The Power of Alcoves: 10 Ideas to Make the Most of Every Available Nook
Sheffield is home to a wide range of period properties, each with their own charming architectural features. One quirk of period homes, which might have you scratching your head, is the alcove.
Alcoves come in all shapes and sizes but are commonly found where the chimney breast extends out into the centre of the room. Other examples include under-stairs space and odd corners made by extensions or other renovations.
These awkward recesses can sometimes feel frustrating as a homeowner when you want to make the most of every inch of your property. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of clever ideas so you can be smart with your space.
1. You Guessed it… Storage!
Sometimes the most obvious option is all you need for the job. Whether it’s off-the-peg wardrobes and welsh dressers or bespoke shelving, storage is often the perfect solution to maximising your room’s functionality.
However, obvious doesn’t have to mean boring. There are plenty of ways that you can make storage solutions into a real focal point of the room. Why not incorporate lighting to really make your book collection pop? Or trade in your cupboard for a traditional armoire?
2. Incorporate Some Hanging Space
A great alternative to storage furniture is exposed hanging space. This can be a great workaround maximising smaller alcoves, or perhaps as an overflow when your chest of drawers is full to bursting!
Whether you invest in a freestanding clothes rack or a fitted hanging rail, this can buy a room a lot of character and the chance to show off your favourite garments.
3. Create a Mini Home Office
Working from home is fast becoming the norm, forcing people to think outside the box if living space is shared or scarce. For remote workers without the capacity for a dedicated home office, an alcove might just be your new best friend.
To save yourself the chaos of the kitchen table during your 9 to 5, invest in a comfortable chair and desk to create your very own alcove office. This is a great choice for children too, giving your little ones a quiet spot to get their homework done.
4. Dedicate it to Dining
If your home features a cosy kitchen, squeezing in a dining area can be a challenge. If the thought of eating dinner in front of the TV fills you with horror, an alcove could be an easy fix.
A kitchen with a floating staircase creates a terrific area underneath it, whilst a chimney alcove frees up space for a neat dining set. Why not invest in some custom-built bench seating, or perhaps a handy breakfast bar.
5. Tidy Away the Kid’s Toys
Alcoves are an ideal method for managing the clutter of family life. If you have young kids, shelving or storage boxes are a savvy way to ensure that every book, toy, and teddy has a home.
Just make sure the ones clearing the toys away aren’t just the parents!
6. Think Social with a Drinks Cabinet
Alcoves are useful spaces for entertaining, and what will go down better with your guests than a minibar? Whether it’s a display case for wine and glassware, or a vintage cabinet for storing your cocktail making supplies, this will add a touch of fun and glamour to any living space. Not only does this make your living space even more sociable, but it also frees up valuable space in your kitchen. Now THAT’S entertainment.
7. Pamper Yourself with a Dressing Table
An excellent alcove idea is transforming your awkward recess into a vanity table. An alcove created by a dormer window is especially good for this purpose, giving you an abundant of natural light while you’re getting ready.
If your alcove is a shallow one, a stool that can be tucked under the dresser is a great space-saving solution.
8. Relax in a Cosy Reading Nook
An alcove is by its very nature tucked away from the rest of the home, so why not capitalise on this by creating a reading nook? Invest in a cosy armchair or some bespoke bench seating, and don’t scrimp on the creature comforts (cushions and throws are a must!)
Finish it off with a stylish floor lamp and a cup of tea, and you have a quiet retreat to lose yourself in the realm of fantasy.
9. Make a Statement with Decoration
Why not take advantage of unused space to add some character to your room? Whether it is practical or simply ornamental, that unused space can really elevate the atmosphere of your room.
You can decorate your alcoves in all sorts of stylish ways. A large potted plant will bring a freshness and vibrance to any room. Display shelves can add to the overall theme of the space, such as pretty bottles in a kitchen or elegant pottery in a dining room. A log store for a solid fuel stove makes a beautiful statement while still being incredibly handy. For shallow alcoves, why not incorporate picture ledges to exhibit artwork, record sleeves, or Christmas and birthday cards? For the imaginative homeowner, the sky is the limit!
10. Indulge in your Favourite Hobby
Is there a certain pastime that you can’t get enough of? Seize the opportunity to turn your unused alcove into your own dedicated hobby space!
Whether it’s shelving for an extensive boardgame collection, boxes for craft supplies, or a unit for your turntable and record collection, using alcoves to showcase your passions is a superb way to give your home some real personality. After all, your favourite things deserve to be pride of place!
Not got the alcoves you want? Find your dream home with MorfittSmith.
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