The corners of a living room are often underutilized spaces, but corner wall shelves provide the perfect solution to maximize storage and décor in those hard-to-reach areas. Whether you’re looking to organize books, display collectibles, or add visual interest, corner shelves are a versatile way to make use of cramped corners.
They allow you to take advantage of vertical wall space and create defined zones within an open living area. Here are 45 creative ideas for transforming empty living room corners with stylish wall shelves.
Also, please take a look at our latest article on the best shelf decor items you need.
Floating Wood Shelves
This built-in shelving unit utilizes the entire corner of the room from floor to ceiling. Three wide planks float on brass brackets, providing ample surfaces for stacked books, framed photos and potted greenery. Hanging eucalyptus and pothos trail over the edges in hanging planters.
Rattan Baskets Shelves
A unique angled shelf is mounted on the bias, cutting diagonally across two walls in the corner. Multiple open cubbies of varying heights and depths fit together like a jigsaw to form the geometric unit. Each cubby houses a woven rattan basket of a different size and color.
Reclaimed Corner Nook Shelves
Recessed cabinetry embraces two walls of the corner, forming an intimate reading nook. Wide planks of olive green painted wood provide the backdrop for shelves that span from floor to ceiling. Open shelves filled with potted plants, books and framed photographs line the upper walls.
Floating Geometric Shelves
Three sculptural shelves suspend from the ceiling in intersecting triangles of oak and iron. The geometrical forms overlap each other to create asymmetric planes for displays. Succulents, pottery, books and artful objects are arranged precisely across the surfaces. Two triangular sconces fitted with Edison bulbs mount directly to the shelves.
Cozy Reading Nook with Curated Collections
A sturdy wood shelf mounted in the junction where two walls meet provides the ideal launchpad for a cozy reading retreat. Well-worn hardcover books stand neatly arranged across the broad ledge, inviting occupants to leisurely peruse the selection. Glossy coffee table books about design and travel peek out respectively among the literary offerings.
Maximizing Comfort and Productivity in Small Spaces
Inexpansive city living often requires utilizing every inch of available wall space. This curated corner setup demonstrates elegant multifunctionality. A bespoke oak shelf spans the junction where two walls meet, elevated just below the ceiling to preserve floor area. Its angled surface provides the perfect home for a wireless laptop alongside books
Multi-Functional Reading Nook
This thoughtfully designed corner transforms unused space into a multi-purpose work and reading sanctuary. A large wooden shelf spans the junction of two walls, providing dual surfaces to satisfy different tasks. The angled ledge houses a sleek desktop setup including a monitor, keyboard and tray of supplies.
Curated Nook for Entertainment and Literature
This thoughtfully designed corner creates a hub for both immersive media viewing and literary exploration. A sturdy wood shelf spans the junction of two walls, its wide surface providing the perfect stage to showcase an organized collection of books, both classics and recent reads.
Sunlit Sanctuary for Curiosities and Literature
This gracefully designed nook makes the most of a living space’s architectural angles. A substantial wood shelf spans the junction where walls meet, providing tiered surfaces to carefully organize an assortment of personal artifacts, books, and greenery. A woven lidded basket holds folded blankets in a wicker prison, while stacks of worn pages call out to be perused.
Corner Slat Shelving
This elegant yet simple slat shelf creates the perfect place to curate an inspiring collection within the corners of the living space. Made of solid pine, the shelf spans the junction where two walls meet, offering ample horizontal surfaces to ingeniously organize an assortment of personal items. Well-worn hardcover books fill one side both vertically and horizontally, displaying an enticing variety of genres and subjects to suit any mood.
Wooded Corner Shelf
This rustic wooded corner shelf creates the ideal perch to showcase a collection of novels, art and curious objects. Constructed of reclaimed barnwood, its weathered planks emanate warmth and character that envelops the entire space. Nestled perfectly in the junction where walls meet, it makes ingenious use of the nook often left underutilized.
Towering Trove of Tolstoy
This impressive built-in shelf utilizes every inch of the triangle-shaped corner space from floor to ceiling. Rising like a tower along the sloped walls is a gridwork of narrow pine shelves, their number increasing exponentially towards the top to accommodate the massive collection housed within.
Bamboo Blossom Bar
This lush bamboo shelving unit transforms an otherwise unused corner into a verdant tropical oasis. Wide slats of natural bamboo span across the junction meeting of two walls, creating multiple tiers for an extravagant plant display. Hanging from the uppermost bars in jute hangers are an exotic mix of trailing houseplants like purple waffle plant.
Curated Nook Exploration
Every space has opportunities to become more functional and aesthetically pleasing through clever designs. This resident has transformed an ordinary corner into an inspiring mini-library and lounge. A sturdy wood shelf spans the junction where walls meet, acting as the foundation for the cozy retreat.
Baubles on the Corner Cove Shelf
One of the challenges of open concept living is maximizing usable space. This inspired homeowner has converted an awkward corner into an organized oasis through a simple shelf installation. Constructed of reclaimed wood boards, the Corner Cove Shelf spans the junction where walls meet overhead.
Rooted Retreat Shelf
Imaginative storage solutions can help define even open concept living areas. Here, a resident has crafted a verdant reading nook through salvaging local materials. The rustic Rooted Retreat Shelf forms the heart of this cozy corner. Hewn from the thick trunk of a felled tree, its roughhewn character emanates natural warmth.
Plants and Potables Shelf
Decorating open concept spaces can present challenges in carving out defined areas. This homeowner found a solution in a multifunctional shelf custom crafted for an overlooked corner. Constructed of reclaimed oak boards, the Plants and Potables Shelf spans the junction of two walls to maximize the tight space.
Collection Corner Shelf
Decorating open concept areas can prove challenging in carving out defined spaces. This resident found a clever solution in a built-in shelf custom made for an otherwise unused corner. Constructed of reclaimed wood boards with aged iron accents, the Collection Corner Shelf spans the junction of two walls to maximize the tight niche.
Bookworm’s Bower Shelf
Decorating living spaces while maintaining functionality can prove challenging in open floor plans. Here, a crafty resident has skillfully transformed an awkward triangle nook using natural materials. Constructed of reclaimed wood planks, the Bookworm’s Bower Shelf spans the junction where walls meet overhead.
Planter’s Perch Shelf
Decorating living spaces to be both functional and inviting can prove a challenge in open layouts. Here, an inventive resident has transformed an underused corner through the installation of a custom wooden shelf. Constructed of reclaimed oak boards, the Planter’s Perch Shelf spans the junction where two walls meet.
Flora Fortress Shelf
Making unique use of space is key to achieving flow and function in open concept living areas. Here, an ingenious resident has transformed an awkward triangular nook using natural materials. Constructed of reclaimed oak boards, the Flora Fortress Shelf spans the junction where walls meet overhead.
Books and Blooms Shelf
Decorating living spaces in open layouts requires creativity to carve out unique zones. Here, an avid reader has crafted the perfect reading nook through custom shelves. Constructed of reclaimed oak boards, the Books and Blooms Shelf spans the junction where walls meet overhead.
Pantry Perch Shelf
Even the most utilized areas like the kitchen can offer opportunities for multifunctional design. Here, an efficient chef has crafted an additional space for creativity using all available surfaces. Constructed of reclaimed oak boards with glass doors, the Pantry Perch Shelf spans the upper cabinets to maximize storage.
The Boheme Bookshelf
Crafting comfortable spaces within open concept floors requires inventive uses of every inch. Here, a thoughtful homeowner has transformed an awkward triangle nook using recycled wood. Constructed of weathered oak boards, the Boheme Bookshelf spans the junction overhead to maximize the miniature area.
Flora Library Shelf
Decorating living spaces creatively allows for multifunctional areas that offer both convenience and atmosphere. Here, a nature lover has fashioned a miniature oasis through strategic shelving in an underused corner. Constructed of reclaimed pine boards, the Flora Library Shelf spans the junction where walls meet overhead.
Plant Pad Shelf
Transforming unused spaces into inspiration zones allows for creativity and function in open layouts. Here, a green thumb has crafted the perfect verdant retreat using a simple built-in shelf. Constructed of recessed wood boards, the Plant Pad Shelf spans the junction where walls meet overhead.
Bark Bookshelf Bower
Crafting unique spaces that maximize function within an open floor plan allows creativity to shine through design. Here, a nature enthusiast has transformed an overlooked corner through salvaging local resources. Hewn from the thick trunk of a felled tree, the Bark Bookshelf Bower stands proudly in a triangular nook.
Corner Collectibles Shelf
A welcoming living space invites relaxation through balanced function and aesthetic. Here, a taste for nostalgia is on display through a built-in shelf in an airy corner. Constructed of solid oak boards, the Corner Collectibles Shelf spans the junction where walls meet. The spacious ledge provides prime locations to showcase an organized variety of treasures.
Curated Corner Shelf
A welcoming living space strike a balance between function, warmth and character. Here, a love of reading and companionship shine through in careful displays. Constructed of solid oak boards, the expansive Corner Shelf stands proudly in a triangular nook. The roomy ledge provides prime staging to showcase an organized variety of favorite
Hearthside Haven Shelf
A welcoming living space strikes the perfect balance of warmth, character and comfort. Here, elements of rustic charm and contemporary comforts come together beautifully. Above the stately brick fireplace stands the Hearthside Haven Shelf, its weathered boards providing the ideal stage. The roomy ledge showcases an organized symphony of treasured items.
Eclectic Editions Shelf
Crafting unique spaces that bring personality and comfort allows creativity to shine through thoughtful design. Here, a love of literature is showcased beautifully through detail. Constructed of solid wood boards, the Eclectic Editions Shelf stands welcomingly in an open corner nook.
Bookworm’s Plant Shelf
Crafting unique spaces that nurture creativity allows personality and comfort to shine through thoughtful design. Here, a love of literature and curiosity are showcased beautifully through careful curation. Constructed of weathered wood planks, the Bookworm’s Bower Shelf stands welcomingly underneath windows in an open corner.
Botanical Browsing Shelf
Creating unique spaces that encourage relaxation and interest allows personality and comfort to shine through thoughtful design. Here, loves of both greenery and literature are shown off beautifully through careful curation. Constructed of solid wood boards, the Botanical Browsing Shelf stands welcomingly high in an open corner.
Stacked Nook Shelf
Crafting multi-functional spaces that encourage togetherness and quiet reflection is key to an inviting home. Here, a thoughtful homebody has transformed an oft-overlooked corner through clever shelving. Constructed of solid oak boards, the Stacked Nook Shelf stands welcomingly at the juncture of walls.
Casual Curations Shelf
Creating multi-purpose spaces that encourage leisure and discovery allows personality and comfort to shine through thoughtful repurposing. Here, a passion for both reading and natural materials is showcased through a shelf salvaged from an bygone object. Constructed of solid wood boards weathered by time, the Casual Curations Shelf now stands welcomingly in an open nook.
Cozy Corner Shelving
This image shows an creative corner shelving unit idea for a small kitchen space. A open shelf unit has been installed in the upper corner between the wall and refrigerator. The L-shaped shelf allows for maximum storage of common kitchen items while keeping them on display. Glass jars filled with dry goods like flour and sugar occupy the upper shelves.
Corner Book Nook
This corner shelf unit provides a creative storage solution for a small kitchen space. The wooden shelves are positioned in the upper corner between the wall and refrigerator. A variety of items are organized across the shelves, featuring books, bottles, and a colorful potted plant that adds decorative flair. The space has a warm and inviting feel with the natural wood shelves and mix of items on display.
Living Room Corner Bookshelf
This photo highlights how a simple wooden corner bookshelf transforms an otherwise unused space into a warm and inviting reading retreat. The shelf has been installed against two walls in the upstairs living area, maximizing the angular area. An array of fiction and non-fiction titles are neatly stacked and organized along the shelves.
Living Room Corner Plant Shelf
This corner shelf showcases a lush assortment of houseplants, transforming the space into a peaceful indoor garden retreat. Various greens have been arranged harmoniously across the wooden boards, ranging from succulents to leafy ferns. The collection appears carefully curated, with each plant offered the optimal space to flourish under the windows.
Whimsy Shelving
This corner shelf offers a unique accent to the living room space. Crafted of warmly hued wood, the boards span the angular nook between the wall and adjacent furniture. Upon the shelf sit three special items that catch the eye. Topping the display is a petite white bird figure, carefully positioned to seem in flight.
Corner Display Shelf
This wooden corner shelf creates a welcoming accent in the living room. Strategically placed in the junction between wall and sofa, the boards feature several eye-catching items that draw the viewer in. A bright bouquet spreads cheerful blooms in a glass vase on the right end.
Creativity and Contemplation Shelf
This corner shelf display has been beautifully crafted to invite imagination and intellectual discovery. Arranged across the wooden boards are diverse reads and trinkets chosen to spark new ideas. Among the curated collections are items sure to lift the spirits as well as unveil surprises. Neatly stacked works hint at their engaging pages and inspiring worlds within.
Reading Nook Bookshelf
This corner shelf creates a warm and welcoming space in the living room. The wooden boards have been arranged at an angle between the wall and adjacent furniture, maximizing the space. Neatly stacked in uniform rows are various books, both open and closed. Their diverse covers hint at the myriad worlds within their pages.
Cultured Class Corner Shelf
This intricately designed corner shelf displays the homeowner’s discerning tastes and wealth through meticulously curated decor. Arranged upon the imported wooden boards is an exquisite collection of prized literature from around the world, evidencing the owner’s vast intellect and refinement.
Sense of Calm Corner Plant Shelf
This corner shelf creates a peaceful space in the living room. Crafted of light wood, the boards span the junction between the wall and adjacent furniture in a clean, minimalist design. Upon the shelf sit several items carefully selected to promote tranquility. Stacks of books bookend a delicate bottle
Conclusion
Living room corner shelf exemplifies many of the useful ideas presented for maximizing empty wall space. By creatively installing wooden boards at an angle, the triangular nook has been transformed from cluttered afterthought to inviting focal point. Judiciously selected items like books, plants, and accessories demonstrate how functional storage can seamlessly blend with decorative flair.
Subtle accents enhance atmosphere while respecting the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalism. Effortless symmetry and lighting strengthen the vignette’s balanced calm. Through these design principles, the owner crafted an uplifting blend of functionality, beauty and relaxation ideal for the contemporary home. Overall, this image showcases how intentional planning can turn an architectural constraint into an cheerful retreat, giving inspiration for countless living areas seeking similar transforming magic.