What to do with a bedroom fireplace

A fireplace in a bedroom can be a statement feature, but it also poses several design challenges. If it works and it fits with the style of your bedroom, then you can enjoy cosy nights in and luxurious snugness. But if it's not functioning or it's not quite your style, then you will need to be creative.

Having a bedroom fireplace also typically means having alcoves on either side to deal with. These spaces might be an awkward fit for freestanding storage units, ultimately cramping the rest of the room for space.

But here are some ideas to help you decide what to do with your bedroom fireplace and its alcoves to maintain harmony in your home sanctuary.

Restoring or replacing your bedroom fireplace

Period fireplaces are generally quite sought after and could boost the value of your home, even if it needs some tender loving care. Restoring your bedroom fireplace yourself can be a satisfying DIY project. If you prefer to be more hands-off, a professional can get it gleaming.

The hearth is the place to make a style statement. Whether you choose the muted tones of natural stone, slick black polished slate or some jazzy tiles, there's plenty to get your creative teeth into.

If the fireplace isn't to your taste, you could change the style completely and install a new surround or mantel. Alternatively, a slick, modern electric fire can look much more contemporary and is usually more practical to use and keep clean.

For a simple spruce-up that still has impact, painting it to match or contrast your bedroom décor will tie the whole room together and make the fireplace a true cornerstone of your design.

If you won't be lighting an actual fire in there, why not fill it with decorative items like logs, flowers or books and make it an arty feature of its own? Empty bedroom fireplaces might be a good space for some clever shoe storage, baskets filled with linens, or pillar candles to fulfil the fiery theme.

Ideas for the alcoves around your bedroom fireplace

Once the fireplace in your bedroom is styled to your liking, turn attention to the alcoves. These can be awkward spaces and irregular on each side of the fireplace, so a bit of careful planning is required. However, there are plenty of uses for these areas:

Turn it into storage

Floating shelves fit perfectly into alcoves and can be designed to fit the space exactly. Shelving comes in many different thicknesses and can be painted to suit the theme of your bedroom. Using the same colour for your walls and shelving is a stylish option that helps to blend the shelves into the space around them without creating a focal point.

If your alcove is of a reasonable depth, a storage bench could provide a cosy place to rest, as well as practical storage space. Place a soft seat cushion on top of the bench to keep you supported as you sit, and add plenty of plush pillows and cushions for extra comfort.

Of course, you might think your alcove is the perfect place for larger cupboards or wardrobes. But adding off-the-shelf bedroom furniture can be problematic in alcoves. They may be too shallow and thin, leaving you with half a wardrobe extending into the room, or so deep and wide that you're not making the most of the space on offer.

Opting for fitted alcove wardrobes can solve this issue. Your storage solution will perfectly fit every inch of the alcove. Solutions like pull-out racks and drawers can help transform a shallow space into a storage superstar.

Set up a bedroom workspace

Working from home without a dedicated office space?

To help you keep your other living areas just for relaxation, you could transform your bedroom alcove into a functional workspace. With a sleek and tidy desk set back into the wall, it's easy to separate your working area from your sleeping space. To get the best results from your bedroom workspace, we recommend you:

• Fit the desk precisely within the dimensions of the alcove
• Add floating shelves above for useful storage, leaving plenty of space underneath to stop the area looking cluttered
• Use an ergonomic office chair to support good posture, productivity and back health
• Choose warm, white, low-hanging ceiling lights for character and to reduce eye strain

Create a vanity corner

If you've got an attic bedroom, or perhaps a side-aspect room with sloped ceilings, you might be dealing with a fairly deep alcove – but not quite wide enough for a desk. It could still be the perfect size for a console table, so why not treat yourself to a new vanity space?

It's the ideal spot to complete daily skincare, haircare and makeup routines without hassle. Start by adding a large mirror to quickly brighten your space and harness natural light from all angles.

Next, add a console table and tuck a slim stool underneath to keep your walkway clear. Fitted dresser drawers will help you to keep your beauty products organised yet out of sight. Finishing touches like framed photos are uniquely personal touches.

Build a reading nook

A dedicated reading spot can help you spend more time away from digital screens and follow your bedtime rituals. This brings a sense of comfort and purpose to your new favourite space.

Install a bench with a built-in bookcase for extra character and convenience. You could arrange your novels or non-fiction favourites by colour and add leafy or succulent houseplants to make a decorative statement. Bespoke cupboards and fitted alcove shelving from Hammonds make the most of your bedroom while creating a cosy corner just for reading.

Maximising the remaining space

Whatever solution you choose, and however practical it may be, filling an alcove will reduce your floor space and potentially make the room feel smaller. The good news? You can have your cake and eat it with these tips to make the most of the room now that your alcoves have their own purpose.

• Arranging furniture mindfully: A simple mistake you can make is pushing the bed up against the walls of your narrow room. This can actually make it feel tighter. Instead, place the bed across the width of the room. This breaks long, thin lines of space, creating the illusion of a wider area.
• Making the most of small rooms: There are a few ways to trick the mind into thinking your room is bigger. The first way is to utilise colour. Redecorate your walls with brighter hues that make the area look larger.
• Use your walls: You may focus on filling floor areas and forget your walls are perfect for storage, décor and so much more. Floating shelves are great for showcasing your favourite ornaments, while mounted cabinets let you store items away to reduce clutter.

Enhancing natural lighting is another simple way to make the most of your small area. Large windows that let plenty of light in, combined with mirrors to reflect it, can make your room feel more spacious. If you have the right layout, bay window seats add extra style and storage.

Bedroom mirrors capture and reflect light into areas that it wouldn't normally reach. This makes everything appear more open and spacious while adding depth.

Mirrored fitted wardrobes could even factor into your alcove styling to achieve this. Not only will you have the illusion of a larger room, but you'll create a full-length dressing area so you can easily view your outfits from all angles.

Get it right with Hammonds

Make your awkward alcoves more practical by booking a free Hammonds design visit to your home.

Our experts can create 3D visuals of your room, taking your fireplace into account, so you have complete confidence in your new interior project.