The impact of music on us is powerful. That’s why, often without even realizing it, music plays a major role in our lives and daily routines. It’s also why incorporating music into your interior and dedicating a music corner can be more meaningful than you might think. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a musician, this article will show you how designing a music corner with custom furniture can be a real asset.
The power of music
Music can affect us both physically and mentally — even before we are born. Its benefits extend to many areas, from reducing stress to boosting energy levels. It can also evoke emotions and improve overall mood, as listening to music releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone.
It’s no surprise, then, that clients often ask us to design a music corner, incorporating instruments or a hi-fi setup into their interiors. Creating a dedicated music space has become a popular trend for crafting warm, welcoming atmospheres.
There’s nothing more rewarding than contributing to the creation of a space that not only enhances your well-being through music, but also elevates the experience thanks to our expertise and approach to designing the perfect music corner.
Throughout this article, we will explore two practical approaches to designing a music corner. On one hand, we’ll provide guidance on integrating your hi-fi equipment so you can enjoy your favorite music. On the other, we’ll showcase projects that incorporate musical instruments directly into the space — perfect for inspiring the Mozart within you!
What’s the point of a custom-made music corner?
The way we listen to music has evolved — and continues to do so. For decades, we enjoyed music via vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs, but today, mobile apps dominate the listening experience. Yet, despite the convenience of digital formats, true enthusiasts still cherish classic formats.
Designing a music corner with vinyl players, speakers, and sound systems remains highly relevant for passionate listeners. Not only do these elements gain value over time, but they also bring a distinctive charm and character to your interior.
Designing custom solutions that integrate these musical elements makes perfect sense, as they can be tailored to the functionality and often unique shapes of your equipment. Gone are the days of setting up a music corner with mismatched furniture that only roughly fits your gear.
We aim to enhance your interior’s character by highlighting your hi-fi components while perfectly integrating them into the shape and proportions of your custom music furniture.
Creating a music corner combined with a bookcase
Often paired with a bookshelf unit, a music corner can include both open and closed storage spaces. The layout depends on the size of your collection and whether you prefer the contents to remain visible or hidden.
At JOA, we believe everything is about balance. Leaving some elements visible adds personality to your music furniture while maintaining visual equilibrium.
For example, placing some vinyl records in an open lower section and others in a closed compartment can lighten the overall composition. You could even stack another set on a different level to create dynamic visual interest. The advantage of custom music furniture is that heights can be precisely adapted to the size of your collection, with robust materials that safely support heavy items.
Whether your collection consists of vinyl, CDs, or a mix of both, we can adjust storage volumes and spacing to suit your needs.
For inspiration for other libraries with a wide range of functions, click here.
A functional music corner
As you can see, creating a music corner is not a matter of improvisation. While storage is important, functionality is paramount. Integrating all your hi-fi equipment into a single unit requires careful planning. Are the speakers positioned for optimal sound? Does the amplifier have enough space to avoid overheating? Is the turntable easily accessible?
We’ve addressed these questions countless times in the design of our music corners. To ensure an exceptional musical experience, these factors must be carefully considered. Our projects balance visibility and integration, sometimes leaving elements exposed but harmoniously placed, and sometimes concealing them — always in a cohesive manner.
From the earliest stages of designing your music furniture, we account for the dimensions and placement of every component. Heights and depths are predetermined to ensure perfect functionality within your music corner.
In this large Pô bookshelf, for example, you’ll notice technical acoustic fabric in beige installed at the front on both sides. This conceals two large speakers while allowing them to blend seamlessly into the design. Side access panels ensure you can reach the speakers whenever needed.
For components that generate more heat, we include ventilation grooves at the top and along the baseboard. This allows air to circulate naturally and keeps the equipment properly ventilated.
Cabling is another key consideration that we address from the start. We either include a groove along the entire top panel to allow for quick and efficient connections to all devices, or we position a cable cover near the speakers, for example. Typically, these are components located slightly apart from the main music corner and use thinner cables.
Music furniture for your instrument
Now let’s turn to musicians — those who bring music to life through their instruments. The uniqueness in this case lies, of course, in the instrument itself and how it is used. Here, we enter a more specialized musical world, given the wide variety and types of instruments.
In our project brief, we need to ask several important questions: How frequently is the instrument used? What is its position when stored versus when played? Which functions are essential? What access is required? What is your ideal posture while playing? A music corner dedicated to an instrument often serves both as storage and as the playing area, so it must be designed with both states in mind.
Take, for example, this music corner project featuring a piano. Since it was a relatively small apartment, every space had to be optimized. Without a dedicated entry hall, the layout was designed to integrate multiple functions. The client requested a music corner that combined a piano area, a desk, a bookshelf for administrative papers, and a wardrobe unit.
Challenge accepted !
As experts in managing compact spaces, we aimed to create fluidity and harmony between the different volumes. We worked with oblique angles, curved corners, and Y-shaped uprights. A capacious volume was also included to serve as a wardrobe.
The piano fits neatly under the fold-away desk. After a day of remote work, the workspace quickly transforms into a music corner. The pedals are included in the design and remain fully accessible, subtly hinting that an instrument is hidden beneath what initially appears to be just a desk.
There are countless possible configurations, whether you want a wall-mounted storage space for your guitars or a stand to hang them. Share your requirements with us, and we’ll find the best solutions for your music corner. Visit our showroom for an initial consultation.
A music corner for production enthusiasts
So far, we’ve focused on traditional instruments, but the same principles apply to the world of music production.
As mentioned earlier, music has evolved greatly with technology. Mixing consoles, synthesizers, and more equipment and needs are constantly changing. There’s nothing like a well-designed workspace to boost creativity, and together we can design a music corner that is truly extraordinary!
Contact us here to arrange your first appointment.