The Poets Corner Residence
Twin Alcove Wardrobes,
(Victorian Terrace, Hove)
Two alcoves, either side of a chimney breast in a Victorian terrace in Poets Corner, Hove. Different widths, different challenges, one unified, seamless result. Floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobes fitted using IKEA PAX systems, precision-scribed to the exact dimensions of each alcove.
The Project
Victorian terraces in Poets Corner present one of the most common and most satisfying storage challenges in Brighton and Hove. The chimney breast alcoves either side of the fireplace are the natural home for fitted wardrobes, but they're rarely identical and rarely straightforward.
In this Hove home, the two alcoves were different sizes. The left alcove accommodated a standard 100cm PAX frame with room to spare. The client wanted the wardrobe centred in the alcove, which required equal custom infill panels fitted on both sides. The right alcove was a significantly tighter fit, a 100cm PAX frame squeezed in with precision, requiring careful measurement and exact scribing to work.
Both wardrobes were finished floor-to-ceiling with alcove end panels, air vents installed to the external wall, and painted in a deep terracotta tone chosen by the client.
What Made This Installation Distinctive
Asymmetric alcoves two different solutions: The two alcoves were not the same width. The left alcove had more space, the client wanted the wardrobe centred, which meant equal custom infill panels fitted on both sides. A detail that requires precise measurement but makes the finished result look intentional rather than simply fitted.
The right alcove, an extremely tight fit: The right alcove left almost no margin. A 100cm PAX frame was fitted with precision, a PAX frame typically needs a minimum of 45mm clearance next to the wall furthest from the chimney breast to install correctly. Working within that constraint required careful planning before a single unit was ordered.
Interior divider for the right wardrobe: Because the right alcove was so tight, the right-hand door could not open fully without hitting the adjacent wall. To accommodate drawers on the left side of the interior, where the door could open freely, a custom interior divider was fitted. The storage configuration was designed around the physical constraints of the space, not the other way around.
Alcove end panels on both wardrobes: Both wardrobes required full alcove end panels, the panels that close the gap between the PAX frame and the chimney breast wall. These are scribed to follow the exact profile of the chimney breast surface, closing every gap for a seamless finish on both sides.
Air vents installed to external wall: Both wardrobes back onto an external wall. In older Brighton and Hove properties without cavity walls, installing air vents behind built-in wardrobes is a prudent measure. It allows air circulation behind the units and reduces the risk of moisture build-up over time. A small detail that protects the installation long-term.
Note: if there are any existing damp issues on an external wall, these should be addressed before any built-in wardrobe installation. Josh will flag this during the site visit if relevant.
Projects Specs
Property: Victorian terrace, Poets Corner, Hove
Installation: Twin floor-to-ceiling alcove wardrobes Configuration: Two 100cm IKEA PAX frames, one per alcove
Alcoves: Asymmetric, different widths, individual configurations
Left wardrobe: Centred in alcove with equal custom infill panels either side
Right wardrobe: Tight fit , custom interior divider to accommodate drawers
End panels: Alcove end panels fitted to both wardrobes
Air vents: Installed to external wall on both wardrobes
Doors: Floor-to-ceiling shaker doors, painted terracotta by client
Handles: Gold bar handles
Finish: Full built-in finish, scribed to walls, floor and ceiling
Got a Similar Space?
Chimney breast alcoves in Brighton and Hove period homes are my specialism. If you have two alcoves, an awkward fit or walls that aren't quite straight, get in touch.