Posted on Tuesday, 12th August 2025
No two homes are exactly alike – and particularly in older properties, there’s often plenty of awkward spaces, irregular walls and challenging layouts that call for a little more creativity. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can make the most out of these nooks and crannies, whether its awkward under stairs space, or hidden recesses that you want to decorate.
We’ve put together ten awkward corner ideas to help you make the most of every last inch of your home. Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station, says
If you’re looking for additional storage to free up some space in your home, we can help. Find your nearest Space Station unit to keep your belongings safe and sound.
Perhaps the easiest way to make the most of awkward spaces is through custom furniture or storage. From slanted ceilings to cramped corners, there’s nothing an experienced carpenter or joiner can’t transform. And if you’re handy yourself, you could even cut costs by turning your own hand to a project.
Open plan spaces can also be full of awkward corners for you to fill. If this is the case for you, try zoning your room using rugs, furniture placement, lighting, or partitions to define different functional areas and create a better sense of division.
The space behind a door is a commonly overlooked area found, but it’s also a great way to squeeze in some extra storage. Consider using an over-the-door pocket organizer or hanging rack to make efficient use of this space, without encroaching on your room’s floor space.
Wall recesses offer a perfect space to showcase any ornaments, books, or trinkets you don’t have an official home for. Fit them out with layered shelving and you’ll have a practical – and aesthetic - new unit, perfect for adding a touch of personality to your room.
If your awkward space takes the form of an irregularly small room, then one of the best ways you can make use of it is to make use of both the horizontal and vertical space on offer. Install shelving, hooks, or other wall-mounted storage solutions to draw the eye upward, and make your space feel bigger.
If you’re stuck with a narrow hallway, a slim console table will help you make the most of this tricky space. Choose a model with a built-in drawer for maximum space efficiency and decorate the surface with ornaments or plants for an extra touch of personality.
If you have a narrow or awkward gap between your couch and the wall, you'll know all too well how much of an eyesore it can be, and not to mention how much dust gathers there. Instead of leaving this space empty, fill it with baskets containing any soft furnishings you don't want on your sofa permanently, like blankets or soft cushions.
Working from home has become the norm for plenty of us over the last few years. If you haven’t got a dedicated office space, transform an awkward corner by investing in a compact desk, along with a transportable desk chair and some shelving.
If you’re an avid reader, a spare alcove could become the snug reading sanctuary of your dreams. Just add a comfy chair, warm lighting, and a small side table to hold your latest book and a drink - or some tissues, if you’re into the emotional stuff.
If you're a pet owner with some under stairs space that you're not quite sure how to use, try transforming it into a cosy home for your furry friend. Whether you have a dog, cat, or even a house rabbit, giving them their own space helps keeps things tidy for you, too.
A neglected dead-end space can become your own personal café. Add a narrow table or wall-mounted shelf, set up your brew of choice, and organise your mugs, jars and accessories to give it that barista-approved feel.
If you don’t want to commit to any permanent interior choices, rolling furniture could be a great option for you. Whether you choose a rolling bar cart, a small chest of drawers, or an ottoman, this is a quick way to fill those awkward nooks and crannies.
Bay windows can be particularly tricky to approach when it comes to interior design, thanks to their awkward shape. Installing a bench or ledge is a great way to make sure this space isn't forgotten, while creating an extra seating area, too. You could even opt for a bench with built-in storage for maximum functionality.
Sometimes, less is more. If you’d prefer to style your space rather than keep things purely practical, a tall plant or some greenery can make a corner feel bigger and intentionally designed.
If you’re looking for more ways to organise your home, have a read of our top tips for storing your clothes.
Opt for multi-purpose solutions like storage benches or ottomans that can be easily moved around. Slimline console tables and fold-out desks are also great choices as they take up minimal floor space.
Often known as blind corners, dead space in kitchen cabinets can be solved with a Lazy Susan, or rotating wheel set in your cupboard. This way, you can easily reach the tins, pots or pans you need, without having to stack everything up precariously.
