Making the most of traditional room features
If you’ve got an older property, chances are you’ve got a living room chimney breast, and it’s one of those features that you either love or loathe. Some adore their old-style charm, especially if it acts as a functional fireplace, whereas others resent the space they take up.
Tricky though they may be to style, they certainly don’t have to be boring, and if you’re not sure what to do with yours, stick around for some inspiration from our experts. We’re looking at 7 living room chimney breast alcove ideas to give your space that extra wow-factor.
1. Bring guests together with a home bar
How about something a little different? Rather than going for the standard chimney breast bookcase, transform it into a social hub by making it into a home bar. An especially fantastic solution for living rooms, it adds an extra dimension to your space when it comes to entertaining guests.
And when it comes to visual impact, you really can’t argue with their debonair good looks. Features like reeded glass and in-built lighting add an air of sophistication and make all of your bottles and glasses glitter dramatically.
This is one living room chimney breast alcove idea to capture your imagination.
2. Make a vibrant feature wall
What’s so great about alcoves is that they almost act as a frame for your fireplace. So if you want to create a really flamboyant design to make your guests’ jaws drop, you can add in some suitably bold alcove storage to draw the eye in and complete your look.
In this eclectic living room design by Lily Sawyer, she’s combined pastel wallpaper and shimmering gold finishes, beautifully complemented by our Willow Green alcove fitted furniture.
With a striking coral-coloured fire to finish off her design, this is a masterclass in how to style chimney breast alcoves.
3. Fall in love with a classic
You just can’t beat classic design and that’s what makes Shaker such a superb go-to option. It’s a timelessly elegant look with outstanding longevity (bear in mind that it’s never really fallen out of fashion since the 1800s!).
What makes it so beloved as a design style is just how versatile it is to incorporate into different room styles or colour palettes. Just pair it up with a soft neutral and you can blend it into everything from a traditional period property to a sleek, contemporary interior.
If you need a reliable and flexible living room chimney breast alcove idea, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.
4. Create a bold look with two finishes
But why choose one finish when you could have two? Styling up your living room alcoves with contrasting finishes is a fantastic way to make a statement, bringing extra colour and interest to your overall design.
Pictured here is our Element range that combines our opulent Midnight Blue with Light Driftwood - a striking mix of contemporary style with a Scandi-inspired touch of nature. But feel free to find your own winning combination. There are so many different ways you can style up your fitted storage, whether you want to create something eye-catchingly vivid or low-key and subtle.
5. Try something more contemporary
While traditional styles do look fantastic, don’t forget that contemporary fitted furniture can also have that enduringly elegant appeal. Designs like our Manhattan range bring a crisp linearity to your design, with clean edges and a sophisticated low-key aesthetic.
Naturally complementing modern properties with ease, contemporary fitted storage is a must for anyone looking to create a pared-back look.
And feel free to move away from the standard minimalist white or stone colours if you want - saturated hues can also work fantastically if they’re styled in the right way.
6. Low level cupboards maximise your storage
If you need to keep your space tidy at all costs, this living room chimney breast alcove idea is the one for you. Low-level cupboards are a brilliant addition to family homes where you might want to keep your children’s toys and games hidden out of sight.
You can feel the difference they make immediately. All of that living room clutter that can accumulate over time magically vanishes, turning it into the tranquil space you’ve always wanted. It’s an understated quality-of-life option but one that has the power to completely transform the atmosphere of your home.
7. Display cabinets for open-plan spaces
If your living room is open-plan and has a dining room area as part of it, a display cabinet can work wonders for adding extra convenience. It’s the ideal place to store away all of your best china and glassware, so when you’re having a formal get-together, everything you need is easy to hand.
And let’s not forget that they’ll make your dinner service look extra special too, with built-in downlighting that captures every sparkle.
Keeping everything dust-free and also making your items the star of the show, we love this two-in-one storage solution.
Helping you discover your home’s potential
As you can see, your living room alcoves can do so much for your room design, it’s just about finding the right style for your space. If you want living room chimney breast alcove ideas that are personalised to your home, just book a Free Design Visit today with Sharps.
Our experts will help you select a style that injects new life into your interior, giving you a stunning centrepiece for your lounge or living room. And what’s more, it will be uniquely you, crafted around your home’s personality.
