Alcove beds offer a fantastic solution for accommodating guests in small rooms, and can be designed as single beds or bunks. Interior designers often include alcove beds in their designs due to their practicality and whimsical charm, according to Grey Joyner, founder of Grey Joyner Interiors. Below, we detail the design process and showcase 16 inspiring alcove bed setups.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!
**Design Elements**
When designing an alcove bed, consider proper lighting. Alcove beds are inset and have limited access to natural light, so Joyner suggests adding sconces instead of relying solely on overhead fixtures. Sconces can be mounted on the wall beside the bed, eliminating the need for bedside tables.
Adding curtains around the alcove bed can create a cozy, private space and hide the bed when not in use, as suggested by Joyner. Incorporating shelving is also key for placing items like books, phones, or glasses of water, says Hayden Dendy, a project designer with BRNS Design. Dendy always includes outlets at each shelf location.
**Considerations to Take Into Account**
An alcove bed should look as if it naturally belongs in the room, says Amy Sklar, founder of Sklar Design. “Intention is key—it must be thoughtfully designed and placed so it feels like it was always a part of the room.”
Functionality is crucial, ensuring ease of access to the bed at all times. In some cases, built-in stairs beside the bed can be useful. Sklar also advises considering the height of the bed’s primary users, both now and in the future.
Alcove beds are great for small spaces and can provide additional storage. Joyner included filing cabinets and hidden storage compartments in an alcove bed to maximize a gentleman’s office space. Drawers can be installed underneath the bed for storing off-season clothing, bed linens, and more.
**16 Inspiring Alcove Bed Ideas**
1. **Pretty Paneling**: Many alcove beds are set up as bunks, providing twice the sleep space. Don’t be afraid to have fun with texture and color. Dendy’s favorite way to add texture and movement is through tongue-and-groove paneling or wallpaper.
2. **Sweet and Simple Alcove Bed**: Stairs make it easy to climb into this sweet alcove bed, while sconces on the wall brighten up the nook and add a stylish touch.
Curtains can add privacy as needed and nicely complement the room’s color scheme.
03of 16 – Colorful Escape. Designed by Anastasia Casey, photo by Madeline Harper. Don’t be afraid to go all in on a single color when designing an alcove bed, even if it’s a moodier hue. Sklar believes in making a small space feel bigger by choosing lighter colors. ‘I prefer to lean into the compact coziness with heavy doses of color and pattern to create a truly impactful moment,’ Sklar says. 04of 16 – Bright and Sunny Alcove Bed. Designed by Marnie Custom Homes, photo by Dana Hoff. A window nook is an ideal spot for a cozy alcove bed. While this bed gets natural light, a hanging fixture provides additional brightness. ‘I always call lighting the jewelry or earrings of a space, so we add some jewelry with a fun coastal sconce,’ says Marnie Oursler, the founder of Marnie Custom Homes. 05of 16 – Serene Stripes. Designed by Marnie Custom Homes, photo by Dana Hoff. This alcove bed is under the stairs in a beachfront home. Oursler explains that it’s important for an alcove bed in a central spot like this to tie in nicely with the surrounding spaces. ‘The bedding cover ties in with the adjacent front door color and the jute texture of the sconce ties in with the light oak wood of the stair railing,’ Oursler says. 06of 16 – Alcove Bunk Bed. Laura Fox Interior Design, photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg. This alcove bunk bed has plenty of room for three. Some small shelves make it easy to access books and other essentials and add decorative flair to this sleeping nook. 07of 16 – Under the Stairs Alcove Bed. Designed by Marnie Custom Homes, photo by Dana Hoff. When placing alcove beds under the stairwell, Oursler always likes to allocate three feet for headspace on one end. ‘The end that is more slanted is usually where your feet go, so you don’t need as much space there,’ she says. 08of 16 – Multifunctional Sofa Spot. Newfield Design, Inc. If you’re putting a sleeper sofa into an existing alcove, as seen here, be extra careful with measurements before ordering. Morgan Newfield, the founder of Newfield Design Inc, emphasizes having all your dimensions right so the upholstery fits perfectly. ‘If you’re off by a half inch, you might end up with a piece of furniture you cannot use,’ Newfield says. A small table behind the sofa allows storage for decor and guests’ belongings. 09of 16 – Monochromatic Blue Alcove Bed. Designed by GordonDunning, photo by Jeff Herr. Beautiful blues shine in this alcove sleep space. Cate Dunning, co-principal at GordonDunning, used darker colors to create a cozy cottage feel that’s cohesive with the rest of the home’s aesthetic. 10of 16 – Small Alcove Bed. Blackberry Farm Design, photo by Sarah Rau. A twin-sized alcove bed fits well into this small, rustic space, proving that a simple sleep setup is fine.Creating a perfect alcove bed involves thoughtful design to ensure it fits seamlessly into any room. Here are some ideas to inspire your project:
1. **Closed Off Alcove Bed**: Designed by Vernich Interiors, this alcove bed is separated from the main sleeping area by curtains. These can be closed to hide the bed when guests visit. Opt for a pattern similar to the bedding for a cohesive look.
2. **Boho-Style Alcove Bed**: This design by Pillar & Peacock showcases a light and airy boho-style alcove bed. The use of multiple textures and neutrals creates a harmonious space, unified by a similar color palette.
3. **Handy Shelves**: Built-in shelves behind the alcove bed, as seen in a design by @patriciamcdonaghdesign, provide storage for various items such as toys, games, and books. These shelves can also be adorned with baskets, plants, or collectibles.
4. **Alcove Bed With a View**: A wall sconce by the head of the bed, as featured in @my_diy_era’s design, allows for reading under the covers without needing to stand up. Positioning it under a window offers scenic views or the option to install a curtain for privacy.
5. **Alcove Bed With Nooks**: When there’s no room for shelving, consider an indented wall nook behind the head of the alcove bed, as shown in Blackberry Farm Design. This provides a small storage area without taking up additional space.
6. **Subtle Hues**: For an alcove bed that blends in rather than stands out, use a neutral bedding scheme inspired by the gray tones in a design by Marnie Custom Homes.
For more space-saving bed ideas, explore ’33 Murphy Bed Ideas We Love to Save Space in Your Home’ at The Spruce.
[Image Source](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/hAw5Uv-63M_ell32zvXPTdr_3oU=/1500×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/IMG14-b5b05de25b44410b8c46e88d43a37cf4.jpg)