A "little alcove" refers to a small and cozy space within a larger area, usually tucked away or hidden, where someone can feel safe and comfortable. Full definition
An overblown allegorical painting by Odd Nerdrum might cause a sensitive viewer to flee, but just around a corner from it, there's a wonderful little alcove with paintings by Marsden Hartley, Reginald Marsh (of a zaftig stripper in a burlesque show) and Milton Avery on one wall, balanced on another by two drawings by Egon Schiele and a 1928 painting of a blowsy nude by Georg Grosz. (sfchronicle.com)
A wall at the end of the shower makes a teeny little alcove that's just wide enough for a little sink and vanity. (oneartsymama.com)
We just did something similar in our girls» bathroom in an odd little alcove behind a door. (rainonatinroof.com)