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The space between the studs on interior it walls is the greatest untapped supply of storage space in your house. In a typical wall, this space is 14½ inches wide by 3½ inches deep. Just about every medicine cabinet is designed to fit inside this space. And many fold- up ironing boards fit nicely between studs. But the practical storage supplied by these fixtures is not the only possibility. A wall niche, like the one shown here, for displaying collectibles and other keepsakes is another good option.

Step 1. Most preformed niches come with a template for laying out the rough opening on the wall. Just tape this template to the wall so its centerline falls in the middle of the space between studs. Then trace the inside of the template using a pencil to define the cutout.

Step 2. Niches always come with some sort of flange for overlapping, and hiding, the cut in the wall. This flange also provides a good surface for applying construction adhesive to the niche. Squeeze out a healthy bead of adhesive, and spread it smooth with a putty knife.

Step 3. Carefully lift the niche, while avoiding the adhesive on the back of the flange, and push it into the opening. Move it up and down slightly to make sure the adhesive makes full contact Then drive a couple finishing nails into the studs on both sides, and fill the holes with wood filler.