7 Ways to Decorate Those Awkward In-Between Spaces

There was a time when every room had a clear job description. Living room. Dining room. Hallway that you walked through quickly and ignored.

Now? Homes are multitasking harder than ever. Open-plan layouts are the norm, rooms blur into one another, and suddenly we are left with a lot of those in-between spaces that don't quite know who they are. 

That awkward corner. That bit between the sofa and dining table. The wide hallway that feels like it wants furniture but you're not sure what kind. 

Well... good news. These spaces are officially back, and when styled well, they are some of the most useful areas in the home. Here's how to style them...

1. Use a compact sofa to define the space

If your living and dining areas bleed into one another, a 2-seater sofa is your best friend.

Floating a compact sofa away from the wall instantly creates a zone without blocking light or flow. It signals “this is a seating area” without needing walls or screens.

Look for sofas with slim arms and a neat footprint so the space still feels open.

2. Add an armchair for an instant reading nook

That empty corner by the window? It is begging for an armchair.

One well-placed chair turns dead space into a destination. Perfect for reading, scrolling or pretending you have five minutes to yourself.

Pair it with a small side table and a lamp and suddenly the space feels intentional.

3. Choose a loveseat when a sofa feels too much

Not every space needs a full sofa. Sometimes that would be trying too hard.

A loveseat is ideal for in-between areas where you want extra seating but not a bulky piece dominating the room. It is comfortable, compact and great for smaller layouts.

Bonus points if it doubles as guest seating when people inevitably congregate in the awkward bit of the room.

4. Ground the space with a coffee table or rug

In-between spaces often feel unfinished because nothing is anchoring them.

A coffee table or a rug instantly pulls the area together and makes it feel like a proper zone rather than furniture floating about.

If space is tight, go for a round coffee table or nesting tables that can move around when needed.

5. Add storage that looks good and works hard

If an in-between space does not have storage, it will become a dumping ground. It is science.

A sideboard or low storage unit gives the space purpose while hiding all the bits you do not want on show. Think chargers, paperwork, candles you panic-bought.

Keep lines clean and finishes calm so the space still feels light.

6. Use a sofa bed to double the function

In-between spaces are perfect for furniture that does more than one thing.

A sofa bed works brilliantly in open-plan homes or spare corners where you want seating day to day and guest space when needed. It is practical without shouting about it.

Choose one that looks like a proper sofa first. Comfort is non-negotiable.

7. Finish it like a real room

This is where most people stop too soon.

An in-between space still deserves:

• Proper lighting

• Wall art or a mirror

• Accessories that make it feel lived in

Once you style it like a room, not an afterthought, it suddenly becomes one of the most used areas in the home.

The best homes are not made up of perfect rooms. They are made up of clever moments.

The in-between space is back. And it might just be the most useful bit of your home. Build your perfect in-between space at Swyft Home and enjoy every inch of your home.