How to Install a Wall Niche

In the good old days of ancient Rome, shallow wall recesses with scalloped arches were used to display classical urns or statues. Pleasing and practical, these architectural accents have been around ever since, from the reliquaries of Europe's grand Gothic churches to the wood-framed walls of America's Victorian houses. Today you can capture the same timeless charm by buying a preformed niche of dense foam from an online retailer and building it into a barren wall. To see how, follow along as senior technical editor Mark Powers creates a hole for the insert and mounts it in place using adhesive caulk. Then all you have to do is salvage a nice urn.

Shown: Nashville wall niche, about $191; invitinghome.com