Spotted! Nifty Niches in Every Room of the House
Alcove, recess, nook, niche – there are as many words to describe such spaces as there are ways to have one in your home
In the past, alcoves were seen only in period properties or as the result of awkward renovations, but in recent years these handy nooks have come into their own. Increasingly homeowners are including alcoves or recesses in their renovation plans, and when you see the clever ways people are using them you’ll want one too. From bathrooms to bedrooms, alcoves are both practical and good looking. Here are a variety of ways to embrace them in your home.
This stylish Melbourne bathroom also uses an alcove to beautiful effect. Letting the shelf run the length of the wall creates a luxurious look. Even though the space is vast, keeping the bathroom products to a minimum gives the room a luxe hotel feel.
An alcove over the bath is practical and pretty. Here, a bunch of flowers adds warmth to the room while the subtle lighting is perfect for relaxation. Just turn off the main lights, run the bath and relax.
Alcoves are a strong feature in this country bathroom. Here, tall alcoves are used to house beautiful lilies while a lower, wider niche becomes a mantel for designer candles. There’s even a little shelved nook for those everyday essentials.
Spotted! Sunken Spaces, Inside and Out
Spotted! Sunken Spaces, Inside and Out
Here’s another bathroom that makes the most of multiple alcoves. The recessed shelves are decorative on top and practical down below, housing essentials such as towels and toilet tissue.
In the bedroom
Alcoves are most definitely at home in the bedroom, as can be seen in this London loft conversion. No less than eight alcoves surround this luxurious bed, creating an easy-to-access library and shelf display, all in one.
Alcoves are most definitely at home in the bedroom, as can be seen in this London loft conversion. No less than eight alcoves surround this luxurious bed, creating an easy-to-access library and shelf display, all in one.
Tip: If you live in an earthquake risk zone, it’s a good idea to secure loose items above the bed.
Recessing the bed into an alcove lends this Cornwall, UK, bedroom a sophisticated air. The added shelving provides plenty of space for mood lighting – with candles and lamps on every level adding to the romantic mood.
In the living area
Alcoves provide the perfect space to show off your works of art such as sculptures in a living area. There’s no need for a plinth, and it’s easy to install lighting to complement your piece.
Alcoves provide the perfect space to show off your works of art such as sculptures in a living area. There’s no need for a plinth, and it’s easy to install lighting to complement your piece.
Multiple alcoves are the focal point of this London living space, showcasing a true collection of treasures.
Likewise, the arched alcove in this traditional entranceway is the perfect place to display a stunning decorative lamp.
Ever wondered where to store your firewood? There’s an extra alcove alongside the fireplace in the living area of this Melbourne home for just that purpose.
And this home makes even more of the same concept, taking the niche nearly the whole way along the wall for a striking feature.
In the dining area
An alcove provides a great focal point at the business end of a dining table.
An alcove provides a great focal point at the business end of a dining table.
In the kitchen
Another spot where alcoves work wonders is the hardest-working room of the home. While they have many practical uses in the kitchen (think recessed microwaves, stacked cookbooks or neatly hidden appliances), this luxurious golden example is all about aesthetics.
Another spot where alcoves work wonders is the hardest-working room of the home. While they have many practical uses in the kitchen (think recessed microwaves, stacked cookbooks or neatly hidden appliances), this luxurious golden example is all about aesthetics.
Meanwhile, a simple nook takes the kitchen island in this Melbourne property to a new level.
In in-between areas
Installing some shelving into your alcove adds an extra level of practicality. Here, a nook-within-a-nook is the perfect home to a sculpture, a few books and a terrarium.
Installing some shelving into your alcove adds an extra level of practicality. Here, a nook-within-a-nook is the perfect home to a sculpture, a few books and a terrarium.
Books and alcoves go particularly well together, especially in combination with window seats.
And how comfy does this little private spot look? Grab a book and relax.
And now for something completely different…
If your alcove is slightly bigger than usual then you are restricted only by your imagination. The unusual dimensions of this bedroom alcove lent themselves to this cute little kids’ cubby. It’s the perfect place to rest, and to dream.
Tell us
How have you used alcoves in your home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like this story, bookmark it and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Inspired? Find a joiner who can help you create useful nook at your place.
If your alcove is slightly bigger than usual then you are restricted only by your imagination. The unusual dimensions of this bedroom alcove lent themselves to this cute little kids’ cubby. It’s the perfect place to rest, and to dream.
Tell us
How have you used alcoves in your home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like this story, bookmark it and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Inspired? Find a joiner who can help you create useful nook at your place.
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If there’s one space where niches have really taken off in recent years, it is in the bathroom. Recessed shelving really comes into its own in the shower; it’s perfect for holding bottles and keeping everything neat and tidy. Niches are also great for general storage.
The cute wooden alcoves in this Sydney warehouse conversion house designer hand soap, giving the already gorgeous room a designer edge.