Alcove shelving and media walls

Every Victorian and Edwardian living room has two alcoves doing nothing. Filled properly, they hold the television, the books, the toys and the router, and the room looks finished.

Alcove units are made as a cupboard below with doors and a shelf, and open shelving above, scribed to the chimney breast and the walls so there are no gaps and no visible fixings. The shelves are thick enough not to sag under books (25 mm solid or 32 mm built-up, never 18 mm MDF), and spaced for what you own. Painted in the room colour or a contrast, with LED strips under the shelves if you want them.

Media walls hide the television cables, the soundbar and the boxes behind a panelled wall with a recess for the screen, and often take a slim electric fire. Home offices get a desk at the right height, drawers, cable management and shelving. Window seats give a bay a reason to exist and somewhere to put the blankets.

What is included

• Scribed to the chimney breast and walls
• Shelves that do not sag: solid or built-up
• Cupboards with soft-close doors below
• Cable management and LED lighting if wanted
• Painted in the room colour or a contrast
• Fitted in one to two days

What it costs

From £1,900 for one alcove with a cupboard and shelves above, painted and fitted. A pair from £3,500. Media walls from £3,200, window seats from £1,400, home office built-ins from £2,800. All prices include timber, hardware, making, finishing, fitting and VAT. See the full price list.