What to Do with Unused Spaces

From hallways to entryways, awkward nooks to vacant stair landings, every home has empty spaces that prove difficult to furnish. Here, nine of our favorite ways to turn blank, underappreciated areas into your favorite spots in the house.

Space Challenge 1: Awkward Corners

Solution 1: A Reading Nook
Create a cozy space to curl up and read a book in with this simple four-ingredient recipe: a snug, tufted armchair, a reliable light source (look to a floor lamp or wall-mounted reading light), a soft throw blanket, and a page-turning read.

Solution 2: A Conversation Starter
Quickly turn an empty corner into a focal point by filling it with something dramatic and unexpected: a lush houseplant or tree, an object picked up on one of your far-flung travels, or a decor piece that instantly brings to mind a favorite memory or pastime.

Solution 3: Corner Furniture
Scores of furniture pieces are designed for precisely these problem areas—namely your home’s awkward corners. Fill the void with seating that nestles right into the space, a corner shelf unit, or a triangular cabinet or desk.

Space Challenge 2: Long & Skinny Hallways

Solution 1: An Energetic Runner
If your hallway is too narrow for furniture, place a richly hued, boldly patterned rug on the floor instead. The striking design will help draw the eye down instead of toward the end of the hallway, making the space seem wider.

Solution 2: A Row of Mirrors
Mirrors not only reflect light but give you another change to express your personality to guests. Hang different mirrors as part of a gallery wall with photos, wall decor, and hooks to add interest, encourage lingering, and create the illusion of space.

Solution 3: Illuminating Lighting
Narrow spaces without natural light will undoubtedly feel cramped, so wake up the space with some light. Sconces draw attention to the walls instead of the path ahead, while pendant lights, hung high, can making the ceiling seem taller.

Space Challenge 3: An Unused Closet

Solution 1: A Home Office
Remove the clothing bar and design a peaceful work area by putting a desk between the walls and adding a fun office chair. Cover the back of the closet with a chalkboard to scribble down notes and reminders, and then escape to your new workstation with a cup of tea.

Solution 2: A Mini Workshop
Don’t banish your DIY supplies to the void beneath the sink. Keep one shelf to use as a counter but remove the rest; then line the walls with pegboard and hooks for hanging your crafting tools. Keep loose pieces in industrial-style baskets, and finally conceal the zone with a pretty curtain.

Solution 3: Your Own Speakeasy
Using a shelf as counter space, transform the empty closet into your own little mixology station complete with bottle rack and mini fridge. Stock glasses and bottles on overhead shelves, and brighten the secret den with a pendant light that seems plucked from the Prohibition era.