9 Alcove Beds: The Perfect Space-Saving Solution for Small Bedrooms

Written by

Nancy Mitchell
Nancy Mitchell
As a former Senior Writer at Apartment Therapy, Nancy split her time among looking at beautiful pictures, writing about design, and photographing stylish apartments in and around NYC.
updated Jun 7, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

What’s more exciting than a well-dressed bed? How about a well-dressed bed tucked into a cozy nook — an alcove bed? It might be necessary if you’re looking for the best beds for small spaces, whether it’s a trundle bed, murphy bed, or alcove bed. You might have to do a little more work to make up the bed, but there’s no denying the appeal of these tucked-away sleeping spaces, on a cold winter night or any time of the year. Who wouldn’t want to nestle into a cozy sleeping cocoon like the ones we’ve rounded up here?

1. An Alcove Doubles as a Bunk Bed

This peaceful green and pink kids room by @augustjane.interiors perfectly executes a double-level alcove bed that works perfectly as a bunk bed to house two little ones. 

2. Matching Trim for the Win

Perhaps it’s not quite large enough for sleeping, but this restful space by @devanedesign perfectly flows in the room, with blue trim that matches nearby furniture. 

3. Farmhouse Chic

This adorably rustic alcove bed by @atlantabartlett proves you don’t need a ton of space to pull off this clever addition. Farmhouse-style doors and crisp, white paint combine with a chic black and white gingham bedspread for a perfectly rustic vibe. 

(Image credit: Est Living)

4. Elegant Resting Space

This nook from Est Living, suitable for lounging or sleeping, comes surrounded by windows and supported by books.

(Image credit: John B. Murray)

5. Room With a View

Imagine how calm and restful and cozy you’d feel waking up in this beautifully detailed nook, part of a bedroom designed by architect John B. Murray.

(Image credit: Kim Lucian)

6. Tucked Away

Some might regard the tiny bed alcove in this San Francisco studio as an inconveniently small bedroom, but I prefer to think of it as the sweetest, coziest little spot to tuck in for the night.

7. Cozy and Private

From a Swedish cottage spotted on My Scandinavian Home, I would imagine that a little sleeping nook feels especially nice during a cold Nordic winter.

(Image credit: Alvhem via Planete Deco)

8. Coordinating Wallpaper

From Alvhem, this little spot is another cozy alcove ‘bedroom’ in a studio apartment. The wallpaper adds a little peek of pattern.

(Image credit: Adrienne Breaux)

9. Attic Nook

We can’t imagine a better place to go to bed — or wake up — than the little attic bed nook in Erin’s Austin home. (You just might have to watch your head a little in the morning.)