What do you do with an alcove?

Maymhoyt
by Maymhoyt

I have an alcove in my house. To me it looks a little outdated. What can I do with it other than sealing it up once and for all?

  8 answers
  • Seal it up? No! I would die for an alcove! Why lose precious square footage in your home? What room is the alcove attached to?

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    • From what you are describing that might be a "niche." If a niche, hang a picture or place a statue, or a special vase. If it has floorspace, make it a mini office, reading nook, library, etc. Just because you don't know what to do with it doesn't mean it should be erridacated, as it adds charm, character and uniqueness to the home. A photo would really help?

  • Maura White Maura White on Dec 07, 2018

    So you have a picture? Can you paint it or add some shiplap to it? Alcoves are always so unique that I'm sure you could spruce it up rather than seal it off. Even just a few throw pillows can make a difference!


    • Maymhoyt Maymhoyt on Dec 08, 2018

      My alcove is a small recessed space in a narrow wall leading downstairs.

  • Lindy Lindy on Dec 07, 2018

    What is behind it on the other side?

    • Maymhoyt Maymhoyt on Dec 08, 2018

      My alcove is a small recessed space in a narrow wall leading downstairs.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Dec 07, 2018

    Can you send s picture? Are you talking about a recessed space on a wall or a small room?

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    • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Dec 08, 2018

      Oh a niche. I love them. I have one that used to hold a telephone. I put a battery operated light in it and put a pretty piece of glass in it. You can paint it a nice white to make more contemporary. If not, pull it out and drywall over it but please sell or give away, they are very desirable. Saw one recently at a flea market for $75.

  • Nan W. Nan W. on Dec 07, 2018

    A wooden bench with some cozy cushions might be a nice idea!!

  • Oliva Oliva on Dec 08, 2018

    I have the feeling this may be an older wall niche, rather than an alcove. You can fill the void with a wood cut out, cut to shape, then apply skim coat to the outside to be even with adjacent wall surfaces.

  • Lindy Lindy on Dec 08, 2018

    Please don't get rid of it. It can be a conversation piece! If it's pretty small, you could do like my friend who made it a cabinet. She put shelves in hers with a custom-fit door. Store anything in it. She used hers for flashlights and emergency items for when the power goes out. When she sold the house, it became a "feature". :)

  • Cover it with a piece of artwork. Or turn it into shelving. I lived in a house with a TV niche for giant TV's. I turned mine into storage and added doors.