8 ways to maximise your alcove space

Lily Cichanowicz Lily Cichanowicz
Inspiration, Photocircle Photocircle Paredes y pisos de estilo rural
Loading admin actions …

With rents and real estate prices on the upswing, it makes sense to want to put the space you do have to the best use possible. There’s plenty of information out there about how to use closet space most efficiently, maximise functionality in a small kitchen, and even how to live well in a small, one room apartment. These tips and tricks are increasingly useful as more and more grapple with how to make the most out of smaller living spaces. Yet, one are that can be a bit puzzling to put to use is the alcove. 

These little nooks in the home can become cosy and valuable areas for a multitude of different purposes and activities if only you have the right inspiration. That’s why today on homify, we will be covering eight different ways you can maximise your alcove space.

Add bookshelves

A common way to use the alcove is to convert it into a sleeping area. As a little bedroom, it can help divide up a studio apartment and create a little retreat for the person sleeping there. In addition to serving as a sleeping nook, alcoves can often accommodate a set of bookshelves, or in this case both! 

If you’d like to free up some extra space in the rest of your home, relocate the bookcase to the alcove where it’ll be out of the way but still in reach. Fitted floating shelves like these ones are also great if you’re looking to incorporate shelves into a particularly small alcove space.

Hang a picture gallery

If you’re looking to add a bit of extra pizzazz to your home or apartment, try setting up an assortment of framed photos, paintings, or other images in the alcove. This is a great way to utilise what can sometimes feel like an awkward space. Plus, filling a wall with different frames and pictures is very trendy right now. 

To enhance the look, consider placing some curtains around the alcove and installing some lights to better illuminate your cherished artwork. This way, guests will be drawn to the intriguing alcove space, and it can become a major focal point in what was once a lifeless area.

Kids’ play area

One reason why alcoves can be a bit difficult to work with is if their ceilings are low hung, meaning that you’re required to duck in order to get in. Many might use such an alcove space simply for storage, but there are still some other options to play around with, especially if you have kids. 

Perhaps your home isn’t large enough for a full-on playroom, but you’d like your kids to have a place to romp around besides their bedrooms. Repurposing the alcove space into a kids’ play area is an excellent way to ensure it’s being used to its fullest. Your little ones will have no problem playing in an area with a low ceiling, either. There are also many benefits to separating your child’s play area from the bedroom. For instance, doing so will help to make the bedroom less stimulating and more strongly associated with sleep.

Use it as a small workspace

For those of you who would like to have a home office, but don’t have a spare room for that, consider making your alcove a mini office. All you really need is enough space for a table and chair. If there’s enough room for some built-in shelving like we can see in this example by Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects, that’s just an added bonus! 

This is especially ideal if you have an alcove that’s near other places in the home that typically need your simultaneous attention, such as the kitchen or area where the kids play. In fact, the alcove office space also makes a great study area for your youngsters. This way you can oversee their homework whilst still giving them enough independence to complete it on their own.

Decorate them with interesting wallpaper

homify Casas de estilo ecléctico

To make the alcove area stand out, try decorating it with interesting wallpaper. This is a nice alternative to the conventional feature wall, and it is sure to add some depth and dynamism to any space. You can choose a pattern of wallpaper that matches the surrounding area in terms of colour as we can see here, or you can opt for something that contrasts the existing colour scheme for an added effect. 

A third option is to go with a wallpaper that is in a slightly lighter or darker shade than the rest of the room to create a bit of an optical illusion in terms of the dimensions of your alcove. No matter what you variety you choose, wallpaper will certainly draw the eye to the area.

Incorporate fitted cabinets

homify Casas de estilo ecléctico

Many alcoves are the perfect size for a set of bespoke cabinets, too. This way, you get all the benefits of having a large cabinet unit in the home, without it jutting out over precious floor space in the main area of the home. The cabinet set pictured here is a prime example of what we mean. This large cabinet structure fits perfectly into the alcove space, which ultimately frees up more floor area for other things. 

We especially recommend this option if the alcove is on the shallow side. While this image depicts the way you might utilise cabinets in a bedroom or walk-in closet, you could always use similar cabinets in the dining room or living room for dishware and display items, respectively.

Use it as a reading corner

homify Pasillos, vestíbulos y escaleras de estilo ecléctico

If you’ve already got some shelves (or even if you don’t, really), why not turn the alcove into a cosy little reading corner? Simply set up your comfiest chair, add a small table and some pretty décor, and you’ll never want to leave. 

This is a nice idea if your alcove has a small window, like this one does. We just love the look of this reading corner that’s equipped with a large shelf, a little plant for company, and plenty of cheerful sunshine. You could also place a fun light fixture here to aid reading in the absence of enough natural light.

Turn it into a vanity area

homify Casas de estilo ecléctico

Lastly, if you’ve always been envious of those glamorous vixens in old movies who primped themselves at a lovely white vanity before going out, consider making that dream a reality by incorporating a one into your alcove. Naturally, this is ideal if the alcove is in or near the bedroom or bathroom. Many alcoves are just the right side for fitting a vanity, mirror, and chair for you to do your makeup and comb your hair.

For more tips on how to use those extra nooks and crannies in the home, check out these tips on how to use the empty corners in the apartment. Happy decorating! 

¿Necesitas ayuda con tu proyecto?
¡Contáctanos!

Destacados de nuestra revista