Sharing my favorite living room corner ideas so you can finally kiss those empty corners in your home goodbye!
For years we had a corner in our living room that I wasn’t sure what to do with so I left it bare. Once I filled it, I realized what a big difference it made to have it decorated! I’m sure I’m not alone in having a naked corner giving me the stink-eye so I thought I’d write a post sharing my ten favorite living room corner ideas.
Starting with my own solution, I have ten ideas for kissing those empty living room corners goodbye! (post may contain paid links; for more information, see my disclosure policy {here})
1. Add Life With Greenery
In our previous home, this living room corner was the spot where we set up our Christmas tree:
So for the rest of the year I wanted something that would be easy to move to another room to make way for our tree. I added what’s one of my go-to corner fillers – {this faux fiddle leaf fig tree} (mine is the 7 foot version):
Sources: TV console (similar) | Chandelier (satin bronze) | White tasseled pillow cover | Rug | Pair of floor poufs | Acrylic coffee table (similar) | Coffee table tray (28″ square) | Rattan chair
Check out my post on family room ideas for more details and all sources for our family room!
It took me a while to stomach the price of it but after killing two real fiddle leaf figs that cost $100 each, I made the investment and am so glad I did. It adds so much life to this room (and doesn’t go brown on me)! It comes with a simple burlap wrapped base so you need a pot or basket to put it in. I used {this woven handled basket} in the large size:
As another option, I’m crushing on {this faux olive tree} for a more airy look:
2. Lean a Decorative Ladder
Another living room corner idea is to place a decorative ladder in the corner that can be used to hold extra blankets and quilts like {this cute white wood ladder}:
or {this rustic reclaimed ladder}:
Also check out {this blanket ladder} that’s well-priced and comes in a ton of finish options.
See my post on decorative ladder ideas for several other ideas on using decorative ladders in your home
You could also consider a stylish ladder bookshelf like {this one}. Depending on the size of your bare corner, a single bookshelf or a pair might be just what you need:
Also check out {this cute ladder with woven baskets} which would be a great solution for living rooms that could use some additional storage space.
3. Create a Work from Home Space
If you don’t have a dedicated home office, consider adding a desk to the corner of your living room. A lot of corner desks are big and clunky, but there are some stylish options too. I love the lines of {this corner desk} and think it could add so much style and function to a living room:
4. Display Art or a TV with an Easel
Another option is to buy a pretty easel to display a favorite piece of art in the corner:
My favorite easels I’ve seen are {this gorgeous acrylic easel}:
and {this gallery easel} (large size) that’s adjustable in height and comes in two finish options:
You could even consider an easel holding a TV if the corner is your best spot for TV viewing. There are tons of TV easel options ranging from {this simple, inexpensive TV easel} to {this handmade higher-end version}:
5. Add a Round Table
One of my favorite living room corner ideas is to add a round corner table (and then style the heck out of it like the talented Heather Bullard did here):
Check out {this round table} as a similar option to the one that she used. My mom keeps a round table in the corner of her living room with a simple centerpiece on top and pulls it out to use for card games and puzzling.
6. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Another option is to create a cozy reading nook with a comfy chair like {this upholstered wingback} and a small side table:
I created this reading nook in our primary bedroom using {this swivel chair}, {this floor lamp}, and {this ceramic garden stool} (on the other side where you can’t see it in the pic) for holding a drink or book. This trio would work well in a living room too:
7. Add a Statement-Making Floor Lamp
Another option is to fill that bare corner a statement-making floor lamp. One with a large base like this tripod floor lamp works best:
We have {this light wood floor lamp} in our living room and I love the look of it (I swapped out the shade on mine):
Also check out {this Mid-Century tripod floor lamp} if you like more modern, clean lines.
8. Set Up A Bar Cart
A final option is to use a bar cart in your bare living room corner. You can use bar carts for the obvious purpose of setting up a bar with alcohol bottles, mixers, and glassware as they did on {this bar cart}:
Or, I love the idea of having a bar cart like {this rattan bar cart} that holds a variety of potted plants:
We have {this pretty bar cart} in the corner of our sunroom holding outdoor pillows, blankets, portable lamps, and other supplies we can grab on our way out to the back porch. I also love being able to wheel it outside when we have friends over to create a simple drink station:
9. Add Storage with a Corner Cabinet
Need more shelving or storage space in your living room? Consider a corner cabinet such as {this white and brass corner cabinet} or {this curved fluted wood cabinet}:
They’re both pieces that could be styled in so many different ways depending on the needs of your room.
10. Display a Plant on a Pedestal
If the corner in your living room that’s looking empty is on the smaller side, I love the look of a sculpture or potted plant on a pedestal. A beautiful example is the pedestal that Studio McGee added to their great room {here} in combination with a pair of stacked art prints and wall sconce:
McGee & Co. no longer carries this exact pedestal but they have several beautiful options {here}.
Do you guys have any other living room corner ideas I should add to my list?
Denise Pavone Storck says
I love the faux olive tree! Thanks for the tip!
Kris Jarrett says
Isn’t that so pretty? I wish I had a place for it!
KimberlyAnn says
Wonderful ideas! My house feels bare after Christmas and I just sat down to look at Pinterest for ideas when I first checked my email…thank you! Xo
Kris Jarrett says
I’m so glad the timing was right and that you found some inspiration!
Nancy says
Great ideas! Here’s another – use a pedestal or half column. Top it with a planter that has both tall and trailing plant leaves, real or faux. Or place a sculpture on it. You can switch out for a tabletop Christmas tree next year.
Kris Jarrett says
That’s a great one! Thank you for sharing it!
Dian Owens says
I am fond of floor lamps and their versatility.
Kris Jarrett says
Me too and I realized I only have a single one in our home – I’m tempted to change that!
Pat says
Kris, did you purchase the large basket to hold your faux fiddle leaf fig tree or the medium one?
I’m still trying to get over that $300 price tag!! It’s extravagant to say the least.
Kris Jarrett says
I know – the price tag is pretty for the fig tree is pretty intense – it’s definitely one that you want to get on sale! I’ve actually had my beachcomber basket for over five years and they’ve changed the sizes slightly since then but it’s closest to the large tote (mine is about 2″ wider and taller). I think the x-large would be too big.
Karen B. says
Kris,
I was especially sad to take down our tree this year…missed those 6 days. I love some of the ideas for filling a corner. The wood easel that holds a tv was especially great. Fortunately, our spool chair goes where the tree is placed so that the chair is home and our tree is safely tucked in storage for the next 11 months.
xo,
Karen
Kris Jarrett says
I love spool chairs – sounds like you have the perfect built-in solution!
susan podgorski says
I love your vision Kris. I have a round table in my living room corner. Now, I know how to make it the centerpiece of the room. Thank you for sharing your spectacular home with us.
Happy new year?
Susan
Kris Jarrett says
I’m so glad you found some inspiration you can use! Happy new year!
Jen says
That easel holding a tv is very creative!
Kris Jarrett says
Isn’t that a cool idea?! I had never seen that before!
janice meyr says
I really liked your ideas about family room corners. I especially like the “Other Choices” listed as well. It was easy to read (not too wordy) and put together well.
Kris Jarrett says
I’m so glad you enjoyed me post – thanks for your sweet comment!
Kerri Hansen says
It’s like you read my mind! I have been struggling with a living room corner that is right beside my fireplace mantle and is rather a focal point. Last week I landed on the idea of combining a ladder with 2 potted plants…two of the suggestions on your list. I would love to use a faux fiddle but I don’t have the budget for a convincing one, and the cheaper versions just don’t cut it. Such great suggestions, thanks for the inspiration!
Kris Jarrett says
I’m so glad the timing was right – sounds like you’re on the path to a great solution!
Kris Jarrett says
I’ve never seen any tables other than antiques that are like that one – I love how you can put a basket under it because of how the legs are arranged!
Kris Jarrett says
I think it is SO SO cool!!! Do it!
Janice says
Love the easel idea! I have a corner in my dining room that would be perfect for one.
Kris Jarrett says
I’m so glad you found an idea that works for you!
Nippon says
Great Job on providing info on much needed topic!
Kris Jarrett says
Glad you enjoyed the post!
chad kotta says
Looking to re-do our front room and fire place wall as well. Really like how you did the tv stand and picture frames in your living room and wish to do the same look. great job!
Christina says
Thank you! Any tips for dining room corners?
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Christina! Most of these tips could also be used in dining room corners. There are also a lot of pretty corner cabinets that you could use to hold dishware or a corner is a great spot to hold an extra chair for when you have additional guests for dinner.
Ashlee says
What size basket did you get for your fig tree?? Large or xlarge?? Did you put anything else in the basket?? Thanks
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Ashlee – my basket is the large size. I recommend using a towel to take up the empty space around the tree in the basket and then putting some faux Spanish moss on top to cover it for a more realistic look!
Dawn says
Hi – curious where did u get the acrylic coffee table, thank you !
Kris Jarrett says
It was from Wisteria but is unfortunately no longer available. This post has some similar options: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/acrylic/
Kris says
Where did u get the media stand like the drawers in it
Kris Jarrett says
Hi! It was from Wisteria but unfortunately they no longer carry it. This option is a very close look-alike though: https://rstyle.me/+CU3V1q7Pb_09eU1sGBdOEA
Kathryn says
I’m really loving the olive tree as well. It’s wispy and the texture is nice for the spring/summer months. I did a round table in my living room ‘dead zone’. A faux plant, an interesting clock and some smaller books completed the look and it makes the space make sense.
Love all of your ideas!
Panida says
I was looking for a small bookcase for a corner and most of these in the market are wider. Your pick of West Elm 17” caught my eyes and I went ahead and ordered it. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful taste. I really enjoy your short and sweet updates each week!!
Barbara Drymala says
Please let me know if you find the round table in #4. I also love the look but can’t find anything similar to it.
Karen B. says
Great ideas, Kris.
Thank you and happy new year to you and your family.
Karen B.