9 Ways to Breathe Life Into 'Dead' Corners
Raise the 'dead' with these tips to lift dull living room corners into room-enhancing features
As well as being a place where two sides or edges meet, by definition a corner is an area that’s secluded and feels remote. But it doesn’t have to be. In our homes, and living areas especially, corners need not be left bare and empty and, indeed, they shouldn’t be – these dead zones tend to suck the energy out of a room. Take some inspiration from these skilfully styled corners and create a refreshed and purposeful nook that adds colour, life and functionality to your living room.
2. Try the artwork lean
If you have a bench seat or console in a corner, experiment with the artwork lean. A great trick for renters (no nails in the walls) an oversized artwork or canvas print will help fill the void that the joining of walls creates.
Play with scale and proportion and think about how large you will need the artwork to be to create balance in the room. In this example, the fireplace has been used as a benchmark for the size of the artwork. Anything smaller would have looked out of place in this spot.
Save the Wall: 7 Reasons to Lean – Not Hang – Art
If you have a bench seat or console in a corner, experiment with the artwork lean. A great trick for renters (no nails in the walls) an oversized artwork or canvas print will help fill the void that the joining of walls creates.
Play with scale and proportion and think about how large you will need the artwork to be to create balance in the room. In this example, the fireplace has been used as a benchmark for the size of the artwork. Anything smaller would have looked out of place in this spot.
Save the Wall: 7 Reasons to Lean – Not Hang – Art
3. Maximise space
Corners can end up as voids and dead zones, so make sure you are creating a functional space here, especially if you’re living in a small apartment. A recessed wall has been put to good use in this corner, with overhead open shelves and a petite chair. A great spot for guitar practice!
Corners can end up as voids and dead zones, so make sure you are creating a functional space here, especially if you’re living in a small apartment. A recessed wall has been put to good use in this corner, with overhead open shelves and a petite chair. A great spot for guitar practice!
4. Turn the corner with a modular sofa
L-shaped or modular-style sofas are useful in living areas, especially when there are awkward corners with which to contend. Most furniture stores selling modular sofas allow you to choose their orientation, and many sofas can be customised to fit your exact layout.
L-shaped or modular-style sofas are useful in living areas, especially when there are awkward corners with which to contend. Most furniture stores selling modular sofas allow you to choose their orientation, and many sofas can be customised to fit your exact layout.
Modular sofas are the preferred choice for many people because they can make the best use of a space. Just make sure the sectionals can fit through all your doors, and up any stairs as they tend to be quite blocky and bulky (even when they are taken apart).
5. Bring in some tall greenery
If you have windows forming a corner in your living room and you don’t want to block the light or limit the view, why not try a lush tall plant? The greenery helps create a softness without being a completely solid element that will appear too heavy. The plant will love the natural light and it is a great option for apartment dwellers or if you don’t have a backyard – bring the outdoors in.
The House Plants to Grow to Make You a Green Thumb
If you have windows forming a corner in your living room and you don’t want to block the light or limit the view, why not try a lush tall plant? The greenery helps create a softness without being a completely solid element that will appear too heavy. The plant will love the natural light and it is a great option for apartment dwellers or if you don’t have a backyard – bring the outdoors in.
The House Plants to Grow to Make You a Green Thumb
6. Tailor-make the corner with custom carpentry
An investment yes, but creating custom cabinets in a corner space, or where the walls end and windows begin, allows for a fabulously functional solution in an otherwise tricky area. By using the vertical space you add extra storage, and you can decide to have open shelving, to hide your things away in cabinets, or have a combination of both.
An investment yes, but creating custom cabinets in a corner space, or where the walls end and windows begin, allows for a fabulously functional solution in an otherwise tricky area. By using the vertical space you add extra storage, and you can decide to have open shelving, to hide your things away in cabinets, or have a combination of both.
A bookcase or shelving unit can be tucked away in a corner and serve a purpose, and it’s completely OK for it to be partially hidden by your sofa and lamp. Display your favourite books or keepsakes and enjoy a cosy little reading nook that would otherwise have been a blank space.
7. Lay back on a transitional lounge
Another great multi-purpose piece is a chaise or daybed. Not quite a statement armchair, not quite a sofa (they are a little larger than an armchair, and not as large as a lounge), these corner solvers work wonderfully in wall junctions.
Tip: Build in some breathing space by positioning a transitional lounge out a little from walls and windowsills. You can also anchor another furniture piece off one of these seating options, such as a console or sideboard – just leave some air between them.
Another great multi-purpose piece is a chaise or daybed. Not quite a statement armchair, not quite a sofa (they are a little larger than an armchair, and not as large as a lounge), these corner solvers work wonderfully in wall junctions.
Tip: Build in some breathing space by positioning a transitional lounge out a little from walls and windowsills. You can also anchor another furniture piece off one of these seating options, such as a console or sideboard – just leave some air between them.
Add a side table and lamp and stretch out. The ideal addition to a corner with windows, a daybed makes for a cosy little area for reading and relaxing.
Busy Life? Here’s How to Make Home a Little More Serene
Busy Life? Here’s How to Make Home a Little More Serene
8. Insert a floor lamp
Floor lamps are great because they provide that task or mood lighting you need in a living space and don’t take up much room. Plugged in to the corner, a floor lamp can reach over your sofa to help the living area feel more like its own zone; be more upstanding and shoot light upwards; or feature a semi-transparent shade that creates a soft glow and ambience. The options are endless.
Floor lamps are great because they provide that task or mood lighting you need in a living space and don’t take up much room. Plugged in to the corner, a floor lamp can reach over your sofa to help the living area feel more like its own zone; be more upstanding and shoot light upwards; or feature a semi-transparent shade that creates a soft glow and ambience. The options are endless.
A floor lamp can be tucked into the smallest of spaces. Just be wary of the shade height and position, so you don’t bang your head every time you get up or sit down.
Floor Lamps are Standing Tall Again
Floor Lamps are Standing Tall Again
9. Create your own corner
If you have a challenging floor plan with limited walls against which you can place furniture, or a window you want to keep clear, why not consider creating a corner? In this living room, a sofa has been positioned where the wall ends, creating extra seating yet still allowing easy access through to the next room.
TELL US
Have you made good use of a tricky corner? Share your tips in the Comments below.
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If you have a challenging floor plan with limited walls against which you can place furniture, or a window you want to keep clear, why not consider creating a corner? In this living room, a sofa has been positioned where the wall ends, creating extra seating yet still allowing easy access through to the next room.
TELL US
Have you made good use of a tricky corner? Share your tips in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more living room ideas
Most corners work well with a chair, and in the living room an extra seat or two always comes in handy. Choose an armchair that will make a statement and tie in with the rest of your decor. Pick a bold colour or a material that contrasts with your sofa such as leather, velvet or patterned fabric.
Just be sure the style and shape fits well in the space – I like to tape out the floor area to help me visualise the space a piece of furniture will take up. Consider its height too, and whether you want it to be a solid form, or perhaps allow some light through with a rattan, woven or wire chair.