Alcove beds are a fantastic solution for those looking to accommodate guests in a small room; they can be constructed as single beds as well as bunks. Many interior designers enjoy incorporating alcove beds into the homes they design because they’re a whimsical and practical addition to any space, Grey Joyner, the founder of Grey Joyner Interiors, says.
Below, we break down the alcove bed design process and share examples of 16 stunning alcove bed setups.
How to Design an Alcove Bed
Design Elements
When designing an alcove bed, you will want to take proper lighting into account.
“They are inset, so they have little access to natural light,” Joyner says of alcove beds, noting that she will add sconces beside these beds instead of solely relying on a room’s overhead fixtures.
Scones are also ideal in that they can be mounted to the wall beside the bed, eliminating the need for bedside tables.
You may wish to add curtains around your alcove bed to create a cozy and private space, Joyner says. This can also be a nice way to hide the bed when it isn’t in use.
Incorporating shelving is also key, so you can easily set down a book, your phone, or a glass of water, Hayden Dendy, a project designer with BRNS Design, says. Dendy explains how he always includes outlets at each shelf location
Considerations to Take Into Account
It’s important that an alcove bed does not look out of place and it organically belongs, Amy Sklar, the founder of Sklar Design, says.
“Intention is key—it must be thoughtfully designed and placed so it feels like it was always a part of the room,” Sklar says.
You’ll also want to keep functionality top of mind when designing your alcove bed, so it’s easy to get in and out of the bed at all times, Sklar says. She adds that in some cases, it can be useful to place a set of built-in stairs beside the bed. Additionally, be mindful to design a bed that will stand the test of time.
“It’s important to consider the height of the people who will use this bed primarily now, but also in the future,” Sklar says.
Remember that alcove beds are great solutions for small spaces and can even help to provide additional storage within a room. Joyner explains how she included filing cabinets and some hidden storage compartments in an alcove bed to maximize a gentleman’s office space.
You can also install drawers underneath the bed and use these to house off-season clothing, bed linens, and more.
16 Inspiring Alcove Bed Ideas
Pretty Panelin
Many alcove beds are set up as bunks, allowing for twice the sleep space. Don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun with texture and color when designing an alcove bed.
Dendy’s favorite way to add some texture and movement to the design is through tongue-and-groove paneling or wallpaper.
“When it comes to color, we recommend hues that evoke calm, cozy feelings,” Dendy says.
Sweet and Simple Alcove Bed
Stairs make it easy to climb up into this sweet alcove bed, while sconces on the wall brighten up the nook and add a stylish touch. Curtains add privacy as desired while complementing the room’s color scheme nicely.
Colorful Escape
Don’t be afraid to go all in with a singular color when designing an alcove bed, even if it’s a moodier hue. Sklar is a big believer in making a small space feel bigger by opting for 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.
Bright and Sunny Alcove Bed
A window nook is the perfect spot for a cozy alcove bed. While this bed does receive 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,” Marnie Oursler, the founder of Marnie Custom Homes, says.
Serene Stripes
This alcove bed is positioned under the stairs and is located in a beachfront home. It’s important to ensure that an alcove bed placed in a central spot like this one ties into the surrounding spaces nicely, Oursler explains.
“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.
Alcove Bunk Bed
This alcove bunk bed offers plenty of room for three. Some small shelves make it easy to access books and other essentials while adding decorative flair to this sleeping nook.
Under the Stairs Alcove Bed
When placing alcove beds underneath 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.
Multifunctional Sofa Spot
If you’re placing a sleeper sofa into an existing alcove, as seen here, you will want to take extra careful measurements before placing an order.
Morgan Newfield, the founder of Newfield Design Inc, emphasizes the importance of having all your dimensions down, so the upholstery fits perfectly into the space.
“If you’re off by a half inch, you might end up with a piece of furniture that you cannot use,” Newfield says.
A small table positioned behind the sofa allows storage for decor and guests’ belongings alike.
Monochromatic Blue Alcove Bed
Beautiful blues shine in this alcove sleep space. Cate Dunning, co-principal at GordonDunning, used darker colors to create a cozy cottage feel, so it felt cohesive with the rest of the home’s aesthetic.
Small Alcove Bed
A twin-sized alcove bed fits right into this small, rustic space and proves that there’s nothing wrong with a simple sleep setup.
Closed Off Alcove Bed
Curtains help separate this bedroom’s alcove bed from the main sleeping area, which can be closed to hide it whenever guests come over. Choose a similar pattern to the bedding, so the space looks put together.
Boho-Style Alcove Bed
This boho style alcove bed is light and airy in color and proves that alcove beds can be styled to reflect a range of aesthetics. Multiple textures and neutrals are layered throughout the space, which comes together because everything follows a similar color palette.
Handy Shelves
Built-in shelves behind this alcove bed provide storage for toys, games, and books. You could also fill shelves like these with baskets, plants, or collectibles.
Alcove Bed With a View
A wall sconce positioned by the head of this bed makes it easy to read under the covers until the very last minute, no standing up is required. Since it’s positioned under a window, you can easily see scenic views or install a curtain for more privacy.
Alcove Bed With Nooks
No room for shelving? Add an indented wall nook to still provide a small amount of storage behind the head of your alcove bed.
Subtle Hues
If you’re looking to design your alcove bed so that it blends in, rather than commands attention, stick to a neutral bedding scheme, drawing inspiration from the gray tones used here.