10 Living Room Corner Decor Ideas: Creative Ways to Transform Those Awkward Living Room Corners

As a designer who’s spent over a decade optimizing small spaces, I’ve come to love the challenge of a bare living room corner. In 2024, trends continue leaning toward multipurpose spaces, organic textures, and smart storage. Small corners, in particular, force us to get creative and personal with our design choices. In this article, I’ll share 10 living room corner decor ideas I’ve implemented in real homes—blending personal experience, client stories, and expert-backed insights—to help you see those corners not as wasted space, but as opportunities for design magic.

1. Cozy Reading Nook

My Take: I once transformed a dim corner in a client’s apartment into a snug reading spot with just a small armchair, a floor lamp, and layered textiles. They told me it instantly became their favorite place at home.

Pros: Makes excellent use of unused space, promotes relaxation, and can integrate functional corner bookshelves—something even small apartments can benefit from according to Apartment Therapy.

Cons: May block natural light if placed near windows, and requires upkeep to avoid looking cluttered.

Tip: Opt for a chair with slim arms to conserve visual space.

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2. Tall Indoor Plant Feature

My Take: In my own home, a fiddle-leaf fig thrives in the sunniest corner. It’s a low-effort way to bring life into a room.

Pros: Adds vertical interest and improves indoor air quality (NASA Clean Air Study). Greenery softens hard architectural lines.

Cons: Tall plants may require higher maintenance and the right lighting conditions.

Case: For darker corners, consider a quality artificial plant for similar visual impact without the care.

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3. Corner Workstation

My Take: A client wanted a home office but had no spare room—so we converted a quiet corner into a sleek desk space, complete with floating shelves and hidden cable management.

Pros: Perfect for remote work setups without overtaking the living space; maximizes underused real estate.

Cons: Requires good lighting and ergonomic planning to be comfortable long-term.

See how an open concept layout can integrate work corners seamlessly into living areas.

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4. Gallery Wall Extension

My Take: I once took a client’s photo collection and wrapped it visually around a corner, turning it into a focal point instead of a dead zone.

Pros: Extends your décor without more furniture, allows you to display personal art and memories.

Cons: Too many frames can overwhelm the eye; careful spacing is key.

Tip: Use matching frames for cohesion, mismatched sizes for visual interest.

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5. Corner Fireplace Installation

My Take: In a mountain cabin project, we installed an electric fireplace in the corner to free up the main wall for a large window.

Pros: Creates an instant cozy focal point, works even with limited wall width.

Cons: Installation costs can be high; not all spaces suit venting for gas units.

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6. Floating Shelves Display

My Take: For a boutique apartment, we added staggered floating shelves in a tight corner to display ceramics the client collected from travels.

Pros: Economical, customizable, and a great way to showcase personality while adding storage.

Cons: Dusting can be tedious; avoid overloading unstable shelves.

Midway through planning, I realized how custom shelving designs can elevate corner aesthetics dramatically without crowding the room.

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7. Accent Chair and Side Table

My Take: For a narrow corner, I placed an artful accent chair and small marble-top side table. It became a morning coffee spot for the homeowner.

Pros: Offers extra seating and utility; easy to swap styles seasonally.

Cons: Not ideal for high-traffic corners or homes with rambunctious pets.

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8. Statement Floor Lamp

My Take: I’ve often used oversized arc lamps in corners to illuminate center seating areas without overhead fixtures.

Pros: Adds sculptural form and targeted light; frees side tables from lamp clutter.

Cons: Can be pricey, and require significant floor space for the base.

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9. Built-in Bench with Storage

My Take: In one renovation, we fitted a corner under a bay window with a built-in bench—doubling as seating and hidden storage for throws.

Pros: Highly functional for small apartments, combines seating, storage, and design.

Cons: Fixed nature means less flexibility if you change your layout.

It’s similar to how an integrated bay seating design can become a centerpiece while maintaining function.

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10. Decorative Screen or Divider

My Take: I’ve used folding screens to make a cozy visual niche in otherwise open, undefined corners.

Pros: Versatile, portable, and great for adding texture or pattern.

Cons: Can make small rooms feel smaller if overused.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, a small corner is an invitation to be clever, not restricted. With the right approach, even awkward spaces can become the most admired parts of your living room. According to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the trend toward multipurpose spaces will keep growing—so don’t overlook your corners. Which of these ideas are you tempted to try first?

FAQ

1. What are the best living room corner decor ideas for small spaces? Multi-functional setups like built-in benches or floating shelves work beautifully without overcrowding the space.
2. Can I put a large plant in a small corner? Yes, but choose a species appropriate to the light level. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, certain plants even help improve indoor air quality.
3. Is a corner desk worth it? If you work from home, a tidy corner desk can save space while clearly defining a work zone.
4. How can I make a corner cozy? Soft textiles, warm lighting, and a comfortable chair instantly increase coziness.
5. Do corner fireplaces give enough heat? Electric units provide supplemental heat; gas units are more efficient but need proper venting.
6. Should I use a screen to divide a corner? Yes, if you want visual separation without permanent walls—ideal for renters.
7. What lighting works best for corners? Floor lamps, wall sconces, or LED strip lighting tucked under shelves work well.
8. How do I plan furniture for corners? You can use a planning tool or reference professional layouts to ensure proper flow and scale, similar to examples on this resource.