How to Make an Arch Wall Niche

A wall niche.
  • 6-12 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 250-500
What You'll Need
2 x 4 Lumber
Scrap wood
Phillips head screwdriver
Pencil
Miter saw
Wood screws
Drywall screws
3/8-inch drywall
Drywall mud
Drywall tape
Drywall saw
Water spray bottle
Level
Shims
Caulk
Stud finder
Sandpaper
Paint with primer
What You'll Need
2 x 4 Lumber
Scrap wood
Phillips head screwdriver
Pencil
Miter saw
Wood screws
Drywall screws
3/8-inch drywall
Drywall mud
Drywall tape
Drywall saw
Water spray bottle
Level
Shims
Caulk
Stud finder
Sandpaper
Paint with primer

A wall niche is an arched cutout in the wall used to display items in a home. This design element has been around for a long period of time and is used in many different types of homes. Building an arch wall niche is a simple building project that requires some labor but can be accomplished alone or with assistance.

Step 1 - Miter Cut 2x4 Lumber

Using your miter saw, cut two 52-inch and two 20-inch long pieces of 2x4 lumber. The board should be joined together using wood or drywall screws. Place the short pieces top to bottom and the long pieces as sides. This will form your arch display box.

Take two pieces of scrap wood and form a V at the top of the box. Nail the wood together at the ends, affixing it to the top of the box form and at the top. This will create the arch.

Step 2 - Outline the Arch Wall Niche

Take the stud finder and locate the wall studs in between where the niche will be placed. Once you have located the studs, mark them with a pencil. Take a piece of paper or hold the box frame in position between the studs and draw an outline of the arch wall niche frame. Make sure that it is level.

Step 3 - Make a Hole for the Arch Wall Niche

Use the drywall saw to create a hole where the arch wall niche will go. Follow the pattern lines that were previously drawn on the wall to make the hole.

Step 4 - Set the Arch Wall Niche Frame in the Drywall

Hoist the wood frame inside the hole and level it by placing shims underneath. As soon as the frame is set on the hole and is level, use wood screws to attach the frame to the studs between the frames.

Take a piece of the 3/8-inch drywall and cut pieces to cover the sides and top of the frame. Use drywall screws to attach the drywall pieces. Take some of the drywall joint tape and cover the seams, using a mixture of drywall mud to finish concealing the seams.

Step 5 - Bend the Drywall Arch

Using the spray bottle and water, spray the drywall where the V is formed until you are able to manipulate it into a curve form. Do this slowly and gently so that you do not break the drywall. Allow the drywall to dry. Once dry, use the caulk as filler at the arch V- shape.

Step 6 - Finish the Arch Wall Niche

Once you have allowed the caulk and mud to dry, sand the area down and prep for primer and paint. This will complete the installation of the arch wall niche and you can place whatever items inside that you like.