Modern Corner Decoration Ideas for the Living Room

Your living room is where your guests first form an impression of your home and lifestyle. This is the first set of introductions to your home, and probably where most of the time your guests would spend. As such, it should reflect your persona and style most effortlessly. It should serve as the gateway to your sense of aesthetics.

While we do believe less is more, sometimes having too much emptiness can be mundane to the overall architectural appeal of the living room. Oftentimes, when you are decorating a home for the first time or are renovating its style, you are left with those empty corners that you run out of ideas to decorate. In the end, you are left with sore spots that bring unnecessary attention.

This is why we are here to come to your aid in revamping and decorating those empty spaces in your living room. With just a few tweaks and additions, you will be surprised to know how dramatically these changes will elevate the aesthetics of your entire living room. So, let us get to know these decorative ideas up close.

Decorative Ideas to Revamp the Empty 

Empty corners in a living room provide space-making opportunities that can result in fun and chic abodes. You might be tempted to keep them empty, but with the following ideas, you can spruce up the elegance of such corners effectively. Even if you are renting a studio or 1-BR apartment, you still will have enough space to incorporate the following styles into your living space.

A Green Hideaway 

Nothing brings life to a room more than including actual lives in the form of plants. When you introduce plants to your room, it makes it more vibrant and alive. With a sense of well-being, the minimalist design that comes with the addition of a vase or two can go a long way in filling up your living room without any clutter.

Whether it is a quirky cactus or an elegant orchid, the effervescent Swiss cheese plant or the chic bamboo palm plant, the world is your oyster with the options available for you to add a touch of greenery to your living room. In fact, why stick to only green? With multiple varieties of colourful leaves, you can even get into an avant-garde fashion with these plants.

A Corner Shelf of Artefacts 

A corner shelf of artefacts is the perfect way to maximise the beauty of a corner space that not only fills up the emptiness but also gives a sense of spaciousness to the room. Furthermore, they serve the twin act of adding aesthetic appeal and increasing functionality of the space, as you can use it as a storage area. Many corner shelves come with hidden drawers where you can use the available space to store items such as board games, coasters, toys, books, and magazines, among others.

The versatile solution that these corner shelves provide also gives a lead to your interests and sense of art. You can use them to display artefacts and souvenirs you have collected from your travels, photographs of your loved ones, or items that reflect your childhood and adolescence.

Illuminating Brightness 

If you want to go the classic way, you can opt for a piece of illumination for your empty corners. A floor lamp never goes out of fashion, and with so many different styles of lamps available these days, you can practice your creativity to your heart’s content. Whether you want to go for a Victorian-era-inspired lamp or a chic light of contemporary design, these are apt ways of filling a space without much commitment.

Not to mention, layered lighting can help in changing the mood of the room and can assist you in highlighting a portion of the living room. They also serve as signature pieces, casting a glow and providing a spotlight to your preferred area. You can select from arched, tree, tripod, reading, swing arm, and tray table styles of lighting.

A Reader’s Nook 

For all those readers out there, it would be a missed opportunity not to use the available empty space to give your guests a glimpse of your literary inspirations and preferences. A corner sofa with a furry cushion and a throw, along with a stack of some of your most cherished literary possessions, and you have the warmest space in your entire home. If you are investing in an off-plan property, you can customise it to have a reader’s nook in your living space.

A dream for every bookworm, this idea can turn a boring little piece into a conversation starter. Even in quietness, this will speak a thousand words as it will have its own personality. To bring cohesiveness, try and paint the book stack shelf either the same colour as the wall or a contrasting or earthy colour.

An Art Gallery

Art brings people together, and having a private and small yet cozy art gallery in the corner of your living space will accentuate the aesthetics of your home with a masterstroke. Giving a sight to behold, you can hang up your collected masterpieces from art exhibitions or make it a space to display your own creativity in wall collages.

Even a single striking piece of art can have enough power to intrigue your guests. You can even use it to display three-dimensional art pieces, such as a sculpture or a porcelain vase. The shadows of these art pieces from different angles will give your corner space a voice that will speak many languages.

To Conclude 

The goal while decorating empty corners in a living room shouldn’t be to go overboard. Remember, they are not necessarily always meant to be the star of the show. 

Imbibing your style by incorporating the aforementioned ideas can give these neglected nooks a makeover that ultimately heightens the aesthetic appeal of your overall house. So, pick one that suits your style and bring life to these inviting spots.

FAQs

How can I make a small living room corner look bigger? 

To make a small corner appear more spacious, focus on verticality and light. Installing floating shelves draws the eye upward, saving valuable floor space while providing a display area for décor. Additionally, placing a large mirror in the corner can reflect light and create an illusion of depth, making the room feel more open. 

If you have recently purchased a compact unit, smart styling is key to maximising your living area. You can learn more about choosing the right unit size in our guide on buying off-plan property in Dubai.

What are the best indoor plants for living room corners in Dubai?

Given Dubai’s warm climate and the frequent use of air conditioning indoors, it is best to choose hardy plants that thrive in regulated temperatures. The Snake Plant (Sansevieria), ZZ Plant, and Fiddle Leaf Fig are excellent choices for corners as they grow vertically and require minimal maintenance. 

Adding greenery not only enhances the aesthetic but also improves air quality, which is essential if you are settling into a new home. For those new to the city, check out our insights on moving to Dubai with family to help you settle in smoothly.

Can I drill holes for corner shelves in a rented apartment in Dubai? 

Before drilling holes for shelves or heavy artwork, you must check your tenancy contract. Most landlords in Dubai require tenants to return the property in its original condition, meaning you would need to fill and paint over any holes before moving out. For a hassle-free option, consider using high-quality adhesive hooks or freestanding corner units that don't damage the walls. 

Understanding your rights and obligations is crucial; you might find our guide on renewing commercial leases in the UAE helpful for understanding general lease principles, although residential terms may vary.

How do I light up a dark corner in my living room? 

Lighting is one of the most effective ways to transform a dull corner. A sleek floor lamp is a classic choice, but you can also get creative with a low-hanging pendant light or LED strip lighting behind a piece of furniture for a modern glow. 

If your living room receives plenty of natural light during the day, positioning a reflective object like a metallic sculpture or a glass table can help bounce that light into the darker corners.

Is it expensive to create a reading nook in an empty corner? 

Creating a cozy reading nook does not have to be expensive. All you need is a comfortable armchair, a small side table, and good lighting. You can find affordable, stylish furniture options across Dubai that fit various budgets. If you are looking to invest in a property that offers spacious layouts perfect for such custom corners, explore the benefits of investing in off-plan properties in the UAE.

What should I put in a corner if I don't want furniture? 

If you prefer a minimalist look or want to keep the floor clear, consider using large artwork or a gallery wall that wraps around the corner. A tall, decorative vase or a sculpture can also serve as a striking focal point without cluttering the space. 

For those residing in scenic areas like Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, keeping corners open can sometimes help maintain the flow of energy and draw attention to the beautiful views outside.

How can I utilise a living room corner for a home office?

With remote work becoming more common, converting an unused corner into a mini workstation is a practical solution. A triangular corner desk fits perfectly into tight spaces, and wall-mounted organisers can keep your supplies tidy. 

Make sure you have access to a power outlet and sufficient lighting to maintain productivity. This efficient use of space is particularly valuable for expatriates setting up their new lives and careers in the UAE.