10 Go-To Living Room Corner Ideas! (2024)

Updated: Jan 7, 2024 by Kris Jarrett

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):

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?

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Denise Pavone Storck says
January 05, 2020 at 11:03 am

I love the faux olive tree! Thanks for the tip!
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:22 pm
  
  Isn’t that so pretty? I wish I had a place for it!
  Reply
KimberlyAnn says
January 05, 2020 at 12:38 pm

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
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:23 pm
  
  I’m so glad the timing was right and that you found some inspiration!
  Reply
Nancy says
January 05, 2020 at 1:07 pm

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.
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:24 pm
  
  That’s a great one! Thank you for sharing it!
  Reply
Dian Owens says
January 05, 2020 at 5:20 pm

I am fond of floor lamps and their versatility.
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:24 pm
  
  Me too and I realized I only have a single one in our home – I’m tempted to change that!
  Reply
Pat says
January 05, 2020 at 7:03 pm

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.
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:30 pm
  
  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.
  Reply
Karen B. says
January 05, 2020 at 7:21 pm

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
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:31 pm
  
  I love spool chairs – sounds like you have the perfect built-in solution!
  Reply
susan podgorski says
January 05, 2020 at 10:24 pm

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
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:33 pm
  
  I’m so glad you found some inspiration you can use! Happy new year!
  Reply
Jen says
January 05, 2020 at 10:46 pm

That easel holding a tv is very creative!
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:34 pm
  
  Isn’t that a cool idea?! I had never seen that before!
  Reply
janice meyr says
January 06, 2020 at 6:34 am

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.
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:39 pm
  
  I’m so glad you enjoyed me post – thanks for your sweet comment!
  Reply
Kerri Hansen says
January 06, 2020 at 9:46 am

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!
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 06, 2020 at 9:40 pm
  
  I’m so glad the timing was right – sounds like you’re on the path to a great solution!
  Reply
Kris Jarrett says
January 06, 2020 at 9:43 pm

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!
Reply
Kris Jarrett says
January 06, 2020 at 9:43 pm

I think it is SO SO cool!!! Do it!
Reply
Janice says
January 07, 2020 at 9:25 pm

Love the easel idea! I have a corner in my dining room that would be perfect for one.
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 08, 2020 at 10:13 am
  
  I’m so glad you found an idea that works for you!
  Reply
Nippon says
January 11, 2020 at 1:34 am

Great Job on providing info on much needed topic!
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 13, 2020 at 9:52 pm
  
  Glad you enjoyed the post!
  Reply
chad kotta says
September 18, 2020 at 3:17 am

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!
Reply
Christina says
December 19, 2020 at 11:02 pm

Thank you! Any tips for dining room corners?
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 03, 2024 at 1:56 pm
  
  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.
  Reply
Ashlee says
January 05, 2021 at 1:08 pm

What size basket did you get for your fig tree?? Large or xlarge?? Did you put anything else in the basket?? Thanks
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  January 03, 2024 at 1:55 pm
  
  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!
  Reply
Dawn says
February 15, 2021 at 11:49 pm

Hi – curious where did u get the acrylic coffee table, thank you !
Reply
- Kris Jarrett says
  February 16, 2021 at 12:12 pm
  
  It was from Wisteria but is unfortunately no longer available. This post has some similar options: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/acrylic/
  Reply
  - Kris says
    January 03, 2024 at 10:21 pm
    
    Where did u get the media stand like the drawers in it
    Reply
    - Kris Jarrett says
      January 04, 2024 at 2:45 pm
      
      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
      Reply
Kathryn says
May 20, 2021 at 4:06 pm

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!
Reply
Panida says
May 20, 2021 at 10:40 pm

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!!
Reply
Barbara Drymala says
January 16, 2022 at 12:39 am

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.
Reply
Karen B. says
January 10, 2024 at 1:52 pm

Great ideas, Kris.
Thank you and happy new year to you and your family.
Karen B.
Reply