I've shared plenty about decorating the most popular living spaces in your home, but I'd be cutting corners if I skipped the perfect spot to add personality to the rest of your decor: those empty corners! Ready for some fun corner decor ideas?
Empty corners can make a room feel unfinished, yet they're one of the easiest places to decorate. Whether you're wondering what belongs in an empty corner, trying to style an awkward one, or hunting for budget-friendly ideas, there are plenty of lovely ways to make every inch of your home feel purposeful.
From cozy reading nooks to oversized plants, corner shelves and eye-catching lighting, these simple ideas can turn even the tiniest unused spot into something special.
I've collected just over a dozen corner decorating ideas to help you turn those overlooked areas into welcoming nooks.
How do I decorate a corner? Most of the time I combine several items from this list. Of course, which ones you choose will depend on your space and how you want it to function.
You might just want a single eye-catching feature for visual impact, but learning to style an awkward corner also helps you get more use out of these empty spaces.
In my living room, the corner where the bookcases meet the wall still seemed empty after I added my end table and decor, even though it sits several feet from the sofa. The table is useful and the tree is decorative, and notice how these pieces complement each other in materials and color.
Whenever possible, combine several corner ideas to make the most of both beauty and function. The list below includes more photos that mix two or more of these solutions.
If you've ever stared at an empty corner wondering what belongs there, you're not alone! Today I'm sharing simple corner decor ideas that will help you:
- Transform unused corners into attractive, practical spaces.
- Steer clear of common decorating mistakes that make a room feel crowded.
- Discover creative solutions for awkward corners in bedrooms, living rooms, offices and beyond.
- Learn exactly how to decorate an empty corner using affordable pieces you might already have.
13 Creative Ways to Style Corners at Home
From a touch of greenery to a floor-to-ceiling home office, let's look at stylish corner designs that stand out while still feeling pretty.
1. Bring the Outdoors In With Trees
Greenery can bring any room to life (even when the plant is artificial). A tree or other large indoor plant is the most dramatic natural accent for brightening a corner. Choose live plants if you have a green thumb and the corner gets enough natural light. If not, I've written a whole post about where to buy the best fake plants.
2. Lift Things Up With a Plant Stand
Another way to get the freshness greenery brings, especially in an empty living room corner, is to place a pretty plant stand. It helps live plants get the light they need and draws the eye to whatever height you choose.
Here, the plant stand also works as an accent table, holding matching clocks with just enough room for a drink.
3. A Relaxing Accent Chair Spot
Our living room is basically that. It's a family room that I like to keep bright, tidy and comfortable. I cut down on clutter by using the generous bookcases for bookshelf decor ideas. Instead of relying on the shelves to make this corner cozy, a comfortable leather accent chair does most of the work.
The chair contrasts in color and texture with our light cream couch. Its soft leather and the basket of extra pillows and throws invite you to put your feet up (and maybe rest your eyes, too) after a long day. It's also placed well for both natural and artificial light, so it doubles as a reading nook.
4. A Cozy Reading Nook
That brings us to reading nooks, which seem to be what empty corners were practically made for. Your corner reading nook can be as simple or as luxurious as your space and budget allow.
Our cozy living room corner does the job, but I adore the elegance of this space, which combines a chaise, a floor lamp, an oversized gallery wall and plenty of natural light. Beautiful!
5. Gallery Walls in Corners
Sometimes the wall in an empty corner is all the space you need to hang a few framed favorites and call it done, and a lovely job it is. I feel that way every time I turn the corner from our kitchen into the living room and see the trio of landscape art I arranged there.
As you can see, anything on the floor here would only be in the way. Using the wall space, though, creates a smooth transition from the airy kitchen to the Hale Navy walls in our living room. Art also works well for corners in larger rooms. Consider lifting a sculpture or other piece onto a pedestal or table, or using a tiered shelf to show off a special collection.
6. The Charm of a Blanket Ladder
You can add charm instantly by leaning a blanket ladder draped with your favorite throws or handmade quilts. It works well in a bedroom for chilly winter nights, or in an empty living room corner if you like to cozy up on the couch.
After years of having one of these on my wish list, I finally decided to build my own! Here's the post that shows how to make a blanket ladder like mine. It's so easy!
7. Contemporary Floor Lamps
Floor lamps have been around for centuries, but they hit a peak of popularity in our lifetimes during the 1990s with black halogen torchieres, which turned out to be hazardous. Today, there are so many stylish, practical and (presumably) safer options on the market.
I liked this before-and-after from the Style by Emily Henderson blog, which shows how much style this lamp adds to the space. Check out the link for several more great examples.
SHOP THE LAMP PICKS
8. Vintage Corner Cabinets
You'll still find built-in corner cabinets in many older homes, but antique shops often have them at great prices. Depending on the cabinet's quality and your personal style, you might score an even better deal on one you're willing to strip and restain or paint, like the one below.
Other antique mall finds, such as dressers, tall chests and armoires, also make excellent corner accents that offer extra storage.
9. Stylish Pet Crate
I've been meaning to expand on this topic for a long time. You can see my stylish dog crate furniture ideas. Pets are part of the family for many people, but their spaces can be tricky to fit into a dream interior.
Furniture designers have noticed, so we're seeing more pet solutions that genuinely elevate the crate. I love this one, which is designed specifically for an empty corner of a living room or den.
10. Nesting Accent Tables Add Practical Value
Accent tables come in a dizzying variety, so choose based on the corner you're filling. I usually keep smaller decor pieces to my bookshelves and end-table arrangements, so for accent tables I lean more on function.
Tucked into a corner out of the way, these nesting tables need little styling beyond their design. When guests arrive or you need extra surface space, they're ready to go.
11. Bar Carts for Cocktails, Coffee or Hot Cocoa
Larger corners suit reading nooks, while smaller ones seem best for bar carts. Bar carts are traditionally used for serving cocktails and showing off glassware, but you don't need alcohol to style one.
I like how this cart adds a bit of greenery for height. You could also use this idea for a coffee station or a hot chocolate bar. Either would be adorable in an eat-in kitchen or casual dining room.
12. Elegant Folding Screens
Remember what I said about combining elements in a corner? This one includes several we've covered: an accent table, framed art, elevated sculptural pieces and greenery, here in the form of a vibrant green botanical print folding screen.
The screen doesn't fill the corner on its own. It adds to a grouping of items that makes the most of the space. Folding screens are also a great way to hide pet stations, toy bins or other things you like keeping within reach.
13. Space-Saving Home Office
More people work from home these days, yet not everyone has room for a dedicated office, so we've seen many creative workstation designs. An empty corner in your living room or guest room may be just the spot.
This space was custom-built for a corner beside a large built-in wardrobe. The shelves are reserved for decorative pieces, while there's still plenty of desk space to get work done. Note the small plants mixed in with the greenery, which are perfect for shelf styling.
Ideas for Decorating Bedroom Corners
Don't overlook the corners in your bedroom! Even a small one can become one of the coziest spots in the room with a few thoughtful pieces. Instead of letting it collect clutter (or become home to the infamous laundry pile!), put it to work for both beauty and function.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to decorate bedroom corners:
- Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable accent chair, a soft throw and a small side table for your morning coffee or favorite book.
- Lean an oversized mirror against the wall to bounce natural light around and make the room feel bigger, with a designer touch.
- Add a tall plant or faux tree to bring height, texture and a little life to an empty corner.
- Use a decorative blanket ladder to store extra quilts and throws while adding warmth and interest.
- Set up a small vanity with a mirror and stool if you've always wanted a dedicated spot to get ready in the morning.
- Create a compact writing desk for journaling, paying bills or working from home without taking up much floor space.
- Tuck in a woven basket or decorative storage bin for extra pillows, blankets or seasonal linens.
- Brighten the space with a floor lamp for soft ambient light that makes the whole room feel more welcoming.
The best bedroom corners feel intentional without being crowded. Choose one larger focal piece, or pair two complementary items, like a chair and floor lamp or a mirror and plant, to create a space that's both beautiful and functional.
Once upon a time, I filled a corner of my living room with a desk for paying bills and doing light computer work. At Christmas, though, it became a lovely wrapping station! Let your home work for your needs!
Common Corner Decorating Mistakes to Steer Clear Of
Picking furniture that's too small
Tiny accessories often get lost in a large corner. Instead, choose one bigger statement piece, such as an oversized plant, accent chair, floor lamp or ladder shelf.
Filling every single inch
Empty space is your friend. Leave some breathing room around your decor so the corner feels intentional rather than crowded.
Overlooking height
Draw the eye upward with tall plants, floor lamps, mirrors or artwork.
Forgetting about function
Ask yourself what the room needs. Could that corner become extra seating, hidden storage or a cozy reading nook?
Closing Thoughts
The best corner decor doesn't have to be costly or complicated. Often, one thoughtfully chosen piece, such as a beautiful plant, cozy chair or floor lamp, is all it takes to turn an empty corner into one of your favorite spots in the room.
Start with one corner this weekend and have fun experimenting. Sometimes the smallest decorating projects make the biggest difference.
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