Decorating Guides
16 Great Ways to Use Living Room Corners
Are you wasting the space where your walls meet? Check out these cleverly occupied corners to decide
In our never-ending quest to make the most of every square inch of space around the home, we're looking to the corners. Corners can be cleverly occupied and used or totally awkward and wasted. Eliminate the awkward and make sure your corners are serving you as best they can. We've already taken a look at corners in the kitchen; today we're moving on to corners in the living room and family room. Whether you need a little furniture layout help or are planning a remodel, there should be an idea here for you.
Nestle in a sectional. Let’s start off simply. Sectional sofas were made for corners. In fact, the corner spot is usually the comfiest, most coveted spot for lounging. In a small room, cozy that sectional right into the corner. Another plus for this layout is that you may wire in some reading lamps into the walls above, which would save floor space that floor lamps and combos of end tables and table lamps would otherwise occupy.
Place the hearth on an angle. Don't make a hearth and a vast view compete for the title of number-one focal point; unlike Baby, your fireplace or wood stove will not mind being put in the corner.
See more corner fireplace ideas
See more corner fireplace ideas
The corner fireplace also works in a room that doesn’t have a view. Artwork and lighting overhead finish off this fireplace as a major element in the room.
Shop artwork to complete your corner
Shop artwork to complete your corner
Create a cozy nook. This cozy cottage's hearth area has a secret ...
... tucked just beyond the fireplace is a comfortable reading nook, complete with storage and a window. Next time you think, "Ugh, awkward spot," immediately switch gears to, "Wonderful opportunity for a cozy nook!"
Position the TV for subtlety. The layout of this room is a great solution for those who don't want the TV to dominate the room. The TV's placement lets the fireplace be the focal point.
Make a big statement with a room screen. Artwork is great, but it can get lost in a corner like this one. If your corner has a case of the blahs, add height, dimension, texture and geometry by angling a room screen there.
Bring in some life with a plant. High-rise homes often have large columns that can make the corner space even more awkward. In this home a tall plant adds a wild shape and large sprigs of green to all the clean, modern lines and neutral colors.
Designate a spot for reading. A comfortable chair, a side table and a reading lamp are all you need to create a favorite spot.
Invite intimate conversation. Two chairs flanking a round pedestal table or an octagonal one create a useful space within a larger room.
Consider a banquette for a vast living room or dining room. In large rooms, corners offer an opportunity to create a little room within the room. A seating area like this one can inspire an afternoon tea tradition, or host an ongoing game of chess.
Hang a mirror over a console table in the corner. This vignette makes elegant use of a small corner. The mirror adds depth and reflects light.
Shop wall mirrors
Shop wall mirrors
Employ a corner cabinet. Great for display or hiding media equipment, an armoire like this one helps anchor the living room, and draw attention away from the entryway area.
Maximize storage with a corner bookshelf. Whether you're a bibliophile or want to display a collection, a corner shelf cozies up a comfortable, overstuffed room (I mean "overstuffed" in the best way; think sinking into cushions).
Address the corner with architecture. These last few big moves are for those who are planning new construction or a remodel. Consider built-in shelves for your corners. Be sure to include lighting them in your plans.
Find an interior designer on Houzz
Find an interior designer on Houzz
Talk to your architect about contemporary corner windows. Expand the view with a dramatic corner window.
See more corner window ideas
Search qualified architects
See more corner window ideas
Search qualified architects
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What’s happening in your living room or family room corners? Please share your ideas in the Comments section.