What Is a Stove Cove? The Cozy Design Feature That’s Taking Kitchens by Storm

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through kitchen remodel inspiration on Instagram or catching the latest HGTV reveal, you’ve probably noticed a growing trend: the stove cove,

Stove Cove in a cozy kitchen with eat-in nook

also known as a cook’s nook or range alcove. This design feature adds a sense of architecture, intimacy, and character to a kitchen—turning your cooking zone into a true focal point.

Let’s dig into what stove coves are, how they’re built, what they cost, and why they’ve become the design darling of both farmhouse and modern kitchens alike.

What Exactly Is a Stove Cove?

A stove cove is a recessed alcove built into the wall that houses your cooking range or cooktop. Unlike a standard setup—where a vent hood sits between upper cabinets—a stove cove is framed by three enclosed walls. It often features decorative materials like tile, brick, stone, or shiplap and includes a range hood insert hidden within the enclosure to maintain ventilation and code compliance.

Think of it as a mini architectural moment—a cozy little “room within a room” designed just for cooking.

Why They’re So Popular

Designers and homeowners alike love stove coves for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

1. Architectural Interest: A stove cove adds instant depth and texture to a kitchen that might otherwise rely on flat walls. The recessed shape creates natural shadowing, which helps define the cooking area without needing elaborate cabinetry.

2. Focal Point Appeal: Because the cove draws the eye inward, it makes the range area feel special—like a stage for your favorite culinary moments. Paired with statement tile, antique corbels, or a custom backsplash, it becomes the “wow” moment in the kitchen.

3. Versatility Across Styles:

• Farmhouse and Cottage Kitchens: Use beadboard or reclaimed wood with an arched top.

• Traditional Kitchens: Opt for brick, plaster, or limestone for an old-world feel.

• Modern and Transitional Spaces: Keep it minimal with sleek tile or painted drywall.

4. Practical Functionality: With the right vent insert and shelving, stove coves can keep cooking essentials within arm’s reach while containing splatters more efficiently than an exposed cooktop wall.

The Range Hood Insert: The Heart of the Cove

Every stove cove still needs proper ventilation—and that’s where range hood inserts come in. These inserts are the hidden powerhouse behind the beautiful façade.

Kitchen Me Now installing a Stove Cove pre-paint and finish

Types of Range Hood Inserts:

1. Ducted Inserts – Vent air outside through ductwork; best for serious home chefs or frequent cooks.

2. Ductless (Recirculating) Inserts – Filter air through charcoal filters and recirculate it; great for spaces where ducting isn’t feasible.

3. Custom Liner Inserts – Designed to fit inside a custom wood, plaster, or metal hood. These are the go-to choice for stove coves because they allow full design flexibility while meeting ventilation standards.

When planning your cove, work with a contractor or designer to size the insert properly for your cooktop’s BTU output. A good rule of thumb is 100 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of ventilation for every 10,000 BTUs of your range’s total heat output.

Shelving Inside or Beside the Stove Cove

A well-planned cove can include subtle storage that’s as stylish as it is practical.

1. Floating Shelves:Perfect for displaying olive oils, spices, or decorative pottery. These should be heat-resistant and kept at least 6–8 inches from the edge of the cooktop to avoid overheating.

2. Niches or Recessed Shelves:Built directly into the cove’s side walls—ideal for keeping salt and pepper or utensils close by without crowding the countertop.

3. Flanking Cabinet Shelving:If you want to maintain balance, consider open shelving or glass-front cabinets just outside the cove. This creates continuity without compromising safety.

Pro tip: Avoid wood shelving directly inside the cove with gas ranges unless properly shielded with tile or metal.

Safety and Code Considerations

Stove coves are absolutely safe when designed correctly, but they do need to follow building code and ventilation standards. Here’s what to know:

• Clearance: The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends at least 30 inches of clearance between the cooking surface and any overhead surface (hood or alcove ceiling).

• Materials: Surrounds must be non-combustible within 6 inches of any open flame. Tile, stone, or brick are safest.

• Ventilation: Make sure your hood insert is properly ducted (if possible) and rated for the heat output of your appliance.

• Lighting: Many stove coves incorporate under-hood lighting or small sconces for safety and ambiance—just ensure they’re rated for use near heat.

If you’re working with gas, bring in a licensed contractor or designer familiar with local code requirements—this isn’t a “wing it” weekend project.

Cost to Build a Stove Cove

Costs vary widely depending on the structure, materials, and finishes, but here’s a table to use for a ballpark if you're considering this addition in your next kitchen:

Project Element	Estimated Cost Range
Framing & Drywall	$800 – $1,500
Tile or Brick Finish	$600 – $2,000
Range Hood Insert	$400 – $1,200
Electrical/Lighting	$300 – $800
Labor & Installation	$1,000 – $3,000+

Total Cost: $3,000 – $8,000+ depending on design complexity, finishes, and whether you’re remodeling or building new. If you’re adding a stove cove during a full kitchen renovation, the cost can be integrated into the larger design budget—often adding 5–10% for materials and framing.

The Look: Old-World Charm Meets Modern Function

Stove coves have a way of softening the kitchen. They feel intimate, a little nostalgic—like something out of a countryside home—yet completely adaptable to modern life. The mix of cozy enclosure and high-end design creates that irresistible “custom kitchen” feel homeowners crave. Whether it’s an arched brick cove that channels English cottage charm or a minimalist tile alcove that complements quartz countertops, the appeal is universal: it feels intentional, crafted, and timeless.

Final Thoughts

A stove cove isn’t just a design trend—it’s a statement of craftsmanship and warmth. It blends form, function, and storytelling in one beautiful space. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, ask your designer or contra

ctor about creating one—it might just become your favorite corner of the home.