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Decoration

12 modern rooms with German corners that optimize space

Learn the concept, how it originated, and what the advantages of German corner are for small and cozy projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Mar 18, 2025, 6:30 AM

Mais de 10 min de leitura
Paula Neder's Project.

Paula Neder's Project. (MCA Estúdio)

The German corner is a solution that combines charm, coziness, and functionality for different residential spaces. Quite popular in kitchens, dining rooms, and small integrated projects, it consists of a continuous seating arrangement in a 'L' shape, usually accompanied by a table and additional chairs.
Contemporary industrial decor marks a 120 m² project in Botafogo. Project by o+Lab Juntos Arquitetura. In the photo, dining room with a German corner and brick wall.

Projeto de o+Lab Juntos Arquitetura. (Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

This configuration makes the most of wall corners and offers an intelligent way to plan and organize the projects. With a cozy and aesthetically pleasing look, the German corner is perfect for family gatherings, everyday meals, or simply to create a special area for casual moments.

How did the German corner originate?


The "German corner" originated in rustic style homes, especially in the mountainous regions of Germany and Austria, where homes were made to provide comfort during the harsh winters. The bench is usually made of wood, and its design can vary between simpler or more ornate, depending on the style of the home's decor.

80 m² apartment gets a laid-back, contemporary, and very carioca décor. Project by João Panaggio. In the photo, living room with German corner, shelf, and sofa.

Projeto de João Panaggio. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio / Produção visual: Paulo Carvalho/Divulgação)

The practicality of better utilizing the corners of the dining room has made this furniture popular worldwide, including in Brazil, as a solution to optimize small projects.

In some versions, it may have cushions or upholstery, providing an additional touch of comfort.

This style of bench not only serves as a functional space to sit but also has an aesthetic appeal, promoting a convivial environment, which is an important aspect of German culture, especially around the fireplace, where the family gathers. Next, check out tips to set up your German corner at home:

Two apartments joined create a duplex with the feel of an art gallery. Project by Escala Arquitetura. In the photo, a dining area with a German corner and plates on the wall.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

1. Choose tables adjusted to the space


Prefer square or rectangular tables, which perfectly fit the available space to ensure comfort and accessibility to all seats around. Pay attention to the measurements, allowing enough space for everyone to move around easily.
Japandi style permeates the entire décor of this apartment of only 53 m². Project by Studio Monfré, In the photo, dining room with a German corner.

(Monica Assan/CASACOR)

2. Planned ‘L’ shaped benches


Invest in custom-made pieces that completely utilize difficult angles in the projects. This personalized intervention results in effective space optimization by creating extra seating and bringing greater practicality to the organization of compact projects.
Apartment with the look of a custom-made interior house for mother and daughter. Project by Paula Neder. In the photo, lunchroom with a German corner.

(MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

4. Visually enrich with decorative cushions


complement the space with cushions in different sizes, textures, and patterns, adding color and immediate coziness to the composition. These choices can easily be renewed according to the season or changes in the main decor.
210 m² duplex receives a white décor in classic and boho style. Project by Amanda Miranda. In the photo, dining room with a German corner, staircase, dining table, and balcony.

(Anita Soares/CASACOR)

5. Include standalone chairs as a complement


To accommodate more people or increase comfort on special occasions, combine extra chairs around the table. Choose a model that resonates with the visual of the German corner, maintaining a coherent language among the furniture.
Dark wood and sober tones give a masculine air to a 245 m² apartment. Project by Nildo José Architecture. In the photo, dining area with a German corner and round table.

(Carolina Lacaz/CASACOR)

6. Explore the decoration of adjacent walls


The space above or around the German corner can gain prominence with creative frames, niches, or compact shelves for decorative objects, books, or small plant pots that can provide a unique personality to the corner.

Decoration inspirations


Noble materials and a timeless palette characterize this 280 m² apartment. Project by Studio 021. In the picture, a dining area with a German corner.

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)

To create a pleasant visual harmony, opt for neutral or pastel tones on the walls near the German corner. Complement the space with pendant lights that provide soft and pleasant lighting.
With green paneling at dinner, the coverage gains a new floor during renovation. Project by Escala Arquitetura, In the photo, kitchen with German corner.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Also invest in delicate hanging plants, which bring freshness and a natural touch to the projects. A comfortable rug under the table defines the dining area, while mirrors on the walls create a sense of spaciousness, ideal for reduced spaces.
Sober tones and classic pieces impart luxury in this house in Paraná. Project by Marcelo Lopes. In the photo, kitchen with a German corner and provincial furniture.

Projeto de Marcelo Lopes. (Samuel Berguer/CASACOR)

The German corner offers several advantages both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Here are some of the main benefits of this type of furniture in decoration:
  • Space optimization: as the bench generally has an "L" shape, it better utilizes the corners of the room, which often remain empty. This allows for efficient space utilization, especially in smaller projects or those with irregular shapes.
  • Comfort and coziness: the German corner is perfect for creating a cozy and comfortable environment, as it provides a place to sit and relax in a group, ideal for family or friend gatherings.
  • Multifunctional furniture: some models of German corners come with built-in storage compartments, such as drawers or chests under the bench, providing extra space to store items such as cushions, blankets, books, or even dining utensils.
  • Versatility: the German corner bench can be used in various parts of the house, not just in living rooms with fireplaces but also in kitchens, dining rooms, or even on balconies and gardens. Its adaptable shape can be placed in different room layouts, creating functional and pleasant spaces.
Nildo José creates a cozy and unadorned retreat on the São Paulo coast. In the photo, a German corner with built-in bench in the carpentry.

Projeto de Nildo José. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

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.