How Can You Make The Most Of Alcoves For Storage?

Alcoves can sometimes feel as though they are dead space in a room, but with a bit of creative planning there are a multitude of ways in which you can use these architectural design features for more storage solutions. 

The most common uses of alcoves include:

• Shelving units
• Cupboards
• Wardrobes
• Display spaces

Of course, the most appropriate type of storage solution will depend on the room in which your alcove is located, how large the alcove is, and what you need to store. 

Why do we have alcoves in our homes and what are they?

Although alcoves have appeared in buildings since medieval times, in most modern homes they are commonly found on either side of a chimney breast.

But in reality, an alcove is any recessed space that opens into a room. In some modern homes, alcoves are deliberately included to provide space for a specific appliance or piece of furniture. For example, they can be used in kitchens to create a distinct room for an Aga. 

However, many people find themselves in homes with alcoves and not everyone is sure of how best to make the most of these spaces. 

So, let’s look at some of the different storage options that can work in various rooms in your home.

Shelving units for alcoves

Shelves are an elegant and simple storage solution for an alcove, especially one in a living room. 

You can use them to display ornaments and trinkets, to hold books, or for displaying pieces of artwork. Before you commission any shelving for your alcoves, consider what you are most likely to use these shelves for.

This will help to ensure that they are spaced effectively to showcase your possessions, whether they are books, trinkets or artworks. 

According to one survey of UK homeowners, “lots of storage” was one of the most important features they look for when seeking a new property. 

In fact, almost one-third of those surveyed named storage as a must-have, which means turning your alcoves into storage spaces using the likes of shelving could be a good way to generate interest in your property if you are planning to sell.

Cupboards for alcoves

In some rooms, cupboards may be a more appropriate storage solution - such as if your alcoves are located in your kitchen. 

Should you be exploring options for a kitchen alcove, then converting this space into a pantry could pay dividends. 

According to Homebuilding & Renovating, creating a pantry in your kitchen can add up to five per cent to the value of your property. However, the key is to ensure that this space is well-designed. 

As a result, you may want to invest in bespoke alcove units for your kitchen that combine different kinds of storage solutions, such as cupboards and shelving, to deliver a space that works for your household.

Wardrobes for alcoves

In a bedroom, a natural choice for alcove storage is a bespoke fitted wardrobe. As with kitchen pantries, if you opt to go for storage that is made specifically for your home, you have a great deal of control over how your wardrobe is designed.

That means you can specify how much hanging space you’d like versus shelving or drawers, for instance. 

A bespoke built-in wardrobe will also allow you to use all of the height in your room, which can be especially appealing if you live in a property with high ceilings. 

You can talk to your designer about how you would like your wardrobe to look to ensure that it fits in perfectly with the rest of your decor and furniture.

Display spaces for alcoves

Alcoves naturally draw the eye when you walk into a room, which is why they are ideal spots for displaying pieces of art, whether those are paintings, photographs or sculptures. 

Depending on what you are displaying, you may want to have bespoke display cabinets made for your alcoves. These can offer protection to the items inside while looking stylish. 

When you have bespoke cabinets made, you can also install lighting to illuminate each item from the most flattering angle. 

Integrated LED lighting can add a “wow factor” to your display and ensure that people notice the pieces of art on show in your home. 

Why choose bespoke alcove storage solutions?

The main reason to opt for bespoke alcove units is that you can rest assured that you’re making the most of all the available space in your alcove.

There are companies that offer off-the-shelf units that are customised to look as though they’re bespoke, but these storage solutions generally waste space because they aren’t designed specifically for the alcoves in your home.