The German canto returns with force in decoration and gains new reinterpretations that combine functionality, style, and space utilization.
Submitted at Jul 29, 2025, 11:00 AM
80 m² apartment gets a relaxed, contemporary, and very carioca décor. Project by João Panaggio. In the photo, living room with a corner bench, shelf, and sofa. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio / Produção visual: Paulo Carvalho)
The so-called German corner, which for a long time evoked images of country houses or rustic projects, has gained new life in contemporary decoration.
This L-shaped fixed seating configuration, usually composed of a bench backed against two walls and complemented by chairs and a table, has been redefined by architects and designers who see it as a practical and aesthetic solution to integrate projects and optimize spaces.
Conheça o lar da influenciadora Cinthia Galvão, assinado por Paula Neder. Na foto, sala com canto alemão. (Fotos: André Nazareth | Produção visual: Simone Raitzik/Divulgação)
Additionally, the German corner also relates to the concept of functionality, increasingly valued in modern floor plans. Its versatility allows adaptations in kitchens, dining rooms, gourmet balconies, and even home offices, bringing comfort and fluidity to daily life.
The German corner has roots in the old houses of rural Germany, where it was common to gather families around a central table, surrounded by fixed benches against the walls. This arrangement created a cozy atmosphere that favored socializing, especially in cold climate regions where being close to internal walls helped to retain heat.
The style was also widely used in European taverns and pubs, with its efficient layout to accommodate many people and facilitate circulation.
In traditional architecture, the bench was usually made of wood, with high backs and carved details, often accompanied by cushions and upholstery in floral or plaid patterns. Although these elements are still used by those seeking a more classic aesthetic, today the German corner has gained more minimalist and contemporary variations, expanding its presence in urban homes.
Casa de praia ganha décor fresh, com cores claras e tons neutros. Projeto de Beatriz Quinelato. Na foto, cozinha com canto alemão verde. (Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)
The return of the German corner in decoration is directly linked to changes in the way people live and design spaces. With smaller apartments and the valorization of integrated projects, it emerges as a strategic solution to gather family and friends without compromising circulation.
Apartamento une estilos eclético e romântico com toque vintage. Projeto de Larissa Perna. Na foto, sala de jantar com canto alemão verde e papel de parede florido. (Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)
Contemporary projects prioritize the intelligent use of corners and areas of difficult use, and this is where the German corner stands out. By replacing chairs with fixed benches against the wall, a more fluid and compact layout is created, with a greater number of seats and a sense of spaciousness.
Hotel é pensado para atender turistas e hóspedes em viagens de trabalho. Projeto de Estela Cislaghi. Na foto, espaço gourmet com canto alemão. (Mariana Boro/Divulgação)
In addition, the bench can have a multi-purpose function, with storage compartments under the seat that serve to store blankets, utensils, or even toys in homes with children. This multifunctionality is highly valued in current decoration, especially in compact projects.
Dois apês unidos criam dúplex com ares de galeria de arte. Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. Na foto, copa com canto alemão e pratos na parede. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)
The design has also gained new approaches. Instead of dark and carved wood, versions with neutral upholstery, solid fabrics, metal bases, tapered legs, or even masonry structures integrated with cabinetry have emerged. This allows the German corner to transition between styles such as Scandinavian, industrial, and contemporary, adapting to the taste of each resident.
Com painel verde no jantar, cobertura ganha novo andar em reforma. Projeto de Escala Arquitetura, Na foto, cozinha com canto alemão. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)
The first step is to choose the ideal location, preferably in a corner formed by two walls, or delimit this space with custom cabinetry, especially in open floor plans. Kitchens with dining areas, gourmet balconies, and compact dining rooms are the most common settings, but it is also possible to innovate by creating reading corners or study areas with the same logic.
Estilo japandi permeia todo o décor deste apartamento de apenas 53 m². Projeto de Studio Monfré, Na foto, sala de jantar com canto alemão. (Monica Assan/CASACOR)
For the bench, it's important to consider ergonomics: the standard seat height should be approximately 45 cm, with a depth between 45 cm and 50 cm. The backrest can be padded or not, depending on the desired comfort and available space. Well-planned cabinetry ensures the best use of the space, with solutions like niches, drawers, or lids that open.
Materiais nobres e paleta atemporal marcam este apartamento de 280 m². Projeto de Studio 021. Na foto, copa com canto alemão. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estudio/CASACOR)
The table also needs to be chosen carefully. Rectangular or oval models work best with this type of seating, and ideally, it should have a central base to allow better leg placement for users. The complementary chairs should be light and easy to move so that the dynamics of the space remain fluid.
Nildo José cria refúgio aconchegante e sem excessos no litoral paulista. Na foto, canto alemão com banco embutido na marcenaria. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)
The personalization of the German corner also involves the choice of materials and finishes. Waterproof or washable fabrics are recommended for those using the space as a dining area. Light colors and straight lines bring a sense of lightness to the set, while prints and natural materials can add texture and visual identity.
CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
