It seems like no matter how old, new, large, or small your home is, there’s always at least one awkward space that poses a design and decor challenge. But with some clever consideration and attention to function and fun, you can decorate and optimize those spaces and give them some purpose. Read on to find tips and inspiration on how to decorate awkward corners to make the most of your small space.

Things To Consider

Sometimes there’s a reason for a weird doorway or corner of a room. For example, a seemingly random column or wall could be hiding important ductwork or plumbing. In other cases, the awkward space might be there for structural reasons.

In any case, you want to consider the following when decorating around awkward nooks and crannies:

• Will you (or a tradesperson) ever need quick access to the space? For example, are you covering plumbing or electrical work?
• What other functions could the space serve? For example, if it’s in a bathroom, how can you make the overall space more functional by addressing the awkwardness?
• Is there an opportunity to highlight it instead of hide it?

How to Style the Corner of a Room

Dining Room Corners

Sometimes, dining room corner's can be narrow or lead to a doorway. It leaves placing furniture, like a side table, out of the question because it will block the doorway. Instead, trying painting the corner a bold plaid motif to give it an eye-catching and amped up style with a bit of purpose. Try adding smaller items, like a floor lamp, to add light to the small nook.

Small Powder Rooms or Bathrooms

Powder rooms or half baths are often smaller than full size bathrooms. You’re lucky if you have a window, let alone space for shelving or anything beyond the basic sink, toilet, and towel. While it's certainly not a design flaw, a small space with fixed elements, like plumbing, can be a real challenge when it comes time to decorate or find storage space.

Boost the style in this small space by painting the ceiling a bold color. It draws the eye upward and makes the room feel less like a closet. Bright, colorful artwork anchors the room. Use a large piece of art in a small room. It can trick the eye into thinking the space is larger!

Behind Doorways or in Closets

If you live in a small apartment or home, it can be hard to find space for storage. It's important to make use of all your available space, even small or random spots, like behind doors. Whether it's a bedroom, bathroom, living room, or closet door, utilizing that space will help you maximize your storage space in your apartment or home.

For a unique and eye-catching look, paint that wall with a unique paint color. It makes a bold statement in the corner of the room while helping the space feel larger. Use small or skinny storage, like a wall-mounted jewelry holder, to help maximize space in your bedroom. It's perfect for hanging necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. It helps keep your things organized while using what would otherwise be awkward wall space.

Empty Corners

Another tricky location to utilize or decorate is known as “the dead corner” space. This refers to the empty corners of rooms that result from furniture placement and lead to dust bunnies or (even worse) zero functionality.

Instead of sticking a faux plant or some other dust collector in the corner of your bedroom, hang a full-length mirror to add some light to that corner of the room. What was once an awkward space instantly has a bit of function and style, and the mirror will bounce more light around around the room, ultimately making the space feel larger.

In Front of Plumbing

Depending on the layout of your home, it’s fairly likely you have some sort of utility room or closet – a space that houses your water heater, furnace, and those types of things. It’s safe to say that a big water heater is not the most aesthetically pleasing. It can get awkward when decorating those spaces because you want to make sure a tradesperson can easily access the unit for maintenance.

Add a colorful shelf full of books and small plants to create the perfect reading nook. This cozy corner disguises the access to water heater but take note, the bookcase is on rolling, lockable wheels. If the heater needs to be serviced, the shelf can be wheeled out of the way, allowing anyone to get to closet with ease. It disguises the eyesore nicely and turns the small corner into a cozy reading nook.

Erin Trafford is an award winning journalist, lifestyle expert and blogger. She is passionate about helping people of all ages find joy and comfort in their homes and happily embraces the 'anything but perfect' approach to life. Erin is the principal owner and blogger at DIY Passion and lives on the East Coast of Canada with her husband, two little girls, a giant dog and a tiny cat.