How to Decorate Corners in Living Rooms

October 15, 2024

When thinking about designing your custom home, it’s important to get the big things right, and you don’t want to forget about decor either. With living room design and decor, an empty corner in your living room can feel like wasted space, but with a little creativity, it can be transformed into a stylish part of your home. There are endless possibilities to make that unused nook shine, whether it’s a cute window seat, a beautiful art piece, or an illuminating lamp. A blank corner also offers the perfect canvas to bring your home decor elements together. If you’re struggling with an awkward corner space in your custom home design, here are some ideas for how to decorate corners in living rooms that can help you turn it into a unique and inviting space:

  1. Cozy reading nook
  2. Artwork
  3. Corner shelf
  4. Corner cabinet
  5. Indoor plants
  6. Plinths
  7. Mirror
  8. Coffee or bar cart

reading nook1. Cozy Reading Nook

With enough space, you can easily turn an awkward living room corner into a cozy reading nook. All you need are three things: a chair, a table, and a lamp—none of which have to break the bank. You can also opt for built-in benches and shelves for more structured and slightly more permanent reading nook ideas.

If you’re keen on lounging for long periods of time in your reading nook, you might want to invest in a reclining chair or an ottoman so you can stretch your legs while you’re buried in a book. Toss in an accent piece like an animal print throw or decorative cushion while you’re at it, so you can turn it into the perfect place to relax.

2. Artwork

If you just want something good to look at, you can’t go wrong with displaying your favorite piece of artwork to fill that empty corner of your living room. It’s a perfect way to infuse your personal style into your home decor. Use the space to showcase your favorite artist, painter, or even a collection of prints that resonate with you. This is a great and simple way to eliminate wasted space in your home.

great room with exposed beams and arches3. Corner Shelf

A corner shelf is a classic vertical storage idea and an excellent way to utilize vertical space in your home. Add a tall bookcase or a few floating shelves to create an eye-catching mini library display. If books aren’t your thing, you can also display:

  • photographs
  • artwork
  • collectibles
  • small arts and crafts pieces
  • and more

Displaying items like this also works as a great conversation starter if you love to entertain in your living room.

4. Corner Cabinet

Much like a corner shelf, a corner cabinet can give you a little extra storage while letting you show off your favorite decor pieces, like framed photos, collectibles, or even glassware. Plus, it’s a great spot to tuck away things you don’t want cluttering up the room. It’s one of those simple additions that can really pull a space together and make it feel more complete.

living room with a fireplace5. Indoor Plants

Kurt, owner of Kitchen & More, identifies biophilic design as one of the top home decor trends that surged in popularity in recent years. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into interior spaces.

If you want to incorporate some biophilic design into your custom home design, adding an indoor plant is a good way to start. And, why not place it in that awkward corner space in your home? When it comes to simple and effective space fillers for your living room, nothing beats a plant with vibrant, green leaves. Provided they are the right plants, this is also an idea for using kitchen countertop corners.

Snake plants and Monstera Deliciosa are popular indoor favorites because they’re easy to care for and perfect for beginners. They are also considered some of the best houseplants for kitchens and can be a great addition to shelves or near kitchen windows. Indoor plants are also the most effortless hack to add warmth, color, and a homey feel to any space.

red armchair, leather footrest, and beige couch in living room6. Plinths

Plinths are a fantastic way to elevate your home decor, quite literally. These sturdy, minimalist platforms offer a stylish foundation to display sculptures, vases, or even smaller pieces of artwork in any corner of your living room.

In addition to being a great way to display art, adding a plinth draws attention to the objects placed on it, and also gives the room a gallery-like vibe. It’s a great way to add dimension and highlight your favorite decorative items to make the most of that unused space. You can also stack items securely and creatively to create a plinth-like display platform if you want to add extra character and depth to your display.

7. Mirror

Who doesn’t love a good mirror in their home? A large mirror placed in the corner of your living room can make the room brighter and create the illusion of a bigger space. This is one of the home decor tips for using mirrors.

With your beautifully curated living room decor in the backdrop, it also becomes the perfect spot for snapping photos of your outfits before heading out or simply when you feel like dressing up. Apart from its functionality, a mirror with beautiful framing can also be a focal point of your decor.

living room decorated with neutrals8. Coffee or Bar Cart

If you enjoy unwinding with a drink in hand, a coffee or bar cart is another smart way to fill the odd corner in your living room. It’s also one of the formal living room ideas that can enhance comfort and convenience.

Stock it up with your favorite spirits, glassware, and bar tools for easy entertaining, or keep it simple with a selection of coffee essentials like a French press, mugs, and a jar of your favorite beans for a cozy morning ritual. This is a corner kitchen cabinet idea that can work well in other rooms where you might benefit from a beverage station.

Build Your Dream Home With CHG

These are just a few ideas for how to decorate corners in living rooms. Ignoring these areas is one of the living room design mistakes to avoid, but they can be details that are easy to overlook when thinking about designing a custom home.

Want to make the most of every corner in your home? Custom Home Group can help you rethink those overlooked areas and bring new ideas to life for your dream home. Whether it’s turning an awkward space into a cozy nook, incorporating living room design trends you like, or designing a new layout from scratch, our expert team will guide you through the entire process.

No need to stress over the details—we’ve got that covered. If you’re ready to bring your dream home to life, call Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090. Let’s create a home that works for you!