Almost every Victorian and Edwardian house in London has alcoves either side of a chimney breast. Fitted alcove cupboards turn that space into storage that looks as if it has always been part of the house.
Popular alcove designs
- Cupboards below, shelves above — the classic living room design for books and display.
- Full-height cupboards — ideal in bedrooms as an alternative to freestanding wardrobes.
- Media alcoves — closed storage for consoles and cables, with open shelving above.
- Desk alcoves — a compact home office that can be closed away.
Scribing to period walls
Alcoves are rarely square, and skirting boards, picture rails and uneven plaster complicate things. Bespoke joinery is scribed to the walls so there are no gaps, and existing features can be kept or matched.
Finishes
Painted MDF in a colour matched to your walls is the most popular choice. Shaker doors, beaded frames and wooden tops suit period rooms, while flat doors and push-to-open catches give a modern look.
Lighting and details
LED strip lighting under shelves, cable management for TVs and speakers, and adjustable shelves make alcove units more practical.
We design and fit bespoke alcove cupboards across Central and West London. Request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should alcove cupboards be?
Usually as deep as the chimney breast allows, while keeping them proportional to the room. Many are 30–45 cm deep for shelving and cupboards.
Can alcove units go around a radiator?
Yes, with ventilated panels or by planning the design around the radiator position.
Will you keep the skirting and picture rail?
Where possible, we scribe the joinery around existing features or match the profiles so the units look original.
Can alcove cupboards be painted to match my walls?
Yes. Painted finishes can be matched to almost any colour.