Bespoke Oak Alcove Cabinets for a Victorian Terrace

In the heart of Wakefield, where craftsmanship and character go hand-in-hand, homeowners are increasingly looking for storage solutions that don’t just serve a function — but also complement the charm of their period homes.

While flat-pack furniture and one-size-fits-all options dominate the market, many residents are turning back to traditional joinery for timeless results that last.

This is where Wakefield Carpentry makes a difference — offering bespoke, handcrafted furniture designed with precision, built in a dedicated workshop, and installed with care.

Wakefield Carpentry’s Experience & Expertise

Wakefield Carpentry isn’t just another joinery business — it’s a trusted partner for homeowners who want precision craftsmanship with a personal touch. Based locally in Wakefield, the team understands the unique quirks of Yorkshire homes — from uneven walls to original mouldings — and how to work with them, not against them.

With years of experience and a fully equipped workshop, Wakefield Carpentry has helped countless families transform their interiors with custom wardrobes, alcove cabinets, media units, and more.

Whether it’s traditional shaker-style cabinetry or a contemporary built-in system, every piece is thoughtfully designed, carefully crafted, and professionally installed.

Client Success Stories - Case Study

A homeowner in a classic Victorian terrace in Wakefield contacted Wakefield Carpentry looking for a built-in alcove solution on either side of their living room fireplace. They wanted to blend modern function with period charm — creating storage that would enhance the character of the space while serving their everyday needs.

They envisioned painted shaker-style cabinets at the bottom and open shelving above for books, décor, and artwork. Key priorities included using solid, long-lasting materials and achieving symmetry between both sides of the chimney breast.

Planning & Design Process
As with every project, the Wakefield Carpentry team began with an in-depth consultation. Measurements were taken of the chimney breast, wall returns, skirting boards, and coving. The team discussed storage requirements, aesthetic preferences, and reviewed examples of previous similar builds.

CAD drawings and 3D mockups were created to help the client visualise how the cabinetry would look in context. This digital preview included dimensions, shelf spacing, hardware placement, and colour options — giving the client full confidence in the final design.

Solid oak was selected for its natural durability and beautiful grain — with painted shaker doors for the lower cabinets and natural wood for the floating shelves above.

Workshop Build
The entire cabinetry system was built off-site in Wakefield Carpentry’s fully equipped workshop, allowing for precision joinery in a dust-free environment.

Each cabinet was made to measure, ensuring the skirting and coving were integrated perfectly into the unit. The shelves were crafted using the same batch of oak to maintain grain consistency, with a soft bevelled edge for a refined finish.

All panels were primed and undercoated in the workshop, allowing for a smoother and quicker on-site painting process.

Features & Finishing Touches
The finished installation included:

Lower shaker cabinets with push-to-open doors (no visible hardware)

Adjustable solid oak floating shelves above, fitted with hidden brackets

A colour-matched finish in a soft sage green to complement the client’s interior palette

Cable management cut-outs at the back for media devices

Inlaid shadow gaps for a contemporary floating effect

The materials and finishes were chosen not only for their style but also for their longevity and ease of maintenance.

Installation Day
Installation was completed in just two days. The cabinets were scribed precisely to the walls and existing mouldings, with small filler pieces made on-site to accommodate the irregularities of the older property.

Final paint coats were applied with minimal disruption, and shelves were installed with millimetre precision — achieving a balanced, symmetrical look on both sides of the fireplace.

The Final Result
The result was a beautifully balanced pair of alcove units that enhanced the period features of the Victorian home while adding practical storage. The natural oak shelves brought warmth and texture to the room, and the sage green cabinetry added a fresh, timeless touch.

Client Feedback:
“Wakefield Carpentry did an incredible job! The process felt really collaborative, and we were able to see everything ahead of time. The cabinets look like they’ve always been part of the house — the finish is immaculate. We absolutely love them.”
– James & Alice, Wakefield

Why Choose Wakefield Carpentry?
This project is a prime example of Wakefield Carpentry’s approach:

✅ Bespoke units crafted off-site in a fully equipped workshop
✅ CAD visuals provided to help clients feel confident in the design
✅ Premium, Yorkshire-sourced materials for lasting results
✅ A small, passionate team that prioritises quality over volume

 

Interested in Alcove Cabinets Like These?

Wakefield Carpentry creates bespoke storage that suits both your home and lifestyle — from living rooms to bedrooms, and everything in between.

Get in touch today to start your project with a free consultation.