When designing the interior of a living room, it is important to decorate the walls beautifully. Designers often suggest highlighting one wall and making it the highlight of the interior. Empty space is worth trying to decorate, highlight or use functionally. An interesting solution is the decorative design of the wall surface located behind the TV, sofa, or dining table.
Decorating the wall above the sofa will not steal valuable space and does not look too intrusive, as it is often out of sight of people sitting in the living room. We can decorate, highlight another wall or each one; often this solution is used specifically for the wall located behind the sofa. This choice is obvious for practical reasons - this is where you can place any additional shelves or furniture. What other interesting solutions will be useful?
Interesting ideas
Previously, the walls in the living room above the sofa were decorated rather boringly, paintings, calendars, and other images were used. Today there are many more possibilities. There are many ways to decorate a wall:
- wallpaper;
- wood wallpaper;
- photo wallpaper;
- intense paint colors;
- ombre wall;
- Brick wall;
- decorative panel;
- paintings;
- shelves;
- wooden panels;
- stone for wall decoration;
- decorative plaster.
You can read about some methods on our website by following the links provided above. We'll talk about the rest below.
Decorating the living room with decorative stone
A chic, expensive, but incredibly durable option for wall cladding is decorative stone. It will become a faithful companion for many years, as it is practically not exposed to the external environment.
Advantages of choice:
- artificial pebble is very light;
- installation is accessible even to a novice master;
- the cost of the material is much less than the price of natural stones;
- The manufacturer offers a variety of blank shapes.
Combine stone motifs with other design formats, as monolithic stone interiors are akin to medieval motifs.
Wallpaper
Decorative wallpaper will enliven any interior, giving it elegance and modernity. Among the most popular are options with:
- subtle patterns,
- stripes related to the classical ornament.
Such patterns will become a real decoration of a classic interior.
Wallpapering the walls of a classic living room - photo
Floral swirls or other subtle designs and sparkly wallpaper add a glamorous touch to your living room.
Decorating a living room in glamor style with wallpaper - photo
Choosing decorative wallpaper with a shiny surface on the wall behind the sofa will provide the backdrop to a glamorous living room.
Lovers of modern ideas can consider the option of fashionable wallpaper with motifs:
- geometry;
- checkered wallpaper;
- abstractions;
- other interesting variations.
Decorative wallpaper will enliven any interior, giving it elegance and modernity.
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Photo wallpaper
An interesting solution is to decorate with photo wallpaper. You shouldn’t give up on this design, thinking that photo wallpapers are a thing of the distant past. Today you can purchase options with interesting effects that will become a real decoration of the living room. For example, images with a depth effect, as they are called, photo wallpapers with projection allow you to create not only original interior decoration, but also visually enlarge a small room.
Photo wallpaper with a depth effect on the wall behind the sofa – photo
Among the photo wallpapers there are other interesting images, for example, futuristic, fantasy - which will appeal to fantasy lovers.
An interesting idea on how to decorate a wall is to decorate it with photo wallpapers that imitate some natural or finishing materials, for example:
- stone,
- tree,
- brick.
Today, stone, wood, and concrete walls have become real hits.
In a small apartment, photo wallpaper in light colors with well-designed lighting will visually enlarge the interior and emphasize its cozy character.
An interesting effect is achieved if photo wallpaper with a city panorama is placed in a frame that imitates a window frame. The built-in lamps in the upper part in the photo below emphasize and realistically imitate the atmosphere of a night city outside the window with lights and glare.
Getting to know all the options for finishing the wall above the sofa
Now you can get acquainted in more detail with each method of decorating the space near the sofa and choose the one that suits the style and layout of the living room. Some of them can be used in a room of any size, and some only in large rooms.
The carpet over the sofa is considered a relic of the past, unless we are talking about a real work of art
Posters, paintings, photographs
Posters or placards are usually used in interiors that are not tied to a specific style. This allows you to decorate the wall with these elements, made in any color scheme. Suitable for Scandinavian style, pop art or loft.
The wall above the sofa can be filled with posters or family photos.
Posters can be an interesting finishing touch to a living room makeover and a fun way to show off the homeowners' character. After all, they depict wise quotes, motivating sayings, greetings, and aphorisms.
Paintings can be matched to the color of furniture and interior items
Paintings and photography carry aesthetic overtones. Any representative of one or another art is already a decoration. However, there are several rules that must be followed.
Nobody forbids you to arrange an entire exhibition of works of art above the sofa.
Rules for decorating space with paintings and photographs
| Color solution | Elements can be made in shades similar to individual pieces of furniture, decor or lighting fixtures. |
| It is possible to create a single elegant composition where the products will match the color of the sofa. | |
| Also, paintings can become a bright accent in the living room and represent colorful objects made in black, white, red, blue, green or purple. | |
| Wall location | A painting, group of images or photos are placed at a distance of 5-15 cm above the sofa. This way the decoration will be perceived as a single element, rather than separate hanging items and a piece of upholstered furniture. |
| Photographs, paintings, posters should fill a third of the width of the sofa to make the composition look complete. One small image will be a bad option, one might even say scant. | |
| The presence of one painting implies its placement within the width of the dominant piece of furniture. At the same time, it is possible to free yourself from observing symmetry. Advantage. Several images can be placed without adhering to the width of the sofa and go beyond it. | |
| Plans to place 5 or more paintings or photos on the wall must be combined with the rules for the arrangement of elements. They should be placed so that the bottom edge is in line, but the top edge is optional. It will be even better if the top edge is made “torn” - hang objects at different heights. Advantage. This method will help create a harmonious and pleasant composition. | |
| Another option will allow you to create an original composition. It involves placing products of different sizes, shapes, decorated in a variety of frames. |
Decorative elements can be placed on shelves
Decoration Materials
There are many finishing materials that can transform and highlight the space above the sofa. These include both inexpensive and quite affordable options, so absolutely anyone can decorate a living room according to their own discretion and capabilities.
Decorative gypsum panels are a very affordable finishing material. White color is suitable for many interiors, and they can also be easily repainted in the desired shade
Wallpaper
Decorative wallpaper can transform a living room, making it elegant and modern no worse than other, more global ways.
Wallpaper with floral patterns is suitable for a living room in a glamorous or classic style
- They are presented in the form of thin patterns, stripes, large patterns, which are better suited for classic, Provencal, Empire or country styles.
- Bright designs, geometric patterns, sparkles and other similar types of wallpaper will be a suitable option for more modern interior styles (modern, high-tech, pop art).
Wallpaper with geometric motifs will appeal to lovers of modern ideas
Photo wallpaper
This type of wallpaper has still remained a popular way of decorating walls, one might even say, profitable and tempting. After all, modern photo wallpapers have almost all the qualities of their counterparts. They are able to visually enlarge and expand space using patterns with the effect of depth (wallpaper with projection).
Photo wallpaper with a depth effect will visually expand the space and enliven the interior
There are also futuristic wallpapers on the market with various funny images. They are suitable for fans of science fiction, fantasy and other similar genres.
Photo wallpapers with interesting effects will become a real decoration of the living room.
Recently, materials that imitate natural materials (stone, wood) have become a real hit. Items can be arranged in any order, while creating interesting effects, even 3D. Another tempting effect will be obtained if you cover the wall with photo wallpaper with a panorama of the city. Built-in lighting will complete the conceived idea and present a mesmerizing living room to the inhabitants of the house.
Photo wallpapers are selected depending on the interior of the living room space
Bright coloring
Creating an accent wall can refresh the interior. This idea is good to use if the living room is made in light colors and against this background the wall near the sofa stands out due to bright colors, for example, blue, purple, orange, red, green or other similar colors. This is especially appropriate in a combined living room with kitchen. In this way, you can zone the room into two different objects, creating full-fledged rooms.
Two in one - just divide the wall into two parts and wallpaper one of them, paint the other and add posters or paintings
Another variation of this method is wall painting. This will allow you to bring all your ideas and desires to life, show your creativity and create a unique interior that no one else will have.
Important! The only rule in this case is to ensure that the style and design of the entire room and this wall in particular are consistent, so as not to overload the room with an abundance of colors, textures and styles.
| Stucco molding, panels | Decorating a wall with stucco molding and decorative plasterboard panels can create the impression of a mysterious or solid, elegant interior and home as a whole. |
| A good option for classical style, empire style and others similar to antiquity. | |
| Panels can be made from different materials (wood, gypsum, plastic, MDF). | |
| They will go well with dark walls if the products are chosen in white or beige. | |
| Tile, stone, wood | Any natural finishing material brings coziness, comfort, and warmth to the house. |
| Suitable for many styles: · Classic; · Provence; · Modern; · Scandinavia; · Country. Even in the oriental style, covering the entire wall with stone or arranging individual elements will look great. | |
| For a loft or minimalist style, finishing with stone, brick or concrete panels is suitable (imitation is also allowed). This will help give the living room a wild, raw atmosphere if that is what the occupant desires. |
Wood panels or natural planks give the interior a cozy and warm character
Bright intense color
A popular theme is painting the wall with a dark, bright, intense color, radically different from the color scheme accepted in the interior. The choice depends on the imagination and preferences of the apartment owners:
- violet,
- turquoise,
- dark,
- red.
Decorating a modern interior with intense colors - photo
For example, in a kitchen-living room decorated in neutral beige and brown tones, the wall behind the sofa, painted in deep purple, will become an interesting backdrop for black and white decorations.
Finishing materials for the living room
The decoration of walls, floors and ceilings play an important role in the design. Changing them requires a lot of effort. Therefore, even a small change can transform the look of the living room.
The simplest and cheapest design option is drywall. It allows you to quickly create the desired shape and easily blends into the wall.
For walls, there is often a choice between wallpaper and painting. An extensive selection of wallpaper materials and colors gives you freedom of action. Decorative plaster harmonizes best with painting. To convey a luxurious look, Venetian plaster is suitable.
The room can also be decorated with decorative tiles, stone, or stucco. It all depends on style and capabilities.
Living room decor option
Seasonal living room decoration
DIY living room decor
Mirror
A large, rectangular mirror hanging above the sofa, preferably in an antique frame, will give the living room a special atmosphere. An antique mirror will decorate interiors in the following styles:
- classic,
- glamorous
- eclectic.
Mirrors are appropriate to use in small living rooms. Mirror surfaces, reflecting windows and interior elements will give the room a visually larger volume. Below are photos of ideas with different mirror arrangements.
Options for placing a mirror on the wall - photo
No. 3. Decorative plaster
Plaster is ideal for decorating living room walls. Its appearance can be completely different depending on the type of composition used: silicate, silicone, mineral, acrylic or Venetian plaster. In any case, the end result is a unique surface with shine or little volume. In addition to excellent decorative qualities, plaster has other advantages:
- seamlessness of the completed coating;
- breathability;
- durability and practicality;
- ease of care;
- the ability to mask small defects in the wall surface.
Plaster, like paint, is easy to apply to any architectural form in the living room, and you don’t have to struggle like with wallpaper or panels. The cost of such a coating is not the lowest, but it is fully justified by its durability. Venetian plasters look especially interesting , which forms a smooth glossy surface reminiscent of marble. This finish will fit perfectly into living rooms in a classic style. Textured or structural plaster looks harmonious in interiors in a modern minimalist style.
Bookshelf, wardrobe
The huge wardrobe will appeal to book lovers. A practical way to store book collections will add character to your interior. A home library would be a great design idea for an empty wall. Can be used:
- classic shelves,
- original shelves,
- bookcase up to the ceiling.
Decorating an elegant living room wall with bookshelves - photo
Decorative panels made of gypsum, plastic, MDF
There are many options for decorating walls with decorative panels made from different materials:
- wood,
- MDF,
- plastic.
For example, an elegant interior can be decorated with white openwork panels on a dark, gray background.
Natural boards, wood panels, plywood, and MDF panels are rarely placed on all walls. It is advisable to use them as decoration on one wall. Paneling will give the interior a warm, cozy character. Panels are used to give the interior a certain style:
- classical,
- fashionable Provence,
- Scandinavian.
Wooden panels imitating wood are placed vertically or horizontally.
Wall panels for living room
Decorating the walls in the living room with panels can significantly save your nerves: after all, this type of decoration does not involve dirt, dust and debris. At the same time, the choice of textures is huge. By type they are divided into tile, sheet and slatted.
Main advantages:
- attach to any surface, even uneven;
- durable and add sophistication to the room;
- unpretentious in care;
- Insulation material can be laid under the panels.
Disadvantages can be noted:
- plastic panels are fragile and can break upon impact;
- Woody species do not tolerate humidity well, so focus on the thermal conditions of the room.
It should be remembered that if it is necessary to mount a TV or any other decorative elements to a wall covered with wall panels, the fastenings must be thought out in advance by turning the fastening holes in the rough concrete wall. All unsightly holes can then be “hidden” behind the panels.
Tiles, natural stone, concrete panels
A fashionable finishing option is the use of tiles:
- under the brick,
- imitating natural stone,
- the natural stone itself.
The modern, stylish character of the interior is emphasized by concrete panels, giving the living room a somewhat raw, factory-like atmosphere. The solution will decorate the interior in the following styles:
- loft,
- minimalism.
Design with photographs, posters
Frames filled with family photographs from trips and important family events have become a fashionable decoration. This is a great idea for storing and exposing photographs, allowing you to interestingly decorate the wall behind the sofa, creating a cozy character for the apartment. Photos can be placed in various types:
- gallery,
- in chronological order,
- clock from photographs.
Decorating walls with posters – photo
An alternative to photographs, posters with quotes, motivations, greetings and sayings that look cool and highlight the character of the homeowners.
Paintings and posters are chosen in the color of individual elements of furniture and interior. They can repeat the color of the sofa, creating a stylish composition with it. For example, a modern living room decorated in black and white may contain a strong red accent in the form of original paintings with red elements placed above a red sofa.
Empty wall in the living room: design options
Very often in a design project one of the walls is left without large furniture; some do this for the overall picture of minimalism, while others decorate it with themed decor.
Canvas wall. A drawing and nothing more. It is a continuation of the interior of the entire room.
Volumetric decor. Using different materials, a composition is formed. It could be nature, animals or a false fireplace.
"Living" wall. Decorated with indoor plants. It could be a green meadow or flowers in pots. They can be placed on a shelf, hung in a flowerpot, or simply placed on the floor.
Textile. Carpet, curtain, fabric paintings, large macrame or woven net, decorated with your favorite photographs. Everything can be played out on an empty wall! And it will be impressive.
Gallery. Paintings, photographs, posters. Not a couple of things above the sofa or in some places in the room, but a whole mini-exhibition.
Library. For lovers of reading and collectors, you can arrange shelves with books covering the entire wall.
Remember, the design of the walls should be expressive, but not interfere with the interior. They seem to interact and complement each other. Then the living room will feel cozy and comfortable.
