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10 clever alcove design ideas to upgrade your unused space

Updated: Dec 16, 2022


Alcove cupboards

If you have an alcove in your home, then you know that it can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it's a great spot for storage; on the other hand, it can be difficult to know how to make the most of the space. Today we're sharing our top modern alcove ideas to help you turn your alcove into a stylish and functional space. From alcove shelving ideas to alcove bar ideas we will go through the best options!

Create a reading nook


Bespoke alcoves

Living room alcoves make for the perfect reading nooks. Add a comfortable chair, some pillows and you've got yourself a cozy spot to curl up with a book. Alcoves make great reading nooks because they're usually small and intimate spaces. This makes them perfect for relaxing in with a good book. To make your reading nook as cozy as possible make sure there's plenty of light by adding a lamp or two.


Build a window seat


Alcove window seat


If your alcove has a window, fill the space and make it into a cozy window seat. Add some cushions and blankets and you've got yourself a great spot to enjoy the view or take a nap.


If you're looking for some extra storage, a window seat is also a great option. You can use the space underneath the seat to store items like blankets and pillows, or you could even add some shelves to store books or other items.


If you want to add some extra seating to your home, a window seat is a great option. You can use it as extra seating for dinner parties or other events, or you could even use it as a place to put your feet up when you're relaxing at home.


Set up a home office


Alcove dresser

If you work from home, an alcove can be the perfect place for your home office. Just add a desk and some shelving, and you're all set.


There are a few things to consider when setting up a modern home office in an alcove. First, you'll need to make sure there's enough light. If the alcove doesn't have any windows, you may want to consider adding some task lighting to make sure it's bright enough to work in.


Second, you'll need to think about ventilation. If the alcove is in a room that gets stuffy, you may want to consider adding a small fan or opening a window to keep the air moving.


Third, you'll need to make sure your home office is comfortable. Consider adding a small rug or using furniture with built-in storage to help keep the space tidy. And don't forget to personalize the space with some items that make you happy - like photos, artwork, or plants.


With just a few simple additions, an alcove can easily be transformed into a stylish and practical home office space. If you need further help, it's wise to contact an interior designer to convert your alcove into a working area.


Install built-in alcove shelves


Alcove floating shelves

If you're looking for a way to make use of an fireplace alcove and add some extra storage space to your home, built-in alcove shelving is a great option. You can customize the alcove shelving to fit your needs and it can be a great way to display items in your home. Built-in alcove shelving can be made from a variety of materials, so you can choose something that fits with the style of your home. If you're not handy with tools, you can hire a professional to install the shelving for you.


When it comes to deciding what to put on your modern alcove shelves, think about what you want to achieve with the space. If you're looking for extra storage, consider adding baskets or boxes to store items out of sight. If you want to use the space as a display area, choose items that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Whatever you decide, make sure the alcove shelves are organized and clutter-free.


If you have a small alcove, built-in shelving can still be an option. Just keep in mind that you'll need to use smaller items so as not to overwhelm the space. In a small alcove, it's also important to edit what's on display and only keep the essentials. When it comes to styling small spaces, less is definitely more. You could also get some alcove shelving ideas with a little research.


Whether you have a large or small alcove, built-in alcove shelving is a great way to make use of the space and add some extra storage to your home. With careful planning and execution, your built-in shelves will be both stylish and functional.


Hang artwork or photos


Living room chimney breast alcove ideas

Alcoves provide the perfect opportunity to display artwork or photos that you love. All you need is some good lighting and you've got yourself a mini art gallery in your own home!


When it comes to choosing what to hang, go with pieces that you love and that have personal meaning to you. Don't be afraid to mix and match different mediums, sizes, and frames. And don't forget about non-traditional wall hangings like tapestries or quilts.


Alcoves provide the perfect opportunity to experiment with different types of lighting. If you want to highlight a particular piece, use spotlights or track lighting. For a more subtle effect, try LED strips or recessed lighting. Whatever you choose, make sure the light is bright enough so that your artwork or photos can be seen clearly.


Hanging artwork or photos in an alcove is a great way to add personality to your home and make it feel more like your own. So get creative and enjoy showing off your favorite pieces! With these simple alcove ideas you will transform your unused corner in no time.


Use it as alcove cupboard space


Alcove cupboard and shelves

If your alcove is big enough, you can use it as extra cupboard space for items that you don't use very often but don't want to get rid of entirely ( seasonal clothes , holiday decorations , etc.).


To turn your alcove into extra cupboard space, start by assessing what kind of storage you need. If you're just looking for a place to store out-of-season clothes, you might be able to get away with using some simple shelving. But if you need more robust storage, you might want to invest in some alcove wardrobe or install a bespoke closet system.


Once you've decided on the type of storage you need, it's time to start shopping around. There are a lot of different storage solutions on the market, so take your time and find something that fits both your needs and your budget. If you're handy with tools, you might be able to save some money by installing the alcove cupboards yourself. Otherwise, hire a professional to do it for you.


No matter what type of storage solution you choose, make sure it's sturdy and well-made. You don't want your extra closet space to collapse under the weight of your belongings! Also, pay attention to the finish and make sure it matches the rest of the finishes in your home. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can transform your alcove into a stylish and practical extra closet space.


If your alcove is next to a chimney breast, here are some alcove log storage ideas ; invest in a built-in log storage space inside your cabinets, fill in your alcove with a stack of logs or place your logs in your alcove shelving.


Transform it into a play area for kids


Alcove shelves

If you have young children , an alcove can be the perfect place to set up a play area . Just add some toys , mats , and other kid-friendly items , and you're all set .


Your kids will love having their own space to play in, and you'll appreciate having the extra storage that comes with it. Plus, it's a great way to keep your kids entertained when guests are over. Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up a play area in an alcove:

- Make sure the space is well-lit so your kids can see what they're doing.

- Use comfortable flooring such as carpet or foam mats to protect your kids from falls.

- Add toy bins or shelves so your kids can easily find and put away their toys.

- Choose age-appropriate toys that will encourage learning and imagination.


Make it into a bar area

Modern alcove cupboards

If you like to entertain , an alcove can make the perfect spot for setting up a home bar area . Stock it with all your favorite drinks and glassware , and you'll be ready with your bar for any party or get-together . If you're short on space, consider using floating shelves to store your bottles and glasses. Adding LED strip lighting to the bar is also a great way to add some ambiance to your home bar area. So what are you waiting for? Get creative and turn that alcove into the perfect spot for entertaining friends and family with these alcove bar ideas. Cheers!


Turn it into additional kitchen storage space


Alcove storage

If your kitchen is lacking in storage space , an alcove can be the perfect place to add some extra cabinets or shelves . This is especially helpful if you have small kitchen appliances that you don't use very often but don't want to get rid of entirely ( like the slow cooker or stand mixer that only comes out around the holidays ). You can also use baskets or bins to organize items and keep them out of the way.


If you have the budget for it, you could hire a carpenter to custom-build modern cabinets or shelves that fit perfectly into your alcove. This can create a seamless look and maximize the amount of storage space you have. You could also consider adding lighting to make it easier to see what's inside the cabinets.


Whatever route you decide to go, adding storage to an unused alcove is a great way to make your kitchen more organized and functional.


Use it as extra pantry space


Cupboard alcove

Similar to using an alcove as extra kitchen storage space , if your pantry is running low on space , an alcove can be utilized as additional pantry space . This is especially helpful if you have non-perishable food items that you don't use very often but don't want to get rid of entirely. If you're short on time, you can simply add some wire shelving or storage bins to the alcove.


 

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