A questioner said:
What is this recessed wall in the dining room of my 1937 home?
Trying to figure out the intended purpose for this space! It’s about 10 inches deep, and not centered on the wall. It’s already a pretty big room with plenty of space for a buffet table and a large dining table. There’s a built in recessed shelf on a different side of the room with slots to put shelving, which this one doesn’t have. It’s a wood framed and sheetrock recessed wall in my 1937 home. 10 inches deep and floor to almost ceiling height
Some of the people opinions were:
- Looks like where a Murphy bed would go.
- Pretty sure it used to house built in cabinets, I have a similar recess and it’s where the house originally had a large built in hutch
- What’s on the other side? It looks like there was an opening there that’s been filled in.
- To the best of your knowledge, has this room ALWAYS been a dining room? If this was once a bedroom, could that be a recess for a fold-away bed?
- Built-in shelves or cabinets. Someone took them out and removed the hardware scars.
- Just a recessed wall for interior design purposes.
- Garage door walled up?
- I do feel it was a big or boxed window. You said the original door was on the same wall in another room, and I see a small window there in the picture. to me it would be weird to have an exterior wall at the front of a house without a large window of some kind in that part of the wall. if there was no window where your recessed wall is thats a pretty big blank wall to have at the front of the house. And that doesn’t happen a lot at the front of the house. If you google up “front tudor revival house” and look at the front of all those, there isn’t a blank wall the size of your recessed one in most images. The only exception I see is when there is a chimney in that space. There wasn’t a chimney there at some point in the houses history was there?
- As a fellow old house owner my answer is that nobody will ever know. My own house is full of a century’s worth of somebody else’s idea of a good time. This is why we love old houses.
- Looks like where built ins used to be
- Maybe a spot for a piano?
- It looks like a garage door opening.
- This one probably had shelves too and the previous owner didn’t need them and took them off. It’ll look ugly when there are empty shelves. This way you can use it as a regular corner and it won’t look ugly.
- In fact a basic characteristic of Tudor revival homes is asymmetry.
- Could be an alcove for a China cabinet
- Looks like it was at one point a garage door.
- Any chance the house was used as a duplex at one time (and this was a second entryway)? 1937 is the tail end of the Great Depression, y’know.
- Does it have ductwork, plumbing, or something similar behind it? It could have been bumped out to accommodate systems that weren’t original to the house like air ducts or additional bathroom plumbing. Otherwise, maybe they just thought it was a nice accent feature?
- It might be possible to look up older real estate listings and see if the photos show any major renovations in that area of your house.
- Perhaps a bay window that was removed?
- Upright piano
- It is possible it is just exactly what you are using it for. An indented wall for a large China cabinet or side board, so that you loose less usable floor space for the dining table/chairs/walking.
- MiL lived in a place about as old with a similar recessed wall. Hers in particular was meant for a piano. Could be similar.
- one of those fold out beds?
- I had a cutout like this in a couple of Bungalows I lived in. One of them had previously housed an ornamental fake fireplace. The other still had the fake fireplace. The fireplace had colored gel paper and a lightbulb I could turn on. It was fun and kitschy. Both of those houses were built in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s.
- Could have been recessed shelves back in the day?
- Is there a chance your home is a catalogue house? Could be worth having a search based on your area as to the styles available around that time, it could give an indication on similar plans if they’ve been recorded online somewhere
- A lot of 70s homes had built in furniture. My 1971 built house had a carpeted “conversation pit” which was kind of retro cool til the dog decided it was a good place to pee. I suspect this may have originally been for built in shelving that was removed. Recess now used for real furniture
- It could have been put there just to bring architectural interest.
- That’s a recessed wall!
- Oh man look at that paneling. I had a late 30s home and the interior was all that same color and type of wood panel.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
Read Also: What are these glass things attached to the cieling? They’re all over the house by the windows. House was built between 2010-2015.
Owning a historic home is like possessing a piece of the past, and every architectural feature has a story to tell. One such intriguing element might be the recessed wall in the dining room of your 1937 home. This design feature, often overlooked, can reveal much about the era’s architectural trends, social customs, and practical considerations.
Historical Context
The 1930s was a period marked by a transition from the ornate styles of the early 20th century to the more streamlined and functional designs that would come to define the mid-century modern era. Homes built in this decade often blended elements of both eras, creating unique and charming spaces.
Recessed walls, also known as niches or alcoves, were a common feature in homes from this period. They served both aesthetic and practical purposes, often providing a space to display cherished items or accommodate furniture without interrupting the flow of a room.
Practical Purposes
- Display Niches: In many 1930s homes, recessed walls in dining rooms were used as display niches. These niches were perfect for showcasing fine china, crystal, or decorative items. They provided a focal point in the room and allowed homeowners to display their prized possessions elegantly.
- Built-in Furniture: Some recessed walls were designed to accommodate built-in furniture, such as buffets or sideboards. This built-in approach saved space and created a seamless look that integrated the furniture with the architecture of the room.
- Storage Solutions: Recessed walls were also practical storage solutions. They could house cabinets or shelves, providing valuable storage space in the dining room without protruding into the living area. This was particularly useful in smaller homes where space was at a premium.
Aesthetic Considerations
- Architectural Symmetry: Recessed walls contributed to the overall symmetry and balance of a room. They were often positioned to align with windows, doors, or other architectural features, creating a harmonious and visually appealing layout.
- Decorative Elements: Many recessed walls were adorned with decorative elements such as moldings, trim, or even lighting. These enhancements highlighted the niche and added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dining room.
- Depth and Dimension: The use of recessed walls added depth and dimension to a room, breaking up flat wall surfaces and creating visual interest. This was particularly effective in dining rooms, where a sense of intimacy and coziness was often desired.
Social Customs
During the 1930s, dining rooms were central to family life and social gatherings. Meals were often formal affairs, and the dining room was a place to entertain guests. Recessed walls contributed to the ambiance of these occasions, providing a sophisticated backdrop for dining and conversation.
Modern Interpretations
Today, these recessed walls can still serve many of their original purposes. They can be repurposed for modern uses, such as housing contemporary art, books, or even media equipment. The blend of old and new can create a unique and stylish dining room that respects the home’s history while accommodating modern living.
Preservation and Restoration
If you’re lucky enough to have a recessed wall in your 1937 dining room, preserving and restoring it can enhance the historic character of your home. Careful attention to period-appropriate details and materials will ensure that this feature remains a cherished part of your home’s legacy.
In conclusion, the recessed wall in your 1937 dining room is more than just a curious architectural feature. It is a window into the past, reflecting the design sensibilities, practical needs, and social customs of its time. By understanding and appreciating its history, you can make informed decisions about its use and preservation, ensuring that it continues to be a charming and functional part of your home for years to come.