What should you put on a big blank living room wall? Choose one approach that fits the wall's size and your style: a single oversized piece of art, a gallery wall of framed pictures, a large mirror, floating shelves styled with books and objects, a textile or tapestry, wallpaper or a painted mural, or architectural detail like paneling. Size it to the wall and furniture (art above a sofa should be about two-thirds of the sofa's width), hang it at eye level with the center about 57 in from the floor, and tie it to the room with colors and materials that repeat elsewhere. The best living room wall decor adds visual interest and personality without cluttering the room.
Below are living room wall decor ideas for large walls, the wall above the couch, around the TV, small and narrow walls, and every style, plus sizing and hanging rules and the mistakes that make a wall look unfinished.
Living Room Wall Decor Ideas
1. One oversized piece of art
A single large painting, photograph or print is the simplest way to fill a big blank wall. It makes a confident focal point and works in every style, from minimalist to traditional. Large-scale art makes a room feel more finished than several small pieces.
2. A gallery wall
A gallery wall of framed pictures, prints and family photos tells your story. Matching frames in a grid look modern and calm; mixed frames and sizes feel eclectic and collected. See our gallery wall ideas.
3. A pair or trio of matching prints
Two or three prints in matching frames, hung side by side above the sofa, look polished and are easy to space evenly.
4. A large mirror
A big round, arched or rectangular mirror bounces light, makes a small living room feel larger and adds shine. Place it opposite or beside a window to reflect natural light.
5. Floating shelves
Floating shelves styled with books, plants, ceramics and small framed art add depth and storage. Picture ledges let you layer and swap art without new holes.
6. Wall-to-wall shelving or built-ins
A bookcase wall or built-in display shelves turn a whole wall into decor and storage. See our built-in bookshelves guide.
A low, long piece of furniture leaves plenty of wall for one oversized artwork, which instantly anchors the room. Here a large floral canvas sits above the Orbis Streamline Edge TV Console – Oak (86.6 in wide), with only a vase and a stack of books on top so the art stays the focal point.
7. Textiles and tapestries
A woven wall hanging, a vintage rug, a quilt or a large tapestry adds softness, texture and color, and helps absorb sound in a living room with hard floors.
8. Wallpaper or a mural
Wallpaper on one wall, a scenic mural or a painted pattern creates impact without frames. See how to choose wallpaper and our accent wall ideas.
9. Paneling, molding or wood slats
Picture-frame molding, board and batten or vertical wood slats add architecture to a plain wall and create a backdrop for a single piece of art.
10. Plates, baskets or a collection
A grouping of decorative plates, woven baskets, hats or vintage objects makes a personal, unexpected wall display.
11. Sculptural or 3D wall art
Metal, wood or ceramic wall sculptures add shadow and texture, especially lit from above or the side.
12. Plants on the wall
Wall planters, hanging plants or a trailing pothos on a high shelf bring greenery to a wall without using floor space.
13. Picture lights and sconces
Lighting is wall decor too. Picture lights over art or a pair of wall sconces flanking a mirror make the wall glow at night. See our living room lighting ideas.
Wall Decor Above the Couch
- Width: art or an arrangement should be about two-thirds the width of the sofa.
- Height: leave about 8 to 10 in between the top of the sofa back and the bottom of the frame.
- Options: one large piece, a horizontal pair or trio, a gallery wall, a long mirror or a picture ledge.
- Safety: use secure hardware and avoid heavy glass frames right above where people's heads rest.
Wall Decor Around a TV
- A gallery wall around the TV helps the black screen blend in.
- Flank the TV with floating shelves or built-ins.
- Paint the TV wall a dark color so the screen disappears.
- Use a frame TV that displays art when it's off.
Ideas for Small and Narrow Walls
- A vertical piece of art or a tall, narrow mirror on a narrow wall between windows.
- Two small prints stacked vertically.
- A single wall sconce or a plant on a bracket.
- A slim floating shelf with two or three objects.
How to Size and Hang Living Room Wall Decor
| Rule | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Eye level | Center art about 57 in from the floor |
| Above furniture | About 8 to 10 in above a sofa or console |
| Width | About two-thirds the width of the furniture below |
| Wall coverage | For an empty wall, art or an arrangement covering about 60% to 75% of the open wall space looks proportional |
| Spacing | About 2 to 3 in between frames in a group |
For more, see how high to hang pictures.
Living Room Wall Decor by Style
| Style | Wall decor ideas |
|---|---|
| Modern | One large abstract piece, black-and-white photography, a sculptural mirror |
| Minimalist | A single artwork with lots of negative space, or nothing at all |
| Traditional | Oil paintings in gilded frames, a symmetrical arrangement, an ornate mirror |
| Modern farmhouse | A large round wood mirror, botanical prints, shiplap or board and batten |
| Boho | Woven wall hangings, baskets, plants and colorful prints |
| Eclectic | A mixed gallery wall of art, plates and objects |
See our guide to interior design styles.
Living Room Wall Decor Mistakes
- Art that's too small for the wall or furniture.
- Hanging pieces too high.
- Many small items scattered across the wall with no grouping.
- Frames and colors that don't relate to the rest of the room.
- Filling every wall; leave some walls blank so the decor you have stands out.
Living Room Wall Decor Ideas FAQ
What should I put on a big blank wall in my living room?
An oversized piece of art, a gallery wall, a large mirror, floating shelves, a textile hanging, wallpaper or wall paneling, sized to cover a good portion of the wall.
How do I decorate my living room walls on a budget?
Frame large prints or posters, hang a textile or rug, create a gallery wall from family photos, paint a mural or accent wall, or add inexpensive picture ledges.
How big should art be above a couch?
About two-thirds the width of the couch, hung 8 to 10 in above the back.
Should every wall in a living room have decor?
No. Leaving one or two walls blank gives the eye a place to rest and makes your focal walls stand out.
How do I make my living room walls look expensive?
Choose fewer, larger pieces, use good frames with mats, add picture lights, consider paneling or molding, and hang everything at the right height.
The best living room wall decor ideas match the scale of the wall, reflect your style and work with the rest of the room. Pick one strong approach per wall, hang it at eye level and let it become the focal point.