Designed to fit an awkward archway, not fight it
This project was completed in Tunbridge Wells, in a sitting room that opens directly off a dining area via a traditional archway. While the arch adds character, it also created a very specific challenge. The depth from the rear wall to the face of the arch was too shallow for any off-the-shelf media unit to sit comfortably within it.
Anything standard would have projected beyond the arch, immediately looking out of place. The only real solution was a bespoke, slimline design built precisely to suit the space.
Working with the architecture of the room
Rather than trying to overpower the room with storage, the focus here was on proportion and balance.
This bespoke media wall was designed to sit neatly within the alcove formed by the archway, aligning cleanly with the surrounding walls and existing cornice. By keeping the unit slim in depth, the furniture blends naturally into the room, maintaining clear walkways between the dining and sitting areas.
This approach inevitably sacrifices some storage compared to deeper media units such as this media wall in Snodland, but the result is a far more refined and considered piece of furniture, one that feels like it has always belonged there.
Bespoke shelving and cabinetry
The design incorporates:
- Low-level cupboards for concealed storage
- Open shelving to either side of the TV area
- A full-width top section that visually anchors the unit
- Traditional detailing to match the period features of the house
- Integrated light switch in the unit
Everything was built from scratch and made to measure, allowing us to follow the curves and lines of the arch precisely, something that simply isn’t possible with modular furniture.
Finished in Farrow & Ball Pigeon
The entire piece was finished in Farrow & Ball Pigeon, a soft, muted blue-green that works particularly well in period homes. It complements the existing decorative mouldings and contrasts subtly with the lighter walls and natural timber flooring, without dominating the space.
A slimline solution with a strong visual impact
This project is a good example of how bespoke furniture doesn’t always need to be large or storage-heavy to make an impact. By designing specifically for the architecture of the room, the finished media wall feels calm, balanced, and completely in keeping with the property.
