Unless you live in one of those crazy 1950s circular ‘homes of the future’, odds are your house is going to have a lot of corners. They help define spaces and create separation between areas, as well as providing a convenient place for you to stub your toe in the dark (okay, maybe that’s not such a big help). But if you’ve got a lot of stuff you need to store, those ever-present corners can become kind of a hassle sometimes. Particularly if they’re in an awkward place or divide a space unevenly, corners can really hamper the flow of a room and/or create some wasted space that can’t be used to store or manage anything. Or...can they? If used properly, even the most awkwardly-designed corners can provide just a little bit of extra storage space. You just have to be creative is all! We’ve got a few tips here to get you inspired if you’re looking to turn those empty corners into some useful storage: Look For Corner-Designed Storage: The first and easiest way to maximize those corners is to find shelves and cabinets specifically designed to fit in corners. It isn’t as easy as just putting a table in front of the corner (well, you could, but it would waste more space than it creates) - try to look for corner shelving units, decorative corner shelves, or anything else that can fit right inside a corner to hang onto and/or display items more easily. It’ll be a big time-saver if your corners can cooperate - but if not, you still have options! Alternate Your Shelves: If you can’t find specific corner shelving to fit your needs, standard wall shelves can come in handy if you’re careful about their placement. Get some wall shelves and stack them in a zig-zag pattern, alternating one on each side of the corner like so: While it might not give the seamless look of corner shelves, it provides a useful (and unique-looking) way to use those corners for good! Use Racks: Another easy way to make the most out of corners is to turn them into impromptu rack/closet space by using racks and hangers. Take a closet rack or closet hanging rail, cut it to fit your corner (if possible), and blam! You’ve got a convenient space to store extra coats, out of season clothing, or whatever else that needs hanging. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to go for that industrial look, some reclaimed pipes or tubing would work great for this. Storage Benches: A perfect fit for entryways (or an unused spot in the living room), storage benches can be a big asset, especially when placed properly in a corner. Take two storage benches of the appropriate size and put them in an L-shape around the corner - it’ll increase your storage, give you somewhere to sit, and help keep the bench out of the way of the rest of your living room! More Cabinets: In kitchens, many times the corners tend to meet right around the main window over the sink, which makes the walls surrounding them the perfect place for some cabinets. Get an ‘airy’-looking cabinet with a lot of glass to mount in the corner, right up against the window, and you’ll both increase your storage space and add a touch of light to the place!