Alcove ideas: Inspiring nooks with seamless designs
by
Checkatrade

Do you have an unused recess in your home? Are you looking for ways to make the most of it? If so, then allow our alcove ideas to help! We have the latest trends and designs to make the most of your nook, cranny or hollow, transforming it from useless to useful.

It’s a little known fact that, throughout the centuries, alcoves were used as unique design features to help save space – particularly in smaller living environments. For this reason, our blog is going to look at some alcove design ideas that are both practical, stylish and timeless.

Keep scrolling for a hit of inspiration!

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Make use of your space with alcove storage ideas

Inject some classic design elements by using your alcove for what it was meant for. Storage!

This modern bathroom makes use of its alcove perfectly. By incorporating double sinks over a storage unit, the hollow is filled out beautifully. Marble surfaces and wooden framed walls add texture and detail, while the vintage drawer handles inject a little extra warmth into this bathroom.

Finished with a large mirror, this alcove offers maximum impact.

 

Incorporate some alcove shelving ideas

We love what these homeowners have done with their alcove. By painting it a different colour, they’ve made the room ‘pop.’

As a result, this design adds extra interest, symmetry, and style to this minimalist living room. And if red is a rather bold choice for you, then consider toning it down with gentler shades and hues for a muted result.

If you’re interested in shelving for your alcove, here’s the cost of custom shelving.

Keep it fresh with some modern alcove ideas

Sometimes, less is more, which is certainly the case with this fun alcove idea.

The daisy yellow feature wall really makes this neutral nook inviting and warm. Paired with some small red and orange cushions and a striped bench seat, consider relaxing here while reading a book or sipping on some tea.

Check out these Home improvement projects to add 50k in only 7 days for more inspiration!

 

Consider these fireplace alcove ideas

Be it indoors or outdoors, an alcove marks the perfect spot for a fireplace.

We love this wood-burning example that overlooks a contemporary garden design.

However, if your alcove isn’t the result of a previous chimney, then consider installing an electric fireplace to achieve the same result, such as this example on the right.

 

Fireplace with a TV unit

Combined with an alcove TV unit idea, this design kills two birds with one stone. It’s also flanked by two storage alcoves that make this entire back wall a feature.

Consider this setup if you’re short on space in your flat or apartment. By building upwards and not outwards, you save on precious floor space too!

Why not hire one of our professionals to help you get the look?

Create a reading nook in your living room alcove

This small alcove has been transformed into a simple but cosy reading nook.

The neutral decor is injected with some pops of colourful accessories, such as blue and stripy cushions.

However, the space remains earthen and tranquil, allowing the light from the window to entice book lovers or afternoon nappers to take a load off and unwind.

Why not hire one of our professionals to help you get the look?

 

Chimney breast alcove ideas

First of all, we adore this entire look. From the neutral decor and clashing textures to the feature wall fireplace that (literally) lights up the room.

This is a living room that wows guests and invites them to stay awhile. However, where there’s a fireplace, there’s an alcove, and this room is no exception.

Thankfully, the homeowners have used theirs to create shelving units that display electronics, trinkets and ornaments, consequently injecting life and character into this gorgeous space.

Nooks for bedroom alcove ideas

As alcoves are used as smart space-saving solutions, you’ll find them in smaller rooms more often than not. Hence the reason this bedroom incorporates a small alcove that sits above the bed.

These homeowners have opted to install lighting in theirs to save space on bedside tables and lamps. However, the shelf can be used to store items such as books, electronics or pictures.

Alternative alcove lighting ideas include embedding larger LEDs in the alcove ceiling and highlighting the display below.

 

Get inspired with these alcove decorating ideas

Integrate storage units beneath floating shelves in your alcove/s to benefit from both hidden and display units. Use the same shelving for your convex wall to help widen the space and create the illusion of more square footage.

Another design trick to add more depth is to add inset lighting to the middle of your shelves. This creates a fan effect that lengthens and deepens the space. Finish with a warm white or neutral paint to keep your alcove looking bright and spacious.

 

Use up every corner with bespoke alcove desk ideas

Let’s face it, when it comes to modern living, space is a commodity. That’s why finding your nooks and filling them with useful furniture or storage is a must. In order to do this, you need to get creative.

For example, consider how these homeowners seized the opportunity by filling their dead space with a bespoke-fitted office. We love how it slots neatly into this alcove without detracting from the rest of the living area.

This concept also works when it comes to alcove seating ideas. Adding in a break-out space or reading nook is easy with a little imagination.