How to Decorate Awkward Spaces

Awkward Space # 1 – A Small Entryway

For many of us, there isn’t much space in and around our entryway. But since this is typically our first stop when entering our homes, we really need this area to be a multi-purpose space. 

Even if it’s a small entryway, having a small table to place our keys, our mail, or other frequently used things is helpful.   

How about needing somewhere to sit when you come through the front door. Perhaps you need to remove your work boots, hang up a bookbag, or simply rest your feet. Small benches, built-in or not, are a really good option.

Maybe you have a long but narrow space. Building out a mudroom storage space maybe really useful. Maybe you have a long but narrow space. Building out a mudroom storage space maybe really useful. Or, like many of us. We have just enough room for coat hooks, umbrella holder, a mirror and artwork. That’s perfectly functional too!

Awkward Space # 2 – A Narrow Hallway

Ok, so maybe your small entryway is a long narrow hallway. You can still make that space beautiful and functional. Perhaps this time a small ledge or table with a mirror above will do.

I’ve seen many people install these IKEA shoe holders to their hallways. This is a very efficient use of space.

Adding low unobtrusive bookcases also work. If it’s simply too narrow of a hallway, creating a gallery wall is also beautiful.

Awkward Space # 3 – Under the Staircase

For those of us who have staircases in our home. We’re always thinking about how we can use that space under the stairs. It’s usually a decent amount of space. So how can we utilize it better? Well, creating a dry bar may work for you. No plumbing needed here, but it still looks great! Or, if you can run plumbing to this space, a wet bar will work too! Note, the bar can be for coffee, juice, or even spirits if you like.

You can also use the space to create shelving. The shelving can be simple or elaborate. How about creating a built in wine bar? What a focal point this will make! You may even consider adding a half bath, room for a your pet, workspace, seating or built-in storage drawers and a closet.  Whatever you do, see that awkward space as found space, and create something useful with it! 

 Awkward Space # 4 – Small Corner 

Do you have a small corner in your house that’s too big to be ignored, but too small to know what exactly what to do with it? We’ll oftentimes the solution is something unique. Like using a corner table, or shelving, creating seating for your little ones, or a small bistro table with bench seating.

When you just can’t figure it out, use a screen or some plants with plant stands to fill in the space. Now you don’t have that awkward corner that looks like it’s missing something. 

Awkward Space # 5 – Shallow Closet 

In some homes if there was a little space left over doing the build process, they just turn that space into a closet.  If you have a shallow closet or an extra closet, perhaps you can turn it into a beverage center or a bar area.   Maybe you can use a bookshelf in that space, bench with storage, or even a small home office. 

Awkward Space # 6 – A little Nook Space 

If you didn’t turn that little shallow space into a closet as I mentioned earlier, often people just leave it there for you to figure out how to use the little nook.  Well, here are some suggestions.   

You can build in shelves and create a little reading nook, a little bar area always works, or add a little workspace.  Most of us have needed to incorporate these spaces in our homes over the last two years.  These are great way to fill a little nook!  Remember, it’s better filled than not. 

Awkward Space # 7 – The Bay Window 

Now, I love a bay window!  They let in a lot of natural light, they bring in architectural interest and they add a few more visual square feet to the space.  However, sometimes decorating around them can be a little difficult, a little awkward.   Here are a few ideas to help you with that! 

 ·      Try tucking a sofa with a console table behind it in the bay window area. 

·       Take two matching chairs and a small table between them will do.   

·       Let’s not forget adding that workspace to the bay window. 

·      Build in some bookshelves, or comfy seating.

If you are fortunate enough to have a bay window behind your kitchen sink, you can always fill that space with plants, or water friendly small décor items.  Either way, utilize that extra space. These options certainly allow you to appreciate the architecture of the bay window.