12 Stunning Ways To Fill An Awkward Corner In Your Entryway

Sometimes, the layout of your entryway or foyer is such that there are corners that are difficult to fill with furniture or decor pieces. In certain areas, things just don't fit quite right. Pieces are too big, too small, or not functional enough — not to mention that some angles are oddly spaced, and space itself can be limited. Figuring out what will actually work there can be a major challenge. Though you may be ready to give up on a harmoniously filled entryway space, it may be worth thinking a bit out of the box. In fact, there might be a perfect solution — you just haven't thought of it yet!

While your first inclination was likely to add a utilitarian chest for storage or stick a shoe rack along the wall to fill the aforementioned empty, awkward corner, the reality is that there are plenty of stunning ways to take up this space that can impress both in form and function. From big, statement decor pieces with impact to usable yet stylish furniture, these ideas won't let you down. There are so many stylish ways to decorate the corners of your house, and your entryway doesn't have to be an exception.

Placing an armchair in the entryway is both a design statement and a practical addition to fill that awkward corner. Rather than opting for a more utilitarian trunk or shoe rack in the entryway, this kind of seating gives a formal, put-together air to the home as soon as you enter. While theres obviously decorative appeal to adding a chair, it also provides a conveient space for people to take off and put on their shoes. This option is best suited for corners with some space from the door, as placing a chair too close to the doorway could impede your walking path.

If you don't love the idea of something overly formal but want a usable and stylish addition to your entryway, a built-in bench is a welcoming seating option that fills a space well. There are plenty of DIY built-in bench projects you can try if you're looking to stick to a budget, and some retailers even sell ready-made banquette benches that easily slide into a space. This option is a low-effort project that can create a ton of impact, as, in many cases, it fills not just a corner but an entire wall.

Sometimes, all you need to do to make a space feel less awkward is add some interest to the walls. Oversized mirrors, either with streamlined edges or statement-making frames, can make a dramatic difference in your entryway, adding dimension and creating the illusion of a bigger area without actually requiring you to sacrifice any floor space. An oversized wall mirror can even fit into a corner behind the door, giving you the chance to double check your look as you head out for the day.

A practical option for people who reside in rainier or snowier locales, a funky umbrella stand is both a statement decorative piece and a functional landing place for those umbrellas you always need a space for. You can easily cater this addition to your personal style or play around with items you might already have on hand. Repurpose a wicker basket, tall vase, or piece of pottery, or DIY your own holder with scrap wood. Umbrella stands are also great for filling rather small corners or tight spaces as they're a fairly small and narrow addition.

Console tables provide a way to fill an awkward corner while giving you some practical extra storage space. Tuck this small piece of furniture by your door, then use it for things that you typically grab as you leave, like your keys or wallet. Many options also feature a bottom shelf, giving you more surface area for storage or additional room to style statement decor pieces. Opt for a narrow version if you're hoping to place this in a corner behind the door, or go big if you have a more open area to work with.

Floating shelves are an easy add-on to your entryway that provides yet another landing space option for your keys, purse, or wallet. Since floating shelves are flush with the wall, you'll waste no space, creating a streamlined area that fits snugly into entryway corners without that awkward gap between the wall and the object. This is a major advantage for floating shelves as opposed to a more ornate bookcase or cabinet. Match your floating shelf material with other furniture in your home to create a cohesive design journey from entrance to exit.

If you're looking for a way to dress up a corner without shoving a bulky piece of furniture into it, consider adding some hanging baskets to your wall for either decorative or storage purposes. You can hang lighter baskets that won't be holding heavy items on the wall with a push pin if you want to minimize wall damage and make this a renter-friendly DIY, but to add another fun design element (or for a heavier, more substantive basket), consider opting for a statement hook. 

Some corners are just too tight to put pieces of furniture in, but that doesn't mean that you can't use them as a canvas for your decor. If this is the case, opt for a larger gallery wall of mirrors that can extend from the corner outwards into your entry or up your staircase. Choose your mirror frames based off the design aesthetic in the rest of your house to tie this corner in with your existing home decor style, and make sure to consider the size and shape of the mirrors you're choosing and how they flow together.

If you're looking for an easy way to bring some texture and color to an awkward corner, consider accessorizing with houseplants. Large plants can go directly in a pot on the floor, while smaller cultivars will shine when placed on a stand to give them a bit of extra height. Plants add a level of liveliness to a room, make a great first impression on guests, and can even help to improve the air quality in your space. If you don't have a green thumb, though, don't worry — there are plenty of tricks to make faux plants and artificial flowers look real.

Just because a coatrack is a practical piece of furniture, it doesn't mean it needs to be boring. There are plenty of different styles out there that can easily fill that awkward corner, add more interest to your space, and give you a place to hang your most-used jackets and purses. Go full mid-century modern with a brass coatrack, opt for a more traditional option like this Wooden Classic Coat Rack Stand, or get creative and DIY your own out of repurposed materials.

A statement light fixture is a great addition for those who have little to no light already built into the entryway. While it may feel strange to have a decorative overhead light in a foyer corner, it offers a unique way to spotlight a small vignette of decor and furniture to add visual interest to the space. If you don't want to deal with complex installation, you can also add a floor lamp to create a layered lighting look, a technique that can help to make your entryway look larger and more welcoming.

While some may think that a wall niche or recessed shelf is a dated home feature, there's a way to do it that feels more modern and elevated. Mimic the niches of ancient temples for a Mediterranean, luxe feel, or add a sleek twist with sharp, clean lines. Because it's such a low-profile addition, this project is great for awkward corners where you don't have a ton of floor space at your disposal. There are ways to DIY a wall niche without breaking the bank, but you can, of course, hire a professional for more complex jobs.