If you don’t have much space available, every single corner counts. . But let’s be honest—some corners are just plain weird. They’re too narrow for furniture, too empty to ignore, and too important to leave blank. The good news? Even the quirkiest corner can be transformed into something beautiful or seriously useful. You just need a little creativity—and maybe some throw pillows.
Over the years, I’ve tackled more awkward corners than I care to count (hello, rental life). And I’ve learned a thing or two about making those weird spots work with you instead of against you. Whether it’s a cozy nook, a storage fix, or just a splash of visual interest, I’ve got your back. Let’s dive into the most clever (and doable!) ways to decorate awkward corners.
Create a Sitting or a Reading Nook
Let’s start with my personal favorite: the reading nook. If you’ve got just enough space for a comfy chair or even a pouf, boom—you’ve got a corner that serves a purpose. I once shoved an old armchair into the corner of my bedroom with a thrifted floor lamp, added a couple of throw pillows and a blanket, and suddenly it became my cozy escape zone.
Want to take it up a notch? Surround your seat with wall-mounted bookshelves, hang a piece of art above it, and toss down a soft rug. Add a side table to hold your tea (or wine—we’re not judging) and you’ve got yourself a dreamy reading nook.
A boho nook with a leather chair, some potted greenery, a mirror and a lamp makes up a cozy reading space.
A cozy reading nook with a comfy chair and bookshelves over the radiator is a warm and cozy space.
A cozy reading nook by the window, with an artwork, succulents and a small side table.
A cozy corner with a pink armchair, a floor lamp and some poufs is an ideal reading nook and is very inviting.
A corner with a comfy upholstered sofa, a side table and a matching floor lamp is a perfect reading nook.
An awkward corner with a pink chair and a footrest, hanging wooden lamps and a side table for reading here.
A nook by the wall taken by a pink chair, a floor lamp and a brass side table as a glam reading space.
A small nook with a comfy chair, a console table and family photos and signs all over.
An awkward nook with a living wall, a comfy chair and a table, lots of greenery, it looks very inspiring and refreshing.
An awkward nook in a kids' room can be used as a cozy reading space with bean bag chairs.
A stylish nook with a leather chair, a floor lamp and a side table is ideal for reading - just add pillows.
Sleeping Zone
Okay, this one surprised me—turning a corner into a daybed spot? Genius. If you have enough room, you can pop a sleek daybed or even a cushioned bench right in. It’s perfect for mid-afternoon naps or lazy weekend reading while stretched out.
A wall sconce nearby gives you light without needing a table lamp, and you can float a small shelf or two around it to keep things from feeling bare. Bonus points if you hang curtains nearby—it adds that soft, tucked-away vibe, almost like a mini retreat within the room.
An awkward attic corner is taken by a whole comfy bed where you can have a daytime nap or jsut read.
A small nook by the window is taken by a daybed with pillows and upholstery, great for reading and having a nap.
Eating Area
Got a small corner near the kitchen or living room window? Don’t let it go to waste. That spot is begging to be a little breakfast nook. One of the best things I ever did was add a curved bench under a window, pair it with a glass table (light and airy!) and tuck in a few upholstered poufs.
This setup doesn’t take much space but totally upgrades how you enjoy morning coffee or quick dinners. Plus, natural light makes any meal feel fancier. Add a plant or pendant light above the table to finish the look.
A cozy eating space in a small corner, a corner sofa and an eye-catchy hanging lamp over it.
A small breakfast space with a round table and acrylic chairs looks airy and very comfy.
A quiet corner with a small breakfast area, a curved sofa and upholstered poufs, a lamp to highlight the space.
Storage Space
Now, if you’re like me and never have enough places to stash things, corners are your secret weapon. For small spots, try a slim side table or console with shelves. For slightly bigger spaces, a full corner cabinet or sideboard works wonders.
Open shelving is another magic trick—especially if you want to avoid a bulky look. You can float a few shelves in the corner and style them with baskets, candles, or neatly folded linens. Functional and pretty? That’s a win.
A small side table on hairpin legs used in a small corner to make the use of it.
A small nook used for storing vinyl and for playing it too - only for melomans and vintage lovers.
A large fiddle leaf fig brings natural drama to the corner of this bright room—balanced by warm textures and soft light from the windows. (@candacesellsatx).
A small awkward nook taken by open shelves and is used for storage to make the use of it.
A narrow console table is a great idea for storage in an awkward nook, it fits perfectly.
A colorful shabby chic cabinet is another great idea for storage in an awkward corner.
Open shelves look airy and not bulky, they are ideal for a small corner and you'll get additional storage.
Art Display
This is where you get to be a little extra. Got a stack of prints you haven’t hung yet? Your awkward corner is the perfect canvas. You can wrap a gallery wall around the corner for a unique look—just stick to a color scheme to keep it cohesive.
I’ve also used mirrors and even little 3D wall hangings in corners to give them depth. Floating shelves let you rotate small sculptures, framed art, or even ceramics. Just remember: a corner is still a wall, and it deserves attention!
A tiny side table with a candle, lamp and soem fresh blooms on metallic legs is ideal for a tiny corner.
A staircase corner is fully taken with artworks and looks very spectacular, what a great idea.
Add Plants and Accents
When in doubt, go green. A tall plant like a fiddle leaf fig or monstera instantly fills up space and makes a corner feel alive. If you’re worried about sunlight, grab a good faux plant and pop it in a statement pot. Trust me—no one will know.
I like to layer mine with a stool, a lantern, or a tiny stack of books underneath. You can even hang a trailing plant from the ceiling to add softness. Corners love texture, and plants deliver that in spades.
An awkward staircase corner with a gallery wall in gold, white and black for a cool and vintage-inspired look.
This overlooked corner becomes a standout with a mix of statement planters and lush foliage—nature’s fix for awkward angles and blank walls. (@juteandjade).
Turn It Into a Coffee or Bar Station
One of the happiest accidents in our home was turning an empty kitchen corner into a coffee bar. I dragged in a small bar cart, added our French press, a few mugs, and boom—it became everyone’s favorite spot.
If coffee’s not your thing, go full-on bar cart with glassware, spirits, and a little tray for garnishes. Add a framed quote or a tiny lamp for ambiance. That little corner will suddenly become the heart of your space (and your guests will totally notice).
A marble backdrop and floating wood shelves turn this narrow niche into a luxe coffee nook—tiny, but it feels straight out of a boutique hotel. (@shadesofgrayinteriors).
This sleek coffee station tucked into the corner delivers big morning energy in a small footprint—clean lines, neutral tones, and just the right amount of greenery. (@theurbanedesign).
Use Lighting to Add Warmth
Don’t underestimate the power of a floor lamp or sconce. Corners are often shadowy, and adding the right lighting makes the space feel deliberate instead of forgotten.
I’ve used plug-in pendant lights with swag hooks for a dreamy corner glow. It’s super renter-friendly, and you can even set it on a smart plug to turn it on with your voice. Pair that light with a chair, art, or plants, and now that awkward corner is a moment.
This cozy corner gets an instant glow-up with a slim floor lamp and layered textures—perfect proof that even the most awkward spots can feel intentional. (@esraa_zaki_interiors).
A sculptural floor lamp paired with lush greenery and art gives this quiet corner a bold, modern vibe—proof that less space doesn’t mean less style. (@esraa_zaki_interiors).
Final Thoughts
Awkward corners don’t have to stay awkward forever. With a little vision and a few smart tweaks—plants, lighting, shelves, or a cozy chair—you can make them the best part of your space. And the best part? Most of these ideas don’t require major renovations or a big budget.
So next time you walk past that weird, empty corner, don’t sigh. Smile. Because now you’ve got so many ideas for turning it into something amazing.