Over-Couch Décor Ideas To Make A Statement In That Wasted Space
That awkward empty wall space looming above your couch. It's like a blank canvas staring back at you, begging for some decor love and attention. Too often, we ignore this overlooked area, leaving it barren and lackluster.
But decorating the wall over the couch presents a unique opportunity to inject your personal style. With the right decor pieces, you can transform that void into a stylish focal point that ties the whole room together.
Why Decorate the Space Above Your Couch?
There are several great reasons to finally decorate that over-couch wall area:
- It makes use of what is usually an empty, wasted space. Why leave it blank when you can make a statement?
- It's a chance to reflect your tastes and design aesthetic through decor.
- Drawing the eye upwards makes your ceiling appear higher.
- The right wall decor can tie the whole room together in one cohesive look.
Decorating the once-empty space above your couch helps integrate it into the living room. The couch will feel more like a thoughtful part of the design rather than an awkward afterthought.
Before You Decorate: Measurements and Layout
Before choosing any over-couch decor, take some measurements first. This will ensure you select pieces that properly fit and balance the space:
- Measure the width of your couch. Use this to help determine the ideal size for wall art and mirrors.
- Measure the height from the top of the couch cushion to the ceiling. This gives you the height parameters.
- Think about symmetry and breathing room. Make sure there is enough open wall space around decorations to prevent a cluttered look.
Measure twice for the best layout before drilling those holes! Planning the arrangement is crucial for creating a pulled-together look.
Gallery Walls: The More the Merrier
Gallery walls involve clustering a mix of frames, prints, photos, and artwork to create an eclectic, curated look. They are a wonderful way to decorate the space above a couch:
- Mix various frame sizes, colors, and content for plenty of visual interest.
- Arrange the pieces asymmetrically rather than in perfect rows. This looks more organic.
- Fill the wall without going overboard. Leave some breathing room between pieces.
- Showcase your hobbies and interests through the images and art you choose.
When styling your gallery wall above the couch, lay it out on the floor first to test different arrangements. Snap a photo of the layout before hanging for easy reference.
Floating Shelves: Decor With Purpose
Floating shelves add both form and function to the over-couch space. They provide eye-catching style as well as storage and display space:
- Perfect for showing off rows of books, travel souvenirs, or potted plants.
- Keep items organized and avoid clutter. Use baskets or bins to corral smaller decor.
- Consider floating shelves with hidden brackets for a lighter, airier look.
- Mounted ledge shelves work too, though they have visible brackets.
When selecting shelf depth, make sure items won't protrude too far off the wall. For plants, consider a deeper shelf size to accommodate planters.
Oversized Artwork: Go Big or Go Home
Make a bold statement by hanging one large piece of art or a canvas print above the couch. A few oversized art options include:
- An abstract or landscape painting in bright, dramatic colors.
- A large-scale, close-up photography print.
- A modern graphic art print with clean lines.
- A text-based art piece with inspirational or provocative text.
When selecting oversized art, maintain balance by leaving plenty of open wall space around the edges. The art will become the focal point, so choose something meaningful.
Mirror Magic: Reflect and Expand
Hanging a large mirror above the couch is a versatile choice that makes any room feel bigger and brighter:
- A floor-to-ceiling mirror reflects light and creates the illusion of more space.
- An ornate or antique-framed mirror becomes a decor focal point.
- Angle slightly to bounce light around the room.
- Avoid small mirrors that will look out of proportion and get lost.
When selecting a mirror, make sure it complements your couch size. A too-small mirror can look like an afterthought. Go big for dramatic impact!
Beyond the Basics: More Creative Ideas
If you want to get adventurous with your over-couch decor, the options abound! Some unique possibilities include:
- Macrame wall hangings that add natural bohemian texture
- A mounted bike rack or skateboard display for industrial flair
- A neon light sign with custom text or symbols
- An ornate tapestry or embroidered textile for rich color
- Sculptural wall art, sconces or shelves for drama
Really make it your own! Decorating the space above the couch is a chance to showcase your personality through decor.
Decorating Dos and Don'ts
When decorating the wall space above your couch, keep these general guidelines in mind:
- DO properly measure the couch and wall area before selecting decor.
- DON'T hang decor too high or too low. It should align with the scale of the couch.
- DO choose statement pieces that reflect your unique style.
- DON'T clutter the space by clustering frames and art too close together.
- DO opt for around 2-3 larger pieces rather than overloading the wall.
- DON'T overlook the impact lighting can make. Add sconces or pendant lights.
Most importantly, decorate the space in a way that truly suits your tastes and brings you joy. There are endless possibilities!
That over-couch wall space offers exciting decorating potential just waiting to be unlocked. With the right gallery wall, mirror, shelves or artwork, you can infuse personality into the area.
Just remember to properly measure the couch and wall area first when planning decor layouts. This ensures you select pieces that enhance, rather than overwhelm, the space. Decorating this previously overlooked zone helps integrate the couch into the living room design.
Dream big and have fun with it! The wall over your couch is prime real estate for making a stylish statement. So embrace your inner interior decorator, get creative, and take advantage of this unique decorating opportunity.