In terms of architecture, a niche is a small space located within the construction of a room. The niche is usually considered to be extra space that does not have a predefined purpose. By including this small amount of additional space, it is possible to create additional places around the home that provide a comfortable and intimate nook for reading a book or creatively displaying accessories and small pieces of furniture. A niche may be a recess in a wall, an area under a stairwell, or the space immediately below a recessed window.

The niche can be viewed as an asset or a liability in a room. For people who tend to lean toward the creative, the presence of a niche in one or more areas of the home are often viewed as a little something extra that can be used to enhance the visual appeal of the space. People who tend to prefer plainer décor may find the niche to be an unwelcome element in the layout and essentially a waste of space.

Finding ways to make the best use of a niche depend on several factors. First, the purpose for the larger area of the space where the niche is located often defines what would and would not be appropriate for the niche. For example, a niche in a dining room would not necessarily be a good place to install a bench and pillows for a reading nook, but may be ideal for recessing a small breakfront coupled with a mirror that helps to make the room appear larger.

Second, the location of the niche itself will play a role in determining ways to use the design element to best advantage. The positioning of the niche in relation to doorways and windows may call for the niche to be turned into focal point, especially if it is directly in the line of vision as people enter the room. However, if the niche is not easily viewed as people enter the space, something that prevents the niche from drawing attention away from the room’s focal point would be a better option.

Last, the architectural detail of the niche will also influence how the space is dressed. A niche located below a recessed window may call for a simple two-drawer chest or bookshelf, making the area functional but not likely to detract from the view. A niche that is recessed into a wall provides a great way to place a piece of furniture so it does not protrude far into the room, creating more space to move about the area.

Many homes contain at least one niche. Often, people who are not sure what to do with the niche simply leave the area blank and unused. Interior designers often can assess the factors surrounding the niche and come up with ideas that turn the blank space into a visual asset for the room.