In architecture, an alcove is a small recessed section of a room or an arched opening (as in a wall). The section is partially enclosed by such vertical elements as walls, pillars and balustrades. Etymology The word alcove originates from Arabic: القبة, al-, 'the', and qubbah, 'vault' (through the Spanish, alcoba). See also Niche (architecture) Mihrab Box-bed Tokonoma Setback (architecture) References External links Architectural elements