An empty corner in a living room is a common decorating challenge. Can you make a corner both stylish and functional? Absolutely! This guide offers a wealth of corner decorating ideas to transform those often-overlooked spaces into points of interest. We’ll explore various living room corner solutions, focusing on how to style a living room corner effectively, whether you have an empty corner in a living room that feels vast or a small living room corner idea you need to maximize. We’ll also cover large living room corner tips, discuss corner shelving living room options, suggest an accent piece for living room corner, look at furniture for living room corner, and aim for cozy living room corner ideas.
Image Source: caitlinmariedesign.com
Making the Most of Your Living Room Corners
Corners are often the forgotten parts of a room. They can collect dust, hold random items, or just feel a bit blank. But with a little thought, these spaces can become highlights of your living room. They offer opportunities to add personality, function, and flow to your entire space.
The Impact of Well-Decorated Corners
Think of your living room like a puzzle. Each piece matters. Corners, when treated as part of the overall design, complete the picture. A well-decorated corner can:
- Add Visual Interest: It breaks up plain walls and draws the eye.
- Increase Functionality: It can provide much-needed storage or a dedicated spot for a hobby.
- Enhance Ambiance: It can contribute to the overall mood, from cozy and inviting to sleek and modern.
- Define Zones: In larger rooms, a corner can subtly mark out a reading nook or a small work area.
Common Challenges with Living Room Corners
Before diving into solutions, let’s acknowledge the typical hurdles:
- Awkward Angles: The geometry of a corner can sometimes feel limiting.
- Lack of Natural Light: Many corners don’t get direct sunlight, making them feel dim.
- Scale Issues: It’s easy to place something too big or too small, throwing off the room’s balance.
- Perceived as Waste of Space: Without a plan, it’s easy to treat corners as dead zones.
Stylish Solutions for Filling Your Living Room Corners
Now, let’s explore practical and beautiful ways to fill those corners.
1. The Power of Plants: Bringing Nature In
Plants are fantastic for corners. They add life, color, and a touch of nature.
Tall Floor Plants
- What they do: A tall, leafy plant can fill a corner beautifully, adding vertical interest and a natural focal point.
- Good choices: Fiddle leaf figs, snake plants, bird of paradise, or even a tall monstera can work wonders.
- Considerations: Ensure the plant suits your light conditions. If the corner is dark, opt for low-light tolerant plants like ZZ plants or pothos. Use a stylish planter that complements your decor.
Tiered Plant Stands
- What they are: These stands hold multiple plants at different heights.
- Why they work: They create a lush, layered look without taking up too much floor space. They are excellent for small living room corner ideas.
- Styling tip: Mix plant sizes and leaf textures for a more dynamic display.
Hanging Plants
- What they do: Utilize vertical space.
- How to use them: Install a sturdy ceiling hook or a wall bracket. Let the plant cascade down, softening the sharp lines of the corner. This is a creative corner decorating idea.
- Suitable plants: Spider plants, ivy, and string of pearls are great choices.
2. The Art of Display: Shelving and Storage
Shelving is a classic living room corner solutions because it’s both decorative and functional.
Corner Shelving Units
- Types: You can find pre-made corner shelving units in various styles, from modern floating shelves to traditional ladder shelves.
- Benefits: They fit snugly into the corner, maximizing usable space. They are perfect for displaying books, photos, or decorative items.
- Corner shelving living room options can also include built-in units for a more permanent and polished look.
Floating Corner Shelves
- Why they are great: They offer a minimalist and contemporary feel.
- Installation: Mount them directly to the walls, giving the illusion that your items are floating.
- What to display: Keep it curated – a few well-chosen books, a small sculpture, or a framed photo.
Ladder Shelves
- Aesthetic: Lean them against the wall at an angle. They have a casual, bohemian, or modern farmhouse vibe.
- Versatility: Great for books, plants, and decorative baskets. They provide varying depths for different item sizes.
Built-in Corner Nooks
- For larger spaces: If you have a generous corner, consider a custom built-in unit.
- Features: This could include open shelving, closed cabinets, or even a small desk area. It’s a significant but highly effective way to fill a corner.
- Cozy living room corner ideas: Add a built-in bench with cushions to create a reading nook.
Display Cabinets and Curio Cabinets
- Purpose: Ideal for showcasing collectibles, glassware, or sentimental items.
- Look: Glass doors protect items from dust while allowing them to be seen. They add a touch of elegance.
- Placement: A slim, tall curio cabinet can fit perfectly into a corner without overwhelming the space.
3. Seating Solutions: Creating a Cozy Corner
Corners are prime real estate for creating intimate seating areas.
Accent Chairs
- The classic choice: A comfortable armchair is a go-to for filling a corner.
- How to make it work: Place a small side table next to it for a lamp and a drink. Add a throw pillow and a blanket to make it inviting.
- Furniture for living room corner: Consider the scale of the chair. A bulky armchair might overwhelm a small corner, while a sleeker, slipper chair might be perfect.
Corner Bench or Loveseat
- Space-saving: A specially designed corner bench or a small loveseat can fit perfectly into the angle.
- Functionality: Great for extra seating or for creating a defined lounging area.
- Cozy living room corner ideas: Upholster in a plush fabric and add colorful cushions.
Floor Cushions and Poufs
- Casual and flexible: For a more relaxed vibe, arrange large floor cushions or poufs in the corner.
- Use: Perfect for a bohemian or laid-back style. They offer flexible seating that can be moved around easily.
- Layering: Combine with a soft rug and a low coffee table for a comfortable floor-level seating area.
4. Lighting Up the Space: Illuminating Your Corner
A well-placed light source can transform a dim corner.
Floor Lamps
- Task lighting: An arc floor lamp can sweep over a seating area, providing light for reading.
- Ambient lighting: A torchiere-style lamp casts light upwards, brightening the entire corner and ceiling.
- Style: Choose a lamp that matches your room’s aesthetic – modern, industrial, or traditional.
Table Lamps
- On side tables: Place a table lamp on a side table next to an accent chair.
- On shelves: Use smaller lamps on shelves to highlight displayed items and add warmth.
String Lights or Fairy Lights
- Magical ambiance: Drape fairy lights around a plant, a shelf, or along the wall in the corner.
- Effect: They create a soft, magical glow, ideal for cozy living room corner ideas.
5. Decorative Accents: Adding Personality and Flair
Sometimes, all a corner needs is a well-chosen decorative piece.
Statement Artwork or Mirror
- Focal point: A large piece of art or a striking mirror can turn a corner into a feature.
- Mirrors: They reflect light and create an illusion of more space, making them excellent for smaller rooms.
- Vertical Art: Consider a tall, narrow canvas or a gallery wall arrangement that draws the eye upward.
Sculptural Elements
- Abstract shapes: A unique sculpture, a decorative vase, or a stack of interesting objects can add artistic flair.
- Accent piece for living room corner: This is where you can really express your personal style. Think outside the box!
Books and Decorative Objects
- Curated collections: Arrange books, picture frames, candles, and small decorative items on shelves or a console table.
- Balance: Aim for a pleasing arrangement, varying heights and textures. Avoid overcrowding.
6. Functional Furniture: More Than Just Decoration
Some furniture pieces are designed to fit corners perfectly.
Corner Console Tables
- Shape: These are often triangular or trapezoidal to fit the corner angle.
- Use: They provide a surface for lamps, mail, or decorative items.
- Small living room corner ideas: A slim corner console can add functionality without taking up much visual space.
Corner Desks
- For home offices: If you need a workspace, a corner desk is an efficient solution.
- Benefits: They can be quite spacious and utilize often-underused corner real estate.
Fireplaces or Electric Fireplaces
- Warmth and ambiance: A corner fireplace can be a stunning addition, providing both heat and a cozy atmosphere.
- Electric options: For those without a traditional fireplace, electric units are available in corner designs and can be a beautiful focal point.
Tailoring Solutions to Your Space
The best approach depends on your room’s size and your personal style.
Small Living Room Corner Ideas
- Maximize vertical space: Use tall, slim shelves or hanging plants.
- Light colors: Light paint colors and furniture can make the corner feel more open.
- Mirrors: A mirror can visually expand the corner.
- Slim furniture: Opt for a narrow accent chair or a small console table.
- Minimalism: Don’t overcrowd the space. A single, well-chosen item can be more effective than several small ones.
Large Living Room Corner Tips
- Create zones: Use a larger accent chair with a side table and floor lamp to create a reading nook.
- Substantial pieces: A larger plant, a sculptural element, or a small grouping of furniture can fill the space without looking sparse.
- Layer lighting: Combine floor lamps and table lamps for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Statement pieces: Don’t be afraid to use a bolder color or a more significant decorative item.
Putting It All Together: Creating a Cohesive Look
Regardless of the solution you choose, remember these tips for a cohesive design.
Balance and Scale
- Consider the room: The item you place in the corner should be in proportion to the rest of the room and the corner itself.
- Visual weight: Don’t put all your heavy, visually dense items in one corner. Distribute them throughout the room.
Color Palette
- Complement your room: Choose colors for your corner decor that tie into your existing color scheme.
- Accent color: The corner can be a great place to introduce a pop of accent color.
Lighting Strategy
- Layered lighting: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for a well-lit and inviting corner.
- Dimmer switches: Allow you to control the mood.
Personal Touches
- Reflect your style: Whether it’s through art, books, or collections, make the corner uniquely yours.
- Functionality: Ensure the corner serves a purpose for you, whether it’s relaxation, reading, or displaying cherished items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best way to fill an empty corner in a living room?
A1: The “best” way depends on your room’s size, style, and your needs. Common and effective solutions include using plants, shelving, accent chairs, or lighting. Prioritize functionality and visual appeal.
Q2: Can I put a large piece of furniture in a living room corner?
A2: Yes, if your living room is large enough, a substantial piece like a large accent chair, a corner cabinet, or even a small sofa can work well. Ensure it doesn’t block pathways or make the room feel cramped. For large living room corner tips, consider creating a distinct zone.
Q3: How do I make a small living room corner look good?
A3: For small living room corner ideas, focus on vertical space (tall plants, shelves), mirrors to create the illusion of depth, and slim, multi-functional furniture. Keep the decor minimal to avoid a cluttered feel.
Q4: What kind of plants are good for a dim living room corner?
A4: Plants that thrive in low light conditions are ideal. Consider snake plants, ZZ plants, cast iron plants, pothos, or peace lilies.
Q5: Should I use a corner shelf unit or a floor lamp in my living room corner?
A5: You can use both! A corner shelf unit provides storage and display space, while a floor lamp adds essential lighting. They can complement each other beautifully. Consider a corner shelving unit that has a built-in light or place a lamp on top of a shelf.
By strategically filling your living room corners, you can enhance your home’s style, functionality, and overall comfort. Experiment with these ideas to discover the perfect living room corner solutions that bring your space to life.