Niches and shelves are essential for transforming home decor as they ensure vertical storage, versatility, and elegance. For decorative objects or personal elements to be properly displayed in these spaces, architect Bruno Moraes from the CASACOR São Paulo team and head of BMA Studio points out how dimensions, positions, or materials should be carefully considered before installing the supports. Dimensions
Neste projeto, o nicho onde está o violão era um shaft de hidráulica do prédio que foi fechado com paredes de gesso. Com as medidas do instrumento musical, o arquiteto Bruno Moraes criou um nicho de madeira e revestiu com serralheira para o aproveitamento do espaço ocioso. Ele manteve a tubulação que passava no shaft nas laterais do violão (Guilherme Pucci/Divulgação)
When installing niches and shelves, it is important to prioritize adequate sizing to achieve balance and aesthetics, as well as optimization and perception of the projects. Therefore, Bruno Moraes emphasizes that “height, depth, and distance should be calculated meticulously, considering not just functionality, but also harmony.” Storage items should be positioned according to the importance assigned to the displayed object – thus, if it has sentimental value, it is ideal to highlight it at eye level or in a higher position for better visibility. Additionally, it is important that its location be favored by the entry of natural light, circulation in the space, and integration with other elements. Weight Calculation
Para suportar o peso do acervo literário do morador, o arquiteto Bruno Moraes precisou ter consciência sobre o peso, a quantidade e as dimensões dos livros. Essas informações auxiliaram na distribuição equilibrada dos títulos, além de necessitar de cantos reforçados onde há mais peso (Guilherme Pucci/Divulgação)
The architect also advises that it is necessary to calculate the weight of items that will be accommodated in the niches and shelves. This avoids accidents such as collapses, structural instability, injuries, and material damages, as well as financial losses. In addition to the calculation, the material of the shelf and, consequently, the fixation location must be analyzed, as the wall needs to support the weight – and receive reinforcement in its structure if necessary. Uma peça delicada ou de grande valor sentimental não deve estar em nichos muito baixos que podem ser acessados por crianças ou pets. Neste apartamento, a coleção de cerâmicas chinesas fica exposta em uma prateleira acima da porta (Guilherme Pucci/Divulgação)
The choice of material for the shelves should be made according to the house, but in general stainless steel and natural stones have superior resistance in outdoor areas. Harmonious Design
Prateleiras de MDF são uma escolha convencional na decoração de interiores devido à sua versatilidade, durabilidade e custo acessível (Guilherme Pucci/Divulgação)
For Bruno, being careful not to monopolize attention is the first step to achieving delicacy in the design of niches and shelves. “A poorly aligned niche or one with incorrect spacing compromises its main focus, which is to enhance the displayed object,” he says. The architect also emphasizes the risk of excess causing visual confusion in the décor. Em imóveis compactos, as prateleiras e os nichos são peças-chave na otimização do aproveitamento do espaço, promovendo uma sensação de ordem (Guilherme Pucci/Divulgação)
In small apartments, floating shelves become solutions to maximize space utilization while promoting visual beauty and everyday practicality. Bruno mentions that he has broken down walls of compact properties to reveal the background of the niche and not interfere with circulation. Bathrooms and Outdoor Areas
Uma boa ideia para um banho relaxante: luzes embutidas no entorno dos nichos deixam a área do box mais suave e atraente (Guilherme Pucci/Divulgação)
For the bathroom, natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic are the best material options for installing the niche inside the shower box, and, outside, they can be made of woodwork. For outdoor areas, niches or shelves made of stainless steel, galvanized with the application of a backing and paint suitable for areas exposed to the elements, or made of solid wood, provided it is properly waterproofed for its integrity. Lighting
Finally, the professional points out that adequate lighting is a factor that emphasizes decorative elements, enhances characteristics, and provides focal points in the projects. The use of LED profiles is highly recommended, but Bruno also suggests directional spots and surface-mounted fixtures. He also warns to pay attention to considering the color temperature of the light, CRI, and lumen intensity as means to achieve more appealing lighting. 
