A matching pair
A wardrobe on each side of the chimney breast. We size them so they look the same, even if the recesses aren’t.
Alcove wardrobes · Newcastle
Alcove wardrobes in Newcastle, made for each recess
Wardrobes made to fit the alcoves beside your chimney breast. We design and fit them for terraces, flats and older homes across Newcastle.
Chimney breast recessesIdeas for shallow alcovesPainted period styles
Each side made separatelyThe two alcoves are rarely the same size, so we build each one to fit.
Overview
What is an alcove wardrobe?
An alcove wardrobe fills the recess on one or both sides of a chimney breast. It sits back within the space, so you gain storage without losing much floor.
These recesses are common in Victorian and Edwardian houses in Heaton, Jesmond and other parts of Newcastle. They are almost never a standard size, and the two sides often differ by a few centimetres. A freestanding wardrobe rarely fits, which is why fitted storage works so well here.
Alcoves can also be part of a wider room plan. Our fitted bedroom furniture page shows how they link with drawers, bedside units and overbed cupboards.
Alcove layouts
Four ways to use your alcoves
The best layout depends on how deep your alcoves are and how much hanging space you need.
Design options
How deep does an alcove need to be?
As a guide, hanging clothes side-on needs about 55 to 60cm of depth inside the wardrobe. Many alcoves are close to this, and shallower ones still have good options.
Standard depth
A normal hanging rail fits, with shelves above. An open niche can hold shoes or everyday bags.
Shallow alcoves
A pull-out rail lets clothes hang facing forward, so a shallow recess can still hold shirts and jackets.
Doors set forward
Sometimes we bring the doors a little forward of the chimney breast. This gains a few centimetres of depth inside.
Photography on this page is licensed design-inspiration imagery. It shows styles and finishes, not installations completed by our team.
Materials & finishes
Finishes for period rooms
Alcove wardrobes often sit beside fireplaces, cornicing and picture rails. We bring samples to your visit so you can see how they look next to your own woodwork.
Polar white mattBright, clean and timeless
CashmereSoft warm neutral
Stone greyCalm, contemporary mid-tone
SageMuted green for calm rooms
Midnight blueRich, tailored colour
Natural oak effectWarm, light woodgrain
Painted finishes are the most popular choice for alcoves. Pale colours let the chimney breast stay the focus, while navy or sage makes the alcoves a feature.
Shaker and panelled doors suit the joinery in many older homes. Narrow hinged doors usually look best in a recess, because they keep the proportions right.
- Each alcove made to its own size
- Fitted to walls that lean
- Details to suit skirting and cornicing
- Matching top cupboards
Why it works
Why alcoves make good storage
Recesses are a natural place for wardrobes. In an older Newcastle home, fitting them properly makes the whole room work better.
Floor space kept
The wardrobes sit inside the recess and barely stick out into the room.
A balanced wall
Matching units on each side give the room a neat, even look.
No awkward gaps
Each unit fills its recess exactly, with no dusty spaces at the sides.
Character kept
The fireplace and chimney breast stay on show, framed by the storage.
Installation
How we fit alcove wardrobes in Newcastle homes
Walls in older houses are rarely straight, so we measure each recess at the top, middle and bottom. As a guide, making the wardrobes takes a few weeks from design sign-off. Fitting a pair of alcoves usually takes one to two days, and we confirm timings in your quote. Our installation process page explains each stage.
Measure each recess
We take the width, depth and height of both alcoves at several points.
Choose the depth plan
We check if a standard rail fits, or plan pull-out rails, shelves or drawers.
Fit and scribe
The units are levelled and cut tight to the walls, skirting and ceiling.
Hang and balance
Doors are adjusted so both alcoves match and the gaps are even.
Explore more
Related services
Every space is different. These related services are often combined or considered alongside this one.
How much do alcove wardrobes cost?
It depends on the size of the recesses, the doors and the layout inside. We send an itemised quote after a free visit. Our costs guide explains what affects the price.
My two alcoves are different sizes. Can the wardrobes still match?
Yes. This is very common in Newcastle period homes. We make each wardrobe to its own recess and adjust the door sizes so the pair looks balanced.
Can you build over the chimney breast?
Yes. A bridging design adds cupboards across the top to link both alcoves. It gives you extra space for bedding or luggage.
Do I have to remove my skirting or picture rails?
Not always. Many Newcastle homes still have their original skirting and picture rails, so we often cut the units around them. We can also take the skirting off behind the wardrobe for a flush fit. We’ll talk it through at your visit.
Are alcove wardrobes a good idea for Tyneside flats?
Yes. Tyneside flats in Newcastle often have small bedrooms with chimney breasts, so using the alcoves keeps the floor clear.
Which areas do you cover?
We fit alcove wardrobes across Newcastle and nearby. That includes Jesmond, Gosforth, Gateshead and Durham.
Free design consultation
Get a free quote for your alcove wardrobes
Book a free design visit anywhere in Newcastle. We’ll measure both recesses, show you door styles and send a clear quote, with no obligation.
- Free home visit and precise measurements
- Design ideas tailored to your room
- A clear, itemised quote with no obligation