According to the traditional concept generally accepted in construction, a niche is a recess in the wall designed to accommodate furniture (wardrobe, bed) or decorative items.
A niche is a beneficial element of apartment planning, which should not be abandoned.
Thanks to the non-standard approach of modern designers, you can place a library, a relaxation area with a soft corner and a coffee table, or any household items in a niche. By creating the furnishings of a one-room apartment with a recess in one of the walls, it will be advantageous to combine the practical benefits of the space and the beauty of the design.
In a niche, without compromising the total area of the apartment, you can organize a full-fledged recreation area.
Builders consider creating a niche a problematic task, but for designers, the interior of a room with a niche is always original and practical. When starting a renovation, it is important to plan in advance in which part of the room the recess will be formed.
An intelligent design of a one-room apartment with a niche will allow you to arrange the furniture so that each item in the room has its own place, and each zone has a purpose.
When homeowners intend to use an additional area for practical use (for storing household items, dishes, alcoholic beverages), it is important to organize convenient access to the recess. In the case where a children's bed should be located in a niche, it is worth creating the structure in the wall furthest from the front door, window openings, or balcony frame.
In a small niche near the window you can place a crib.
If the owners want professional or creative privacy in a small apartment, then a study can be located in a niche. To do this, it is enough to install a table and a chair (armchair), install high-quality lighting and places to store personal belongings.
In a small niche you can organize a compact workplace.
For example, if a husband and wife prefer to work at home, then it is better to purchase one desk, but zone the office space: place shelves and storage drawers on each side (left, right).
To perfectly fit the furniture into the arch, it will have to be made to order.
Designer tips: how to stylishly design a niche
When creating the interior of a one-room apartment, you need to pay attention not only to the functional features of the new corner of the house, but also its stylish design. To do this, you should follow the advice of experts.
In a small niche near the window you can place a sofa with pillows.
- Combine the colors used to decorate the entire room with the colors of the niche.
- Equip the additional area with high-quality lighting. It is best to use spotlights, LED lighting on the ceiling or along the entire perimeter of the structure.
- When the recess is planned to be used as a closed dressing room, it is better to use internal partitions rather than external walls. If there is no alternative, and the structure becomes part of the surface adjacent to the street, it is worthwhile to properly plan the ventilation system to avoid the formation of mold. This is done in two ways - by installing an additional layer of mineral wool or polystyrene foam on the rear partition. The second option is to close the wardrobe with a mesh door.
A dressing room in a one-room apartment is a real salvation for residents.
Often, a one-room apartment is enough for a comfortable stay for one or two people, but if you correctly arrange special structures in the form of partitions and niches, you can create a cozy environment for a family of three or four household members.
Additional lighting in a niche is the key to a comfortable stay there, regardless of its purpose.
How to choose a good bed in a niche - alcove
The organization of the sleeping area depends on the needs and preferences of the residents, but the bed must harmoniously complement the chosen interior style. To do this, you will have to pay attention to the selection of the frame, base and mattress.
Frame materials
Wood is the best material for making furniture frames. An array of hard rocks will provide increased strength and environmental friendliness. Forged and tubular metal components are used in structures intended for furnishing interiors in a modern style. It is not recommended to use wood composites (MDF, chipboard) for the production of beds, as they quickly fail.
Bed base
The base of the bed is made of metal or wood in the form of a solid sheet or an orthopedic lattice system. The second option is preferable, since built-in flexible slats will increase the orthopedic effect of the mattress and extend its service life. To make a rigid solid base, sheets of plywood or wooden boards are used. The slatted base consists of slightly concave slats that support the mattress.
A comfortable bed in an alcove is not inferior to ordinary furniture in terms of comfort, but the dimensions of such sleeping places are additionally adjusted taking into account the dimensions of the recess. The typical length of the bed exceeds 180 cm. If the width of the alcove is significantly inferior to this indicator, you will have to abandon the placement of the built-in bed, giving preference to the standard configuration. The depth of the niche should be at least 60 cm. A single bunk will take from 80 to 100 cm in width, and a single bed - from 120 to 140 cm. To place double furniture, you will have to expand the recess to 200-220 cm.
Mattress – types, which one is better
When choosing a mattress, you should measure the base and determine the optimal degree of rigidity of the sleeping area. Hygienic and hypoallergenic fillers are recommended for daily use. Natural latex and coconut coir are used in the production of springless mattresses. These rigid fillers provide an optimal orthopedic effect.
When choosing a spring mattress, it is recommended to give preference to products with an independent block. The level of rigidity is adjusted depending on the design features, so the model with several hundred reinforced springs provides excellent support for the spine. Regardless of the filling option, a high-quality removable mattress cover is made from natural fabrics.
Interior options for a niche in the wall
To make the interior of a one-room apartment with a recess in the wall look stylish and modern, it is worth using popular finishing materials. Their advantages and disadvantages are indicated in the table.
Cozy and stylish relaxation area.
| Surface finishing option | Advantages | Flaws |
| Decorative plaster | Easy to clean, durable and strong material | No |
| Wallpaper, including photo wallpaper | Photo wallpapers set the mood of a space and can visually expand it | Dust and dirt accumulate on them and require replacement every 5-8 years. |
| Artistic modeling | Looks rich, can be repainted in different colors | High price |
| Mirror panel(s) | Easy to clean material, visually makes the room larger. If you use a mirror mosaic, the objects in the niche will look unusual | Difficulty in installation, increased risk of injury if small glass parts are installed incorrectly |
| Decorative rock | Creates a cozy atmosphere in the apartment and acts as a sound insulator | Expensive, not suitable for all interior styles |
| Laminate | Looks stylish, modern and unusual, does not require special care, durable and durable finish | Difficulty in installation (the surface must be perfectly flat), low moisture resistance |
| 3D gypsum panels | Unusual appearance, strength of gypsum structures and ease of installation | No |
The basis of the structure is often made of the currently popular material - plasterboard, “planted” on a previously created structure made of a flexible metal profile. Sometimes plasterboard structures are replaced with brickwork, but this is a more expensive and long-term method.
When choosing color options for a niche, you should focus on the main color of the room.
Each finishing element can be combined with another, the main thing is to choose the right color scheme. To ensure that the interior of a one-room apartment with a recess in the wall brings aesthetic pleasure to the owners and guests of the house, designers recommend using finishing options in bright colors. Experts justify their recommendations by the fact that a dark background of a niche will create the effect of a “black hole” or emptiness; on a light background it will not be possible to convey a creative idea, but bright colors are ideal companions for this type of setting.
The kitchen wall fits beautifully and compactly into the recess.
Niche options
There are several varieties.
In the wall
A niche made of plasterboard in the wall allows you not only to enliven the space, effectively decorate and play up the place with the bed, but also to make the room much more functional, visually expand its boundaries and add depth. Such a recess is quite often decorated using various mirror, glass surfaces, wallpaper, decorative plaster, laminate, soft panels and other materials.
The photo shows the bedroom interior and a bed in a plasterboard niche decorated with wallpaper.
Niche made of cabinets
This design looks very elegant and laconic. Cabinets with their geometry favorably emphasize the sleeping area, create an additional portal around it and allow you to organize a convenient storage system.
Why do you need a niche in the interior of a one-room apartment?
There is no clear answer to the question of why a niche is useful in a one-room apartment - everyone decides on the choice of its purpose, relying on their imagination. Designers can suggest common solutions for the home.
The niche and the rest of the room are decorated in the same style.
- Close the recess with a pair of doors, forming a closed cabinet inside for storing clothes, dishes or personal items.
In small niches you can place shelves for dishes.
- Place the bed in the niche. Above the bed, small shelves will look good for arranging photos, cosmetics, paintings to match the overall decor.
It is advisable to use partitions to separate a niche from a room.
- Hang a lot of shelves along the wall on which to place decorative items, indoor plants, books, or combine a set of items with a single concept.
- Place a TV, audio equipment or home theater. Such a solution will help hide multiple wires and place related accessories (removable storage media, headphones, chargers) in one place.
All options are relevant for an apartment with one living room.
A well-equipped interior of a one-room apartment will not only evoke emotions of admiration among guests of the house, but will also improve the condition and mood of all household members. All this is due to the fact that the additional space will become a storage place for parts that previously cluttered the home.
Integrity is the main requirement for such interiors.
Bedroom ideas
Everyone is accustomed to the fact that a sleeping place is necessarily a bed, although there are plenty of options for arranging it. For example, a small sofa with armrests, which is located in a niche between two narrow cabinets connected by a mezzanine or shelves, magically turns into two separate beds with orthopedic mattresses at night. This is a great solution for a small bedroom!
During the day, free space is added to the room, which can be used for receiving guests or, secluded from household members, to work quietly, and at night - a place for complete rest. This set looks very stylish; often the products are equipped with drawers and are something like a chest of drawers, where it is very convenient to store personal items and bed linen. These can also be full-fledged wardrobes with mezzanines or glazed shelves.
Recently, non-traditional walls with a niche for a sofa have become popular, where the cabinets are made in the form of steps, each of which serves as a separate drawer. This fresh design idea has been picked up by many furniture manufacturers and offer interesting options for every consumer’s taste.
Interior ideas for a one-room apartment - layout features
When renovating a one-room apartment, if you have purchased furniture, you must first create (draw) a remodeling plan so that the upholstered furniture, cabinets and cabinets fit harmoniously into place. Another option is possible - buying furniture after renovation. At the same time, there is a high probability that it will have to be made to order or “customized” in size according to individual requirements.
Some insist on separating a niche into a separate zone, while others advocate for the most neutral design possible.
Transformable sofa bed for a small apartment - features and advantages
Wardrobe sofa bed 3 in 1 is one of the most practical design solutions in a modern interior. It is a plastic structure that can easily be transformed at the owner’s request into a bed, sofa or wardrobe.
This is an excellent option for saving space in confined spaces: at any time you can fold a bed or sofa into a cabinet screwed to the wall, freeing up space. Folding transforming beds with a sofa are good for use in children's rooms. You can remove the bed during the day to give your child a spacious and safe place to play.
This solution is also indispensable for one-room apartments and studios. At night the bed is folded back, and during the day it is put away in a practical closet, but if guests come, they will be happy to sit on a cozy sofa.
Saving space is not the only advantage of this design. A folding bed with sofa serves as an excellent alternative to conventional folding beds that perform only one function. It is convenient, easy to operate and durable.
Bed niche
Hundreds of years ago, a special recess in the wall of a one-room apartment was called the unusual word “alcove.” During the time of the monarchs, it was decorated with textiles, as if creating a lush fabric partition. Today, this option is also possible if the alcove is wide enough - 1.7-2 m.
The seating area in the niche is not separated in style from the main room, but becomes its harmonious continuation.
This design will best fit into classic interiors, but you should not miss its use in homes furnished according to the latest fashion trends. For example, a bed hidden behind ruffled curtains will be a wonderful and truly fabulous place for a girl to sleep and spend time.
The children's bed is compactly located in a niche.
Wardrobe in a niche in the bedroom
Modern niches are far ahead of the primitive wall indentations of a few decades ago, designed only to house artificial flowers in a vase. Currently, the term “niche” refers to a harmonious, intimate space that includes individual color schemes and a thoughtful lighting system. You must decide which niche shape will best suit your interior. For example, horizontal recesses will look great in a wall with cabinets, while vertical recesses are ideal for a closet.
Zones that can be located in a niche
Human imagination is limitless, and thanks to modern technologies, any idea can be turned into reality. At the request of household members, a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom can be located in a niche. The first two options are more suitable for families of two people without children.
It is advisable to equip a recess in the walls of the bathroom for a shower area with a bathtub.
Arranging a one-room apartment with a recess in the wall is an excellent alternative to a studio apartment. When the dimensions of the partition allow, it is possible to even place a food preparation area; otherwise, there is only enough space for a bar, a work surface and a mini-sink.
The kitchenette in the niche can be hidden using a partition.
When creating the interior of a one-room apartment with an additional area for arranging furniture or decorative items, it is important to consider the option of a possible transformation. For example, if initially the recess is a bedroom, then in the future it can be transformed into an office or a children's corner.
A practical and bright solution is a two-level children's area in a recess in the wall.
First, even before the remodeling begins, you need to pay attention to the recommendations of designers and builders; if this is not possible, consult with the seller of a construction supply store.
In a spacious niche you can arrange an office with shelves for books.
One-room with a niche - design options
One-room apartments can be decorated in various interior styles. Best suited:
- minimalism - the apartment does not seem residential, everything superfluous is absent here, the colors are clean, mostly light;
- loft is the best option if there are large windows, high ceilings, furniture parts are slightly worn, voluminous;
- Provence - the room is bright, the furniture is chosen “antique”, textiles are decorated with flowers;
- classic - stylish, high-quality, luxurious interior, replete with wooden decor, placed symmetrically;
- high-tech - an abundance of glass, mirrors, metal, furniture is mostly transformable;
- Scandinavian – natural materials, simple shapes, “marine” colors;
- brutal - rough finish made of brick, metal, minimal textiles and furniture.
Yellow niche with a bed in a studio apartment in neoclassical style
Folding bed in a niche of a modern style studio apartment
High bed in a niche with shelves in a Scandinavian-style studio apartment
Niche with a bed in a Provencal style studio apartment
A small recess, made in any ancient style, is decorated with stucco and carved wooden parts.
