Living Room Corner Furniture for a Polished Look

Corners are often the most overlooked and underutilized spaces in a living room. But with the right furniture choices, you can transform those empty corners into functional and visually appealing focal points. The strategic placement of corner furniture opens up floor space, adds cozy seating options, and brings polish to your living room aesthetic.

Maximize Unused Space with Corner Furniture

Living room corners enable you to maximize every inch of available floor space. Furniture designed specifically for corners, like a corner chaise or bench, can utilize areas that would otherwise sit vacant. Corner bookshelves and display units are excellent ways to take advantage of vertical real estate as well. Built-in shelving transforms dead space into storage and display. Freestanding shelving units with a triangular footprint tuck neatly into corners without protruding into walkways. For small living rooms, space-saving furniture keeps the layout feeling open instead of cramped.

Accent Chairs Create Inviting Reading Nooks

An accent chair or loveseat angled into a living room corner forms a cozy spot for reading or an intimate conversation area. Choose a size and scale that fits the room without overwhelming the space. Angle the chair slightly toward the center of the room rather than flush into the corner for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Allow enough space to walk around the chair unimpeded. Throw blankets, a floor lamp, and a small side table add warmth and versatility to a corner seating nook.

Stylish Built-in Shelving Offers Form and Function

Built-in corner shelving introduces architectural interest while also providing ample storage and display space. The custom look makes a bold style statement. Open shelving keeps items visible and within easy reach. For more streamlined appeal, opt for shelving with sliding doors or a mixture of open and enclosed units. Use the shelves to stow electronics, books, collectibles or decorative objects. Built-ins prevent clutter from taking over while organizing your living room. Glass-front cabinets maintain a light, airy ambiance.

Define Separate Activity Zones in an Open Floor Plan

For living rooms with an open concept floor plan, corner furniture delineates separate activity areas. A desk or computer workstation transforms the space into a home office. Arts and crafts supplies turn the corner into a DIY station. A stacked bookcase filled with reading material creates a quiet reading retreat. Floating wall shelves work wonderfully for displaying plants, photos or accent decor. Thoughtful furniture arrangements make efficient use of every square foot while helping differentiate functional zones.

Corner Benches Include Hidden Storage

Corner benches maximize seating and storage capacity in one furniture piece. Look for units with hinged lids that lift to reveal spacious interior storage compartments. Use the bench to hold extra throw blankets, board games, TV remotes or media accessories. The lifted lids create a partition for privacy. Upholstered bench tops, padded seat cushions and back rests provide comfortable seating for three to four people. For small living rooms, a corner bench makes an excellent substitution for a standard couch or loveseat.

Multi-purpose Corner Desks

Today's corner computer desks combine elegant designs with functionality. The angled work surface fits perfectly into corners. Many feature flip-up panels or drawers to conceal printers, files and office supplies when not in use. Corner desks maintain openness in a living room while allowing you to answer emails or assist with homework. A chair pad protects floors from caster wheels. The workspace transitions seamlessly from home office to dining space with the addition of a chair.

Complement Room Layout and Existing Pieces

When selecting corner furniture, take stock of your living room's current layout and furnishings. Avoid overcrowding or blocking main traffic lanes. Measure to ensure adequate clearance. Large pieces like a corner entertainment unit can anchor the room while providing storage. Compact options like a corner chair blend seamlessly into the existing arrangement. Choose complementary finishes and upholstery that accent the overall decor. Repurpose vintage finds like an old pie safe or shelf unit. Allow enough space to easily access doors and drawers.

Small Accent Tables Free Up Floor Space

Instead of bulky end tables that stick out into pathways, consider petite circular side tables or space-saving quarter moon console tables. Their tapered curves hug corners tightly. Accent tables provide surfaces for table lamps, books, remote controls and beverage service. Glass table tops maintain an airy, open ambiance. Nesting tables offer tiered surfaces while condensing into a smaller footprint. Lucite acrylic tables have transparent surfaces. Multi-level designs maximize functionality in a compact silhouette.

Floor Lamps and Tall Plants Enhance Vertical Space

Take advantage of vertical real estate above furniture pieces. Direct the light source of an adjustable floor lamp towards a corner chair or sofa to create a cozy reading nook. For a natural touch, place tall leafy plants on console tables or plant stands. Corners provide the perfect spot to give indoor trees and large palms the floor space they need. Position floor lamps and plants to softly illuminate living room corners while adding visual interest and dimension.

Pull In Nearby Design Elements

Integrate surrounding furnishings, architectural details and accessories to make corner furniture feel like part of a cohesive arrangement. Overlay a large area rug to define the space. If the walls intersect at dramatic angles, play up the geometry with corresponding furniture silhouettes and angular decorative objects. Incorporate abstract art, sculptures or wall mirrors to reflect light. Repeat colors, shapes and materials throughout the living room to create flow. The right props give corner furniture purpose and context.

Include Lighting and Accessories

Properly illuminating living room corners helps highlight focal points and prevent dark gloomy spaces. Table lamps, floor lamps and sconces all impart warmth while aiding tasks like reading. Light fixtures create brilliant focal points, especially when fitted with smart bulbs that change color and brightness. Accessories like throw pillows, area rugs and vases provide attractive finishing touches. Make sure accents align with the corner furniture style.

Add Pops of Color for Visual Interest

Painted or stained wall units, bold throw pillows and area rugs enliven neutral living rooms with vibrant pops of color. Choose hues that complement the existing color scheme. For traditional spaces, rich shades of crimson, emerald and sapphire exude elegance. Vivid punchy colors like fuchsia, turquoise and chartreuse bring contemporary edge. Neutral furniture allows bolder accessory colors to take center stage. Infuse character and individuality into living room corners.

Far from being dead space, living room corners offer prime opportunities to add function, beauty and creative flair. The right corner furniture opens up and defines areas in an esthetically pleasing manner. Small touches like throw pillows, area rugs and accessories integrate corners into the overall living room design. Take advantage of every square inch by filling those corners with style.