3 Styling Secrets I Use to Make Awkward Corners Look Intentional

You know that one awkward corner in your house?

Yeah, that one. The one you keep ignoring because you have no idea what to do with it. The chair you shoved in there “just for now” three months ago is starting to look permanent, isn’t it?

Well, friend—today’s the day we stop pretending that corner doesn’t exist. I’m going to share three styling secrets I swear by to make awkward corners look like they were always meant to be part of your dream home (instead of your decor’s forgotten stepchild).

Let’s fix it—no sledgehammer required. 🙂

Cozy reading nook with a cream boucle armchair styled with a vibrant floral pillow and a colorful chunky knit throw. The corner features bright natural light, indoor plants in woven baskets, and a bold abstract painting in blue and yellow tones. A glass side table with pink tulips adds a cheerful summer touch.

1. Add a Chair That Actually Deserves to Be There

Let’s start with a little story. I once had a corner in my bedroom that felt like it belonged to another dimension. It was too small for furniture, too big to leave empty, and too awkward to ignore. So, naturally, I shoved a random folding chair in there. Spoiler: it looked awful.

That was until I tried this trick:

Choose a Chair With Personality

Instead of hiding the corner, I gave it a purpose. I picked a chair that had style, not just function.

Serene corner reading nook featuring a soft seafoam green armchair with a cozy knit throw, a copy of The Secret Garden resting on the seat, and a ceramic mug on a nearby round side table. A woven basket with a fluffy cream pillow adds texture under soft natural sunlight.

Here’s what worked:

An accent chair with bold fabric or an unusual shape
A sculptural side chair (think boucle or cane)
A chair with gold or matte black legs for that “I tried, but effortlessly” vibe

Why this works: It draws attention on purpose. Suddenly, people walk in and go, “Ooh, cute chair!” instead of, “…Why is that there?”

Bonus Tip: Toss a faux fur throw or a chunky knit blanket over the back. Instant cozy nook. Ever wonder why cozy corners always have texture? That’s why.

2. Use Tall Decor to “Fake the Height”

Alright, let’s get something straight. Awkward corners are usually awkward because they feel… stumpy. Or, worse—forgotten.

So here’s my sneaky little secret: I use vertical styling to trick the eye.

Cozy corner setup with a boucle barrel chair draped in a colorful orange, pink, and yellow plaid throw. An open stargazing book rests on the seat, accompanied by tan leather slippers on a woven rug. A floor lamp and large fiddle leaf fig plant complete the warm, inviting atmosphere with soft afternoon light streaming through sheer curtains.

Think Tall, Not Small

My go-to vertical decor items:

Floor lamps with slim profiles
Tall plants (faux is totally fine, FYI—I’m not judging your watering skills)
Leaning ladders (decorative, not the one from your garage… please)
A tall mirror with a slim frame

Why this works: Your eye naturally follows vertical lines, which gives even the smallest corner a sense of purpose and height. It’s like giving your room a mini facelift—no Botox necessary.

My Favorite Combo?

I once styled a neglected corner with:

A tall fiddle leaf fig
A rattan basket at the base
A soft spotlight lamp behind it

People thought I hired a decorator. I just smiled and said, “Oh, it was nothing…” (It was absolutely something.)

3. Layered Art + Floating Shelf = Instant Gallery Vibe

Okay, let’s be real. When in doubt, art always saves the day.

But not just any art.

Create a Gallery Moment (Without Committing to a Whole Wall)

Here’s what I do:

Lean one medium-sized art piece against the wall
Add a smaller frame or canvas in front of it for depth
Style a small floating shelf above or beside it with a candle, ceramic figure, or tiny plant

Why this works: It looks curated, not cluttered. It says, “I live here, but also, I have taste.”

Bright and cozy corner styled with a woven pouf topped with glowing orange candles, abstract art leaning against the wall, and a shelf filled with books and trailing plants. A turquoise vase with fresh sunflowers adds a cheerful touch, while a southwestern-style blanket drapes over the floor, creating a relaxed and lived-in feel.

Wanna Step It Up?

Add in:

A sculptural vase with dried florals
A stack of cute coffee table books on the floor
A scented diffuser that makes guests go, “Wow, your place smells amazing… what is that?”

(IMO, it’s always sandalwood or eucalyptus. Trust me.)

And just like that, your sad little corner becomes a whole vibe.

FAQs You Didn’t Ask, But I’m Gonna Answer Anyway

“What if my corner is SUPER small?”

I feel you. Sometimes the space is barely there. In that case, go micro-minimalist:

A wall sconce (no floor space needed)
A hanging planter
A skinny ladder shelf

Even a tiny stool with a cute tray can say, “Hey, I’m intentional.”

“Can I mix all three secrets together?”

Absolutely—and you should. One of my favorite looks involves:

A tall plant in the back
A cool chair in front
A leaning piece of art beside it all

It’s giving cozy Paris apartment with a hint of modern cool, ya know?

Real Talk: Why Awkward Corners Matter

I used to think decorating corners was a waste of time. Like, who even notices that area? But then I realized something:

The small corners are where personality lives.

They’re unexpected. They’re opportunities to show off your style without needing a full furniture overhaul. And honestly, they’re kind of fun to experiment with.

It’s like outfit styling—you don’t need a whole new wardrobe, just the right accessories in the right place. Same thing with home decor.

Final Thoughts (A.K.A. Your “Aha!” Moment)

Sunny reading nook with a blush pink boucle armchair draped in a cozy pink and mustard knit throw. Framed modern art leans against the wall beside a fiddle leaf fig plant in a terracotta pot. A nearby bookcase adds a colorful pop with rows of books and a vase of sunflowers, creating a warm, lived-in vibe bathed in natural light.

So here’s what I want you to take away from all this:

Awkward corners aren’t problems. They’re blank canvases.
And with the right mix of vertical height, statement pieces, and layered charm, they can become some of the most intentionally styled spots in your home.

You don’t need a fancy design degree (or a Pinterest board with 500 saved pins you’ll never use). You just need a few secrets, a bit of creativity, and maybe—maybe—a cute plant that won’t die on you.

Now go tackle that corner. Give it the glow-up it deserves. And when someone says, “This looks so intentional!”—just wink and say, “It’s a secret.”

(Or send them this article. I won’t be mad.)

P.S. Want more styling tips that actually work in real life (and not just on Instagram)? Stick around. I’ve got more tricks up my sleeve than a magician with a HomeGoods coupon. 🪄✨

3 Styling Secrets I Use to Make Awkward Corners Look Intentional

You know that one awkward corner in your house?