Turn An Empty Wall Nook Into A Breathtaking Statement Feature With A Chic DIY

Every home has its little quirks, but oftentimes an empty wall nook or alcove can be more bothersome than charming, especially when they're taking up space in small footprint homes. But just like the cranny under the stairs or an expanse of an unfurnished landing, these recessed areas are dead spaces in your home that should be taken advantage of. Usually located in entryways, living areas, or bedrooms, finding potential and purpose for these areas can be a bit of a challenge.

It's reassuring to know that there are numerous ways to style awkwardly-located alcoves in one's home. Backing up this fact is a DIY hack by Instagrammer @spruce_n_spice, who turned an empty nook in her own home into a chic statement wall. The Instagrammer decorated a floor-to-ceiling nook with an arch made from leftover board, first covering it with textured wallpaper before mounting it on the wall. Additional backlighting in the form of LED lights and a single mounted display shelf resulted in a breathtaking statement piece in her home.

Whether you're transforming an empty wall nook or alcove into a strategic or decorative space, consider its dimensions, location, and purpose. They often differ in depth, height, and width, making them tricky architectural features to integrate with your home's aesthetic. Color can also be a defining factor for setting the alcove apart or allowing it to merge with the rest of the room: Keep in mind that a dark-toned recess will result in a striking statement piece, while a light-toned one will visually extend the space.

Adding in shelves is a popular way to reinvent these empty spaces. If you're looking for a way to create a budget-friendly home bar, transform an existing nook or alcove into a cocktail area for displaying wine bottles and glasses: Stay true to the theme by installing glass shelves, mirrored backing, and some LED lights to achieve a dramatic speakeasy look. In a living room setting, use the nook to prop up books, picture frames, or decorative items, or turn it into a stunning plant wall by lining greenery, flowers, and succulents along the shelves. In the bedroom, carve out a little workspace by adding a small desk and a few shelves.

If you have two nooks bookmarking a fireplace, a couple of armchairs and wall lights will make for a comfortable reading area. For nooks that are fairly large in depth and width, a piece of furniture like a drawer, a console, or a custom-made bench or table will seamlessly integrate it with the rest of the room. Otherwise, you can keep the nook as a purely decorative feature. When displaying a decorative object, keep it proportional by filling no more than ⅔ of its full height — any more than that will throw off the visual balance of the area.