Searching for fresh, new ways to style an alcove? Instead of storing your ever-expanding book collection, housing your flat screen TV or slotting in that ill-fitting wardrobe, why not take a look at our expert ideas on how to make use of an alcove in your home? Whether you're dealing with a double-alcove situation in your living room or an awkward corner in your kitchen or dining room, we've got an alcove idea for you.

What is an Alcove?

Often associated with period-type properties, alcoves are those little nooks and crannies typically found sat either side of a fireplace the comes with a chimney breast, usually one that juts into the middle of a living room, dining room or bedroom. The majority of alcoves are utilised for their storage potential, with built-in shelving or a bookcase as the most obvious choices for homeowners. However, if you're not one to follow everyday trends, then our experts are here with a few bespoke alcove styling tricks:

How to Style an Alcove Space

1. Create a Cosy Reading Nook

Set up a cosy reading nook in your alcove by adding a sized-to-fit bench or armchair, as well as a few cushions for comfort and decor. Opting to use a storage bench allows for space to stow away books, toys and blankets whenever your snug, little reading corner isn't in use.

2. Dedicate a Space for WFH

After almost two years of WFH, it looks like the option to remain at home during your 9-5 is here to stay. But if you're lacking the space for a home office, try adding a floating desk or console table to your alcove to create a dedicated zone for Zoom calls. Adding in the essentials such as a desk organiser, office chair and wall art will really set your alcove apart from the rest of the room.

3. Build Your Own Lardar

Stuck on what to do with that narrow alcove in your kitchen? Build your own 'open lardar' be adding in a set of slimline shelves and topping with canisters, jars, pots, pans, whatever you need to store. Slide a serving trolley underneath the shelving for additional storage, making space for condiments, veggies and tableware.

4. Built-In Wine Storage

Owning a wine cellar is on pretty much most people's interior wishlist, but whilst we're still dreaming of our very own in-house cantina, why not utilise a kitchen or dining alcove by adding built-in wine storage? Slot a wine rack into your alcove and add shelving above for glasses and other bar utensils.

5. Open an Exhibition

Gallery walls are the one trend that just aren't going anywhere fast. Make use of a shallow alcove by displaying framed-family photos, wall art, posters, prints, whatever works of art you like. Add narrow picture ledges, perfect for propping up frames, and make sure to blend them in with your walls to give the illusion of a real-life exhibition.

6. Spa-Like Experience

Oftentimes alcoves appear in bathrooms to hide any unsightly pipework. Utilise the extra in-wall space by creating an at-home spa experience. Install soft spotlights to the underside of the alcove and then add your favourite bath time essentials and toiletries. A stack of white, fluffy towels and a relaxing scent from a diffuser or candle wouldn't go a miss.

7. Sleep Tight

An alcove located in a loft space can be tricky to manoeuvre, especially when there's a sloping roof involved. If your loft is used as an additional bedroom, then a deep alcove is ideal for inserting a daybed. Adding storage underneath the daybed is an ideal way to hide away any extra sheets, bedding and pillows.

8. Go for Contrast

If you want to keep your alcove space free from any furniture to act purely as a decor feature in your home, then try contrasting yours to the rest of the room with statement wallpaper. This works incredibly well for alcoves that sit symmetrically. For those that don't, you could try the reverse and add wallpaper to the rest of the room whilst your alcove stays minimal with just a coat of paint.