5 Inspiring Drawing Room Corner Design Ideas: Creative ways to transform every inch of your living space

As a designer with over a decade of experience, I’ve noticed how current interior design trends celebrate functionality and character, especially in smaller homes. Little corners in your drawing room often get overlooked, but they can become the highlight of your space. Small spaces truly spark big creativity, and in this article, I’ll share 5 drawing room corner design ideas drawn from my own projects and expert sources.

One of my favourite corner makeovers involved a compact city apartment where we integrated minimalist corner shelving to store books, art, and even a hidden coffee station. The transformation was remarkable.

1. Built-in Reading Nook

My Take: I once transformed a dull corner into a reading nook for a young couple in Shanghai. Adding a cushioned bench under a window with layered lighting created an inviting retreat they still adore today.

Pros: Maximises unused space and adds a cosy, personal area. Built-in designs improve aesthetics while integrating storage below the bench, making it ideal for small-space living.

Cons: If you don’t enjoy reading, it might end up as another spot for clutter. Custom carpentry can also increase the budget.

Tip: Use washable fabrics and layered textures to make it both functional and stylish.

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2. Indoor Green Wall

My Take: In one project, I designed a vibrant green wall for a client who lacked balcony space. Using vertical planters, we brought nature right into the drawing room.

Pros: Improves air quality and injects life into the room. According to a 2021 report by the Royal Horticultural Society, indoor plants can boost mood and creativity by up to 15%.

Cons: Requires regular maintenance and proper lighting, or it could look sad very quickly.

Case: For low-maintenance, consider artificial greenery with realistic textures, or a mix of live and faux plants.

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3. Floating Desk Setup

My Take: Small drawing rooms often double as home offices for my clients. I recall designing a floating desk workspace in a narrow corner — it saved floor space and added a sleek, modern touch.

Pros: Perfect for remote work setups. It keeps the floor area open while adding a functional work zone.

Cons: Limited surface area; larger monitors or multiple devices might not fit comfortably.

Tip: Use cable management solutions to keep the corner tidy and tech-friendly.

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4. Statement Art Display

My Take: Corners can be dynamic spots for bold art. I helped a family curate a gallery wall with a sculptural floor lamp beside it, turning a forgotten space into a conversation starter.

Pros: Adds personality and visual interest without taking up much room. Flexible for seasonal décor changes.

Cons: Artwork may fade if exposed to direct sunlight; also requires thoughtful arrangement to avoid cluttered look.

Tip: A single oversized piece can make a bigger impact than multiple small frames.

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5. Multi-level Storage with Accent Lighting

My Take: One of my favourite challenges was combining storage and ambience in a compact flat. We incorporated vertical shelving with warm spotlights to display décor and hide everyday items.

Pros: Doubles as functional storage and a decorative feature. Accent lighting enhances depth and creates a cosy atmosphere.

Cons: Requires careful installation planning to hide wiring; overstuffing shelves can ruin the look.

Case: In a recent project, integrating layered shelving with lighting elevated the whole living space without major renovation costs.

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Summary

Remember, having a small drawing room doesn’t mean you have fewer design options — it simply pushes you to think smarter. As design author Terence Conran once said, “It’s not the size of the space, it’s what you do with it.” Which of these 5 design ideas would you love to try in your own home?

FAQ

1. What is the core idea behind drawing room corner design?

It’s about creatively using neglected corners to boost function and style while maximising space.

2. Which design works best for small spaces?

Built-in reading nooks or floating desk setups often work best for compact drawing rooms.

3. Can DIY projects work for corner design?

Yes, especially shelves, gallery walls, and simple plant stands — they’re cost-effective and personal.

4. How can lighting enhance corner design?

Accent lighting draws attention to décor and increases the perception of depth.

5. Are indoor green walls hard to maintain?

Live plant walls require consistent watering and light, though faux options reduce upkeep needs.

6. What’s a budget-friendly corner upgrade?

Adding a bold single artwork or thrifted statement furniture can transform a corner instantly.

7. How do I plan a corner layout?

You can explore layout tools like the online room planners to visualise proportions before committing.

8. Why is small space design important?

Efficient design in tight quarters improves both aesthetics and daily living comfort, according to the American Society of Interior Designers.