The Alcove

Traditionally, a 4-poster bed (or canopy bed) created a more intimate space within a larger room. The drapery around it, was not there just for privacy reasons or for controlling the light, but also to keep the warm in a age where there were not heating systems other than a stove.

A refurbishment project I am working on gave me the opportunity of designing Alcova#3 to achieve the same sense of intimacy of a traditional canopy bed, but with a contemporary accent.

The alcove is open on two sides to keep the sense of openness and continuity of the space.
The bottom deck is raised from the actual floor so the mattress can sit directly on it, giving a casual feel to the bedding.

The panel to the front  is detached from the bed to allow the passage from one side to the other and it can be used to hold a TV screen.

Hangers can be placed behind the back panels while top complete the canopy creating that sense of intimacy that could be lost in big rooms with high ceiling.

The Alcove is made of laser-cut plywood panels, gently wave-shaped to mimic soft drapery on the internal side, The gap in between the elements enhances the sense of lightness and semi-transparency.