Alcove Units & Bespoke Bookcases in Nottingham
The alcoves either side of a chimney breast are some of the most useful spaces in a house, and some of the most wasted. Fitted alcove units turn them into cupboards, shelving, bookcases or a media area that looks as if it was always part of the room.
Craig Smith Joinery makes bespoke alcove cupboards, fitted bookcases and shelving across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Every unit is built to the exact width, depth and height of your alcove, then scribed to the walls so there are no gaps at the sides or top.
Fitted Alcove Cupboards, Shelving & Bookcases
No two alcoves are the same size, and in older Nottingham homes the walls are rarely square. That’s why off-the-shelf units always leave gaps. Bespoke alcove units are measured and made to fit, with cupboards below for storage and open shelving above for books, display or a TV.
The same approach works for floor-to-ceiling bookcases, recess shelving, window-side cabinets and library walls. Shelves are made thick enough not to sag under books, and cupboards can include lighting, cable routes or adjustable shelving.
- Alcove cupboards with shelving above
- Floor-to-ceiling fitted bookcases and library walls
- Floating alcove shelves
- Alcove units with space for a TV or media equipment
- Recess, landing and under-window shelving
- Painted, oak and walnut finishes
Why Bespoke Alcove Units Are Worth It
Fitted alcove units make the chimney breast a feature instead of an obstacle, and add a large amount of storage without taking floor space from the room. Because they’re made to measure, they look built-in and add character, especially in period properties.
They’re also made to last: solid frames, sag-free shelves and painted finishes that can be refreshed easily over the years.
- Made to the exact size of each alcove
- No gaps at the sides or ceiling
- Thick, sag-free shelves for books
- Matching pairs for a symmetrical chimney breast
- Free, no-obligation quotes across Nottinghamshire

Have Alcoves That Aren't Working Hard Enough?
Send a photo and rough measurements, or book a visit, for a free, no-obligation quote on alcove units or bookcases anywhere in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Alcove & Bookcase Joinery We Make
Alcove Cupboards
Painted or timber cupboards in the lower alcove, often with a solid top at window-sill height.
Alcove Shelving
Open shelving above the cupboards or full height, fixed so it sits flush to the chimney breast.
Fitted Bookcases
Floor-to-ceiling bookcases built to hold real book weight, with optional ladder rails and lighting.
Library Walls
A full wall of shelving around a window, door or fireplace for a library or study.
Alcove Media Units
Cupboards and shelving that house the TV equipment beside a chimney breast.
Recess & Landing Shelving
Built-in shelving for recesses, landings, loft rooms and under windows.
Want to read more first? See our guide to fitted bookcases nottingham a guide to floor to ceiling library style storage.
How Your Alcove Units Come Together
From measuring the alcoves to the final fit, here’s how the work runs.
Measure & Plan
Each alcove is measured, and cupboard height, shelf spacing and finish are agreed.
Design & Quote
A clear design and written quote, with any changes agreed before making starts.
Build & Fit
Units are made in the workshop, fitted and scribed to the walls, and left ready for decorating.
Alcove Unit & Bookcase Questions
How long do alcove units take to make and fit?
A pair of alcove units is usually made within a couple of weeks of the design being agreed and fitted in a day or two.
Will fitted shelves sag under books?
No. Shelves are made thick enough and supported properly to carry full rows of books without bowing.
Can alcove units hold a TV or media equipment?
Yes. Cupboards can include cable routes, ventilation and shelves sized for consoles and speakers.
Do you make matching units for both alcoves?
Yes. Most alcove units are made as matching pairs so the chimney breast looks balanced.
What finishes are available?
Painted finishes in any colour, or natural oak and walnut.
Which areas do you cover?
Alcove units and bookcases are made for homes across Nottingham, West Bridgford, Beeston, Arnold, Carlton, Hucknall, Long Eaton and the surrounding Nottinghamshire villages.
Send a message
Contact Us
Have a project in mind? Get in touch with a few details and we’ll get back to you with a free, no-obligation quote.
Phone
+44 7813 745102
csmithjoinery@yahoo.co.uk
Follow along for completed projects, work in progress, and behind-the-scenes from the workshop