This clever niche makeover, sent in by Mike and McGee, shows how closely inspecting every nook and cranny of your home can yield both greater function and pleasing aesthetics. They transformed an awkward art niche and recessed light into a tailored built-in bookcase with a new wall sconce, proving that thoughtful, small-scale renovations can make a big visual impact.
We wanted to share a recent renovation we did in our Austin, Texas home. We ripped out an ugly and awkwardly shaped art niche and recessed light fixture and replaced it with a custom built-in bookcase and new wall sconce. Total cost: about $50. The only downside to this project is that we realized once it was finished that we had more books than shelves. I had originally planned to artfully arrange some books on the shelves, adding a few interesting items here and there. However, once we started loading books onto the shelves, we realized that we needed all of that space just for books. With the addition of some Ikea expedit bookcases in our breakfast room (recently re-purposed as my office – I work from home), we finally have all the books off the floor. Yay! – Mike & McGee
This is a wonderful before-and-after: the original niche was awkwardly shaped and the recessed light didn’t complement the space. By removing the niche and installing a built-in bookcase, Mike and McGee gained usable storage and introduced a clean, cohesive look. The crisp white trim and minimalist wall sconce help the bookcase read as a purposeful architectural element rather than an afterthought.
Their approach is a helpful model for anyone thinking about small renovations. Start by assessing what the space needs: is the area purely decorative, or could it serve storage or display functions? In this case, the owners realized they needed bookshelf capacity more than an art niche. Repurposing the niche into shelving maximized a previously awkward footprint and made the space more practical for everyday use.
Key benefits of this kind of project:
- Increased storage without changing the footprint of the room.
- Improved aesthetics through coordinated trim and lighting choices.
- Cost-effective results when done DIY or with modest materials—Mike and McGee completed this project for roughly $50.
- Added value to the home by creating built-in elements that look intentional and permanent.
If you’re inspired to try something similar, consider these practical tips based on what worked for Mike and McGee:
- Measure twice, cut once: plan shelf spacing to fit the items you own. Books come in many sizes, so build in a mix of heights if you can.
- Choose trim and paint that match or complement existing moldings to make the built-in look integrated.
- Think about lighting early—adding a wall sconce or shelf lighting can highlight the space and make it feel finished.
- Start small: a single niche conversion can be an affordable weekend project and a good way to gain confidence before tackling larger built-ins.
One honest lesson from Mike and McGee’s experience: sometimes you’ll uncover needs you didn’t anticipate. They planned to display a few decorative objects among their books but discovered they needed every shelf for their book collection. That’s a good problem to have—the finished installation serves its purpose beautifully, and they were able to accommodate the overflow with additional shelving in a repurposed breakfast room now used as an office.
Thank you to Mike and McGee for sharing their thoughtful transformation. Their project is proof that careful observation, modest investment, and some DIY effort can convert awkward architectural details into attractive, functional features that enhance daily life.