The large, blank wall behind the sofa in a living room often leads people to ask themselves, “What do I do with this space?” It’s a challenge many face, but there are numerous stylish options to turn it into the beautiful focal point you desire.
How to Decorate the Wall Behind the Sofa with Essential Paintings
Needless to say, the paintings should complement something in the room, such as an armchair, cushions, a carpet, or the color of the furniture.
A small buffet table
If the sofa is in the center of the room, you can add a small, low cabinet, also called a buffet, to place items such as books or simply to conceal the back of the sofa, which is not always visually appealing.
This solution is functional even if the living room is part of an open space with the kitchen.
Maximize your living space
It is also advisable to have a very thin partition, either plasterboard or wood (no more than 15 cm thick), created to act as a backdrop.
You can use this partition to display small design objects or install an LED strip with lights directed toward the ceiling.
Related article: Color of Living room
Millwork Magic
Molding is used to create a large geometric pattern on the walls behind the velvet sofa in this luxurious family room. Millwork is an elegant way to add subtle visual interest to the space without overpowering your furnishings.
Unexpected Arts
Showcase a collection of unexpected, textural items such as woven baskets, wooden shoes, or, in this case, antique cutting boards. We love this technique because it’s budget-friendly and creates a space that feels both custom and sentimental.
Multiple Shelves
Installing multiple large shelves above your sofa can create depth, dimension, and versatility in your space.
If you don’t have the square footage for a console table, adding shelving behind your sofa can also introduce valuable storage space.
Showcase of Modern Shelving
You could use the shelves as bookshelves for a library-style look, or opt for a more modern approach, as shown in this image.
Here, you see a collection of framed pictures, travel souvenirs, books, vases, and a houseplant, all neatly arranged above the sofa.
Frame a Map
You might hang a historical map above your sofa, or embrace your inner traveler by choosing a scratch-off map to track your progress around the globe.
Remember to consider the color palette of your living room when selecting your map.
Wall Clock
Wall clocks have a timeless appeal that can complement almost any living room, regardless of style. You’ll find hundreds of options online, ranging from minimalist to modern and everything in between.
Hang your wall clock just above eye level to draw attention upwards and make it a focal point.
As shown here, framing your wall clock can enhance its impact, creating a striking design feature without overwhelming the rest of your decor.
Textiles
Textile wall art is currently in vogue, and for good reason. You might display a woven tapestry, a knit or crochet blanket, a quilt, an embroidered wall hanging, or even a rug above your sofa.
Whatever you choose, it will add depth, texture, and character to your home.
For large walls, consider using a sizable textile wall hanging above your sofa; this works particularly well with sectionals and oversized sofas.
If you’re dealing with limited square footage, opt for two or three smaller textile hangings to prevent the room from appearing small and closed off.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper can be a great backdrop for a sofa, adding depth and interest to a blank wall. If the wallpaper features a maximalist design, it can often stand alone without additional decor.
However, if the wallpaper is more subtle, pairing it with prints or artwork can add extra layers of depth.
The wall in this image is an excellent example of a bold design that stands independently, eliminating the need for additional prints or artwork.
Frame and wallpaper combination
For large walls, consider using a sizable textile wall hanging above your sofa; this works particularly well with sectionals and oversized sofas.
If you’re dealing with limited square footage, opt for two or three smaller textile hangings to prevent the room from appearing small and closed off.
Home Plants
Every home has room for plants. Houseplants effortlessly add life, color, texture, and depth to the space above your sofa.
While they may not purify the air, there’s no denying that houseplants are refreshing to look at every day.
Plant models for living rooms
This living room features a balanced mix of plants, including a large tree to one side and plants behind the sofa. Notice how the plants share the wall with artwork, adding variety and interest to the design.
Consider adding a tall plant or tree alongside smaller houseplants on a shelf, or placing several large houseplants behind your sofa.
Decorating the Wall Above Your Couch
As you can see, there are many ways to decorate the large wall above your couch and create a striking focal point. It’s best to hang all decor above the couch at eye level, which is typically about 60 inches from the center of the pieces to the floor.
Art hung over a sofa or couch should be positioned 4-6 inches above the back of the piece. Regardless of the height of your wall space, aim to draw the eye upwards.
In terms of width, the art should cover about two-thirds of the width of the furniture. Consider multiple pieces as if they form one large composition. Play around with different ideas until you find the one that best reflects your style