How to Design an Alcove in a Bedroom

Since ancient times, using an alcove for sleeping quarters has saved bedroom floor space and provided a cozy niche for peaceful slumbers. The ancient Pompeiians constructed alcove beds in rooms that flanked their gardens. Europeans used them extensively in small homes and in servants' quarters, and immigrants carried the design to the American colonies. Thomas Jefferson designed decorative alcove beds for all the bedrooms of Monticello. Whether you decorate your alcove bed as a simple bunk or a resplendent boudoir, the basic build is the same: an elevated mattress tucked into a wall recess in the bedroom.

Measuring tape
Graph paper
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  If you plan to alter the construction of your home, check with your local codes department before you begin. Some municipalities may prohibit or regulate the placement and size of an alcove bedroom.
- 2
  Take account of the existing space. An alcove bed is usually newly constructed, similar to adding a partition wall or closet; or you may decide to convert a large closet into an alcove bedroom. Either way, ensure that the alcove space is large enough to hold a mattress. A twin-sized mattress measures 39 by 75 inches -- perfect for a youth but insufficient for most adults. Full, queen and king beds measure 80 inches long with varying widths. Measure the space to determine if the walls of the area are wide and deep enough for the construction of an alcove that will hold your mattress. Allow 1 to 2 inches of extra space on each side of the mattress for changing the bed linens. Experiment with various placements and sketch your ideas on graph paper.
- 3
  Plan for a high alcove ceiling. A high ceiling allows the mattress to fit in and out of the alcove more easily, since most alcoves have a paneled frame around the narrow sides of the entry. A high ceiling also allows you to add a decorative chandelier or pendant light, giving a sense of space to a small area. Outside local regulations, no standard exists for the height of an alcove. Consider the height of the occupant and the size of the mattress to determine the best height.
- 4
  Design small bookshelves or niches for bedtime accessories, such as books, a lamp and an alarm clock. You can design a short wall of wooden shelves or cabinets on each side of the alcove, below the mattress foundation or within the alcove walls.
- 5
  Include a ventilation fan vent or incorporate an air conditioning vent inside the alcove. This will provide fresh, cool air and prevent the space from becoming stuffy and uncomfortable.
- 6
  Get several estimates from a number of contractors when you are ready to build your alcove bed. Contractors often offer free estimates and may give helpful tips and information to improve your design. Check the contractors' references and ask to see examples of their work before signing a contract.

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