Living room corners are the perfect spot to tuck away storage or a cozy reading chair. You might use round items — like a corner-fitting half-circle table or a big pouf — to break up hard lines, or simply use the otherwise-wasted space for a chest filled with board games. 

If you’re unsure what perfectly suits your living room’s empty nook, read on to explore corner decor ideas that use this space well.

21 living room corner decor ideas

From renters who need empty corner ideas to maximize square footage to homeowners redesigning a main room, thoughtful corner decor for living room areas can change how your space feels.

Here are 21 ways to make often-overlooked room corners functional and stylish. 

1. Reading nook setup

Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable armchair, a small side table, and a lamp. A soft throw and a nearby bookshelf create an inviting atmosphere for winding down and getting fully immersed in a great read.

2. Houseplants or indoor trees

Tall greenery instantly warms up an empty corner. For height, choose a fiddle-leaf fig or rubber tree. Pair it with a floor lamp or uplight for layered dimension. If the corner doesn’t get sufficient natural light and you’d prefer a live plant, consider outfitting your lamp with a UV grower light bulb. 

3. Corner gallery or wall art display

Layer a gallery wall across two joining walls with art, textiles, or framed photos. This works well to visually balance large, empty living room walls without adding furniture. Get creative with frames and prints to make your space feel eclectic and uniquely yours. 

4. Small desk or workstation

If you’re short on space, a slim desk and wall-mounted storage can create a tucked-away workstation, perfect for remote work or late-night study sessions. Try a neutral color palette to keep it calm and cohesive so it doesn’t appear cluttered or like an afterthought.

5. Coffee/bar cart

A coffee/bar cart adds utility and charm, and is much easier to maneuver into a small corner than cabinetry. Stock it with drinkware, spirits, or coffee accessories. You could even add candles or vintage mugs!

6. Accent chair with lamp

A simple accent chair and statement lamp can make the room corner feel complete. This setup requires little effort and can be as stylish and/or functional as desired. Play with unique textures, colors, or prints for the accent chair upholstery. 

Check out our modern floor lamp guide for inspo

7. Corner shelves or bookcases

A great corner furniture idea is a built-in shelving unit to display items like books, framed photos, ceramics, and candles. Get a taller bookcase if possible to draw the eye up and make the room feel more spacious and decorated. 

8. Decorative mirror

Open up the space with a floor-length mirror that bounces light around the room. This small corner decor idea sort of disguises the corner and adds a functional addition, too.

9. Vintage furniture display

Looking for a living room corner idea that’s got some flair? Go thrifting with friends to find the perfect stand-out furniture piece to put on display in that corner, like an antique cabinet, trunk, or sideboard. The texture and patina add depth, and it doubles as storage.

10. Picture ledges

Slim picture ledges add styling options to the empty corner without the bulkiness — and installation effort — of a full shelving unit. 

11. Indoor fireplace unit

An electric fireplace made for corners is a cozy and luxurious way of using this extra space. If your fireplace unit doesn’t have a mantle, add wall-mounted shelving above so you can decorate the corner further. 

12. Entryway drop zone

If your living room connects to the front door, add a small bench and coat hooks for a quick entryway setup. Get a bench with storage underneath for shoes for an even more comprehensive arrangement. 

13. Corner bar cabinet

Unlike a bar cart, a bar cabinet keeps things tidy while adding visual interest to the room. You can use it to show off your favorite glassware and liquors, as a coffee bar, or even for books!

14. Sculptural art piece

To match a more minimalist living room vibe, place a sleek sculptural art piece in the corner. While less functional, this tactic ensures the whole room is used to showcase your unique style.

Find the perfect sculpture for your space on Onton

15. Conversation seating area

Position two accent chairs and a small side table in the corner to create a cozy chatting space. This setup works best in open-plan rooms where corners feel disconnected from the central hangout spot. 

16. Window bench or built-in seat

If this corner is near a window, capitalize on the natural light by adding a sun-soaking spot with a corner bench. Layer cushions for comfort and tuck baskets underneath for storage.

17. Tucked-away workstation

Add a fold-out desk and mounted lamp for a sleek work-from-home spot. This is one of the most efficient small corner decor ideas for tight apartments.

18. Hidden appliance nook

Hide a printer, shredder, or modem inside a decorative cabinet to keep these bulkier electronics out of sight while maintaining easy access.

19. Lighting feature wall

Create a focal point with a floor lamp and a painted or wallpapered accent wall behind it. This approach adds drama without crowding the space.

20. Oversized art

Place two pieces of artwork on either side of the corner with gallery lighting showcasing these pieces. This option adds style without taking up floor space. 

21. Minimal bookshelf and pouf

Add a narrow bookshelf with a pouf or ottoman to soften up the corner. Bonus points if the ottoman doubles as hidden storage for blankets!

Explore corner decor ideas with Onton

Still unsure of how to decorate your corner? Use Onton’s AI-driven search engine to browse items from the best brands. Try prompts like “jute ottoman” or “corner coffee cabinet” to find pieces that suit your space just right. 

Once you’ve chosen a few favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to picture how everything will fit together in your space. Simply upload an image of the room and start playing around with various ideas. 

Dream up your ideal corner decor aesthetic with Onton.