An alcove can often be a headache for homeowners, becoming an awkward space in your room that makes arranging furniture a nightmare. These spaces can however be a wonderful way of implementing unique and exquisite style that blends with the rest of the room and doesn’t look out of place. Alcoves can appear in the living room, kitchen, bathroom and even bedroom acting as little pockets of extra space that you can design however you want. Often associated with period properties, we have a selection of modern alcove ideas that are bound to impress and bolster your homes style. Each alcove will differ along with the rest of the home, so not all these tips will apply to every space; you can simply evaluate what works for your recess and give it a go.
Build a Bench
Acting as a wonderful seating option that you can also store things on or underneath, placing a bench inside an alcove is a wonderful option, especially for a hallway or kitchen. You’ll want to choose a bench material that works for the rest of the room to create a cohesive aesthetic. For example, if you have a bohemian style room or include earthy tones, then an oak bench would be suitable, whereas more modern interiors would benefit from a lightly coloured stone bench. You could include cushions if you’re planning on making it more of a seating option, whereas artwork would bring added unique style and make it an appealing place to look at. You can either opt for a bench unit or include a floating bench. As alcoves can be small or uniquely sized spaces, it might be tricky to find a bench that fits it, so choosing a floating bench allows you to fit it from wall to wall at whatever depth works best.
Shrewd Shelving
In our homes, we can never have too much storage, so using an alcove to hide away clutter is an excellent option. These alcove shelving ideas are a terrific way of bringing a combination of beauty and practicality.
Shelving Unit
You’ll be surprised how much you can fit inside an alcove with a shelving cabinet ideal if you can find one that fits your space. If you are struggling to find one, upholstering some furniture is always a fun option that lets you be creative. This type of shelving would be perfect in a kitchen, allowing you to store your crockery and other dinnerware in a convenient place. A glass door cabinet would work best for this, whilst no doors would work brilliantly if you’re creating more of a display with vases and ornaments.
Floating Shelves
You’ll be surprised how much you can fit inside an alcove with a shelving cabinet ideal if you can find one that fits your space. If you are struggling to find one, upholstering some furniture is always a fun option that lets you be creative. This type of shelving would be perfect in a kitchen, allowing you to store your crockery and other dinnerware in a convenient place. A glass door cabinet would work best for this, whilst no doors would work brilliantly if you’re creating more of a display with vases and ornaments.
Brandish Your Books
Being one of the most common places to find recesses in your wall, there isn’t a shortage of living room alcove ideas, and this is one of the best. You can use either type of shelving previously spoken about to create a home for your reading material, it purely depends on the quantity of books and the space you have at your disposal. It is an option that requires both your storage and alcove space to line up but if done right can be a stylish and practical addition to your home. Much the same as any bookcase, it doesn’t have to be used solely for your literature, as family photos and decorative ornaments or artwork can add gorgeous style and make it feel more homely. Picking up some bookends are a great way of making sure everything stays upright and together which improves the overall appearance and helps maintain the quality of your books.
A Dresser For Pleasure
When you’re doing your make up or getting yourself ready, it’s a good idea to have a vanity table so you know precisely where everything is and can form some sort of routine. The key things to think about when it comes to a dressing table includes a drawer with a healthy amount of space inside, a mirror whether that be on the wall or table, adequate lighting, and some sort of seating such as a stool or chair. You should also evaluate what style of furniture would fit best within your bedroom, considering colour, size, and texture. Placing a vanity table inside your alcove allows to separate your cosmetic items away from the rest of the room, keeping it decluttered and tidy.
Add Some Artwork
Ideal for alcoves that aren’t very deep, this is a purely stylish option that adds personality and intrigue into your space. Hanging framed artwork is a brilliant way of showcasing your unique style and letting your creative side loose. It is important to pick pieces that work in tandem with the rest of your home and doesn’t look out of place, even though it is deeper than the rest of your walls. You also want to ensure that there is enough light on this area your art piece is well lit and easy to see. Even if you have a window that provides natural brightness, having some form of artificial lighting in this area will ensure it is easy to view even at night-time. If you have a bohemian style interior, a natural coloured macrame would work perfectly in this area.
Contemplate Your Kitchen
A room in your home that has a desire for both style and function, having an alcove within your kitchen is a wonderful way of providing storing or giving yourself a new way of eating.
Breakfast bar
As kitchens in general are becoming smaller and dining tables are often filled with work from home clutter, you can add a breakfast bar to your kitchen alcove for the perfect coffee morning every day. Giving your kitchen an alternative place to eat, drink, and even relax in whilst taking up minimal space is a massive positive that can’t be ignored.
Shelving
Your kitchen could always do with some extra space to store items, with floating shelves freeing up cupboard space. You want to choose items that you regularly use and look appealing as a way of being effective whilst adding aesthetic appeal. Oil bottles, canisters, and a range of dining ware are all beautiful additions to your floating shelf, making cooking easier and more convenient.
Cocktail Cabinet
Bring some extra life to your alcove with a cocktail cabinet that’s sure to get the party started. Having a drinks cabinet that doesn’t stick out reduces the risk of fragile items breaking and can make your whole setup look more streamlined. If you can get a cabinet that fits your space, then it’s worth doing as it creates a social area that you and your guests will be coming back to continuously.
Conclusion
Whilst alcoves can appear tricky and awkward to start off with, getting them to look amazing, making them a practical space, or both isn’t too tricky. You firstly need to examine what you’ve got to work with and whether you require extra storage or not. Then you can get to styling and decorating in a way that suits you. As each alcove is a specifically sized area, upholstering is always a good option as you can adjust the area, will save on costs, and will feel accomplished once you’ve finished. Whatever you do with your unique space in the wall, it is paramount that you make it your own and fit it to your needs transforming something that could be seen as awkward to a beautiful and useful space that you love.