This post was updated February 2021.
One of the questions our Design Services team gets all the time is, “How do I fill the blank space on my wall?” Sometimes it’s the top of a stair landing, sometimes it’s the wall of a bedroom, and many, many times, it’s the wall space over the sofa! Considering all the questions, we figured we’d tackle this question on How to Decorate! Here are 10 ways you can fill that big expanse of wall over your sofa to create an impactful focal point.
1. A Large, Oversized Mirror
We’ve discussed on the blog how important it is create a focal point and infuse drama into every room, and a large mirror is the perfect way to do that. The wall space over your sofa can be an intimidating space because it’s so expansive, but we actually like to think of it as an opportunity! Take the space and do something dramatic with it!
2. A Grid of Four or More Prints
Symmetry is another important thing to consider when decorating your room because it gives a sense of order to the space. It’s also a great tool if you love a serene, polished look — a symmetrical room is often more calm because your eye doesn’t jump around the space so much. A grid of prints over the back of your sofa is a great way to fill space, but also create a symmetrical focal point.
3. A Grouping of Prints in Different Sizes
A gallery wall can be very intimidating, but if you like the look, consider doing a grouping of art all in the same vein like we did here. All of these prints are from the same artist but in different sizes, and the arrangement of the prints is much more simplified than the big web you usually see in a gallery wall.
4. One Large Painting
Instead of lots of little pieces, consider hanging one large painting on the wall over your sofa. This has a few benefits — it’s a bit like putting on a dress in that you only need one piece and you’re done. No coordinating, no matching pants to a top. Voilà. Another great thing about one large piece, it feels simpler, more polished, less busy. If that’s the look you’re going for, then considering finding one piece of art you really love and sticking to that!
5. A Set of Mirrors
If your room is dark and you want to bring more light into your space, considering hanging several mirrors over your sofa. They’ll bounce light around the room, they look chic and simple, and they’ll go with any color palette you chose!
6. A Pair of Prints or Mirrors
There are so many benefits to buying home decor items in pairs, and a pair of prints is no exception! One reason we love them? You can always keep them together, or you can split them up in different rooms. A pair is much more versatile than a single, just like a pair of lamps is easier to place than a single.
7. A Bookshelf
If you have the space, a bookshelf or cabinet is a great way to fill a blank wall. In this room we styled two of our Ellen Cabinets behind the sofa and we love how they bring in height to the rest of the room. Don’t forget to prop your shelves with décor, like books and vases.
8. Go For a Gallery Wall
We know a gallery wall can feel intimidating, but there’s really no exact science! Just go for it. Of course, it always helps to arrange prints on the ground before putting a nail in the wall, but we also love the idea of constantly adding to a grouping as you acquire new favorite pieces.
9. A Mirror + A Pair of Sconces
Don’t be afraid to add in pieces besides art or a mirror! Adding a sconce to your wall décor brings in light and creates a nice ambiance to the room. Try mixing your wall décor with a sconce to create a unique grouping that has personality and flair.
10. Nothing
Still stumped with what to hang behind your sofa? Place your sofa in front of a window and you don’t need a thing — except maybe a pair of pretty drapery panels!
Looking for more wall inspiration? Read these helpful articles next:
- How to Decorate that Sliver of Wall and other Small Wall Design Ideas
- How to Use a Decorative Wall Bracket In Your Room
- 7 Wallpapered Looks and Why We Love Them
- 9 Ways to Hang Plates on the Wall
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Chante
I like having an oversized mirror over coach but can you still do that if when you sit on couch the wall you are looking at has a mounted tv. So basically the tv and mirror are across from one another?
Abbey Nolte
Chante,
Yes, you can do this!
Amy
Do you happen to know where the four feather prints were purchased? I’ve been trying to find bird art for above our couch for three years and can’t find the “one.” I LOVE the set of four feather prints and the frames they are in. Thanks!
Amy
Abbey Nolte
Hi Amy,
Unfortunately we no longer carry that artwork, but we do have other bird art options on our site.
Hope that helps!
Abbey
Angie Hicks
In looking at these pictures, it looks like the you have the Eton Sofa in one of the first pictures with a slipcover. I need a sofa with a skirt and like the fabric in the picture. Can you tel me what fabric it is?
Thank you!
Caroline McDonald
Angie,
What color/texture is the fabric? There are several skirted sofas in this post. Let us know so we can help!
patricia lea
Sherwin Williams offers paints in quart sizes for this purpose. After a near disaster with a color, I learned to put up several colors on all the walls and study them at different times of the day. makes choosingthe right color easier (or harder 🙂
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Amen, Patricia. This is our very best tip for picking paint colors! They can be so tricky!
Edie Barsa
Please advise what color to paint my walls in a new home in the living room . Sofa is white Hendron sectional with flicks of tiny green,blue and pink in the fabric. What wall color should I use?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Edie,
We totally get how challenging it can be to choose wall colors! We actually have a free service that might be able to make some recommendations for you. Just submit photos of your space using this form, and our Design Solutions Team will make some suggestions.
Just one note, our best advice for choosing paint colors is to test lots of colors directly on the wall. Live with them a few days, and hopefully you’ll get a feel for which ones you like best. Wall colors can look drastically different on the wall in your home versus the swatch so always, ALWAYS test them first!
Best of luck,
The How to Decorate Team