Say bye to boring wall niches

For centuries, wall niches have featured in traditional and contemporary buildings, which factor in a recess in the wall for placement of ornaments, sculptures, paintings or even deities. Whether rectangular, semi-circular or arched, wall niches can sometimes create some sense of decorating awkwardness. These versatile designs can be turned into a fascinating focal point that removes monotony from your walls.

Contemporary Swahili craftsmanship at The Shaza. The developement designed by Architect Arnold Deche bears a swahili architectural concept borrowed from the rich historical coastal influences that blend Arabic, Asian, Hindu, Bantu and Portuguese cultures.

To make your wall niche stand out, paint the interior of the niche in a contrasting colour to the rest of the wall. This will create a surprise effect and cause the displayed ornaments to pop out and be more visible and distinct.

If you opt to go monotone where the colour inside the niche is the same as the paint on the wall, then you can place a subtle stencil to act as a backdrop to the back of the niche and to add interest and texture.

Installing glass shelves in wall niches in a living room provides opportunity to place a variety of ornaments.

Add interest to the ornaments by varying their heights or if you are a stickler for unity, you can place same-size vases symmetrically. The glass medium creates a sense of airiness, which cannot be achieved by using wood or stone, though they can be alternative options if you want to keep to the style of the rest of the house.

Fireplace

Wall niches near the fireplace can be used to store firewood. Arrange same-size firewood in a pile to create a rustic effect. Even if you do not actually light up, the firewood will create a psychological warm ambience, especially in this rainy weather.

Alternatively, if the fireplace is your focal point in the room, then design two-wall niches along either side and use it to display ornaments, wall plates or family photograph. As the festive season draws near, this will be the perfect place to showcase the season’s ornaments.

Study

Use your wall niches to display your treasured reference books. Of course you will have to neatly arrange them either horizontally or vertically and hopefully the perfect display will distract would-be borrowers from spoiling the arrangement. A classic decorative mould around the edges of your niche will accentuate the feature and provide an elegant finishing touch to it.

These are available at interior supply shops that provide solutions for ceiling and column pillars. Though they may be a bit expensive, the return on investment will be worth it. Not only will they delight your eye, but they can increase the value of your property.