Not all of us are blessed with lavish, palatial homes where we can afford to pick and choose when it comes to decorating corner spaces. Most homeowners wish to make the most of every inch of space that they have, and the forgotten corners offer the perfect opportunity to revitalize a room and give it a brand new dimension. Over the last few weeks we have looked at the smart utilization of corner spaces in the bedroom, living room and the kitchen. Now it is time to put those lonely corners spaces in the dining room to use as well!

With open-floor living areas becoming the hot trend, many modern homes are doing away with the exclusive dining room. Instead, it is the ergonomically crafted ‘dining area’ that finds a place in between the smashing living area and the practical kitchen. Yet, if you have a dedicated dining room or a dining area with empty corners, here are the most popular ways to brighten them up with style and panache –

1. Quality Family Time

How can the dining room corner aid in bringing the family together? If you have enough space to spare around, we suggest combining the dining room with the family area to shape a fun and practical social hub in the house. With the kitchen right next to it, this is one of the best ways to bring the family together. You can use a small sectional in the corner or a cozy nook along with some chairs and a small coffee table to get this done. Yes, you may need to clear out a credenza or an additional chair, but it is well worth the effort.

2. Add some Extra Seating

One of the easiest and most practical ways in which you can put that small corner to use is by just adding an additional seating option. It can be an extra chair that does not fit at the dining table or a cozy ottoman that also ushers in some color. Even though the spot may look pretty ‘lonely’, remember that in a really tiny room, every inch of space does matter. Look at it as an aesthetic way to display an additional chair that can be put to use elsewhere when needed.

3. Simple Reading Nook

Being a book lover, this is one of my favorite corner decorating ideas no matter the room! Some home corners and reading spots seem like a perfect match. You are left undisturbed with a beautiful lamp right next to the comfy chair, and this is a perfect way to create some spatial symmetry in a small dining room. In case you do not have enough space to add a floor lamp for the reading spot, use a gorgeous pendant that fits the style of the dining area.

4. Storage and Display

Open shelves, closed cabinets or trendy modern freestanding displays; the dining room kitchen corner can easily double both as a smart storage space and an attractive display. Building a permanent corner cabinet is obviously a lot more work, and if you have a small dining room, then it makes the area seem even more crowded. Floating wall-mounted shelves are a chic option that gives the space an airy appeal while letting you display your favorite ceramics with elegance.

5. A Cozy Fireplace

Another classic that feels right at home in any corner of your home is the fireplace. And what better time to commit to this idea than as fall slowly gives way to winter? With Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas waiting for us in the near future, a fireplace mantel in the dining room can be much more than a mere cozy addition. For those who cannot afford to spare the space for a classic fireplace, give other sleeker, more modern options a go.

6. Time for Work!

Love bringing work home? Or maybe you work from home? Turn that boring dining room corner into a workspace that can be used by everyone in the family. All you need is a simple desk and a comfortable chair to turn the corner into a functional home workstation. Also add a few floating shelves above the desk to create the storage you need for this deft home office nook. With the kind of wireless connectivity available these days, the rest would not be too hard to set up.

7. Light It Up in Style!

Corner floor lamps are a hit no matter where you use them in the house. In a small dining room, twin floor lamps in two different corners give the room an instant lift while adding beautiful symmetry. Many of the contemporary floor lamps also double as standalone sculptural additions and steal the show both when switched off and on! Pick a floor lamp that complements the style of the chandelier or pendant above the dining table to further elevate the appeal of the room.

8. Touch of Artistic Class

Wall murals, colorful art pieces and framed posters easily add color to the dining room corner. A beautiful sculpture also adds value to the dining room. But do not add wall art or sculptural pieces just to fill up the corner. While they are great conversational pieces, ensure that they reflect your taste and personality. Picking an addition that enhances the accent color in the room or its theme is also a smart choice.

9. Dash of Natural Freshness

Not all corners need to be filled up to make a beautiful statement. A dining room corner with windows or sliding glass doors brings the outdoors inside and gives it an inimitable aura. For those not fortunate enough to have a dining room opening up towards a spectacular view, add a natural plant to breathe freshness into the space. No matter what style you choose, a dash of natural goodness definitely brings alive the modern dining space.