What is the niche in the wall for the bed: the origin of the term

Alcove - called a niche in the wall for the bed. This is a specially designated place for the bed, can be located under the curtain or in the recess of the wall.

The name of the niche in the wall for the bed

Alcove is an Arabic word that means “marquee” or “small room”. Initially, an alcove for a sofa or bed was fenced off from the rest of the room with columns or an arch and was intended for an additional bedroom. Later, in the main hall, it was intended for face-to-face conversations.

The main origin of the term

From the Arabic language the meaning of the word “alcove” was transferred to Spanish (then to Portuguese). The familiar "small room" has acquired a new meaning - the "side room" under a canopy. Then in French, it was used in the meaning of "small bedroom", fenced with a tent or canopy. Often "alcove" is used in the meaning of a room in which there are no windows and doors, and where light from other rooms gets into. In the castles, it was a recess for portraits or decorative vases, which attached importance to the space.

Why do I need a niche in the wall?

Alcoves are needed not only for beautiful decorative design. Designers use it to visually expand the room and create additional space. For a small apartment, the color of the bed niche plays a role. Therefore, so that the space near the wall in a small area does not attract attention, choose light colors for decoration. The design around can be decorated with shelves for books or a retractable tea table.

Important! To, on the contrary, pay attention to this design, you can give it texture. For finishing, imitation of wood, brick or stone is suitable. At the corners you can fix a canopy or decorative curtains.

For a large-sized apartment, the recess becomes a bright accent of the room, therefore, bright tones with patterns are chosen for the back wall.

Important! Little light will enter the bed alcove, so it is a good solution to install spotlights on the sides or on the ceiling of the niche.

A horizontal niche will be indispensable in the corridor, where small things and necessary items will be stored in it. For a narrow corridor, it is suitable for a small bed or sofa, which will save space in a small space.

In an apartment with low ceilings, the vertical structure will visually stretch the walls and give lightness to the design.

In an apartment with high ceilings, the remaining space can be decorated with stucco or soft upholstery for greater comfort and coziness.

Interesting fact! When the recess in the wall is not used, the empty space can be filled with pillows, vases, old books or paintings.

The outlines of this design are separate in nature. If the alcove has rounded edges, then the room will have a calm look that corresponds to the classical style. Rectangular bed niches will give a modern look and there will be a sense of severity, interior consistency.

Now in the alcove you can put a retractable bed, which will create even more space.