Corner Furniture Arrangements for Living Rooms

Living room corners often end up unused or underutilized. But with some creative furniture arrangements and decor solutions, these overlooked spaces can become functional and eye-catching design features.

Whether you want to add storage, seating, greenery, or simply draw attention to a blank area, there are many stylish and practical ways to transform unused corners into captivating focal points.

Assess Your Corner Space

Before choosing any furniture or decor for your living room corner, take time to evaluate the space. Consider the existing lighting, traffic flow, overall room dimensions, and decor style. This will help you select corner pieces that complement both the specific corner and the living room as a whole.

Pay attention to the corner's scale - is it a small, narrow space or more generous? This will determine whether you opt for a delicate accent chair or make a bold statement with an oversized floor lamp. Also note details like nearby doors, windows, radiators, or wall openings that may impact furniture placement.

Corner Furniture Ideas for Living Rooms

Strategically placing furniture in a living room corner can help maximize both aesthetics and functionality. Consider these furniture options for making corners more useful:

Bookshelves and Storage

Floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelving creates ample storage and display space while defining the corner. For a lighter look, staggered shelves painted the wall color seem to disappear. Glass-front cabinetry camouflages clutter while highlighting favorite items. Narrow shelving between windows organizes books and accessories without overwhelming the corner.

Custom cabinets provide concealed storage that streamlines clutter. Incorporate internal lighting or glass door fronts to illuminate displays. Angled bookshelves meet in an L-shape to utilize excess corner space stylishly.

Seating Areas

Cozy chairs or a loveseat angled into the corner softens the space while providing secondary seating. Nestle a rounded papasan chair or hanging egg chair into the corner for a playful accent. Place a small table next to a chair for a convenient beverage, book, or device perch.

Creative chairs take advantage of corner architecture, like curved banquettes lining two walls. A petite slipper chair tucked into the corner affords intimate seating without congestion. Layer plush throw pillows and blankets over a corner bench for indulgent comfort.

Solutions for Unused Living Room Corner Space

Take advantage of awkward angular corners by implementing creative layouts and multifunctional furnishings. Here are some ideas for tackling problematic living room corners:

Corner Bookshelves and Storage

Custom built-in cabinetry with shelves, drawers, and glass-front display cases provides ample organized storage for books, collectibles, media components, and more. For quick corner storage without construction, arrange ready-to-assemble bookcases at right angles. Top with decorative objects for a vignette effect.

Repurpose vintage luggage stacked vertically to form a unique corner bookcase. The varied sizes and textures add visual interest. Install corner etagere shelving mounted on a diagonal to highlight special collectibles.

Corner Seating Areas

Make use of excess corner space by designating it as a secondary seating area. Place two armchairs facing each other with a small table in between for an intimate conversation nook. Or nestle a plush bench into the corner for cozy seating wrapped in pillows.

Create a relaxation retreat with a cozy chair flanked by greenery, a floor lamp, and wall art. Position a metal drum accent table within arm's reach for beverage service. Floating corner shelves displaying books and organic textures enhance the ambiance.

Brighten Up Dark Living Room Corners

Dark, shadowy living room corners can make a space feel gloomy and closed-off. Brighten up problem corners with lighting arrangements, reflective surfaces, and bright accent walls:

Add Lighting Fixtures

Illuminate dark corners by installing wall sconces, corner floor lamps, or pendant lights. Position adjustable spotlights to highlight displayed corner collectibles. You can also conceal strip lighting behind crown molding to cast a subtle glow.

Hang an eye-catching modern chandelier as the focal point, using pendant drops to refract light. Paint the corner walls a light, bright color to reflect illumination. Arrange matching table lamps throughout the space for cohesive lighting.

Install Mirrors

Strategically hung mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space in shadowy corners. Angle a floor mirror toward the corner to amplify light. Floating corner shelves with mirrored backing add radiance while displaying cherished items.

Lean an ornate full-length mirror casually into the corner for an opulent effect. Cluster round mirror accents across a section of wall in lieu of traditional art. Mirrored niches amplify lighting and showcase special books or collectibles.

Paint or Wallpaper Accent Wall

Light colors help expand darker corners visually. Paint the walls or focal wall in the corner a soft neutral or opt for pale metallic grasscloth wallpaper. Contrast with black and white prints or a marquee-style sign featuring uplighting over the corner area.

Infuse cheer with lemon-yellow painted walls and bright white trim. Apply removable wallpaper with colorful botanical or geometric motifs. Uplighting draws the eye while highlighting displayed corner niches.

Living Room Corner Decorating Tips

Corners transform into focal points and connective design elements with strategic decor enhancements. Employ these expert corner decorating strategies:

Incorporate Greenery

Lush potted plants, hanging air plants, or a living wall garden infuse organic texture and refreshing elegance. Cluster smaller specimens on tiered plant stands. Seek low-light houseplants like pothos or philodendrons for shadowy corners.

Create an indoor oasis by filling the corner with various lush greens and cascading ivy. Include a comfortable chair for enjoying the serene scene. Opt for faux plants if you lack a green thumb or sufficient sunlight.

Display Artwork

Showcase treasured canvases, prints, photographs, or mirrors by mounting individual pieces or curating an artistic corner gallery wall collage. Illuminate with picture lights. Floating shelves, picture ledges, and decorative display rails artfully exhibit curated vignettes.

Make a dramatic statement by hanging an oversized macrame wall hanging that spans the corner from top to bottom. Or display a treasured wave lithograph at eye-level with ambient corner lighting.

Use Corner Shelves

Built-in corner shelves or standalone corner etageres become decorative displays for objects like sculptures, urns, baskets, and candle arrangements. Backless shelving reveals wall treatment. Edge shelves with LED strip lighting or position downlights above.

Repurpose an old wooden ladder to diagonally span the corner for casually chic open shelving. Alternate displayed accessories with trailing greens for texture and dimension. Fill awkward narrow spaces with slender floating shelves.

Maximizing Awkward Living Room Corners

Take advantage of challenging living room corners by doorways, fireplaces, and radiators with these clever ideas:

Corner Computer Desk

Customize a corner workstation with desk hutches and organizational solutions like file cabinets, shelves, and drawers. Conceal technology inside cabinetry to maintain a streamlined look. Add task lighting, charging ports, and a comfortable desk chair.

Keep the workspace multifunctional and clutter-free by incorporating hidden storage solutions like a keyboard tray, drawers, and a filing cabinet. When not working, close any cabinet doors to keep the space neat yet accessible.

Dedicate the irregular corner space near exterior doors or radiators as a pet-friendly retreat with plush beds, mats, and toys. Or make use of awkward angles to create kids' reading nooks and imaginative play areas filled with toys, puzzles, and games.