Remodeling Guides
Design Details: Neat Little Niches
Carve Out a Spot for Anything and Everything
A waste of space. That's a moniker nobody — and no home — wants attached to their name. But figuring out a way to use that extra area inside a kitchen island, a wall or under the stairs? Well, it takes planning. With a little forethought, though, you might be able to find and plan out enough spare space for the littlest of pantries, a small library, or maybe even a whole new room.
With drawers underneath and a breakfast bar on one side, you may think you've utilized every ounce of your island. But this little trough begs to differ. Take a little scoop out of the middle, and herbs, condiments and drinks become accessible to the cook and those seated on the other side.
Cubbies built into the side of this staircase keep books close at hand for impromptu story time.
A strip along the upper cabinets of this kitchen is just big enough for one thing...
... Neatly arranged spice jars! A library ladder slides the length of the niche to reach them all with ease.
Fire essentials like cut wood and stokers each have their own spot inside this fireplace surround.
Remembering to include a shower niche in your bathroom's design means never having to use one of those rusty old caddies again.
The contrasting river stone tile in the back is another thoughtful touch.
The contrasting river stone tile in the back is another thoughtful touch.
A lower spot sits just within reach for bathers and echoes the shape of the windows above.
Open up the refrigerator surround and you've got extra shelving for larger serving pieces.
Give prized possessions their own architectural frame inside a wall. Not only does it add interest, It helps convey to guests the personal importance of the art or other object to the homeowner.
A line of CDs are easily within reach in this living room. Artwork and items of significance get their own special nooks behind the sectional.
A headboard has to work extra hard in a small bedroom, and this one does so with flying colors. Not only does it have sconces on either side, a thin niche in the middle can hold an alarm clock and reading material.
Get creative with the shape of the niche to perfectly fit specific items.
The space under the stairs has plenty of niche potential. Go for built-in shelves or drawers, or create a whole new room like with this tiny home office.
More small spaces and niches:
12 Ways to Sneak the Most Out of Your Space
17 Space–Saving Solutions for Small Kitchens
Avoid Falling Bottles with a Shower Niche
More small spaces and niches:
12 Ways to Sneak the Most Out of Your Space
17 Space–Saving Solutions for Small Kitchens
Avoid Falling Bottles with a Shower Niche