How to use your bedroom alcoves

Alcoves can be frustrating in a bedroom design, but thinking outside the box is all it takes to transform these awkward and often unused areas into stylish, practical spaces. If you're ready to improve your space with the best small bedroom decorating ideas, follow our guide to making the most of your alcoves.

Create a vanity corner

If you've got an attic bedroom, or perhaps a side-aspect room with sloped ceilings, you might be dealing with a fairly deep alcove – but not quite wide enough for a desk. It could still be the perfect size for a console table, so why not treat yourself to a new vanity space?

In your vanity corner, you'll be able to complete daily skincare, haircare and makeup routines without hassle. Start by adding a large mirror: this will quickly brighten your space and make it appear bigger too, harnessing natural light from all angles. While LED bulbs are important in creating the best makeup lighting, natural sunlight will always enhance the effect of any artificial lighting you add later.

Next, incorporate a console table and tuck a slim stool underneath to keep your walkway clear. Fitted dresser drawers will help you to keep your beauty products organised yet out of sight. Finishing touches like framed photos are uniquely personal bedroom alcove ideas.

Build a reading nook

Your bedroom should be a space that encourages good sleep hygiene, free from distractions, and one that brings you a sense of security, comfort and cleanliness.

To help you spend more time away from digital screens and follow your favourite bedtime rituals, you could build a reading nook. This is one of our favourite bedroom alcove ideas and easily brings a sense of comfort and purpose to your favourite space.

Install a bench with a built-in bookcase for extra character and convenience. You could arrange your novels or non-fiction favourites by colour, and add leafy or succulent houseplants to make a decorative statement. Bespoke cupboards and fitted alcove shelving from Hammonds make the most of your bedroom while creating a cosy corner just for reading. 

Set up a bedroom workspace

Working from home without a dedicated office space?

To help you keep your other living areas just for relaxation, you could transform your bedroom alcove into a functional workspace. With a sleek and tidy desk set back into the wall, it's easy to separate your working area from your sleeping space. To get the best results from your bedroom workspace, we recommend you:

• Fit the desk precisely within the dimensions of the alcove
• Add floating shelves above for useful storage, leaving plenty of space underneath to stop the area looking cluttered
• Use an ergonomic office chair to support good posture, productivity and back health
• Choose warm, white low-hanging ceiling lights for character and to reduce eye strain

Show off your passions

If you've built floating shelves, using the alcove as a display space is a wonderful idea for decorating a small bedroom. When space is at a premium, there are few better ways to promote your personality and the things you love.

Celebrate your passions on shelves through vinyl records, sporting awards or your favourite books. If you're a fan of the arts and cinema, why not create a floor-to-ceiling montage of posters or art pieces you adore? Filling an alcove with flowers and plants, backed with floral wallpaper, could be effective too.

Add more storage

Finally, small bedroom decorating ideas don't need to focus on creativity.

If you'd like to go for a practical approach, simply incorporating more storage could help you to maximise your room's potential. Whether you need somewhere to keep your shoes or you're simply reimagining your space with hidden storage, alcoves present a wonderful opportunity.

Adding a bench seat strikes a balance between comfort and practicality. For a luxurious touch, place soft throws and cushions on top, giving it a dual purpose and keeping things cosy.

Contact Hammonds to bring your bedroom alcove ideas to life

Functional alcove space can be transformative for your bedroom. Whether you're redecorating your home or simply finding ways to streamline your daily routine, our team of experts can help. Book a free design visit today to get started.