13 Decorating Ideas for Awkward Empty Spaces in the Home
Everyone has a spot in their home that they don’t quite know what to do with — under the stairs, in a corner, or maybe at the end of hallway. Leave it bare and it looks like something’s missing, or fill it with whatever spare furniture you have and run the risk of a decorating disaster. These tricky spaces require careful consideration or an expert’s opinion to make the most out this unused area and transform it into either a practical or decorative feature — or both, if you’re lucky! From bar carts to bench seats and smart study nooks, here are some clever ways to fill the void in your unfinished home.
1. Statement Chair
A statement chair instantly creates a practical and stylish place for you to put shoes on or wait for your partner to get ready. Add a plant or lamp, if you like.
2. Home Office
Make use of dead space and set up a home office. All you need is a comfy chair and desk that fits in your nook. Hang shelves above for extra storage.
3. Striking Vignette
Create a striking display or vignette on a shelving unit or narrow console using books and vessels or everyday items like vases and artwork.
4. Under the Stairs
That awkward space under the stairs isn’t just for Harry Potter. Make the most of this unassuming-yet-valuable real estate by transforming it into a study space or home library. Much more useful than a bedroom for an imaginary wizard, don’t you think?
5. Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are a godsend for filling voids in the home. You can squeeze a plant into almost any vacant spot — beside your bed, on top of bookshelves and, of course, in empty corners. And they won’t just fill a space; indoor plants will bring any dead zone to life — betting you can keep them alive.
6. High Ceilings
A more challenging dead space is found in houses with very high ceilings. Often the space between the tops of furniture and the ceiling are so great that there is a lot of empty space. Artwork can usually do the trick here, either a large scale work or a grouping of smaller works.
7. Home Library
When stuck for ideas, don’t forget that a good built-in bookcase can do wonders; it creates not only a dynamic range of colorful spines but also works extremely well as a sound absorber. A book-filled home always looks very appealing.
8. Ornaments and Artifacts
Another method that works well to fill empty corners are long thin objects that can be casually leaned into the corner. These may include vintage oars or artifacts such as statues, spears, and masks. Not your style? How about a styled stack of magazines or books?
9. Windows
Putting in a window where a blank wall would be is a smart design decision, assuming that it doesn’t affect your privacy. Not only will you amplify the natural light in your home, you may be lucky enough to create a beautiful outlook.
10. Lighting
Bare spaces are often the perfect location for a tall floor light or a substantial floor-standing sculptural object. Consider some edgier ideas like a conceptual lighting piece.
11. Bench Seat
What to do with that blank wall or unused space under a window? We have two words for you: bench seat. Whether it’s a custom-built day bed or a stylish store-bought seat, adding an extra spot to retreat and relax in your home is not something you will regret.
12. Bar Cart
Bar carts are all the rage right now and can be easily tucked into a tight corner or along the blank wall beside your dining table. Not only will a beautifully styled bar cart amplify your interior, but it will also make entertaining a breeze! Did someone say “happy hour”?
13. Wall Hooks
While bare walls can be brought to life with artwork, they can also be turned into a source of storage. Enter, wall hooks. Decorative designs are pretty and practical, providing a handy place to hang bags, coats, or whatever you please. This is an especially good idea for entryways.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, Homes to Love.
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