skip to main content

Woodworking Design Dilemma DIY

Converting a deep alcove into less-deep alcove

last year

last modified: last year

I have this unusual alcove in my living room on the upper-right of the fireplace. The dimensions are 45"H x 46"W x 26"D: https://imgur.com/a/maLXvdJ

My goal is to turn this into a built-in bookcase.

As a first step I am thinking about installing a false wall about halfway in (exact depth TBD) as it's excessively deep today. My idea is to install slats into the sides along each edge (using drywall anchors for strength) forming a square shape which I can then attach a piece of plywood to.

Looking for feedback, some questions:

- is it a bad idea to decrease the amount of space available there in a "permanent" way like this?

- do you foresee any risks of having an empty space back there? I can't see why there would be bugs or mold issues

- any suggestions on how to improve the approach?

Featured Answer

PRO

HALLETT & Co.

last year

Drywall over both of those. Neither niche adds anything but visual clutter.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

elcieg
last year
Please post the photo. Most don't want to click on a link.
johnherbertson
Original Author
last year
Thanks for your suggestion. I added the photo in the tool and re-published the post, however I can't see it. Not sure what is happening there.
0
Related Discussions
Deep soaking tub to fit into standard alcove?
Q
Comments (23)
The Jacuzzi Cetra 60x32 soaking tub is 16.3 inches to the overflow valve. The 17 7/8 is to the top of the inside of the tub. The Cetra is 20.5 inches high on the outside, only 1.5 inches taller to step over than the Archer. Jacuzzi has a lifetime warranty. The Kohler Archer is 15 inches to the overflow valve. It only has a one year warranty, plus I have read many reviews about the Archer cracking. Why gamble with a Kohler, when they only back their quality with a one year warranty?
...See More
Converting alcove tub to shower
Q
Comments (1)
A picture is worth a thousand words: I'm not sure I understand how you can have a short wall? If what I'm picturing is the same as my main bath where my bath tub long wall backs on to my Master Bathroom closet. If you kept the wall short, and didn't tile it to the ceiling, would you not be worried about water/moisture getting into your hamper/glass shelf area?
...See More
Filling a deep alcove tub with wall faucet?
Q
Comments (0)
How long does it take to fill your deep alcove tub with water using the wall faucet. We are in a dilemna and would prefer a wall filler but are having issues with GPM. Would rather not go to a Roman Tub filler. How long does it take to fill your tub? 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes. Newer wall faucets have GPM restrictions. Looking for real world experience. Thank you
...See More
HELP! I don’t know what to do with this alcove/office/catch-all space
Q
Comments (15)
Check out Zillow.com to see the condos that were listed. Make a list of the ones that sold, for sale, & have not sold. Check out the photos of the interiors. Copy what worked locally. I would paint all rooms white. Any walls that are already white touch up any scratches from wear & tear. If the walls have too much wear & tear a fresh paint job suggested. There's a reason new builds usually use white paint, because it appeals to the masses. Usually when a renter moves, the property management will do a fresh paint job to attract new tenants fast. The goal is to get the condo to look as new as possible. The usual protocol before listing a home for sale good clean bright lighting A fresh paint of white where needed. During the 1st open house, get feedback from all visitors what they like or don't. Fix fast anything that several people noted. If you had a lot of foot traffic it's priced right. If hardly no one came, it's usually priced too high. You may get an offer right after the open house. That's quite normal in this current market. Be ready to fix some things relevant on a home inspection sheet. Reasonably compromise to find a win/win between the seller & buyer. Copy what worked for your neighborhood
...See More
Related Professionals
Kaneohe Cabinets & Cabinetry · Rancho Cordova Carpenters · Temple Carpenters · Powder Springs Flooring Contractors · Taunton Flooring Contractors · Woodstock Flooring Contractors · Topeka Furniture & Accessories · Arlington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · El Sobrante Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Jupiter Furniture & Accessories · Stamford Furniture & Accessories · Westerly General Contractors · Norwalk Furniture & Accessories · Portland Furniture & Accessories · St. Louis Furniture & Accessories
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
Post it in the comments
0
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
From your description it sounds like a sheet of drywall and a bucket of mud would improve the situation.
0
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
Here is the photo he didn't want to post.
0
ci_lantro
last year
Check the opening for square. Then build a case that has an attached back & that will slip into the niche. Before fitting it, attach a face frame with extended stiles on the sides & top of the carcass.

The extended stiles will cover the gap between the case & niche. You can lightly fasten the case to the niche framing with finish nails or long trim screws, 2 or 3 per side. Beef up the shelves if you plan to load it with books to limit the amount of sag.
Seabornman
last year
Great spot for a secret hiding place. Build a shelving unit with an accessible back.
0
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
I agree drywall and a bucket of mud those are not a good place for any kind of book case IMO those niches do not make sense there at all.
ci_lantro
last year
What might make a fitted bookcase more aesthetic would be to close off part of the top niche. Add framing to make the top niche finish out to the same width as the bottom niche. Then fit open bookshelves on top and drawers on the bottom. Drawers on the bottom would utilize the full depth of the bottom niche. Or full depth shelves on the bottom with doors. Preferably drawers though.

Related Stories

DINING ROOMS Room of the Day: Dressing a Dining Alcove in Bright Blue

By Becky Harris

Vibrant upholstered walls and seats plus thoughtful architectural details give a nook in Chicago a happy vibe

COLOR Room of the Day: Deep Blue Proves a Hot Hue

By Mary Jo Bowling

Navy takes a New Jersey living room from dull to dashing in the flick of a paintbrush

COLOR Join the Navy: Deep, Dark Blue Is a Team Player

By Charlotte Minty Interior Design

An elegant mate to wood and warm metals, navy works wonders inside and out. See how to get onboard with its popularity

LIVING ROOMS What to Do With Your Fireplace Alcoves

Interesting alternatives to built-in shelves and cabinets will make your living room stand out

SHOWERS Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — Choosing Accessories

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 5 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right niches, benches and bars for the best showering experience

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space to a Shower — the Planning Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 1 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Get all the remodel details down on paper

REMODELING GUIDES Get the Look of a Built-in Fridge for Less

By Kathryn Peltier Design

So you want a flush refrigerator but aren’t flush with funds. We’ve got just the workaround for you

BATHROOM WORKBOOK 12 Ways to Get a Luxe Bathroom Look for Less

By Shana Ecker Home Stylist

Your budget bathroom can have a high-end feel with the right tile, stone, vanity and accessories

SAVING WATER Xeriscape Gardens: How to Get a Beautiful Landscape With Less Water

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Conserve water and make gardening much easier with the xeriscape approach’s 7 principles

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space to a Shower — the Fixtures-Shopping Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 2 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Determine your mechanical needs and buy quality fixtures

Sponsored

More Discussions

Blum LegraBox or All Wood Box

13

Should original beams be sealed?

5

Grandsons Rocker

2

Wooden Stairs Nail Holes

11

Sanding Indoors Tips Needed

2