1920s Bedroom Wardrobe Advice - Alcove and Chimney Breast
Hi all! Looking for some advice on our bedroom wardrobes.
In the throes of a renovation (currently at first fix, plastering to start next week) and trying to decide what to do about wardrobes in our master bedroom.
We’ve decided to place bed opposite chimney breast to create a feeling of space when you walk in.
My original thought was to have fitted wardrobes built in the alcoves only either side of the chimney breast, which would need to project further than the face of the chimney as it’s fairly shallow. There is no original fireplace, so would possibly have to source one for decorative purposes only?
However, it’s been suggested to instead have the wardrobes run right across the chimney breast, to avoid having the awkward jutting out of the wardrobes either side. Obviously the storage in front of the breast would only be narrow, so for small items.
I can see the merit of this, but worried we would start to lose the soul of the room by covering the chimney breast.
Any wisdom / experience much appreciated :-)
P.s. no up to date photos of bedroom, but have attached one of a few weeks ago. Can get more tonight if helpful
Comments (9)
PRO2 years ago
2 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (3)I would paint a deep colour- I like brinjal. Then I would add white curtains, a white headboard, white picture frames and a rug with some white in it. Then I would swap the light fittings for bigger, move the chest of drawers to the other side of the chimney and then get an oversized, floor resting mirror for by the window....See MoreChimney breast wall smaller than the headboard
Comments (26)Hi, I would love to see the end result if you do have any pictures.. My room has no real wall to put bed against.. one alcove is 100cm.. the other 120cm however it slopes where roof is, the goes into a large L or maybe even a L and another backwards L.. Did you just get the bedroom chimney breast taken out and/pr downstairs too?...See MoreBedroom layout advice
Comments (14)Using the alcoves for your wardrobes is a traditional layout but one that works. I can't make out the room dimensions but it should give you space to have your dressing table left of the window (if you're looking at the window) which will let you make the most of natural light when getting ready. You may fine that what is currently the chimney breast will actually become a recess as I think your wardrobes will come out beyond the middle wall so you could add shelving here or create a feature on the wall with photos and/or prints or hang a large mirror. again, I can't see the measurements but if it fits another option would be to have your bed between the wardrobes and have a headboard that also works as a shelf in place of night stands. Hope that helps! Good luck with your revamp!...See MoreAdvice please :) Master Bedroom layout
Comments (7)Hi Laura, You want at least 700mm between the end of the bed and wardrobes, this allows you to walk freely through the space but 900mm is more ideal. I agree with Sonia though, keeping the bed against the chimney breast and having built in wardrobes on the opposite wall seems the most sensible option. Plus you can then make a real feature out of the alcoves. Maybe consider adding some dramatic lighting to the alcoves (floor lamps, pendant lighting or wall lights) or shelving works well too as you suggest....See More
2 years ago
2 years agoWe had the same situation and we built across. The fitter brought the doors slightly forward so the storage is wider and this gave us a bigger storage space in front of the alcove . pictures attached to help you visualise. 4th picture show the storage size in the alcove. Hope this helps.
2 years agoAs others have said, it is a personal decision. There are lots of photos of fireplaces ‘recessed’ between alcoves, and it can look very smart, especially with a big mirror. (I found this one on Houzz.)
For me, I’d find a big wall of wardrobes would be too much homogeneous-wardrobe-door and I’d go for the fireplace every time. However, be aware that fitting a decorative fireplace can be a hassle if the hole was bricked up rather than boarded over. You’d also need to source a fireplace you like that suits the period of the house, which is harder for 1920s houses than Edwardian or Victorian ones.
… but you’ll gain a real feature and add so much character so definitely do it if you feel drawn to it!
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
PRO2 years agoIn the alcoves OR go right over the chimney breast with a uniform "wall of doors" you will have a reduce depth in front of the chimney breast but this would be ideas for shoe storage.
Alternatively go for an open "walk-in wardrobe" which is our specialisation.
Building "boxes" (wardrobes) into the alcove will spoil the lines of the room but this is almost unavoidable.
Master Bedroom Finchley · More Info
Here are some "arts and crafts" styled wardrobes we did a few years back...https://www.exploitspace.co.uk/portfolio/fitted-wardrobes-finchley/
Juliet Docherty