Sick of Staring at a Bare Wall? Learn How to Fill the Space Above Your Sofa in Style
Do you constantly find your eyes drifting up to that awkward empty space looming above your sofa? Does it make your living room feel unfinished and dull? I've been there too. As a renter who moves frequently, I'm familiar with making lackluster spaces feel polished. The area above your couch offers wonderful creative potential to inject visual intrigue into your home. Read on as I share my top stylistic solutions for filling that pesky bare wall space.
Decorating the space above your sofa carries multiple advantages beyond eliminating its vacant aura. Mounting eye-catching pieces fosters a complete, pulled-together aesthetic. Artwork or shelves provide welcome contrast to flat walls. Your chosen decorative focal point reflects your personal flair. Cohesive accessories cultivate an intuitive flow between furnishings. Most importantly, guests will be impressed by your interior design skills!
Preparing Your Blank Wall Space for Dazzling Changes
Before deciding which route to take design-wise, some preparation is required. Measure the wall area to understand sizing and layout needs. If opting for multiple pieces like a gallery display, map your composition. Determine preferred spacing and positioning ahead of time. Whether you adorn with a commanding mirror, artful canvas or floating shelves, mindfully arranging your wall decor prevents chaotic clutter.
Option 1: Hang an Oversized Mirror for Dramatic Impact
Benefits of a Bold Mirror Focal Point
Mirrors inherently create depth and amplify natural light. Their reflective surface makes small rooms appear more expansive. A sizeable mirror fills vacant space in a striking manner. It serves as a strong focal element while retaining simplicity. Lean into traditional or modern mirror styles to align with your existing decor.
Tips on Selecting a Substantial Mirror
When choosing a mirror, bigger is often better. Opt for rectangular or rounded edges based on your preference. An antique gold finish framed mirror introduces old-world allure. For contemporary edge, try frameless rectangular mirrors with beveled or smokey gray tinted glass. Ensure adequate hanging hardware and anchors for a mirror weighing 15-30+ pounds.
Instructions for Installing an Oversize Mirror
Carefully measure and mark where you wish to position mirror's top edge, allowing apt wall space above. Drill holes for screws, insert anchors then mount screws slightly protruded. With a helper, hoist mirror and align screw heads to keyholes in backing. Ensure screws are fully inserted then secure them snugly. Add decorative trim or concealing putty to hide edges if desired.
Option 2: Construct a Polished Gallery Wall Display
Curating a Classy Gallery Wall Composition
Gallery walls remain a popular approach for beautifully occupying wall real estate. Collect an eclectic mix of beloved art prints, paintings and photos. Vary frame sizes from small 8"x10" to large 24"x36" pieces. Coordinate corresponding colors. Metallic copper frames make an elegant statement while black frames keep things classic.
Hanging Multiple Pieces in Harmony
Maintain order in your arrangement for a clean gallery wall look. Symmetrically align frames in grid form over the sofa or design a clustered composition. Play with mixing landscape and portrait artwork orientation. Use temporary wall sticker guides to map spacing then tackle hanging items. Securely install each piece, standing back intermittently to check alignment.
Option 3: Mount a Coordinated Grid of Identical Prints
Why a Grid Can Work Well
Repetitive uniformed pieces produce a calm, orderly effect. Going the grid route with a series of matching prints maintains cleaner lines versus a collage-like gallery display. Lean into numbers like three, five or nine identical frames. This route makes shopping for artwork more budget-friendly since multiples of one print are needed.
Steps for Evenly Arranging Same-Size Pieces
Determine preferred grid sizing based on wall space. For three small 12"x16" prints, align them in a horizontal row along the center. Use a level ruler to mark crisp lines for mounting hardware. Measure equal vertical and horizontal spacing between frames for symmetry. Take time finessing straightness during hanging process for perfectly aligned artwork.
Option 4: Combine a Mirror with Flanking Wall Sconces
How Sconces Beautifully Accent a Mirror
Another take on the bold mirror route involves installing sconces at its sides. Lamp fixtures anchor the mirror, drawing attention inward to your glamorous centerpiece. When lit in the evening, the mirror reflects back ambient lighting. The glow from flanking sconces also introduces handy illumination without taking up tabletop space.
Choosing Complementary Wall Sconces
Select sconce shades that align with your decor, from drum to empire style shades. Polished metal finishes like antique brass sconces coordinate well with framed mirror edges. Dim lighting looks ultra sleek for this arrangement. Determine adequate wattage then install wiring and switch control.
Height and Positioning Considerations
Hang mirror first at average eye level while seated on sofa. Position sconces at equal height and distance from the mirror's outer edges. Generally place sconces 60-72 inches above floor height. Ensure centered fixture spacing appears balanced and the overall installation meets safety codes.
Option 5: Mount Storage/Display Bookshelves
Benefits of Open Shelving Units
Seeking additional storage capacity along with decorative appeal? Mounted shelving introduces dual functionality. Building custom shelving lets you control sizing and placement. Include cabinet doors if preferring concealed storage. For display purposes, open shelving exhibits decorative items stored inside. Enhance visual diversity through artful books and object arrangements.
Shelf Style and Depth Considerations
Floating shelves make cleaning beneath effortless. Low profile Ladder style shelves are great for displaying framed photos. Deeper shelves around 12 inches enable sizable decor items. Ensure shelves are sturdy enough for intended objects. Brackets, reinforced mounting boards and anti-tip hardware boost safety.
Maximizing Aesthetic Appeal of Wall Storage
Tackle display styling once shelves are secured properly. Weave in meticulously positioned books, trailing plants and art pieces. Introduce cohesion through hardcover series collections. Layer in unique accents like a typewriter or retro radio. Remember, neatly organized beauty elicits maximum wow factor!
When to Embrace Leaving Your Wall Space Bare
Occasionally leaving negative space untouched carries validity too. If your sofa area already highlights pretty architectural details like wainscoting or crown molding, keep the scene simplified. Allow an alluring window and natural light to shine. In smaller rooms, omitting decor prevents clutter. Or if you fancy a strict minimalist or industrial modern motif, negative space aligns well.
Key Decor Takeaways for Styling Your Sofa Surroundings
Whether you select a gallery ensemble or commanding standalone mirror, ensure scale aligns with your seating area. Layer textures and shapes for added interest. Remember, lighting serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Maintain harmony through mindful color coordination. Your sofa space should ultimately reflect and uplift your spirit!
As you can see, countless possibilities exist for beautifying that troublesome empty space looming above your sofa! Hopefully these 10 suggestions sparked inspiration for your own stylish wall upgrade. Now you're equipped with measurements, installation and layout tips to confidently tackle this project. Trust me, impressing guests with your revamped room is worth every ounce of effort!
What are you waiting for? Grab a tape measure, open a browser tab and dive into planning your new focal point facade. It may seem intimidating initially. But stay focused on your vision. Before you know it, you'll be relaxing on your sofa staring back at a masterfully decorated wall you'll be proud of for years to come. Let the design magic happen!