Alcove Cupboards: Bespoke Fitted Storage Solutions for Every Home

Q: How much do alcove cupboards cost?

A single bespoke alcove unit typically costs between £1,500 and £4,000. A pair of matching alcove units either side of a chimney breast ranges from £2,500 to £7,000. Prices vary depending on size, height, complexity of design, materials, and integrated features such as LED lighting or cable management.

Bespoke Built-In Furniture Designed Around Your Home

The alcoves on either side of a chimney breast are among the most overlooked spaces in any British home. Too often they sit empty, or become a dumping ground for clutter. Done properly, however, those same recesses can become the most characterful feature in the room — a beautifully fitted alcove cupboard that looks as though it was always meant to be there.

At Built In Solutions, we design and build bespoke alcove cupboards made entirely to your measurements, finished in your chosen colour, and installed in a single day.

Whether you are looking for classic alcove units either side of a fireplace, a media centre with concealed wiring, a study corner with integrated shelving, or bedroom storage that makes the most of every inch, our in-house team of designers and craftsmen will create something exceptional for your home.

This guide covers everything you need to know about alcove cupboards — from understanding what they are and why they add so much value, through to design options, materials, costs, and how to get the most from your space.

What benefits do alcove Cupboards provide for your home?

Maximise Space

Make use of every inch of available space including awkward alcoves and unused wall areas.

Reduce Clutter

Create organised storage for books, technology, toys and everyday items.

Increase Storage

Tailored storage solutions designed around your exact requirements.

Premium Appearance

Furniture that looks like a natural extension of your home.

Our Alcove Shelving Solutions are beautifully crafted and will breathe new life into your home.

What Are Alcove Cupboards?

An alcove cupboard is a piece of fitted furniture specifically designed to occupy a recessed area — or alcove — within a room. In British homes, alcoves most commonly appear on either side of a chimney breast in living rooms and bedrooms, where the flue runs up through the centre of the wall and leaves natural recesses to each side.

Unlike freestanding furniture, alcove cupboards are made to measure. They are built to the exact dimensions of your recess — from wall to wall, floor to ceiling — so there are no awkward gaps, no wasted space, and no need to compromise on size or shape. The finished result looks far more polished and permanent than anything you could buy off the shelf.

Alcove cupboards typically combine base units — closed cupboards with doors — with open shelving above. This gives you concealed storage at lower level for less attractive items like cables, routers, toys, and files, while the shelving above can be used to display books, ornaments, photographs, and plants.

That said, alcove cupboards are enormously versatile. They can be designed as pure display units with no cupboard element at all, as full floor-to-ceiling wardrobes in bedrooms, as integrated media units with cut-outs for televisions and cable management, or as home office solutions with a fold-down desk and drawer storage. The configuration is entirely up to you.

Photo Gallery of Our Work

Why Alcove Cupboards Are One of the Smartest Home Investments You Can Make

Alcoves Make Clever Use of Dead Space

In most homes, the alcoves either side of a fireplace are simply wasted. Custom-fitted alcove units make full use of every centimetre — to the exact height and width of the recess — in a way that no off-the-shelf solution ever could.

They Add Genuine Character to a Room

A well-designed set of alcove units gives a room a sense of intention and craftsmanship. They draw the eye, create a focal point around the fireplace, and make a room feel considered and complete.

They Add Value to Your Property

Built-in furniture is widely regarded by estate agents as a value-adding feature. Quality fitted alcove cupboards are cited as desirable features that buyers look for — particularly in family homes where practical storage is a priority.

They Reduce Clutter and Improve Daily Life

Good storage reduces clutter, and reduced clutter reduces stress. Alcove cupboards give everything a place so that your living spaces stay tidy without effort.

They Are Designed Around You

Every set of alcove cupboards we build starts with your needs — how you live, what you store, and what you love. These are all decisions you make, and we make them happen.

Popular Alcove Cupboard Designs and Configurations

There is no single correct design — there is a configuration to suit every home, every taste, and every set of storage requirements.

Designs for wider alcove spaces

Alcoves wider than approximately 1.3 metres work best with three base cupboard doors for aesthetic balance. Above the three doors, shelving can be arranged in two or three columns depending on preference.

Made To Measure

Designed around your room, lifestyle and storage requirements.

Workshop Manufactured

Handcrafted in our workshop by skilled furniture makers.

Full Carcass Construction

Strong, durable furniture built to last for years.

Professionally Installed

Expert installation with exceptional attention to detail.

Local & Trusted

Serving Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

Alcove Cupboards for Every Room in the House

Alcove storage is not limited to the living room. Wherever there is a recessed space in your home, there is an opportunity to make it work harder.

Bedroom

Victorian bedrooms and Edwardian bedrooms frequently have alcoves ideal for fitted wardrobes, choose Floor-to-ceiling alcove wardrobes you can more than double clothes storage while feeling far more integrated and refined than freestanding alternatives.

Home Office

Fitted desk running across the alcove with shelving above and some cupboard storage below creates focused, & functional workspace that can be closed off entirely when the working day ends.

Childens Bedroom

Lower cupboards for toys when young. Reconfigure for ‘stuff’ and book storage as they grow. Painted in a colour chosen, simply repaint when they become tired.

Living Room

The area either side of a chimney breast is the natural home for built-in storage. Matching alcove units on both sides create one of the most satisfying looks in interior design — books, media equipment, display, or general everyday storage.

Dining Room

Lower cupboards combined with open or glass-fronted shelving above creates an elegant dresser effect that adds warmth and character. Integrated lighting adds a beautiful ambient quality to evening dining.

alcove cupboards are the perfect way to bring new life to forgotten areas in your home

Fitted Alcove Cupboards

Alcoves are one of the most underused areas in many living rooms. Our bespoke fitted alcove cupboards transform these sometimes awkward spaces into beautiful and practical storage solutions.

Whether you’re looking for traditional shaker-style cupboards, contemporary handleless cabinets or a combination of shelving and concealed storage, every design is tailored to your home.

Popular alcove furniture options include: Because every piece is manufactured in our workshop, we can customise dimensions, finishes, shelving layouts and internal storage to suit your exact needs.

Base cupboards with floating shelves
Full-height display units
Built-in bookcases
Hidden media storage
Decorative shelving with lighting

Alcove Cupboard Materials, Finishes, and Styles

What Are Alcove Cupboards Made From?

The vast majority of bespoke alcove cupboards fitted in UK homes are constructed from moisture-resistant MDF (wood made in to boards for convenience). MDF is the preferred material for painted fitted furniture because it has a smooth, consistent surface that takes paint exceptionally well and is dimensionally stable — meaning it does not warp with changes in temperature and humidity the way solid timber can. When we use MDF, we use a high performance MDF, that in alot of cases is better than wood.

Other materials typically used in the construction of Alcove units is solid wood, this becoming the most expensive option, from Solid Oak and varnished to show off Oak wood’s beautiful colour, to using pine, and painting in any colour you choose.

A popular option is using a combination of materials, such as painted alcove cupboards, and a wood bookcase section.

Styles at a Glance

Any style can be adapted to fit your room when designed right. Mix contemporary style in a Victorian house, or just use a Modern Shaker style that fits into any home style.

See door styles for Alcove Cabinets here

How Much Do Alcove Cupboards Cost in the UK?

Typical price ranges for bespoke fitted alcove units:

£1,500.00 – £4,000.00

Single alcove unit

£2,500.00 – £7,000.00

Pair of matching alcove units

Prices vary based on size, complexity, materials, and location. Contact us for a specific quote for your project.

What Affects the Cost?

Size and height

floor-to-ceiling units cost more than lower units; wider alcoves require more material

Drawers vs doors

drawers are more complex and costly than standard cupboard doors

Design complexity

simple flat-panel doors cost less than ornate traditional designs with cornicing and mouldings

Integrated features

LED lighting, cable management, TV cut-outs, pull-out desks all affect the overall price

Number of shelves

complex bookcase arrangements with dividers and multiple columns add to cost

How the Alcove Cupboard Design and Installation Process Works

At Built In Solutions, we have refined our process to make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

1 - Consultation and Measurement

We visit your home, take precise measurements of your alcove, and discuss your requirements in detail — storage needs, style preferences, and any specific features to incorporate.

2 - Design and Quotation

We produce a detailed design drawing showing exactly how your alcove cupboards will look. You can refine any aspect before anything is built. Once you are happy, we agree a fitting date.

3 - Manufacturing

4 - Fitted in One Day

Yes, you heard that right!

Our installation team fits your complete alcove unit in a single day. By the time our team leaves, you have beautifully finished alcove cupboards ready to use — no mess, no Painting, no waiting, no disruption.

5 - Aftercare and Guarantee

All our work is fully guaranteed. Our hard-wearing lacquer finish is designed to last for many years with minimal maintenance — simply wipe clean with a damp cloth as required.

1. -Consultation and Measurement

We visit your home, take precise measurements of your alcove, and discuss your requirements in detail — storage needs, style preferences, and any specific features to incorporate.

2. Design and Quotation

We produce a detailed design drawing showing exactly how your alcove cupboards will look. You can refine any aspect before anything is built. Once you are happy, we agree an approximate fitting date.

3. Manufacturing

Your alcove cupboards are manufactured in our workshop to the exact dimensions of your space. Every component is cut, assembled, finished, and pre-lacquered before it arrives at your home.

4. Fitted in One Day

Our installation team fits your complete alcove unit in a single day. By the time our team leaves, you have beautifully finished alcove cupboards ready to use — no mess, no waiting, no disruption.

5. Aftercare and Guarantee

All our work is fully guaranteed. Our hard-wearing lacquer finish is designed to last for many years with minimal maintenance — simply wipe clean with a damp cloth as required.

4 Stages to Beautiful functional Built in Furniture

Initial Contact

Design Consultation

Crafting & Construction

Furniture Installation

Six questions to ask before you choose a maker

How to Choose the Right Alcove Cupboard Maker

Not all fitted furniture is created equal, and alcove cupboards are one of those purchases where the difference between a good result and a disappointing one comes down almost entirely to who makes them and how. Here are the things worth asking before you commit.

Do they build full carcass or face frame only?

The single most important question. Full carcass construction means every shelf, side panel, top, and base is a structural component — We make in traditional way with a face frame over a fill carcass. This not only gives you a full cabinet, but a traditionally look to your furniture.

Is it made in a workshop or assembled on site?

Workshop-manufactured furniture arrives at your home pre-built, pre-finished. The fit-out takes a single day because the hard work is already done. On-site building means cutting, sanding, and finishing happening in your living room — more disruption, less precision.

Who is actually doing the work?

Some companies sell the job and subcontract the installation. We design, manufacture, and install everything in-house. The person who measured your room is involved in building your furniture, and our installation team knows exactly what has been made and how it fits together.

What is the paint finish?

A brushed or rolled paint finish applied on site will show brush marks and is far less durable than a sprayed lacquer finish applied in a controlled workshop environment. Our lacquer finish is hard-wearing, wipe-clean, and consistent across every surface — the same quality on the inside of a door as on the front.

Do they offer a design drawing before you commit?

You should be able to see exactly what you are getting before anything is built. We produce a detailed design drawing for every project so you can refine every detail — shelf heights, door configurations, internal layout — before manufacturing begins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcove Cupboards

What can we do for you?

If you are looking to add a touch of personality to your living room, custom-made alcove cupboards may be precisely what you need!

Our stunning cupboards are designed to fit perfectly around your fireplace, creating a piece that looks like its always been there.

We can advise on what works best in the space.

Built-in cupboards in alcoves are a smart and practical way of creating additional storage space and with style.

we can create bookcases, storage cabinets, or media centres, allowing you to maximize the space in your home while maintaining a seamless and chic appearance.

We take pride in our in-house team who bring with them a wealth of experience and creativity to deliver a functional and elegant design tailored to your needs.

When it comes to installation

Our skilled fitters install your furniture with the utmost care and attention to detail, leaving you with a piece that you will be delighted with.

How deep are alcove cupboards?

Most alcoves in UK homes are between 180mm and 450mm deep, which suits open shelving and base cupboards well. For alcove wardrobes requiring hanging storage, at least 550mm depth is needed — sometimes achieved by building the unit forward from the alcove wall.

How long does it take to fit alcove cupboards?

At Built In Solutions, we fit the vast majority of alcove units in a single day. More complex projects — a pair of large floor-to-ceiling units with extensive detailing — may require two days, but our aim is always to minimise the time we spend in your home.

Do alcove cupboards add value to a house?

Yes, in most cases. Quality bespoke joinery is widely regarded by property professionals as a value-adding feature. Well-designed, professionally fitted alcove cupboards in good condition are an attractive selling point — particularly to buyers with families who value practical storage.

Can alcove cupboards be painted any colour?

Yes. We can pre-finish your alcove cupboards in any colour from any paint range — Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Dulux, Fired Earth, and more. Simply provide your paint reference when you confirm your order.

Can you fit alcove cupboards around an existing fireplace?

Yes — this is one of the most common applications. We design alcove units to complement and frame the existing fireplace, working with whatever surround and hearth are in place. Matching alcove units either side of a fireplace is one of the most popular and effective looks in British interior design.

What is the difference between alcove cupboards and alcove wardrobes?

Alcove cupboards are designed for general storage and display — typically combining lower closed storage with open shelving above.

Alcove wardrobes are fitted into bedroom alcoves specifically for clothing storage, incorporating hanging rails, shelving, and drawers within a full floor-to-ceiling unit.

Why Choose us?

All our Furniture is Bespoke made for the space

But what does that actually mean for you?

Fully bespoke Furniture
Painted in the colour of your choice
Maximising every little bit of space
Range of materials and Paint
Free quotes and Home visits
Local Built in Furniture makers
Over 20 years’ experience in Furniture making

Look at the great things our customers say!

Built in Solutions made a bookcase unit for my client and I was really impressed by the outcome.

It was made to a high specification and with maximum attention to detail. It was delivered in the timescale given and exactly as promised. Detailed drawings were provided and end result was fantastic. I would highly recommend this company.

First class work - a lovely piece of bespoke carpentry (TV shelf enclosed in bookcase) and all on time. Thanks again. Extremely likely to recommend.

We have been delighted with the design and craftmanship of Built In Solutions. The quality of the materials and joinery are excellent and their ability to resolve a practical issue mean that we would be very happy to recommend them whole-heartedly.

I am an interior designer and asked Built in Solutions to manufacture built in cupboards with shelving above from drawings I provided.

They were happy to work to my design and I found them very professional and easy to collaborate with. I was impressed with the whole build and instalment process and the finished result was excellent in terms of quality and expected look.

Everything about the work done was of the best quality and precision. The end result is exactly what was promised and finished to the highest of standards, certainly worth waiting for.

We had a breakfront cabinet designed for the length of one of our living room walls and it is everything we had hoped for and more.

It's transformed our room. The service that we received was amazing from suggestions, design, delivery and fitting. I would highly recommend Built in Solutions.

I now have a gorgeous run of fitted wardrobes. Outstanding finish, and everything was also left completely tidy and clean. Extremely impressed and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Built in Solutions team.

We absolutely love our new reading nook and our wardrobes! They are even better than we imagined and our friends are extremely envious.

Working with Built in Solutions was really easy and everything went as planned. We are now planning some more work to transform other parts of our house!

Built in Solutions designed and built a bar for us which sits nicely in our coffee area. The quality of the product and customer service was excellent.

They spent the time to work with us to make sure we got what we wanted and we are very pleased with it.

Built in Solutions made wardrobes for the alcoves in our bedroom.

The service was brilliant, they were on time, tidy and very pleasant team to have in the house (even watched the baby for me for a few mins!).

The quality of the workmanship is excellent, my wardrobes are beautiful, Marie Kondo would be jealous.