If you’re looking for living room alcove ideas that make the most of that useful but awkward space, look no further! Those small nooks on either side of a chimney breast or beside a window can be full of potential, yet they’re often the hardest areas to furnish.

Standard pieces of furniture rarely fit (without leaving gaps at either side), which leads to wasted space. That’s where Bedroom Image comes in as all of our furniture is custom-built.

As specialists in bespoke fitted furniture, our family-run team helps homeowners make the most of every inch with designs that are made to measure. From fitted cupboards and shelving to full alcove units, we create storage that’s as functional as it is stylish.

Let’s take a look at how you can transform this empty space into something useful.

Living Room Alcove Storage Ideas

Whether you’re adding character with a feature wall or transforming wasted space with fitted wardrobes and bespoke shelving, we have living room alcove ideas for every home and budget.

Design Built-In Cupboards

Built-in cupboards are a great way to make use of alcove space while keeping your living room calm and clutter-free.

Whether you need somewhere to store books, board games or just everyday bits and bobs, bespoke fitted units are stylish and practical. Bedroom Image can design cupboards that sit perfectly within living room alcoves, leaving no gaps or wasted corners.

You can also finish them in a colour, texture, or door style that fits the rest of your room. Unlike traditional furniture that often leaves awkward spaces or overhangs, fitted cupboards give you a tailored look that feels intentional.

Build A Fitted Wardrobe

Turning your living room alcove into a fitted cupboard is a great space-saving idea, especially when it comes to storing things away! Whether you’re in a smaller home or an open-plan apartment, fitted cupboards don’t have to be limited to the bedroom.

At Bedroom Image, we can design made-to-measure wardrobes that make use of alcove space, offering discreet storage for everything from coats and shoes to household bits and bobs. With a range of finishes, colours and door styles available, your fitted wardrobe can be designed around you.

Try Floating or Fitted Shelving

Floating or fitted shelving is one of the easiest ways to transform living room alcoves into a real focal point of the room.

Whether fitted around a chimney breast or a media wall, these shelves can be used to display books, photos, candles or other décor pieces. You can also add wall lights or magnetic motion sensor lights to create a cosy mood that feels inviting. With bespoke shelving, every detail is made to measure including the exact height and depth, and the finish and edging.

Make Wallpaper A Feature

If you’re looking for a simpler idea that still makes an impact, wallpaper is a great way to bring your living room alcoves to life. Using wallpaper to create a feature wall or to highlight just the alcoves themselves adds warmth and character, making these areas feel more inviting. It’s also a great way to add contrast against plain painted walls, helping your alcoves stand out as part of the room’s design.

With different wallpaper styles, colours, and textures to choose, you can tailor the look to suit your space. Wallpaper can also be applied behind shelving or inside built-in alcove units, adding more detail to the space.

Use Different Shades of Colour

Colour is one of the easiest ways to make the most of your living room alcoves. By experimenting with different shades, you can add depth and character to the space, turning plain walls into something more inviting.

Painting alcoves in a slightly darker or lighter shade than the feature wall can give subtle definition, especially when paired with shelving or wall lighting. You can even refresh existing built-in cupboards or cabinets with a new colour. This is a simple update that brings more personality to the room.

Make A Photo Gallery Wall

A photo gallery wall makes your living room alcoves feel more personal. Whether you mix black-and-white prints with colourful photos or combine different styled frames, a gallery wall instantly adds warmth.

To take the idea a step further, we can design bespoke shelving or built-in units that provide the perfect backdrop for your photo wall. Floating shelves can be used to layer frames at different heights, and fitted cabinets can incorporate open shelving for displaying photos. With different designs and a choice of finishes, your gallery wall becomes a feature that’s unique to your home.

Build Alcove Units Within A Media Wall

Whether you already have a media wall or you’re considering one, your living room alcoves can play a key role in completing the look. Fitted units alongside a media wall not only improve symmetry but also provide valuable storage space.

Furthermore, with custom-built shelves and cabinets that flow into your existing media wall, it creates a great focal point in your living room. Whether you prefer open shelving for display or closed cupboards for a clean finish, every detail is made to measure.

Fit Hidden Storage

There’s nothing better than a tidy living room! When you don’t want things out on display, you need hidden storage that blends into your existing decor. You can get creative with this too; choose from lift-up benches that double up as seating, drawers built into base units, or cupboards that conceal everything to keep your space feeling organised and calm.

You can further customise storage with shelves, compartments, or pull-out drawers to suit your needs and lifestyle keeping everything tucked away.

Create A Reading Corner

Living room alcoves make a great cosy reading corner. By combining fitted shelving and bespoke units, you can store your favourite books and keep everything organised. Add an armchair or a built-in bench with some blankets or throws for added comfort. Soft lighting or a reading lamp also makes your alcove a comfortable place to unwind.

This idea not only maximises unused space but also takes full advantage of the natural intimacy of an alcove, making the corner feel snug.

Turn It Into A Home Office

Alcoves can be transformed into a stylish home office, even in rooms where space is tight. With a fitted desk, you can design a workspace that maximises every inch, eliminating the need for free-standing furniture that takes up valuable floor space.

Custom units can also include integrated storage, such as drawers or cupboards, while shelving above the desk provides a great spot for books or stationery. The result is a compact desk that feels organised and designed for your home.

Living Room Alcove Design Tips

A few thoughtful touches can make a big difference when designing your living room alcoves.

Take a look at our design tips below:

• Experiment with texture and tone – When fitting bespoke furniture, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of colours, finishes, and door styles to create something that’s just right for you.
• Combine open and closed storage – This mix allows you to balance practicality with style. Open shelving is perfect for displaying books, photos, and flowers, while closed cupboards keep clutter out of sight.
• Add some mood lighting – Give your alcoves a more cosy feel by using LED strips inside shelving, downlights above display areas, or cabinet lighting. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere so people enjoy spending time in the room.

Living Room Alcove Ideas: Bespoke Storage, Shelving & Style Tips

This blog should have given you some inspiration when it comes to living room alcove ideas. These valuable, but often underutilised spaces, have so much potential yet many people struggle to use them to their full advantage.

Whether you’re turning this corner into a cosy, reading snug, or making it a home office to save floor space, there’s so many ways to make this space work for you and your lifestyle. Take a read of the different options and decide which works best for you.

At Bedroom Image, we create bespoke furniture fitted to your exact dimensions. Regardless of the type of alcove we’re working with, we can build something practical, stylish, and fitting with the rest of the room. Our family-run team will be more than happy to help. You can book a design and measure appointment or visit one of our studios by clicking below.