10 Things to Put Above Your Sofa
Get creative ideas to fill that empty wall behind the couch.
I often find myself – typically after Netflix asks me if I’m still watching reruns of Friends and the remote is out of reach – staring up at the empty wall above my couch.
Vornado
I had been holding off on filling that space until I picked out a side table and a lamp. Now that the living room is complete, I'm ready for wall decor. Here are a handful of my favorite ideas:
Living Room With Vintage Artwork and Mirror
Play with symmetry and scale by centering an oversized mirror directly above the sofa, then flanking it with similarly scaled art.
Photo by: Rustic White Photography, LLC
Rustic White Photography, LLC
1. Mirrors
Mirrors bounce light around a room, they're great for brightening and opening up tight spaces like mine.
Cozy Family Room Features Playful Lighting
Whimsical lighting steals the show in this cozy family room. Behind the sofa, string lights gracefully adorn the wall, and above the armchair, a lighted art installation adds a cool, crisp pattern to the space.
Photo by: Claire Esparros for Homepolish
Claire Esparros for Homepolish
2. Lights
Is there anything string lights can't do? If you really want to make a statement, build this dreamy constellation wall art.
3. Art
Photos, paintings, maps – put it in a frame and you've got art. And you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on custom framing, either. Try searching thrift stores for frames, then give them a quick coat of spray paint in any color you like. Don't worry if the glass front is missing – you can pick up a new sheet of glass at your local hardware store, and many will even cut it to size for you.
Gallery Wall Quick-Tips
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Blue Living Room With Built-In Bookcase and Framed Art
To integrate book storage into the family room, Esther had a 4' by 7' nook added to the wall behind the sofa. For richness, she opted to have the built-in stained in a medium brown tone rather than painting it white to match the trim.
4. A Bookshelf
Keep your next great read nearby. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn installed recessed shelves for this book-lover, but if you're not up for a big project, a few sets of floating shelves will do the trick.
5. Curtains
Drapes aren't just for windows. Hang them floor-to-ceiling for a dramatic look that you can swap out as your style changes.
6. Windows
Ok, this is kind of cheating. But don't be afraid to use the gorgeous view outside your window to your advantage. A little rearranging can make a huge difference.
Contemporary Hoboken Living Room
The warm color palette mixed with modern furniture gives this urban living room a rustic but welcoming feel.
7. An Accent Wall
The space behind the couch makes a great candidate for an accent wall. From a simple coat of paint to these sleek tiles, the design options are seemingly endless and there's a look to fit every style and budget.
William Norton
8. Your Collection
Take your collection out of those dusty boxes and and put it directly on the wall. For smaller items, it's floating shelves to the rescue once again.
Upcycled Wall Art + Storage
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9. A Clock
Beauty and function combine to create one stunning focal point.
Eclectic Living Room With Mustard Yellow Sofa, Patterned Wall Tapestry and Mixed Decorative Throw Pillows
A gorgeous wall tapestry featuring fuchsia and burgundy flowers sets a colorful backdrop for the mix of patterns and rich hues in this eclectic living room. A mustard yellow sofa is decorated with a collection of throw pillows. A pair of chairs with deep red cushions surround a clear coffee table over the faded rug.
Photo by: Stacy Zarin-Goldberg
Stacy Zarin-Goldberg
10. A Rug
Floors shouldn't have all the fun. Click here to learn how to turn any rug into a permanent piece of art.
