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If you’re looking for an easy way to update a plain alcove, check out these alcove shelving ideas. It made a HUGE difference in the room!
Alcove Shelving Ideas for a Plain Area
(Update – I tackled this project back in 2015, but thought it was fun to re-share with all of you!)
Goodness it seems like it’s taken forever to finish up with this little project, so I’m oh-so-ready to show you what my smart-amazing-uber-talented-sweet husband has been up to!
When we bought our home years ago, it had this weird dark alcove at the top of the steps upstairs. It didn’t have any electricity nearby (I wish we could have plugged in a lamp at least?), and while I knew I was probably supposed to put a long skinny picture in there (or maybe two or three?), I just wasn’t loving it.
So, for months I hemmed and hawed over different ways to make it just right.
James (and my then 14-year-old Jackson, pictured working above) were finally ready to tackle it, and we debated putting beadboard in back of it to kind of give it more texture.
He was pretty adamant that he didn’t love that look (I really thought it would be fine?), but on a whim I mentioned that it might be pretty fun if we had brick in the back half. (Y’all, I did not think he would go for it.)
We looked at the trim work in other areas around our house, and James managed to match it exactly. I’ve got to say, I was pretty impressed (and honestly I think he surprised himself too!).
We measured the space, headed down to the basement where all the extra odds and ends from our home builders were, and sure enough had just enough brick left from the brick on our kitchen backsplash to finish the project (with eight pieces of brick to spare.)
You know what? That smart husband of mine was actually excited about the project (he loves to tile), so now I’m dreaming big for our next laundry room project! 😉
I’m guessing we spent around $100 in wood, grout, and paint to do this project (I should have kept better track), and I could not be a bit more pleased with the results.
I love to tinker with finding exactly the right “stuff” to go on those shelves (chalkboard writing is clearly not something I’m gifted at), but was so pleased with it even the way was as it started.
Love love love it!
Do you have any additional alcove shelving ideas? I’d love to hear from you!
Looks great!
Came out so nice! Great and creative idea.
Perfect!
Very nice!
Thanks so much Claudia! 🙂
How did he cut it so its thin?
Hi Amy! It’s special tile that was left over from our kitchen backsplash that is already cut thin. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Did you already mention where you originally obtained the tile for your kitchen backsplash? Sorry if I missed it. The brick/tile appears to have a mat finish in the photos. I have been looking for a similar brick/ tile. Thank you for any information
Hi Virginia! It was a new build and we got it from whomever the builder got it from – I have no idea where it’s from, but it does have a mat finish (we’re actually looking for more for a project right now but not sure where to start!) I wish I had a name for you but if I do ever find it I’ll be sure to post!
Thank you so much for your reply!
beautiful!!!!
Thanks Candie!
I have one in my kids/ guest bathroom. I hate it. Yours looks great.
It’s the weirdest thing – I didn’t like ours either before Crystal so I totally understand! You could probably do something really neat with it in a bathroom though (love the idea of putting beadboard in there!)
so pretty…………
Thanks Karen!