Joanna Gaines' living room features the perfect way to make the most of a 'dead' corner, say experts

Joanna Gaines is not a stranger to impeccable style and taste. Her TV show, Fixer Upper, has garnered millions of viewers who tune in to see what the interior designer does next, and she never disappoints. The designer's well-thought-out living room is no exception. But if you want to achieve a similar aesthetic, there is one important rule to follow – learn how to maximize your 'dead' corners.

One of the first things you must consider when designing your new living room is its layout and how to utilize every inch. This is particularly important in awkwardly shaped rooms – such as those that are long and narrow – as well as in small spaces and those that are very large. Your main priorities should be ensuring you are making the most of your particular room and ensuring it feels comfortable, relaxing and somewhere you look forward to spending time in. 

Unloved living room corners are rife with decorating opportunities. While leaving an empty corner vacant can be tempting, you would be surprised at how easy it can be to decorate this underutilized space elegantly. With a carefully considered living room layout, it’s possible to turn an empty corner into a dual-purpose space that can accommodate visitors and also work as an office, too.

In very large living rooms, it can be hard to steer away from the space feeling cold and clinical. When you're faced with an empty living room corner, filling it in a way that is both functional and beautiful can seem like an overwhelming task. But if there is something that most spaces lack, it is more living room seating.

Unsurprisingly, corners are hard to decorate, but not impossible. Use your furniture placement to section off comforting little corners for nestling down rather than leaving the whole room open. Here, a round table and chairs provide the perfect place to perch for an afternoon coffee, or even a work-from-home spot if needed. 

Avoid sharp corners and harsh angles if your space leans to the small side. Instead, opt for curves. Full-on voluptuous or gently rounded, curves and cylindrical designs will lift the layout and soften the overall look of your room, adding a subtle touch of shaping to your décor. Also, look to the featureless designs of mid-century modern furniture. This unfussy, utilitarian style puts the focus on functional, fluid furniture with slimline legs that will give the illusion of space.

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