Living room corner ideas – 10 stylish ways to decorate an empty corner

Living room corner ideas are rife with decorating opportunities. While it can be tempting to leave an empty corner vacant, you would be surprised at how easy it can be to decorate this unloved space in an elegant way. 

Here's how to transform neglected nooks into functional and inviting spots that will make your living room ideas all the more beautiful.

Living room corner ideas – transform an empty space with these smart solutions

We've assembled some inspiring living room corner ideas, looks and expert advice to kick-start your creativity.

1. Fit a desk area into a living room corner

Whether we are working from home or the kids need to do their schoolwork, these days there’s always a need for a dedicated workspace. It needn’t be imposing, so it’s a good idea to make the most of an unused living room corner or alcove. 

We love how this floating desk doubles as a reading with a bookcase above, and the design doesn’t take up any unnecessary floorspace while still providing plenty of room to work. Soften up the space with a lamp, flowers and a suitable chair or stool that fits in with the rest of your room’s existing decor.

2. Place a freestanding cabinet in a corner

When in search of extra living room storage space, make the most of every empty corner available. Freestanding storage has come a long way in recent years, with many designs today certainly not compromising good looks for the sake of extra stowaway spots. They can be particularly useful for keeping soft furnishings such as throws and cushions close to hand, or a quick place to tidy toys, books and paperwork away when not in use. 

3. Fit in a window seat 

A window seat in a living room corner a good idea – as it has so many uses. From a practical point of view, the otherwise unused space can be used for storage, while providing seating for reading, eating or simply enjoying the view beyond.

'When it comes to designing a storage bench beneath a window, proportions are key,' says Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co Interiors. 

‘Often people make them too skinny, which means they’ll still look attractive but will barely be used as they aren’t comfortable,’ she says. ‘Height is important, too. They need to be tall enough to provide substantial storage, but not so high that the sitter can’t easily get off and on.’ Ideally, they should be 50cm deep and between 50cm and 60cm in height. 

4. Add interest with a stylish storage niches

If you have narrow or dead space, consider adding some seasonal charm with log storage ideas. The rustic log pile is one of the most versatile decorating tools at your disposal if you want to spruce up your winter living room. In Norway, wood piles – called holz hausen – are something of an art form, built up and displayed in homes and gardens with pride. 

'Storing logs in baskets or in alcoves is becoming increasingly popular,' says Tony Ingram, Technical Service Manager at Morsø. 'But if you are considering stacking your logs in this way there must be a suitable non-combustible material between the stove and the logs; or a minimum distance as recommended by the stove manufacturer for safety purposes.'

5. Dedicate a corner to a gallery wall

Turn a blank corner into your own gallery wall by hanging artwork together as a cluster. Decide which paintings, prints or fabric will anchor the scheme then take your decorating cues from them. If you are hoping to create a real statement with gallery wall, then opt for a maximalist approach. 

'Try mixing and matching different frames for a more eclectic display,' says Henriette Von Stockhausen, founder, VSP Interiors. 'You can never have too much art,' she adds.

6. Fit in a tall houseplant

If you're after a simple and cost-effective way to fill a living corner, then a houseplant could be the answer. There is no denying that the best indoor trees can create a wonderful focal point. With a significant interest in nature and sustainability, it's a great time to consider the extraordinary health benefits of house plants and how they can not only improve your quality of life, but also brighten your space.

Available with many different leafy textures, shapes, patterns and colors, an indoor tree can make all the difference to an otherwise neglected living room corner. You can further enhance this impact by layering smaller plants at different heights.

This summer home, designed by Becca Interiors, delivers a space for rest and respite, memories under the summer sun, and many a sunrise out in the morning surf.

7. Set up a space for home working

This year, desks and workspaces have been creeping into unlikely locations, namely bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. With a carefully considered living room layout, it’s possible to turn an empty corner into a dual-purpose space that can accommodate visitors and also work as an office, too. The key to this partnership is built-in desk, which doubles up as living room shelving when not in use, keeping the room ordered. Position efficient living room lighting overhead so as not to use up any valuable workspace.

8. Devote a corner to entertainment

For most families, a living room TV is an essential tool for facilitating movie nights with friends and family. The problem is, we don't always have the space to devote a whole wall what is essentially a large black rectangle. Rules of symmetry say that a TV should sit in the center of a wall – but that’s not always necessary. Instead, keep it from disrupting the rest of your decor by positioning it in an empty corner. 

The unit in this space is hardly hidden, but it doesn't look unsightly, in fact, it kind of works with the modern living room fireplace below.

9. Include open shelving into an empty corner

Living room shelving is a great way to add extra storage space to an underused or bland living room corner. 

Open shelving can create a real statement – and is both useful and beautiful. It is also a more economical option than a fully enclosed storage unit, especially in a compact room. It is particularly suited to small recesses in areas such as either side of a chimney-breast or corner space, helping to visually enhance and correct uneven proportions. 

10. Build in a seat 

When you're faced with an empty living room corner, filling it in a way that is both functional and beautiful can seem like an overwhelming task. But if there is something that most spaces lack, it is it more living room seating.

Design your scheme around a key feature. If your room has no natural focal point – create one. In this minimalist living room, the multi-use feature wall consists not only of a built-in seating area, but also a living room fireplace – and a spot for the TV.

If your living room is on the more compact side, then it is suggested that you invest in seating that is the same color as your walls. This will help to expand the space, at least to the eye. Choose upholstery in warm, nature-inspired tones to elevate energy levels and boost the mood in your space.

What can I put in the corner of my living room?

There are a multitude of things you can put in the corner of a living room – the possibilities are endless. We recommend using an empty corner for storage or seating.

The most important thing to do when it comes to living room organization is to look at everything you own – art, books and objects – and work out what living room storage you need. Of course, putting the bookshelves in a living room corner will mean that they are not always instantly visible as you enter the room – this is a useful way to store books without making them the focal feature.

For an alternative idea, consider hanging wall art as a series of panels for a statement focal point.