apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

This sort of thing would look beautiful, multiple shelves that dont necessarily go all the way across...

http://bp3.blogger.com/_e_MQyZR1E6U/R5NYLX01CMI/AAAAAAAAK7A/W0qYRni8h1o/s1600-h/9.jpg

wait wait, is this place above the innjoy? it looks exactly like my friend's old place... weird.

one option is to add wall paper to the niche like this:

http://store.roseandradish.com/images/CNwoodpaper_m.jpg

then add some floating shelving in white laquer and stainless steel or brushed nickel accents from the hardware.

this image is similar to what I am trying to explain:

http://www.gruenbeck.co.at/site/pics/kollektion/rimadesio_zenit.jpg


since i don't really know what else is going on in the space, the budget, and what other finishes are being used this is just one idea.

I recommend IVAR shelving from Ikea. It is so versatile- you can configure it for books, a desk- basically whatever you need it for. I use only the uprights and shelves, but it also comes with doors and various accessories. It would fit perfectly in there, and comes in unfinished pine, which you could leave as is or paint. If you set it up with a shelf as a desk, you can then mount a noticeboard (or decorative wallpaper) above it on the wall. The best part is, you can take it with you when you move and it's WAY cheaper than elfa. I've had mine for 8 years, it's still going strong, and I've been able to mix it up and make it work in all four apartments I have been in during that time- I just keeping adding new shelves as I need them. You can also use it as a room divider in the future, or use different height uprights to give a step effect, or to make it 'work' under a staircase. I LOVE IVAR!

I had the same issue recently. I custom made my shelving unit.
http://etrine.com/2008/07/14/bookshelves/

Also the big Expedit bookcase from Ikea is 6' x 6' and it's $200
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60071358

My husband and I have a similar nook next to our fireplace in the family room. We hung floating Ikea shelves about 12 inches apart and alternated them left and right -- so the first shelf is about 15 inches from the ceiling and it is against the left wall, and the next one is 12 inches or so lower and it is against the right wall, and so on. We hung 5 all together and have 9 foot ceilings. Since the shelves aren't long enough to fill the whole space, alternating the sides creates nice space between the shelves for taller items and narrower space for books and storage.

I think it'd look great with some white shelves and glass doors. You could continue the baseboard underneath to make it look like it'd always been there. If you wanted to emphasize glassware or pretty tableware you could line the back with mirror. Always nice to see beautiful tableware in the dining room.

etrine, the shelves you made are fantastic! i'm stealing your idea.

http://www.booksathome.blogspot.com/ has some good ideas. They have pictures of my hungarian shelves there too, though I think something more traditional in this space may work better.

We had a similar problem and had custom made shelves (some with doors) by a local merchant. California Closets also does this in a wide variety of finishes, styles and prices. It might be tough to find an existing shelving unit that fits the space well.

Putting wallpaper in the niche and then placing an attractive table/mirror/lamp/whatever would also look nice if you have some pieces you'd like to show off.

umm....a buffet or credenza

Expedit from Ikea?

Custom buffet/server you can use to as a wine and serving area for your dining room. (Granite top?) Add a great piece of art or mirror above piece, fun lighting...it will be a very useable space in your dining room that allows for great traffic flow.

If you own the space, give careful thought to having a carpenter install built-ins. You'll get good craftsmanship, precise control over the look, and probably get the whole thing done for $800-1k.