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12 ways to glam up an alcove
Alcoves are often tricky spaces within the home – those awkward recesses that serve little functional purpose and are often a nightmare for arranging furniture. But you don't have write them off as a waste of space. Alcoves can in fact be rather handy corners of your home and with a little creativity, they can really work in your favour.
Whether your alcove is in a living room, kitchen, or even a bathroom, you can design some really clever and creative spaces. 'Alcoves offer pockets of extra space in living rooms and bedrooms,' says Rachal Hutcheson, National Retail Manager at Sharps. 'Where it can be tempting to add off-the-peg furniture or create nooks, bespoke shelving and fitted storage offer the perfect solution for maximising available space and creating a focal point in a room.'
Firstly, it's important to plan what purpose your alcove will have in the general flow of a room. You also need to consider proportions, and make sure you get precise measurements for any units or desks. 'The proportions within the space are so important,' says interior designer Naomi Clarke. 'You don't want it to look too tall and thin or short and wide – it has to be proportional to the space'.
Other things to consider include lighting, and whether you have sufficient power points, if you want your alcove painted in a bold colour, wallpapered, or even tiled for a feature wall.
From practical WFH spaces to mini bars, here are 12 alcove ideas to help you transform any awkward recesses in your home...
1. A mini home office
Working from home will remain the norm for the foreseeable future, and more people have had to think creatively about work spaces. For those without a spare room, or those living in compact spaces, an alcove office is a great solution.
'There is no doubt that 2020 showed us the importance of individual and adaptable living spaces,' says Stuart Dance, Director of InHouse Inspired Room Design. 'Today's interiors must accommodate the multiple needs of modern life and should still seek to create a real sanctuary.'
Just ensure your measurements are right to fit a desk. For narrow alcoves, you may want to consider a desk that sits flush with – or protrudes slightly over – your alcove so you're not knocking your elbows on adjacent walls whilst typing. If your alcove has a good amount of width, consider a floor lamp to create task lighting without having to drill holes in the wall.
2. A chic cocktail bar
Alcoves are not just useful as storage spaces, but can be great for entertainment. Larger alcoves can take bespoke cabinetry to display your wine collection, glassware or cocktail-making kit, and smaller spaces can simply feature bar carts.
'This really adds a sense of luxury and glamour to the living room,' says Interior Designer Emma Green. 'I created a bespoke build-in navy blue cocktail cabinet for my clients in their alcove. The bar has an antique mirrored backing to bounce light around the room and reflect the lovely glasses. The handles were specially sourced to add interest while the deep navy colour is bold. This provides a glamorous space to entertain for adults.'
3. A compact library
Whether it's classic built-in cabinetry or contemporary floating shelves, a library is a traditional solution to an alcove. Not only can you display your favourite books but also magazines, family photos, or artwork.
'You could fill an existing alcove in a living room with books and ornaments,' says Naomi Clarke. 'Similarly, ensure you have considered the lighting. You might put a downlight in it to create warmth or you may prefer LED strips which illuminate the shelves or feature wall lights fixed to the joinery.'
4. A cosy reading corner
An alcove can be the perfect spot to get away from the rest of the home, armed with a good book and a cup of tea. Add a statement armchair or comfy loveseat that is proportionate to the space, and layer with cushions, throws, and a rug to act as additional zoning. A bit of extra design consideration is needed for this alcove idea in order to create the right atmosphere – use calming neutral paint on the wall, sink-in soft textiles, and make sure task lighting is soft.
5. A Scandi stove feature
Log storage and freestanding stove features work well for slim or narrow alcoves, and make a nice feature in a room. This scandi style design is proving more popular in both traditional and contemporary living spaces, and the joy of a stove over a fireplace is that it can be tucked in a corner. Always use dried logs for decorative purposes to avoid mould build-up or insects.
6. Savvy storage
We can never have enough storage, and alcoves provide essential space to store and hide away all the clutter. 'You would be surprised at how much you can fit into an alcove,' says Athina Bluff, Interior Designer and Founder of Topology Interiors. 'They can really enhance a space, great for drawing the eye "up" and making a space feel taller.'
If you're considering built-in cabinetry, but still want an element of display, try adding open shelving above your cupboards instead of blocking your entire alcove off with storage.
7. A window seat
Recessed windows can be an asset in a room otherwise short on seating space. With this alcove idea, a fitted bench with an upholstered top and hidden storage is infinitely practical, although a freestanding ottoman can work just as well. Add some cushions and throws to make it a bit more inviting, but forgo curtains that could get creased.
8. A breakfast bar
Breakfast bars are having something of a moment, owing to the fact that our kitchens are becoming smaller, and our dining tables are increasingly designated as WFH spaces. This alcove solution can be achieved in a very affordable way, with a floating worktop and some eye-catching bar stools.
If your kitchen alcove isn't large enough to accommodate a breakfast bar, consider decoration instead. 'Kitchen alcoves are the perfect spot for tall and pretty oil bottles,' says Naomi Clarke. 'A great place for herbs or houseplants that don't mind the shade or even pretty sweets in a sweetie jar can look charming.'
9. A decorative feature
In some instances, an alcove doesn't need to be mined for storage solutions or practical seating – it can just be a spot for a bit of design expression. If your alcove is particularly narrow, or floor space is taken up with a fireplace like in this Farrow & Ball bathroom, some interesting artwork in an extra large A1 or A0 size can look really striking.
We love the vintage Blur poster in an otherwise traditional space – a compelling case for not ruling out art in a bathroom.
10. A dressing table
A useful and practical alcove idea is to turn a hidden space in your bedroom or spare room into a dressing table area. If you don't have enough space to tuck in a vanity table, you can fit a floating drawer into the space instead and tuck a small chair or stool underneath.
You can also add a stylish mirror, wall lighting or modular floating shelves to display your cosmetics.
11. Extra lighting
Remember that alcoves will usually receive less natural light, so it's a great spot for an extra table lamp. It's an especially effective use of an alcove in a narrow hallway.
'Style an alcove with a unique floor lamp to draw the eye's attention around the space,' says Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-owner of home décor brand Dowsing & Reynolds. 'Combine this with a dimmable wall light to create additional pockets of ambient light.'
12. Bespoke wardrobes
Alcoves in bedrooms are always convenient for extra storage space. Freestanding wardrobes are often bulky and won't always fit flush into alcoves. Professional built-ins are a much neater and stylish option.
'Fitted furniture should be looked at as an investment,' agrees Rachal Hutcheson at Sharps. 'Blending the cabinetry in with the existing wall colour or complementing it with a natural wood creates an elegant finish. This works particularly well if you are looking to create a focal point, inject personality into your scheme, or to zone a space.'
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