Odd-shaped spaces in your home can be tough to decorate. Do you give the corner a functional purpose? Is it an area that you can furnish in a way that the room still feels warm and inviting? Awkward spaces can be annoying at first, but with a little creativity and patience, there's a workable solution for every kind of space.

Fill an Alcove with Petite Decor

Rooms with an atypical shape can make it difficult to design a cohesive layout. If the empty space you want to fill is near the kitchen, consider using it for additional seating. A slender, floating shelf and a couple of barstools make for a cute snack location and provide extra seating whenever you host parties. A small alcove next to or near your living room might make a quaint reading nook with a small recliner and side table for a snack and drink. Just make sure you have adequate lighting or room for a lamp. High-traffic areas with awkward unused space are often best suited for larger decorations like plants or fake trees, or a console table below featured artwork.

Repurpose an Empty Closet

If you're not short on storage space in your home, consider converting an empty closet into an active part of your daily life. With a little DIY to remove the closet rod, along with a slim table, you can create an office. When you're not working, you can slide the closet door closed to keep some separation between work and home life. Alternatively, to keep kids focused while doing homework, a closet desk makes for a great dedicated study area.

How to Fill Awkward Corners, Recesses, and Niches

It can be hard to find décor that fits in asymmetrical spaces. Consider looking for angular shelving units, modular furniture that can easily be rearranged, and installing floating shelves to make the space feel bigger and better utilized. Then, assess lighting. If the whole room needs additional light, can the unusual wall recess accommodate an equally eclectic floor lamp to balance the room? If you have pets, consider filling the unused space with a bed, scratching post, cat tree, and/or open bin with toys for easy access.

Attic and Basement Ideas

Sometimes, a large space can be just as challenging to fill as a small one, especially rooms like basements and attics that are already separated from your daily life. Large, unused rooms with a little distance from your routines make perfect guest bedrooms. However, if your basement has an open floor plan, consider adding partitions to break up the space into different categories. This can be helpful if you'd like to keep storage out of sight or are slowly completing construction (or DIY!) work on an unfinished part of the basement. Then, other areas can still be usable as a dedicated hobby space for crafting and gaming or for home gym equipment. If your basement or attic is finished, consider designing a home movie theater with a mounted TV or projector! A cozy option for at-home date nights, parties, and kids' sleepovers, alike.