Creative Ideas for Empty Space in Your Dining Room: Transforming Dining Room Vacancies into Functional AreasSarah ThompsonSep 23, 2025Table of Contents1. Add a Reading Nook2. Create a Mini Bar Area3. Showcase Art4. Install Floating Shelves5. Go Green with Plants6. Add a Bench with Storage7. Style a Console Table8. Build a Coffee Station9. Install a Statement Light10. Bring in a Decorative ScreenFAQTable of Contents1. Add a Reading Nook2. Create a Mini Bar Area3. Showcase Art4. Install Floating Shelves5. Go Green with Plants6. Add a Bench with Storage7. Style a Console Table8. Build a Coffee Station9. Install a Statement Light10. Bring in a Decorative ScreenFAQTransform Dining Corners10 corner ideas to make your dining room cozy and functional.Try these dining corner ideasOnce, a client asked me to install a tiny indoor zen garden right next to their dining table – complete with a miniature waterfall. At first, I thought it was the strangest request I’d ever heard. But when I saw how it softened the whole space, I realized small design risks can make a big difference. Empty spaces in a dining room are an opportunity, not a problem. Drawing on more than a decade of playing with layouts and styles, I’m sharing 10 ideas that can turn those empty spots into something special.1. Add a Reading NookI love combining comfort and style. A small armchair, side table, and warm lamp in that lonely corner can create a cozy reading nook that doubles as extra guest seating. Positioning it wisely is key – you don’t want it to block the flow during big dinners.save pin2. Create a Mini Bar AreaA bar cart or small cabinet can turn unused space into a stylish drink station. Bonus: it’s functional for entertaining, but be mindful of keeping it tidy, as clutter will steal its charm. Sometimes I use a room planner to test positions before committing.save pin3. Showcase ArtBig empty wall near the dining table? That’s your gallery space. Large-scale art or a grid of framed photos adds personality. Remember, lighting is crucial – a spotlight will make even affordable prints look like they belong in a museum.save pin4. Install Floating ShelvesFloating shelves blend style with storage. You can display ceramics, plants, or cookbooks, and it keeps surfaces clear during meals. The only challenge: regular dusting, but I say it’s worth it for the visual interest.save pin5. Go Green with PlantsPlants bring life into a dining room instantly. Try tall species like fiddle-leaf figs for vertical impact. Just make sure they get enough light, or they might pout (and die). Mid-century pots are my go-to for chic plant presentation.save pin6. Add a Bench with StorageBenches against empty walls can handle both seating overflow and storage beneath. This is perfect for small dining rooms where every inch must multitask. I've used a free floor plan creator to visualize storage options before building.save pin7. Style a Console TableA console table near the dining space can hold candles, serveware, or seasonal décor. Choose one with closed drawers if you want to hide bits you don’t want guests to see. It’s a little luxury that feels like it belongs in a boutique restaurant.save pin8. Build a Coffee StationDedicated coffee spots are a hit – especially for morning routines. An espresso machine, mugs, and a few jars of beans in that corner make your dining room feel energetic and inviting. Just plan for easy access to outlets.save pin9. Install a Statement LightIf the empty space is above, not beside, think vertically. A chandelier or pendant cluster can create a focal point. I once used a dramatic woven pendant that transformed an otherwise boring corner – tested first with a kitchen layout planner just to be sure the proportions worked.save pin10. Bring in a Decorative ScreenA folding screen can subtly divide an open-plan dining room while adding texture. Rattan, fabric, or painted wood – whatever fits your aesthetic. It’s easily movable, which is gold when you need flexibility.save pinFAQ1. How do I choose the right décor for an empty dining room corner?Pick something that balances the overall style and scale of the room. Functional pieces that double as décor are always a safe bet.2. Is it okay to mix different styles in my dining room?Yes! Blending styles can add personality. Just maintain a common color palette to prevent visual chaos.3. Will adding plants crowd my dining room?If chosen with scale in mind, plants enhance rather than crowd a space. Choose vertical forms for corners to preserve floor area.4. What’s the cheapest way to fill an empty dining space?DIY or thrift finds! Shelves, repurposed furniture, or handmade art can be budget-friendly and unique.5. Should my dining room lighting match the living room?Not necessarily – cohesive tone is great, but dining rooms can handle bolder statement lights without clashing.6. Can I put a home office in my dining room?You can, but be mindful of boundaries. Use a room divider or screen to keep work and dining areas visually separate.7. How important is storage in a small dining room?Crucial. Pieces like storage benches or console tables protect against clutter. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, storage is a key factor in maintaining functionality in compact spaces.8. Do I need professional help for layout changes?Not always – tools like online planners let you experiment first, and professional input can fine-tune ideas later.Try these dining corner ideasPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Transform Dining Corners10 corner ideas to make your dining room cozy and functional.Try these dining corner ideas