If you do not have enough space in your home to accommodate your guests, then aclove beds could be the perfect solution. Even if you have a small room, they can be constructed as single beds or even as bunks. Today, many interior designers prefer incorporating aclove beds into the houses they design because they are a practical and comfortable addition to any kind of space, says, Grey Joyner, the founder of Grey Joyner Interiors, says.
Below, we share some aclove design processes and also share some examples of some of the most stunning aclove setups.
How to design an aclove bed?
Design Elements
When designing an aclove bed, you must consider proper lighting. Joyner says, ‘‘They are inset, so they have little access to natural light.’‘ She noted that she would add scones beside those beds instead of letting them mix solely with a room’s overhead fixtures.
Scones are also a great preference since they can be mounted to the wall beside the bed, so they do not need bedside tables.
You may add curtains around your aclove bed if you want a cozy feeling. This can also come in handy when the bed is not in use and you’re trying to hide it.
Adding shelving is also a great idea so that you can keep your phone, a book, or a glass of water, says Hayden Dendy, a project designer with BRNS Design. The designer says he always includes outlets at each shelf location.
Considerations to note
Amy Sklar, the founder of Sklar Design says that it is important that your aclove bed doesn’t look messy or out of position and it is fit for the space.
Sklar says, ‘‘Intention is key—it must be thoughtfully designed and placed so it feels like it was always a part of the room,”
Functionality is another thing you should take into consideration while designing your aclove bed so that it’s not difficult to get in and out of the bed at any given time. Sklar says in some cases, it is useful to keep a set of built-in stairs beside the bed. Also, remember to design a bed that’s not only good-looking but also the one that will stand the test of time. She says, “It’s important to consider the height of the people who will use this bed primarily now, but also in the future.”
Keep in mind that aclove beds are great solutions for tiny spaces that can even help to provide extra storage within your room. Joyner explained how she included filing cabinets and some hidden storage compartments in an alcove bed to maximize a gentleman’s office space.
Not only that, you can also install drawers, underneath the bed and use these to store clothes, bed linens, and more.
Also, Read 10 Things You Should Avoid Keeping in Your Bedroom!
Stunning Aclove bed ideas
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Pretty Paneling
Many designers set up aclove beds as bunks, allowing space for twice the sleep. It is great if you have fun with the texture and color when designing an aclove bed.
Dendy says that his favorite way to add texture and movement to the design is through tongue-and-groove paneling or wallpaper. He says, “When it comes to color, we recommend hues that evoke calm, cozy feelings.”
2. Sweet and Simple Design
Stairs make it easy for you to climb into this cute bed while scones of the walls make the nook look brighter and add a stylish touch. Curtains add more cuteness and privacy as desired while perfectly complementing the room’s color scheme nicely.
3. Colorful Escape
It is not at all a bad idea to go all in with a singular color when designing an aclove bed, even if it’s a moodier hue. Sklar believes in making a small space feel bigger by choosing lighter colors.
Skylar says, “I prefer to lean into the compact coziness with heavy doses of color and pattern to create a truly impactful moment.”
4. Bright and Sunny
A window nook could possibly be the perfect spot for a cozy aclove bed. While this bed receives natural light, setting up a hanging fixture provides extra brightness. Marnie Oursler, the founder of Marnie Custom Homes, says, “I always call lighting the jewelry or earrings of a space, so we add some jewelry with a fun coastal sconce.”
5. Serene Stripes
This aclove bed is positioned under the stairs and is mostly found in a beachfront home. It is very important to make sure that an aclove bed kept in a main point like that blends with the space nicely, Oursler says.
He added, “The bedding cover ties in with the adjacent front door color, and the jute texture of the sconce ties in with the light oak wood of the stair railing.”
6. Aclove Bunk Bed
This bed offers enough space for three. Some tiny shelves are great for housing books and other essentials while adding decorative flair to this adorable sleeping nook.
7. Under the Stairs
When keeping aclove beds underneath the stairwell, Oursler always likes allocating three feet for headspace at one end.
She says, “The end that is more slanted is usually where your feet go, so you don’t need as much space there.”
Also, Read A Guide to Conservatories: How They Stand Out from Sunrooms and Solariums
8. Multifunctional Sofa Spot
If you want to keep a sleeper sofa in an existing aclove, as shown in the picture below, you have to be extra careful with the measurements before placing an order.
Morgan Newfield, the founder of Newfield Design Inc, tells us the importance of having all your dimensions down, so the upholstery fits perfectly into the space.
Newfield says, ”If you’re off by a half inch, you might end up with a piece of furniture that you cannot use,”
If you keep a small table behind the sofa, it allows space for decor and guests’ belongings alike.
9. Monochromatic Blue Aclove Bed
It is fun to have beautiful blues shine in this aclove sleep space. Cate Dunning, co-principal at GordonDunning, in this picture, used darker shades to bring a cozy cottage feel, so it felt cohesive with the rest of the home’s aesthetic.
10. Boho-Style Aclove Bed
This boho-style alcove bed looks airy and light and is proof that alcove beds can be an aesthetic scene too. You can layer multiple textures and neutrals throughout the space which comes together because everything follows a lool-alike similar color palette.
FAQs
Q: Where did Jefferson get the idea of an aclove bed?
A: Jefferson got the idea while visiting Europe. The interesting thing about his bed was that it was built into the recess with large staples fixed into the four corners of the alcove, the side rails hooked into the staples, and a rope stretched between the rails to support the mattresses.
Q: Why is an alcove bed a great idea?
A: Aclove beds are great solutions for small spaces and can even help to provide additional storage within a room. You can also include filing cabinets and some hidden storage compartments in an alcove bed to maximize a gentleman’s office space.
Q: What is the actual meaning of aclove?
A: Aclove generally means a small recessed section of a room.
Q: What are the cons of having an aclove bed?
A: Alcove beds are fun for a finite amount of time but for everyday use they’re just not highly practical for two adults.