How would you use this? Design ideas for an alcove/weird corner

[countdowntonap]

Desperately in need to some style ideas!
The property we’re buying has a small alcove (1.9m/1.2m) on the side of the living room.

I don’t want to put a sideboard in there like the current owners have done (see picture) as I’d like to do something more creative instead - except I don’t have any ideas.

How would you use this space?

I’d make a reading corner. Bookshelves, a big comfy chair, little table and adjustable, attractive lighting. I’m maybe a bit dull though.

Definitely a reading nook. That is my dream. Wall to wall bookshelves, big comfy chair, a good lamp, table for your wine glass cuppa. You wouldn't get me out of there

I’d use it as home office. But love the reading nook idea.

Ooh, intriguing and very nice!

Do you have a pampered pet who would appreciate having their own chill-out zone?

Massive walk-in drinks cabinet and a little bar?

I see there's a window in there, could you create a bird feeding/nesting/bee and butterfly attracting area outside and then put in a huge comfy chair to watch from?

Hammock? Sex hammock?

Cute area! Definitely a cosy reading area - a chaise longue or the biggest bean bag you can find, book shelves, candles, fairy lights, plant, some nice artwork. Would be my favourite birthday bit of any house.

Yep, reading nook for sure.

I think I'd even raise the floor and put some steps up to area.

I love little steps that lead to nooks and crannies. Something to do with my love of Labyrinth

A prison gate and make it a toddler containing centre - could have done with one of those when mine were small....

Home bar for me!

This. If the window in your alcove is on the left you could rotate the idea. That's what I'd do.

I would pop a desk and some bookshelves there, my DC could do their homework downstairs then which I think the would like, sometimes.

Ohhh I love the idea of a home bar in there!

Reading nook.
Or music “thing” if anyone plays an instrument.
Or home office area.

If it shares a wall with the hallway then I'd turn into a downstairs loo or storage area that can be accessed that way

My friend uses hers for crafting. Would also work well as a children's play area.

Without a question, that's a perfect reading corner! I'd have a floor lamp, bookshelves, comfy chair, blanket/throw, and a plant.

Home office, especially nowadays.

I would paint the underside of the archway in an accent colour and have built-in bookshelves as pp have suggested with a snuggler chair. I would probably paint the walls and shelves quite dark to create a cocooning effect but light and bright would work equally well. Lovely!

Reading/relaxing nook, definitely. I'd have some gorgeous floor to ceiling bookcases built on the wall where the chest is all the way round on the adjoining wall to the write. L shape basically. Get some dimmable lighting and a lovely chair and a footrest.

I would put in a big snuggle chair like this and I would put a big double-sided velvet curtain across the archway (with the railing on the nook side of the arch) so that I could shut myself away in there from the chaos of family life. It would be lovely.

It's at this point that the OP announces she sees books as clutter . Another vote for a mini library here - this one is just off the sitting room of Mad about the House.

Folding bed for mini spare room.

Another one for bookshelves and a cosy chair to sit with legs curled under. An unusual floor lamp. A beautiful painting if there is room. A small table for a big mug of tea or cocoa to rest on.
I have a friend who has a whole room for her books in a Victorian terrace house. When DD was five she came with me once and thought it was heaven. My friend said she could pick a book to keep. She picked a poetry book and still has it, she is 29now. It would be so cosy in winter.