
Alcove units beside the chimney
Cupboards below, shelves above, cut to a recess that is never quite square.
Never quite square
Old walls lean and bow. We measure top and bottom, then scribe the panels to both.
Making use of the space beside the chimney
The recesses beside a chimney breast are rarely a neat rectangle, which is why freestanding furniture never quite fits. We measure the alcove precisely and build to its exact width, depth and height, taking the unit right up to the picture rail or ceiling for a seamless result.
Cabinets, shelves or a mix
You can have closed cupboards below for tidy storage, open shelving above for books and ornaments, or a combination of both. Adjustable shelves, a worktop or display surface, and glazed or panelled doors all let you tailor the unit to how you use the room.


Cupboards below, shelves above
Doors to hide the clutter, adjustable shelves above, painted to match your skirting.
Designed around your storage
We plan each unit around what you want to store and show. A typical alcove unit brings together:

A perfect fit for period homes
Alcove units are especially suited to period homes, where they sit naturally beside an original fireplace and complement features like cornicing and picture rails. We work around skirting, coving and uneven walls for a proper built-in fit.
Ideas for alcove units
Popular touches include a pair of matching units either side of the chimney, integrated lighting on the shelves, glazed display cabinets, and a low unit that lines up with a media wall or fireplace. Bring your ideas and we will make them fit.
What an alcove costs
Send us the width, depth and height for a price.
What happens next
Free consultation in Swords. Then a drawing and an itemised price. Made in our workshop. Fitted by our own team.
Frequently asked questions
What measurements do you need?
Width at the top and bottom, depth and height of the recess. Photos help.
Can you paint to match the room?
Yes, to your colour code, or primed for your painter.
Do you do period houses?
Often. We copy the skirting and architrave profiles in the workshop.
How long does it take?
4–6 weeks from the agreed drawing. Fitting takes one day.
Is the consultation free?
Yes, at our Swords workshop. A home visit to measure is paid and free when you order online.
Explore more
Explore more of our living and home furniture: media walls and TV units, bespoke furniture and joinery and understairs storage. You can also browse all our living and home furniture or see our recent projects.
Two alcoves, one look
Both sides of the chimney breast are built as a pair, so the shelf lines match.
How much does it cost?
Living and home projects vary widely, from a single run of alcove units to a full media wall, home office or wine room, so pricing depends on the size, materials and features involved. Prices include VAT and fitting. Because everything is made to measure, we price each project individually and give you a clear, itemised quote after your free consultation at our Swords workshop, with no obligation.
Trusted by homeowners across Dublin and Ireland
Everything we make is designed, built and installed by our own team from our workshop in Swords, so the quality and the responsibility stay with us from the first design to the final fit. There is no flat-pack and no subcontractors, you deal with one team throughout, and consultations are available in English and Russian. Do not just take our word for it: read our genuine customer reviews on Google, and see our latest projects on Facebook and Instagram.
Book a free consultation in Swords
Tell us about your room and we will create a 3D design and a clear, itemised quote, completely free. Call +353 89 944 9449, email info@ajf.ie, or request your free consultation at our Swords workshop today.
