Chimney breast alcove ideas should make awkward spaces feel useful and intentional. They should also suit the rest of the room. Fireplace alcoves can become fitted shelving, hidden storage, a TV area or a reading nook.
They can also work as a mini home office or log store. These designer ideas show how to turn chimney breast alcoves into practical features rather than dead corners. Remember, alcoves can exist in any part of the house – so if you’re after more general tips for your living room, read our dedicated how to decorate living room alcoves guide, which are specifically tailored to that space.
Key points
- Chimney breast shelving ideas work well when the alcoves need to display books, photos and favourite objects without taking up extra floor space.
- Alcove cupboards, cabinets or units are better when the aim is to hide cables, TV equipment, logs, toys or everyday clutter.
- A fireplace alcove can become a cosy reading nook with a floor lamp, an armchair and soft furnishings.
- In bedrooms, fireplace alcoves can support fitted wardrobes, a dressing table or a chair, depending on the storage need.
- A small alcove beside a fireplace can also work as a mini home office with a desk, shelves and filing space.
1. Add some shelving
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
It wouldn’t be us without speaking about bespoke fittings, and we do love fitted shelving in a fireplace alcove. By installing shelving, you will have space for everything from your favourite novels to sentimental photos.
Most alcove ideas fall into three practical groups: display, hidden storage and extra function. Choosing between shelves, cupboards or a built-in desk should come back to what the room currently lacks.
These floating shelves are perfect for the minimalists out there and by painting the alcove shelving the same colour as the wall, you continue this seamless and clean look.
2. Fireplace alcove storage ideas for a TV
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
Incorporating a TV into a room with a fireplace can often cause a design dilemma. TV’s can create a visual clash or compromise your room’s layout and with the fireplace alcoves creating an uneven wall space, it can be a nightmare trying to figure out where to place it.
And so in comes the fireplace alcove storage! Place your TV either on a shelf or on top of a unit in the alcove to optimise space in the room. Not only will this maximise space, but it will make your TV less of a focal point as it perfectly blends into the rest of the room.
As a further added benefit, an alcove TV can help hide messy cables. Place your TV on top of a built-in alcove cabinet. Then discreetly hide the cables beneath for a clutter-free appearance.
Looking for creative ways to fill the annoying spots in your home? Book a free call with one of our fab Interior Designers below:
3. Create a cosy reading nook
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
By placing a warm floor lamp in your fireplace alcove, you create a hearty soft glow in the corner of the room which not only adds charm and character but also highlights the architectural details of the alcove, fashioning a beautiful focal point. Warm and ambient lighting is crucial for making your living room feel homely, you can achieve this by layering your lighting, such as this beautiful floor lamp and combining it with ceiling fixtures and table lamps.
This warm light can feel easy on the eyes. That makes it a lovely choice for reading. So find your comfiest armchair and plumpest cushion. Then pop them in that alcove!
Turning your fireplace alcove into a book nook also has the added benefit of being inexpensive and it adds another seat into your living room for those social occasions.
4. Bedroom alcove storage
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
If you’re lucky enough to have a charming fireplace in your bedroom, then some bespoke fitted wardrobes could be the perfect pairing to pull off the luxury look.
For those who need plenty of clothes storage, there is no better solution for what to do with your bedroom alcoves.
These generously sized wardrobes blend perfectly into the room without being an eyesore; to create this harmonious look, we recommend painting your wardrobes or cabinets the same colour as the backing wall for a seamless and clean appearance in your bedroom.
For other fireplace alcove ideas in the bedroom, we suggest fitting a dressing table to get ready with or a comfy chair to retreat to.
Need help creating the perfect room layout? Book your room design today from £495:
5. The perfect mini home office
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
That little nook beside the fireplace is the ideal place to create a mini home office space. Squeeze in a small desk to work on and fit shelves above for ample filing and stationary storage.
If you’re looking for a larger workspace, you can fit a corner desk into the alcove and alongside the adjacent wall, for extra storage, slip a cabinet underneath the corner of the desk in the alcove.
It’s also great news if your home office doubles up as a guest bedroom, as it means when you have visitors they can use the alcove desk as a dressing table. Oh, we do love multifunctional furniture!
6. Modern chimney breast
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
Do you have a bright, open plan space and looking for some chimney breast modern alcove ideas? Well, these floating half cabinets could be the perfect solution.
When trying to keep the space clutter free and bright, you don’t really want floor to ceiling storage or furniture which loses you space and light. These fitted cabinets still allow for ample storage while not compromising on the airiness of the room.
Keep the cabinets the same colour as the wall so they don’t stand out or appear as if they are poking out from the wall, this way the wall feels as if it extends further back and creates the feel of more space.
Are you struggling to choose a design direction in your open plan home? Fill out our design brief today:
7. Build a log store
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
Having a log store right next to your fireplace is so easy and convenient, and so it makes sense to build the store into your fireplace alcove. The exposed logs can also add to the design and feel of the room, giving off a rustic, cosy-cottage feel.
If you are planning to build a log store in your fireplace alcove, we do have a few tips to keep it functional and safe: If you can, place a platform beneath the logs so they are not in direct contact with the floor, you could do this with bricks or pallets to make sure moisture absorption is prevented. For further safety, make sure the logs are a good distance away from the fireplace and that they are monitored regularly for any debris or signs of damage.
How to choose the right chimney breast alcove idea
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
If you are overwhelmed wondering which alcove ideas are the best, just remember there is no right or wrong option as long as the solution fits you and your home’s needs.
Blend together fitted shelves, half cabinets and squeeze your TV in there too! The options of layouts are enormous.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What can be done with chimney breast alcoves?
Chimney breast alcoves can be used for fitted shelves, TV storage, a cosy reading nook, bedroom wardrobes, a dressing table, a mini home office, modern cabinets or a built-in log store.
How can fireplace alcoves be styled?
Fireplace alcoves can be styled by painting shelves or cabinets the same colour as the wall, using warm lighting, adding books and sentimental photos, introducing an armchair for a reading nook or combining storage with a TV area.
