Monday, May 22, 2023

Master Bedroom Bed Alcove: Opening Shape

TOPIC: Master bedrooms with bed alcove in the current office location. 

In this post, we are particularly interested in the shape of the opening between the main room and the  bed alcove.

First just look at these different examples.

OPTION A:

OPTION B:

OPTION C:



We agree that we would like a very broad arch or rounded shape at the top of the opening.  

QUESTION: How should the arch meet the walls on either side? 

Option A transitions the arch directly into a little stub wall. (It looks like the stub wall tapers toward the flat wall from which it emerges, but I can't tell for certain from the photo.)

Option B terminates the arch a few inches shy of the flat wall but with a little cornice detail at the junction of wall and arch to bridge the extra 4-6 inches. 

Option C a flat run along the top which implies square upper corners where the top meets the walls, but the cornice thingies create a little more separation between the rooms.
 


My thoughts: 

Option A is my favorite.  It looks the least fussy but still creates a natural-looking divide between the two rooms and feels natural.  

Option B is my second favorite.  It retains the curve along the top of the opening but does not impact the width of the opening or the way the walls meet the floor (i.e., no little stub wall to floor around).  

Option C is less appealing.  The corner cornice thingies look like afterthoughts or accessories - cake decoration.

Thoughts?