I bought a 200 year old house last year and have been slowly refurbishing it…the one room has these two “nooks” (not sure what else to call them)…I’m going to make this a dining room with a bigger table and chairs, but I’m at a loss on what to do with these alcoves. I’m concerned the room will look empty if I don’t put something in these? Thanks for any input 🙂
by cmh0105
13 Comments
Curio cabinets? China cabinets or hutch with an antique mirror above? Buffet table on one side and a dry bar on the other?
Traditionally, they held built ins. I would consider putting credenzas/side boards on either side. For your appliances or dishes you rarely use. Maybe make one your liquor cabinet if you drink. You can then put art work above them to fill the space without making it feel cramped.
Plaaaaaants
I’d have custom bookcases with cabinet bases built. With accent strip lighting ( on a dimmer) under each shelf.
I’d go look for some really good antique style or antique curio cabinets. Of course measure them first to fit the space so they’re not too big or too small. I love your paint color and it’s close to what I choose for my formal dinning room! Mine is hummingbird/magical forest themed. I’ve got all of Lenna Liu’s hummingbird collection plates and ect. My dining room table is Ashley North Shore collection. Stalk Craig’s list to see if you can find curio cabinets. I hope this helps.😉
Book cases
Since it is a dining room, books on a bookcase wouldn’t quite fit. But bird themed plates and dishes and a curio cabinet that is antique on either side to match would be quite lovely.
If you have the money for it, I would have someone make custom built-in units that were period specific and matched the era and architecture of the house.
I would build the width of the whole thing out so it’s wider. It looks a little goofy how it is now.
I don’t think you’re going to be able to make this not look weird. Does the mantel extend out past the wall? I can’t tell from the picture.
I doubt that is an original mantel.
one side book shelf other side little book with lamp and bean bag
Add little shelves with nick nacks or bookshelf
Buffet/sideboard (no hutch/top piece) in each, darker in color to contrast with the floor.
Antique mirrored back curios or cabinets