Features of niches
A rectangular or square recess in the wall is called a niche. In the distant past, niches were formed specifically as architectural delights for decorating interiors with statues or flowerpots.
If such a recess is located in the bedroom, you can create a truly romantic interior.
Summing up
By traveling through the pages of our construction portal, you can find more extensive information on arranging a bedroom (see also the article Designing a niche in the wall - do it yourself like a professional). We have many photographs, as well as detailed video tutorials for those who like to do something with their own hands.
As already mentioned, all electrical wiring under the drywall is installed at the stage of assembling the frame from the profile. Its ends need to be brought out and the niche covered with plasterboard. Stages of installing the lighting: Before installing the structure, you need to draw it on the wall, carefully measuring and marking everything. Markings are also made on the ceiling, stepping back from the wall to the depth of the shelves. Here they make marks for installing the guides.
When taking measurements, you need to pay attention to the sinker at the plumb line; it should be positioned freely, without touching anything.
Bed niche
Functional recesses in the bedroom can be used to organize a cozy sleeping area. If the niche allows, you can place the entire bed in it. An enclosed space will help the vacationer feel comfortable.
If the recess in the wall is not particularly deep, you can place only the headboard in it. A niche above the bed in the bedroom will not only decorate the interior, but also complement it functionally.
It will be possible to install small shelves in it for a night light and an alarm clock, hang pictures, decorate it with contrasting wallpaper, and build an imitation window.
The colorful photos of niches in the bedroom above the bed show examples of interesting design designs.
Wardrobe in a niche
Deep architectural elements are ideal for built-in furniture. Wardrobes, wardrobes and other built-in models turn into convenient storage systems. Such niches save space, since there is no need to install bulky wardrobes in the bedroom.
When arranging a recess in the wall for cabinets, special lighting is sometimes provided, which not only makes the use of a piece of furniture convenient, but also decorates the room.
A little about niche lighting
When creating a niche with your own hands, it is a good idea to take care of suitable lighting. Moreover, thanks to the large internal space, it will not be a problem to hide all the wires and power supplies without spoiling the external aesthetic appearance.
There can be many options for using lamps. Each type differs in the external design, efficiency and durability of LED lighting.
If you need to illuminate certain areas of a niche, spotlights or, simply put, “eyes” are ideal. LED strip is very popular. Why do many people choose LED strip?
And everything is very simple, given the mass of its advantages:
- Compactness;
- Fast and convenient installation;
- Safety (food directly connected to the tape itself is safe for humans);
- Tightness (options with a silicone shell);
- Durability;
- Profitability (minuscule electricity consumption);
- Versatility (some options have different color and light modes).
As you can see, there are plenty of advantages, and it is difficult to oppose them with negative qualities, provided that the LED strip is purchased from a quality manufacturer and will be used at its nominal parameters. I would like to add a few words about safety during installation. The cable used for refreshing must be double insulated, and in those places where it passes through metal profiles, a corrugated tube is additionally used to avoid mechanical damage and possible fire.
Finishing features
When decorating a niche in the bedroom, the first question that comes up is the color scheme. In this case, there are two options for every taste: to depict contrast or to harmoniously combine the overall color scheme.
Interior experts recommend highlighting the niche a little. A lighter shade than the main bedroom decoration can be used.
A contrasting spot with large drawings or patterns is possible. If the niche is made in the same color as the walls of the room, you can elegantly mark the boundaries with baguettes.
The decoration of a niche in the bedroom can be distinguished by a relief illuminated texture of a lighter color or an imitation of a brick or stone wall.
When decorating an interior in a loft style, it would be appropriate to decorate the wall in a recess using natural materials. But with this design you should be careful, try not to turn the relaxation room into a gloomy room.
Why do you need a backlit plasterboard box?
In addition to the main lighting, it would not be superfluous to install an LED strip along the box. Moreover, it is assembled in such a way that a niche is formed in it, right next to the ceiling, in which LED lighting will be mounted. Thanks to this technique, smooth diffused lighting appears, adding mystery to the ceiling, and at the same time the light source itself will not be visible from below. The best option is to create a three-color (RGB) tape with the included controller and remote control, which makes it possible to achieve any shade by combining colors, depending on their brightness.
The most important thing when installing a box is the correct level marking and a reliable frame structure, then covering it with plasterboard will not be difficult. Read more about creating a frame for plasterboard structures in the material: whitestrip.ru.
However, not everyone likes bright lights; for many, a standard white color is enough. But here, too, some manufacturers have provided the possibility of customization for each individual - adjusting the brightness and hue (warmer or cooler). A plasterboard box is a universal design that, in addition to decorative properties, can also have practical ones.
Among them:
- Hiding wires;
- Formation of a cavity for subsequent comfortable installation of lamps;
- Hiding ventilation pipes, as well as various irregularities and defects in the ceiling;
- Additional sound insulation and thermal insulation (if appropriate materials are placed under the drywall).
After such advantages, I want to immediately start building a plasterboard niche for lighting.
Niche lighting
A correctly designed niche is a spectacular architectural composition. To make the design complete, you can organize unique lighting that plays both a decorative and functional role.
When organizing lighting, you should take into account the possibility of reading, so a special lamp should be installed above the headboard. An LED strip is ideal for lighting decoration, as it will not only provide light, but also add a certain color.
Please note that the light should be warm and soothing. White daylight is usually stimulating and can disrupt rest or cause insomnia.
Options for arrangement and original design of a niche
A plasterboard structure should not only serve its purpose, but also enliven the room. With the help of various lighting techniques, any niche can turn into a bright architectural composition. The peculiarity of proper lighting is not only beauty and decor, it carries a semantic and functional load.
In addition to its decorative function, the light in a niche can carry a functional load.
Bright neon spectra should not be used for the sleeping area. The best option would be to use lamps with warm and soothing light. Of course, the decorative function of lighting is no less important - for these purposes it is better to use an LED strip, thanks to which the structure of the niche will acquire not only light, but also color.
If you have doubts about how to design a niche in the bedroom, you can turn to the Internet or a specialist for help. The design or creative potential of an ordinary person depends on material wealth, personal preferences, convenience and limitless flights of imagination.
Unobtrusive lighting in a niche will replace your night light.
There are a huge number of options for using niches in the interior of residential premises. Even the most demanding and creative owners will be able to find their own option.
For clients who are financially secure, there are practically no limits to their creative fantasies. For example, a customer’s desire to decorate the interior of his bedroom with an antique fresco will not be difficult. The use of innovative technologies allows you to very quickly and accurately recreate any drawing or image.
Don't overdo it with lighting. Too bright spectra of neon light will make the bedroom look like a disco.
It is possible to decorate a plasterboard structure with natural stone masonry, and decorate the frame of the niche itself with Roman columns made of polyurethane with marble imitation.
In the plasterboard construction of the bedroom you can place a real boudoir, hidden from prying eyes. This solution will be of interest to real ladies who are accustomed to using the full time allocated for cosmetic procedures and massage. You can place your own mini salon in your favorite bedroom.
The dream of a wardrobe in the bedroom is also easily realized if there is a deep niche and a place in the room where to put a wide bed.
For those who like to contemplate pictures of nature or watch the crazy pace of the city landscape, this is an excellent option for decorating a window niche. A cozy soft place to sit, shelves with your favorite books, ceiling spotlights and natural light from the window will allow you to admire the views from the window on long winter evenings. You can complement a cozy resting place by using small pillows with bright or interesting patterns, a small blanket and even soft toys.
It is important not to make it too dark against the background of the adjacent light walls.
A niche option is very convenient to use as a workplace, especially in small apartments. If there is sufficient depth, the arch can be equipped with a system of sliding doors that can hide your personal space from prying eyes. It is necessary to consider the lighting system.
In a children's room, in a niche, you can arrange a play area in the form of a fairy-tale castle or a spaceship with ladders, slides and tunnels. You can even build a pirate fortress or ship. An extraordinary solution for using a niche in a nursery could be a bed in the form of a car for a boy or in the form of a carriage for a girl.
The niche can be separated from the rest of the walls with a lighter or darker tone, or decorated in contrasting shades.
Design styles
When decorating a niche, you need to choose the same style that is present in the bedroom. The recess in the wall, which has turned into an architectural ensemble, should be harmoniously combined with the general mood and stylistic direction.
If a modern style was chosen to decorate the bedroom, then geometric motifs should predominate in the interior. This also applies to niches. Its shape should be clear, with clearly defined angles.
Wall cladding can imitate natural materials (wood, stone, brick), metal lamps are installed, characterized by a special laconicism.
The niche of a classic bedroom is decorated in pastel colors and does not stand out particularly against the general background in color. It can only be indicated by a more pronounced wallpaper pattern.
Classic niches have softer shapes: rounded corners, arched silhouettes. The boundaries of the wall recesses are marked with baguettes or stucco molding.
Lighting can come in the form of elegant wall sconces or table lamps mounted on a small shelf at the head of the room.
There are frequent examples of decorating a bedroom in an oriental style. In this case, niches at the head will make the bed truly royal. They take unusual shapes known as Moorish arches.
The built-in structures are located at different heights and are filled with various decorative items of oriental themes. These can be brightly decorated vases, stylized lamps, figurines and other beautiful little things.
Niches in redesigned apartments
The apartments of the “Khrushchev” type are most often subject to redevelopment. They have thin internal partitions that can be easily dismantled, creating a new look for the apartment.
There are many examples of how to use a niche in a bedroom in remodeled apartments. When rebuilding walls, convenient recesses are often formed that can be used for cozy small bedrooms.
If the reconstruction resulted in a shallow niche, then it is better not to perform a contrasting finish. The right decision would be to decorate it in the same colors as the rest of the walls.
If a small depression appears during the renovation process, you can use decorative methods to improve it: arrange several convenient shelves inside, uniting the entire composition with a single frame.
It must be remembered that the dimensions of decorative items displayed in recesses depend on the dimensions of the architectural element itself. You cannot place disproportionately large objects in small recesses or place small souvenir figurines in spacious niches.
One-room apartments are most often subject to redevelopment, thanks to the desire of the owners to arrange a separate bedroom for themselves.
The result is niches with an area of no more than 6 m2. In such a secluded corner you can install a bed and several small pieces of furniture.
It’s easy to isolate a niche from the main part of the room - just put up a screen, hang curtains or install vertical blinds. The alcove stands out with contrasting wallpaper.
Arranging a niche in the bedroom requires the use of certain finishing skills. Therefore, to create a project and design an opening in the wall, you should involve specialists: designers and finishers.
Installation of a built-in niche requires engineering calculations, careful measurements, and selection of suitable finishing materials.
It is better to know in advance what functions the niche will perform, what will be in it, before starting installation, think through lighting options, and determine the wiring diagram.
A well-equipped niche will decorate any bedroom, add special coziness and provide comfort.
Where to begin?
After you have decided on the type of niche and its style, location and shape, draw a drawing that will show all the recesses and shelves, decide whether you will have an arch. If so, you need to purchase special arched drywall. Now you need to calculate the amount of material.
If you are planning to make a niche for a TV, then make it a little larger than the device itself, this will allow you to connect it freely and provide the air circulation necessary for safe operation. When making calculations, it is important to take into account the thickness of the drywall itself and the profiles. Of course, it’s better to take extra material in case you make a little mistake.
What will you need to install a niche?
Along with the drywall itself, buy everything you need:
- Guide, pillar and arched (if the project requires an arch) profiles;
- Dowels for attaching profiles;
- Perforated corner or tape;
- Putty;
- Tools: tape measure, pencil, drill, building level, metal scissors (or grinder), spatula and screwdriver.
First stage. Marking
Now you can begin the first stage - marking the future niche. Mark the structure first on the floor and then on the walls. Mark the places where the profiles are attached. Be sure to use a building level, this will make the markings as even and accurate as possible. Also, mark the sheets of drywall according to your drawing. Cut out all the blanks.
Please note that cutting holes for lamps is much more convenient at this stage.
Second phase. Installation of profiles
After marking, you can begin installing the profiles. They are attached to the floor, walls and ceiling using dowels. Install the outer dowels at a distance of 50 cm from the end of the profile. Fasten the rest every 100 cm. Each profile must be fastened with at least 3 dowels. Next, proceed to installing jumpers.
They must be attached to the profiles with metal screws. After assembling the frame, check it for stability: it should not swing or wobble. It is better to immediately secure the structure more firmly than to later correct the distortion that arose during use.
Third stage. Assembly of the structure
Now attach the cut sheets in accordance with your sketch.
Make sure that the sheets are connected smoothly and that there are no cracks or gaps between them. The joints between the elements must be glued with sickle tape and covered with putty. This will help hide the places where the screws are attached. Be sure to attach perforated corners to the corner joints; this will make the structure more durable and neat. If your niche contains wavy lines, then a flexible plastic corner will be suitable for processing them. Also, at this stage, you need to take care of conducting electricity to the lighting locations.
Fourth stage. Decor
The design is ready, all that remains is to design it as planned. After the putty has dried, you can begin painting the structure. When choosing paint, please note that it must be suitable for interior work! You can use not only paint, but also wallpaper. Textured wallpaper can look especially stylish here.
At this stage you need to attach the lamps. Choose ones that do not get very hot during operation (no higher than 35 degrees). Simply connect them to the wiring pre-placed in the frame. You can also use LED strip. It comes with a transformer that can be easily hidden in the frame.
Fifth stage. Final
Now all that remains is to complete the design in accordance with the project. Fill the shelves with cute trinkets and favorite photos. Choose new textiles: curtains and bedspreads should fit into the new interior. Your bedroom will immediately take on a cozy, residential look.
Important points when working on a plasterboard niche in the bedroom:
- Be sure to draw a sketch of the future niche, this will allow you to foresee all the little things in advance;
- Remember that it is better to take extra material than to waste time buying a second batch;
- Apply markings and attach profiles using a building level;
- Don't forget to check the frame for stability before you begin sheathing;
- Remember that attaching one large sheet is easier than several small pieces;
- The fewer joints there are in the structure, the better;
- Do not neglect putty; you should putty not only the joints, but also the entire structure;
- If you are very sensitive to sounds, fill the structure with mineral wool;
- Decide on the lighting issue in advance, because it will be easier and more convenient to do the wiring and cut holes at the beginning of work. Think about where it will be located and what its purpose will be.
A niche in your bedroom will help you save on expensive furniture these days. After all, a plasterboard structure can serve not only as an unusual decorative element, but also serve as a cabinet and bedside table. In addition, this is an inexpensive but very effective way to turn a boring room into a real paradise for lovers.
