Have you ever decorated your home and felt like something was still missing? For my living room, that final missing piece was finding the right way to decorate the empty wall behind my IKEA sofa. No matter what furnishings or artwork I tried, it always felt bare and unfinished. That was until I discovered some unique and budget-friendly ways to give that blank wall the wow factor it deserved.
In this post, I’ll share the techniques on how to decorate wall behind sofa—from creative wallpaper borders to gallery-style photo displays—to take my living room from drab to fab without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hoping to spruce up your rental or just want a new refreshing look, keep reading for low-effort ways to style the space behind your couch.
What Will You Need?
Before jumping into the ways to decorate, it’s good to remember a few essentials that’ll help you create your masterpiece. You will need the following:
- Measuring Tape: To get the correct dimensions for your wall.
- Hammer and Nails or Self-Adhesive Hooks: Depending on what kind of display you’re going for, ensure you have the necessary tools to hang up your decor.
- Wallpaper/Peel & Stick Wallpaper Borders: If you want a bold statement look, wallpaper is the perfect option. However, if you want to avoid committing to an entire wall of wallpaper, peel & stick borders can create the same effect on a smaller scale.
- Picture Frames and Artwork: For creating a gallery-style display, ensure you have frames and artwork or photos you want to showcase.
- Command Strips: These are great for hanging lightweight items, such as frames and artwork, without damaging the wall.
- Plants: Incorporating plants into your decor is a great way to add some life and color to your space.
Now that you have the necessary tools, let’s dive into some creative ways to decorate the empty wall behind your sofa.
9 Easy Steps on How to Decorate Wall Behind Sofa
Step 1: Measure Your Wall Space
Start by measuring the width and height of the wall behind your sofa. This will help you determine the size of the art pieces, frames, or wallpaper you can use. Remember to leave some space between the top of your sofa and the bottom of your decor to avoid a cluttered look. Typically, leaving a gap of 8 to 10 inches is considered ideal. Record these measurements as they will guide your decoration process.
Step 2: Decide On a Theme
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to decide on a theme or style for your wall. This could be based on your existing décor, taste, or even a particular artwork you want to showcase. The theme will guide your choice of colors, frames, and other decorative elements. You might want a minimalist look with black and white photos, a bohemian vibe with colorful tapestries, or a modern aesthetic with graphic art prints.
Step 3: Choose Your Wall Decor
Now that you’ve defined your theme start shopping for or gathering the decor you want to display. This might include framed pictures, paintings, mirrors, sculptures, or even wall decals. Consider the size, shape, and color of each piece, ensuring they work well together and fit your theme. Remember, you don’t need to fill every inch of the wall, so don’t hesitate to leave some blank space for balance. Your selection should not only be beautiful but should also resonate with your personal style and preference.
Step 4: Arrange Your Decor
With your chosen pieces in hand, you can now start planning the arrangement of your wall decor. Spread all items on the floor and experiment with different layouts. Try varying the placement, spacing, and grouping of things until you find a configuration that feels balanced and visually appealing. A good tip is to start with the most significant piece as your anchor and then arrange the smaller pieces around it.
Step 5: Start Hanging Your Decor
To start the actual hanging process, reference the photo you took of your floor layout. Begin with the largest piece, your anchor, and work your way out from there. Use a level to ensure each piece is straight — a slightly crooked part can throw off the balance of your entire arrangement.
When hanging art, a good rule of thumb is to keep the center of the work at eye level. And remember, your Command Strips and adhesive hooks can be a great tool here if you’re worried about damaging your walls. Take time with this step to ensure everything is placed exactly as you envisioned in your layout. Once all the pieces are up, admire your newly decorated wall behind your sofa!
Step 6: Add Some Lighting
Brighten up your newly decorated wall by introducing some ambient lighting. Wall sconces, string lights, or even a well-placed floor lamp can highlight your decor and create a comforting atmosphere. When choosing your light sources, consider the tone you want to set for the room. Soft, warm lights can create a cozy and welcoming feel, while cool, bright lights can make your wall decor pop and keep the room feeling fresh and lively.
Step 7: Incorporate Plants
Now that your wall decor is up and beautifully lit consider adding a touch of nature with indoor plants. Plants offer a fresh pop of color and can improve air quality and create a serene atmosphere. You could choose hanging plants, small potted plants on a floating shelf, or a tall floor plant at one end of the sofa.
Step 8: Consider a Statement Piece
If you still feel your wall needs more personality, consider adding a statement piece. This could be a large piece of artwork, a uniquely shaped mirror, or a bold, geometric shelf. A statement piece is a focal point and can effortlessly draw the eye. It can also give your wall a distinct character that reflects your style. Remember the theme and color scheme you’ve chosen when selecting your statement piece to ensure it fits seamlessly with your existing decor. Once installed, this piece can provide the perfect finishing touch to your wall behind the sofa.
Step 9: Review and Adjust
Once all the pieces are up, take a step back and assess your work. Look at the wall from different angles and distances to ensure everything is balanced and harmonious. Make sure that the colors, shapes, and sizes of your decor pieces complement each other and the overall effect is in line with the theme you have chosen. Be bold and make changes if something fits better. Sometimes, the tiniest adjustments can make the biggest difference. Shifting a picture slightly to the right, adding a small planter, or even repositioning a lamp can dramatically improve the overall look.
By following these steps, you can turn a blank wall behind your sofa into a beautiful and unique focal point in your living room.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Utilize a Large Piece of Artwork: A single, large piece of artwork can make a bold, dramatic statement on the wall behind your sofa. This is a great way to bring color and personality to your living space.
- Install Floating Shelves: Floating shelves are not only functional but also add an element of design to the wall. You can display books, photos, plants, or other decorative items.
- Create a Gallery Wall: A gallery wall allows you to display a collection of photographs, artwork, or other wall decor. This allows you to showcase your style and the things you love.
- Use Wall Decals or Wallpaper: These can add a pop of color and design to your wall without the permanence of paint or other more permanent options.
- Incorporate a Large Mirror: A large mirror can make your room appear bigger and brighter, especially if it reflects natural light from a window. Plus, it adds a touch of elegance to any room.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can create a stunning and unique focal point on the wall behind your sofa.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Overcrowding the Space: While it’s exciting to show off your favorite pieces, avoid the temptation to fill every inch of the wall. This can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming.
- Ignoring the Sofa Size: The sofa size should dictate the decor’s scale. Avoid pieces that are too small, as they can look out of place or too large, as they can overpower the sofa.
- Hanging Artwork Too High or Low: The artwork’s center should be at eye level. Hanging pieces too high or low can disrupt the visual flow of your space.
- Choosing Clashing Colors: While it’s important to incorporate color, avoid hues that clash with the existing color scheme of your room. A harmonious palette will create a more visually pleasing space.
- Forgetting about Lighting: Proper lighting can greatly enhance your wall decor. Avoid dark shadows or harsh lighting that can detract from the visual appeal of your decorations.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your wall behind the sofa is a beautiful and well-designed feature in your living space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wall behind your sofa is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this post on how to decorate wall behind sofa, you can make it a focal point in your living room and give it a personality of its own. From hanging artwork and mirrors to adding shelves or accent pieces, the options are endless for making this space truly unique and reflective of your style. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures, colors, and patterns – that’s what makes decorating so fun!
So go ahead and get creative with this often-overlooked area in your home. You only know what kind of statement you’ll make once you try. And when you’re finished, sit back on your sofa and admire the masterpiece you have created together with your walls.
So don’t wait any longer – grab those tools and start decorating! Your walls are counting on you!
