5 Ways to Utilise an Alcove Space

Many houses both old and new feature awkward alcove spaces that can often be difficult to dress and accommodate into your overall interior design. From ornate archways and chimney breast recesses to under the stairs compartments there are many spaces in our homes that are not being utilised or showcased as they should. We have compiled 5 of the best ways to utilise your alcoves in a few simple and easy steps.

Wallpaper

It may seem like a simple idea but wallpapering your alcove spaces can transform them from bland and boring spaces into statement feature walls. Opt for bold printed wallpapers on larger alcove spaces; patterns such as flowers or baroque style designs work really well and can be showcased in both neutral and bold colour schemes. Smaller or narrow alcoves look fabulous with a metallic wallpaper design as the shimmering finish will create a sense of space and light within your room. For a more eye-catching and contemporary look then select simple monochrome vertical striped wallpaper that will elongate your alcove space and create the illusion of more ceiling height.

Logs

If you are fortunate enough to have an open fire or log burner then why not create a cosy and comforting country cottage look by filling the neighbouring alcoves with wood for your fire. This practical yet stylish idea will create a feature wall that provides the same visual detail as a wallpaper or mural. Stack and arrange the logs within the alcove space and try and fit them as snugly as possible to avoid them falling (think of dry stone walling). Always make sure you leave enough space to retrieve a log from the top when needed. If you would prefer to make your log wall a permanent feature then select logs that are the same shape, i.e. triangular or circular and ensure that the faces (ends) of each log are sawn smoothly to create a flat and visually artistic design.

Storage

Creating storage areas in your alcove areas is a great way of utilising every inch of space within your home. If you don’t have a great deal of floor space then try to find items such as sideboards and console tables that will fit snugly into your alcoves without encroaching on the rest of the room. This is a great technique to use for your TV cabinet as it will create a functional and stylish focal point that can be easily viewed and accessed. Floating shelving also makes a fabulous feature in an alcove area as it provides ample display space for your photos, ornaments and collectables without the need for a large dresser or display unit. Centralise the shelves for a simple and classic appearance or arrange in alternating positions for a more modern interior look.

Desks

If you’re like me then desks are a necessary evil in your home interior. Whether you use them for work, study or even just to indulge in a spot of internet shopping, they can be a nightmare to accommodate into your chosen room. If you have an alcove space in your living room, bedroom or office however, then a small and compact desk could be the solution to your problems. Deep alcove areas provide ample space for a narrow desk or table and your laptop and accessories can fit neatly on top as well as space below for a computer tower or some filing shelves. If you are really stuck for space then a foldable table top can be hung from the wall of the alcove and simply folded down when needed for a sleek and organised finish. You can even use a foldable office chair that can be placed flat against the alcove when not in use to free up even more of the floor space in your home.

Beds

If your friends are sick of sleeping on the sofa or if your new flat feels overcrowded then a compact alcove bed could be the solution to all of your problems. If the room is big enough for a traditional bed but you have a large alcove in the centre of your wall (or two chimney breast alcoves) then try fitting your bed into the space in a neat and stylish position. The bed may only be set back and extra foot or so but you will be surprised at how much extra room this can give you when positioning other furniture items or simply walking around. If space really is tight then try adding a custom built bed inside the alcove space. Cabin style designs with added storage work well in tall alcove spaces and small single beds also look great in an under the stairs position (don’t think Harry Potter) where the space can be used as a seating area during the day and a bed space by night, perfect!