Moving into a new space often means finding new ways to decorate. And what better place to decorate than the space above your sofa. Empty walls can make a home appear cold and unpersonable. If you are looking for a way to fill up space above your sofa, look no further. We've found the best decor ideas to fill the space above your sofa and do it with style.
Here are some unique ways that you can fill the space above your sofa:
- Install Cool Shelves
- Create a Symmetric Grid with Prints
- Hang a Bulletin Board
- Hang Plates
- Arrange Prints with a Mirror
- Create a Theme
- Use Texture
- Stack Small Paintings Together
- One Large Portrait or Painting
- An Over-sized Mirror
- Hang a Folding Screen
- Hang Wallpaper
In this post, we'll dive deeper into these 12 ways to fill the space above your sofa! We'll also discuss other common guidelines when it comes to the area surrounding the space. So be sure to keep reading.
12 Ways To Fill The Space Above Your Sofa
1. Install Cool Shelves
Who doesn't love a nicely decorated shelf? Consider placing two or three small shelves above your sofa. This could also be a fun DIY project, as wall shelves can typically be installed within 15 to 20 minutes, and it won't require a lot of tools.
You can decorate the shelves with personal trinkets, prints, books, trophies, or any other personal items that you'd like to showcase in the room. And the cool thing is that you can swap items out when you find something new that you want to add to the shelf.
See these wall shelves on Amazon.
2. Create a Symmetric Grid with Prints
It's always important to consider symmetry when decorating your walls, as it can help you bring attention to certain artistic choices while accenting others. Every room needs a sense of order, and symmetry provides that. One of the best ways to use symmetry is by using framed or unframed photographic prints.
These can be personal prints of you and family members on vacation, prints of famous paintings, or random prints that you've found online. Measure the amount of space that you have to work with on the wall and purchase a handful of small or medium-sized prints to decorate it. You'll be happy that you did.
See these art prints on Amazon.
3. Hang a Bulletin Board
Consider hanging a bulletin board above your sofa. If you are someone who loves to showcase weekly accomplishments or personal photos, you can use your bulletin board to do just that. You can also showcase your children's art instead of just placing it on the refrigerator. The bulletin board can also be a space when you place messages for the entire family.
See this bulletin board on Amazon.
4. Hang Decorative Plates
Whether you have expensive, antique china or plates that cost less than $20, they can each add imagery to your empty wall space. If you plan to buy new plates to decorate the space, find plates with eye-popping colors or really cool details to decorate the wall. Position the plates at eye level so they do not pose a safety risk. This can also help them to create the illusion of higher ceilings.
See these display plates on Amazon.
5. Arrange Prints with a Mirror
Take some of your favorite prints and place them around a large mirror that's centered above the couch. These can be personal prints or ones that you have purchased online. You can also find great art prints in stores like World Market and Michaels. If you really want to spice things up, consider placing the mirror off-center and positioning the prints around it in an off-center fashion.
6. Create a Theme
Most rooms have a common theme that is set by choice of furniture and other decorative ornaments. If you have an expansive area to fill above your couch, consider creating an entirely new theme for it. This theme can be comprised of portraiture, bookshelves, or personal trinkets. Think of the space as a canvas and allow your imagination to take over. Keep in mind that it does not have to match the decor in the room; it's better if it's the total opposite--this will make it a focal point for visitors.
7. Use Texture
Adding a bit of texture to your wall is always a beautiful way to make your space more attractive. Consider sites like Society 6 or Macy's for wall tapestries to add a new look to your room. When shopping for tapestries, consider pieces with floral or nature-based patterns, as they can help create a sense of warmth in the room. Woven blankets and small throws can also add fantastic visual elements.
Be sure also to consider the tones of the tapestries as well. Cool colors such as greens and blues can help make the room look a bit more vibrant and relaxing, while warmer colors such as reds and oranges can create a more active feel.
8. Stack Small Paintings Together
Create a mural effect by stacking small paintings together above the couch. You can also use art prints with this as well. To get the best result with this stylistic choice, find pieces that vary greatly in tone and style--make it look purposely uncoordinated. Think of the space as walking into a modern art gallery and throw cohesion and symmetry out of the window. One thing to remember is that it's best to leave at least six to eight inches of space between each piece to not crowd the wall and make it appear as if you are trying to hide it.
9. One Large Portrait or Painting
You can keep things easy by placing one large portrait in the center area above the sofa. To get the effect that you're looking for with this stylistic choice, it's best to find a painting that really demands attention. Consider period pieces that can be recognized even by people who know nothing about art.
Check out famous artists such as Henri Matisse, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, and Edvard Munch. Make sure that the piece complements the rest of the room or the couch itself. Consider the tones and colors used in the piece and the various tones and accent colors in the rest of the space.
10. An Over-sized Mirror
An oversized mirror is always a great look, as it simply won't go out of style anytime soon. Not only can they create a beautiful focal point for the room, but they can also add a sense of style and sophistication to the room. Huge empty spaces of walls can be a bit intimidating, especially when they are above eye-catching sofas.
If you are looking to add a bit of glam to the wall above your sofa, an oversized mirror is definitely a good look. Consider frameless mirrors or mirrors with interesting borders. Stores like Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn, and Bloomingdale's are wonderful spots to buy oversized mirrors.
See these oversized mirrors on Amazon.
11. Hang A Folding Screen
It may seem a bit odd to hang a folding screen on a wall, but it's more common than you'd imagine. If you are looking for a statement that immediately jumps out at visitors, this is it. The patterns, colors, and chic designs of a folding screen can not only be a conversation starter but can show off your sense of style and creativity. You'll need an ample amount of space for the folding screen to fit. So to say, this option works best for larger rooms. Ensure the folding screen properly is anchored when hanging it, depending on one the weight.
See this folding screen on Amazon.
12. Hang Wallpaper
If you are someone who loves intricate, colorful designs, wallpaper may be the way to go. You don't have to cover the entire wall with the wallpaper either; you can simply use it as almost a background to other decorative elements such as paintings, prints, or text styles. Fancy wallpaper can give your living space a touch of opulence and sophistication, and it can also provide you with a more layered look to your room. It will be the perfect way to accent pedestals, sconces, sculptures, or other elegant elements in the room.
What height do you hang pictures above the couch?
It's best to hang art and other pictures about 8 to 10 inches above your couch or any other furniture. This will keep the piece from looking too visually connected to the furniture and create a more cohesive look to the wall.
You don't want your walls to look crowded and like you ran out of space, but more intentionally decorated with symmetry in mind. If you put your art any closer to your sofa, you'll also risk it potentially being knocked off during the use of your sofa. Placing it higher can make it look like it's floating above the sofa instead of complimenting it.
How high above a sofa should a shelf be?
If you have space above your sofa and want to hang a shelf there, be sure to place it at least 6 to 10 inches above the average height occupant's heads when they sit on the sofa. So, for example, if the top of your head is 4-feet from the floor when sitting on the sofa, place the shelf at least 4-feet 6-inches high from the floor. This is not only ideal from an aesthetic standpoint, but it's also helpful to reduce injury. The last thing you want is for a guest to bump their head on the show when they attempt to sit on the couch or get up from it.
Should you hang a mirror horizontal or vertical?
Hanging your mirror vertically or horizontally is a personal stylistic decision. Take into account the other decorations on the wall and how much space you have to work with. Will the mirror and look more symmetric if it is hung vertically? Or will it help take up more space and help complete the wall decoratively if hung horizontally?
Also, if other pieces of artwork are already on the wall, it may be best to hang the mirror in the same direction as them for a more cohesive look. That being said, be sure that the mirror is positioned to at least 10 to 12 inches from the top of the sofa.
How tall should a lamp be next to a sofa?
Floor lamps are a great way to accent a sofa. For the best positioning, floor lamps should be at least 58 to 64 inches tall. The bottom of the lamp's shade should be either at or above the occupants' eye level on the couch. If the lamp is too short, the sofa will simply dwarf it in size, making it look like a children's lamp. If anything, you'll want the lamp to be taller as opposed to shorter.
Wrapping Things Up
As you can see, there are several ways to decorate the space above your sofa. Don't be afraid to think out-of-the-box when it comes to decoration. We hope that this post has provided you with the information you were looking for to decorate the area above your sofa.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts: