of the cut. It is recommended to do this on the edge of a table or other suitable surface. The second workpiece is prepared in the same way.
Technique for attaching plasterboard sheets cut to size:
Photo 8. Space filled with mineral wool
Photo 9. An opening in the wall sealed with a single sheet of gypsum board
When sealing, keep in mind that the head of the screw should be recessed into the gypsum board no more than 5 mm, otherwise it must be unscrewed and screwed in again in another place. The pitch between fasteners must be maintained within 100-150 mm.
The process of sealing an opening with plasterboard sheets is discussed in detail in the following video:
