Alcove cupboards

[GhostWorld]

We would really like some alcove cupboards (like the photo) either side of our chimney breast in the living room but we don't have much spare cash. Has anyone had this done by a carpenter and know how much roughly it would cost? How many days work etc? I know I could call and ask for a quote but I thought it would be sensible to get a ball park figure first as I really have no idea what to expect (£100s? £1000s?).

Alternatively, has anyone done this themselves either using an ikea hack or just building it? I have basically 0 experience but I am quite artistic and would be willing to give it a good go haha

We had similar but with wood running up the sides and across the top rather than just shelves. It was a few years ago and cost £1000. I'm certain it would be a lot more now as the price for timber has shot up this year.

Thank you, that's what I was afraid of!

Have a look at Jali.

You send the measurements and they send you the materials cut to size. DIY but easier.

Not really cheap but would be sub 1k probably.

www.jali.co.uk/

If you're on Instagram check out bobbins.at.home who used Besta from IKEA to create alcoves.

We had ones like this built about 3 years ago and cost us £1,000

Depends on the size - you may be lucky enough to be able to fit standard size kitchen units in which could work out cheaper then get a joiner to add matching shelves

About 5 years ago we had shelving done in both alcoves but no cupboards. Chunky shelves that we painted ourselves. It was £400. Obviously it would be more for cupboards too but it doesn't have to be expensive.

I haven't used them, but recently came across this company diyalcovecabinets.co.uk. They build the cupboards bespoke for you, but you have to fit them yourself. Other than that, I think you're right, you could probably do a DIY version with Ikea floating shelves and Ikea kitchen base units. Have a look on Pinterest and www.ikeahackers.net for inspiration. If I was doing it I'd find whichever Ikea kitchen base units gave the snuggest fit, assemble them, then sit them in situ. Then I'd get a sheet of plasterboard which I'd cut to size to fill in the gaps around the sides, fix in place, use filler around the joins and then paint the plasterboard to match the Ikea units. Finally I'd cut a piece of kitchen worktop to sit on top and hide your plasterboard joins from above as well. However there's tonnes of tutorials online of people making Ikea furniture look built in which will give you more detailed instructions.

Could you buy a couple of freestanding cupboards to fit and then bookcase above for a similar effect?

Thanks everyone that is really helpful, I dont think we can afford it unless we try the ikea hack that @nooproblemoo mentioned so wish me luck

I need to find the carpenters the PP have used because when we had pretty identical cupboards and shelves to those in the picture made a few years ago it cost us £2,700! That was one of the cheaper quotes we had too