Discover hidden potential
Alcoves come in all shapes and sizes. From twin chimney breast recesses, to understair spaces, all the way to awkward niches in period properties, you might be looking at your very own alcove and wondering ‘what am I supposed to do with this?’ But fear not - these nooks are ripe with potential and we’re going to take a look at 21 alcove ideas that will transform them into unexpected storage heroes.
You’ll find inspiration whether you want to make a big, dramatic change or just add some interest into your interior design. And with that said, let’s dive right in…
1. Stylish fitted bookcases
Starting off with a classic! This alcove idea is a simple but effective way to maximise storage in your home.
Bookshelves either side of a fireplace make a beautiful framing effect around your mantlepiece and gives you plenty of room to add all of your favourite accent pieces.
And for anything you don’t want on show, door-fronted cabinets in the base provide a convenient space to tuck away toys, games and any other clutter that would otherwise spoil your expertly curated design.
2. Bring in statement wallpaper
While you could install ordinary shelving to your alcove space, why not give it some extra visual oomph by using bold wallpaper as a backdrop? This will make any fitted sideboards or cupboards more eye-catching by using the vibrant wallpaper above as a focal point.
Rather than your alcove being an awkward bit of layout to try and make sense of, adding wallpaper gives it a defined presence, transforming it into a showcase worthy of your home. It elevates it to something more than just functional and brings personality to what could be a forgettable space in your living areas.
3. Max out space with fitted wardrobes
Who could forget this amazing storage saviour Fitted wardrobes are tailor-made for alcove overhauls because they’re designed to fit into the gap with total precision.
For our team at Sharps, it doesn’t matter how tricky your space is - our unique Sharps Space+ formula TM means every piece of storage we make is made to fit like a glove.
It gives you the maximum storage possible and smooths out the look of your room at the same time. A 2-in-1 benefit that reveals the full potential of your space.
4. Build a pet space
Giving your furry friend their own space is a great way to help them feel comfortable and secure in your home but also helps to keep your floorspace free of items like cat trees or dog baskets.
And you can make your alcove pet space as fancy as you like. Depending on what pets you have, you could add in a huge vivarium, fish tank or even a bespoke, built-in bed. Treat them to a space that’s just for them, and if you have any overhead room left over, you can add in some shelving as well.
5. Shake things up with a home bar
Home bar spaces don’t have to take up tons of room and you can even fit one into a living room alcove! When you’ve got space going to waste, a dedicated home bar will transform dull interiors into a room ready for entertainment.
They’re super practical too, offering a place where you can store all of your favourite spirits and glassware whenever you need them.
Whether you’re winding down in the evening with your favourite tipple or getting the party started with friends, this convenient piece of storage is definitely a showstopper.
6. Create a gallery wall
Working with a smaller alcove that won’t offer room for storage? Try a gallery wall. Express yourself with a collection of art that really speaks to you.
Pick a theme that works with the rest of your decor, then mix and match to create a look that’s completely unique. Choose colour palettes and tones that blend well with your theme, or create a vivid contrast that really pops.
You can mix in artwork, photos and prints however you like but be sure to switch up the size and arrangement of your pieces so that it doesn’t look too structured.
7. Rethink your understairs
For alcoves under the stairs, we’ve got you covered. These spaces are amazing for working in extra storage and you might be pleasantly surprised by just how much room they offer.
You could add in fitted cupboards to ensure your hallways stay completely clutter free, while also hiding away any shoes and coats you want to keep out of sight. Or, for something a little different, a large alcove space could be used to accommodate a desk, drawers and shelving, making it not just great as a casual work from home space, but also a spot where the kids can touchdown to do homework.
A stunning alternative to the usual coat and shoe racks, this idea will bring a whole new level of usability to your home.
8. Make a listening space
You’ve probably heard of reading nooks but what about a listening space? A must for music lovers, listening spaces are a dedicated part of your home where you can put on your favourite records, kick back and relax.
Though many of us can’t sacrifice an entire room to our love of music, an alcove might just do the trick, and it’s a great place to set up your sound system or vinyl collection. Just pair it up with a big armchair, some high quality headphones and you’re all set. But if you’ve got more space to work with, this next idea might be just what you need…
9. Media unit for family night
For large alcoves that take up the best part of an entire wall, media units make a wonderful solution, solving all of your entertainment needs in one.
Brilliant for housing your TV, all of your tech, as well as extensive music collections, this sophisticated storage makes excellent use of the available space and even gives you room for some ornaments too.
Highly customisable, you can blend in open and closed storage as you like to give it your own personal stamp, and even integrate dimmable lighting for extra ambience. A game changer for family living.
10. A convenient mini boot room
For anyone wondering what to do with an alcove in a corridor, this one’s for you. Ideal for rural properties, a mini boot room space can work a treat if you’re always coming in and out of the house with muddy shoes.
You can add bench storage seating to make putting on your shoes easy, and even store away any bags or dog accessories in the base for added convenience. Then, if you have any overhead room, why not add some fitted storage?
A cosy and inviting option that welcomes you the moment you step through the door.
11. Style in a bedroom home office
No more working from the dining room table!
This stylish little number brings a practical and elegant desk space right into your bedroom, so you can keep on top of work in total comfort.
But it can be so much more than just a home office space for your 9-5 workload.
It can be a space for arts and crafts, a cosy place to write and journal, or even a versatile dressing table to perfect your look before you head out of the door. An alcove idea that delivers in so many ways.
12. Make it a showcase for large items
When you’ve got a narrower alcove that you struggle to do much of anything with, a great way to make them a feature is by adding an oversize statement item.
You can go as ostentatious as you want here, so bring out your big ornamental vases and house plants, or add in a big floor-standing sculpture. And if you really want to make it pop, decorative features on your alcove - like arched mouldings or corbels - combined with downlights give your art that museum piece look. Very high end, very dramatic.
13. Storage for sloping ceilings
Clear space, clear mind.
What’s harder to style than an alcove? A sloping alcove. Attic and loft spaces are notoriously tricky for working storage into, which is why bespoke wardrobes can really come in handy.
Precision cut to size, fitted wardrobes can fit into sloping alcoves with ease, offering even the smallest spaces effective storage for shoes, shirts and more.
Style them with elegant door fronts or go for an open walk-in wardrobe style set of storage, you can customise them however you want and enjoy a tidier, clutter-free space at the same time.
14. Asymmetrical shelving design
While shelving is a staple of alcove design, you can do a lot with them that’s not just the standard ‘flat plank’ style. Geometric and asymmetrical shelving brings a bold focal point into your space, and importantly, will give your unused alcoves more relevance within your room layout.
15. Beautiful bay window seating
Bay window alcoves, you can’t hide from us… These spaces often get written off as unusable but don’t be too quick to judge. They can actually be fantastic for stretching your storage further.
Bay window seating is an excellent multipurpose solution. You get plenty of storage in the base to keep your room tidy but you also get a super comfy seating position with the best view in the house.
And they have undeniable charm, adding a touch of romance and low-key luxury that’s superb for period properties.
16. Mirrors make an impact
One easy way to add style to your alcoves is with a mirror - a practical piece of decor that no room should be without. If you’re using your alcove as a style statement, a mirror can be a wonderful addition to pull focus in your space, especially when you choose one with an eye-catching design.
But for a super chic look, try adding mirrors to the backs of your shelving to create the illusion of added depth. Not only does it make your room look bigger, it also gives your ornaments that much more emphasis.
17. Library in your living room
For the book connoisseur, there can be only one use for an alcove and that’s to transform it into a home library space.
When reading is your passion, dedicate every scrap of empty wall to bookcases and cram it to the brim with all your favourite novels - who even needs ornaments when your collection is this stunning?
With a home library, your books become the star of the show, but make sure that your shelving is on point as well. It should be chic, elegant and the setting fit for the library of your dreams.
18. Minimalist floating shelves
Another timeless favourite here. Floating shelves are effortlessly elegant, bringing a crisp minimalism into your space with their streamlined design.
Whether you add them all the way up your alcove to maximise your storage or just add a few overhead shelves for your ornaments, this is one surefire way to give tricky corners some personality.
19. Relax in a reading nook
If a home library isn’t enough, then it’s time to go one step further…
A dedicated reading space can be the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day, so if you have a bit more room to play around with, it’s well worth considering.
All you need to do is bring in some sumptuous soft seating (and maybe a coffee table and biscuits) and you’ve created a tranquil haven that lets you escape from the cares of the day. Bliss!
20. Make a hobby corner
In a similar vein, if you have a hobby or passion that you’d like to give more time to, your alcoves can help with that as well.
They can be an amazing place to add in a desk or crafting table so you can take care of writing, sewing, miniature painting, jewellery making, electronics tinkering…or just about anything else you can think of!
And the great thing is that you can extend your storage upwards in your alcove to give you plenty of space to tidy away your knick-knacks.
21. Design a display cabinet
For storage with that extra wow factor, you can’t go wrong with fitted display cabinets.
These smart pieces of storage make a stylish option for alcoves by taking unused space and repurposing it for making your room accents the star of the show.
Brilliant for dining rooms where you might want to display your elegant glassware and serving sets, they look even better with the addition of built-in downlighting, which makes your pieces sparkle.
Make the most of every millimetre
Has that got your imagination going? If you’re thinking your alcoves could do with some fitted storage, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Sharps. We’re the masters at maximising space to turn annoying alcoves into stunning storage.
Book your Free Design Visit today and we’ll be in touch to discuss your project.
