Discover how to make awkward alcove space into a focal point that can make a style statement while maximising storage.
Often found in period properties, alcoves are typically on either side of chimney breasts and provide recessed nooks that can be difficult to furnish and decorate.
From sideboards and tallboys to bookcases and chests of drawers, whatever size of alcove, we’ve got an extensive range of choices when it comes to finding the perfect furniture for your space.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve rounded up handy ideas from real homes to inspire you to transform your alcoves into space-saving head-turners.
Embrace maximalist style
Parquet small bookcase | @casaoldcorn
If maximalist decor is your thing, you’ll want to embrace using bold wallpaper in your living space. We love how @casaoldcorn has styled her period home using this statement wallpaper, a painted fireplace that ties in with the colour palette, and our Parquet small bookcase that snugs perfectly into this alcove. Fill the shelves with your favourite decorative objects for instant personalised style.
Show off your style
St. Ives display cabinet | @house_at_the_east_wood
In dining rooms or open-plan kitchen/diners, adding a glass-fronted display cabinet to an alcove works wonders for maximising space while offering a stylish place to keep crockery and glassware. Take your design cues from @house_at_the_east_wood who has added our St. Ives display cabinet to her kitchen and paired it next to a fully stocked bar cart
Create a reading nook
Parquet chest of drawers | @709_design
Transform unused alcoves into cosy reading nooks with the addition of a comfortable armchair that’s just waiting for you to enjoy on rainy afternoons curled up with a good book.
Copy this dreamy living room set-up @709_design has created in his home that showcases our Parquet seven-drawer chest providing useful storage in the stylish room scheme.
Industrial style
Brooklyn dining set | @ourvictorianhome1875
Don’t be afraid to keep it simple and let the architectural features shine when deciding how to decorate a space with alcoves. We love the understated style of @ourvictorianhome1875’s dining room, using just a simple vintage chair that lets this unique window take centre stage. Our Brooklyn dining set anchors the space and provides a perfect balance between industrial features and the warmth of natural oak.
Playroom perfection
Parquet bookcase | Parquet sideboard | @onetheoaks
When it comes to making the most of every bit of alcove space, take inspiration from @onetheoaks clever playroom. We love how they have customised our Parquet bookcases and sideboard to fit perfectly in the alcoves and chimney breast to provide ample space for toys, books and more.
Cottagecore charm
Original Rustic sideboard | @lms_home
Make the most of spacious alcoves with a generously proportioned sideboard to keep your living space stylish and organised. The homely charm of our Original Rustic sideboard works beautifully next to the stone fireplace in @lms_home’s country interior.
Scandi cool
Copenhagen chest of drawers | @beech_road_days
If you find that your furniture is too large to fit an alcove, an easy fix is to place it in front of a chimney breast provided there isn’t a fireplace. You can then use the alcove space to store other furniture or a full-length mirror as @beech_road_days has done in her bedroom.
Bedroom bliss
Highgate bedside table | @peach_and_pineapple_house
Just because you have the space in your alcove, don’t feel you have to fill it all up with furniture to make it overly cluttered. Find inspiration from @peach_and_pinepple_house’s peaceful bedroom that features our Highgate bedside table while still offering additional space for some houseplants for that extra injection of greenery.
Hopefully, that’s given you plenty of ideas for making the most of your alcoves. We’d love to see how you style the space in your home. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram, and don’t forget to visit the Oak Furnitureland website to find the perfect furniture for your alcoves.
