How to Arrange Fabric Beds in Rooms with Alcoves
Alcoves either side of a chimney breast are a familiar feature of Victorian and Edwardian homes across the UK. They bring real character to a bedroom, but they can be tricky to furnish well. In most rooms, centring a fabric bed on the chimney breast and using the recesses for bedside storage creates a natural, balanced frame for the bed. In this guide we explain how to measure alcoves accurately, why unequal recesses matter, and how to choose a bed width and headboard height that suit the breast and the ceiling. We look at fitting bedside cabinets, wall lights and shelving into the recesses, and we set out alternative layouts for rooms where the chimney breast is narrow or off centre, including using alcoves for wardrobes or creating a cosy sleeping nook. We also cover fabric choices for period rooms, plus practical points about damp, ventilation and socket positions in older houses....