Are you struggling to make the most of your small, awkward living room space? Do you find yourself scratching your head about the lack of storage and practical solutions that fit your layout? Or perhaps you're stressed because your room just doesn’t function or look the way you want it to? Maybe there’s too much furniture making it tricky to get around, or perhaps the shape of the furniture you have just doesn’t work in your space? You're not alone. Many of us grapple with the daily struggle of making the most of small and tricky configurations.

Well, fear not! There's a simple and effective solution that can dramatically change your space. Instead of focusing only on aesthetics, let's talk about 5 specific types of accent furniture that will enhance functionality and address the specific challenges of tricky living rooms with awkward layouts. The goal here is to show you how to unlock the full potential of your “problem child” room.

Nesting Side Tables:

Alright, let's kick things off with nesting side tables! These little guys are like the unsung heroes of small spaces, seriously. So, picture this: you've got your cozy little living room, and every inch counts, right? Well, that's where nesting tables swoop in to save the day.

First up, let's talk versatility.

These tables are like the Swiss Army knives of furniture. You've got a couple of different sizes all stacked up neatly, ready to spring into action whenever you need them.

Need an extra spot to rest your cup of coffee or your book? Boom, just grab one of those nesting tables and slide it right on over. And when you're done? They tuck away like magic, leaving you with all the space you need to bust out that yoga mat or host an impromptu dance party.

Got a tight corner that's just begging for a little something? Pop a round nesting table right in there, and suddenly, it's like that corner was made for it. And when you've got company over and need some extra surface space for drinks or snacks? Just slide one of those babies out, and you're good to go.

Now, let's talk function.

Round nesting tables are like the ninja warriors of small spaces – they can sneak in close to your chairs or sofa, giving you a spot to rest your drink or your phone without taking up a ton of room.

Plus, since they're round, there are no sharp corners to bump into – perfect for those late-night Netflix binges when you're not paying attention to where you're walking (we've all been there).

Small Storage Cube Ottomans:

Alright, let's talk about these little multitasking marvels – small storage cube ottomans. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Aren't ottomans just for putting your feet up?" I say, heck no! These bad boys can do so much more.

First off, let's talk about their secret identity as storage solutions.

They're like the Mary Poppins bags of furniture – you can fit way more stuff in there than you'd think. Flip one open, and suddenly you've got yourself a sneaky spot to stash all your clutter. From blankets and throw pillows to board games and DVDs, these ottomans can gobble up all that stuff you don't want cluttering up your living room floor.

They fit in tight spaces!

And here's the best part: since they're so compact, you can tuck them away just about anywhere.

Slide a pair under a console table for some extra seating when guests come over or use a couple as a makeshift coffee table in front of your sofa. They truly are a top multi-functional choice for smaller, or tricky living rooms.

Barrel Back, Swivel Accent Chairs:

Now, you might be wondering what makes these chairs so special. Well, hold onto your hats, cause I'm about to spill the beans.

First off, let's talk about that barrel back design.

It’s like getting a big ol' hug from your furniture. The curved shape cradles you in comfort, making it the perfect spot to curl up with a good book or binge-watch your favorite shows.

They’re not just comfy – they're also super practical.

Thanks to their swivel base, you can easily turn to face whoever you're chatting with or catch a glimpse of the action happening in the other room. It's like having front-row seats to your own life, all from the comfort of your living room.

They also fit in tight spaces!

And here's the kicker: despite their cozy design, these chairs won't hog all the space in your living room. Their compact size means you can squeeze them into just about any corner, nook, or cranny. The rounded back makes these chairs a breeze to navigate around So, whether you're dealing with a tiny apartment or a quirky layout, these chairs have got you covered.

Need to keep an eye on the kiddos in the other room? No problem.

Want to catch the sunset without getting up from your chair? Easy peasy.

These chairs give you the freedom to move and groove without ever leaving your seat.

Unlike bulky sofas or armchairs, swivel chairs can easily float in the middle of a room, breaking up the space without making it feel cramped or cluttered.

Narrow, Parson Style Console Tables:

Alright, let's talk about these sleek and slender wonders – narrow, Parson style console tables. They might look unassuming, but trust me, they pack a punch when it comes to functionality.

First off, let's talk about their slim profile.

These tables are like supermodels of furniture – tall, lean, and oh-so-stylish. But don't let their slim build fool you – they're still plenty sturdy and ready to hold their own in any room.

They provide a functional surface without overwhelming the room.

Picture this: you've got a narrow hallway or a cramped living room, and you need a spot to set down your keys or display some decorative knick-knacks. This is the IDEAL spot for a Parson style console table. With its streamlined design and compact footprint, it will add a touch of style without taking up too much space.

Despite their narrow width, these tables are still plenty versatile.

Use them as a makeshift entryway table to corral your keys and mail.

Slide one behind your sofa to hold your drinks and snacks while you binge-watch your favorite shows.

You can even turn one into a desk or small dining table if you’re short on space.

Open Étagères Shelves:

You might look at them and think they're just fancy bookshelves, but trust me, they're so much more than that.

First things first, let's talk about their main gig: displaying decorative items and storing essentials.

Maybe you have a collection of quirky knick-knacks or beloved books that you want to show off, but you don't want them cluttering up your tables or counters. Well, I say you need an étagère.

With their open design and multiple tiers, they're the perfect spot to display your favorite things while keeping them organized and within reach.

But here's where they really shine: adding vertical storage without adding bulk.

You see, the beauty of étagères shelves lies in their height. Instead of spreading out horizontally like traditional bookshelves, they go up, up, up, taking advantage of all that unused vertical space.

That means you can store more stuff without sacrificing floor space – a win-win in my book.

Guess what? They too work in tight spaces…

Unlike traditional shelves that can feel bulky and closed-off, étagères shelves are open on the sides and back creating the illusion of depth, making your room feel bigger and airier than it is.

Now, let's talk about curation.

Choose items that complement each other in color, texture, and size, and arrange them thoughtfully to create visual interest.

Maybe you mix in some plants for a pop of greenery or display your favorite books and artwork for a personal touch.

The key is to keep it cohesive and curated – think of it as your own mini art gallery right in your living room.

Tip: Don't be afraid to mix it up. Play around with different heights and shapes to create depth and dimension, and make sure to switch things up every now and then to keep it fresh.

To sum up

These five accent furniture pieces are true game changers for small and tricky living rooms.

From super versatile nesting side tables to the compact storage cube ottomans, each piece brings its own unique blend of functionality and style to the table. The barrel back, swivel accent chairs offer comfort and mobility, while the narrow, Parson console tables provide functional surfaces without overwhelming the room. And let's not forget about the open étagères, which expand tight spaces and invite creative curation.

Don't be afraid to mix and match, experiment with different layouts, and think outside the box. After all, your living space should reflect your personality and lifestyle, and these accent pieces are here to help you do just that.

And hey, if you stumble upon your own favorite small space solutions along the way, I'd love to hear about them! Drop your thoughts and ideas in the comments below and share your tips and tricks for making the most of our cozy corners and tricky layouts.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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“Michael Helwig was top-notch, very professional and responsive to my needs. He allowed me time to explore ideas and try out a variety of combinations until we found the perfect fit. Michael provided detailed information and offered beautiful ideas to make my dream living room become a reality. The furniture he sourced has totally transformed my living room space. Everyone that has seen my new living room has one word, WOW! A special thank you to Michael for a wonderful experience.”

— Karen B.

“Michael was very knowledgeable and guided us, with great patience and good humor, through the process of designing our dining room and helping us find the perfect sleeper sofa. He offered really helpful advice when we asked questions - which was often - but at no time did we ever feel pushed. He helped me when I felt like I couldn’t make one more decision. When my new furniture finally arrived I realized everything down to the pillows was perfect. I couldn’t be happier!”

— Sarah H.

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.

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