18 Smart Ways to Decorate the Space Above Your TV
That awkward, empty space above your television is one of the most common decorating challenges in a living room. Left bare, it can make your entertainment setup feel unfinished. But done thoughtfully, this area provides a prime opportunity to tie your technology into your room's overall design, creating a stylish and cohesive focal point. The goal is to find decor that adds personality and balance without distracting from the screen. These 18 ideas will help you conquer that blank wall and beautifully frame your entertainment center.
LIVING ROOM
1. Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a versatile classic. They add a strong horizontal line that balances the TV's shape and offers a perfect perch for small plants, framed photos, and your favorite-curated objects. Keep the display simple and low-profile to avoid a cluttered look. For an added touch, install LED strip lighting underneath the lowest shelf for a soft, ambient glow.
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2. Curate a Gallery Wall
Turn the wall into a personal statement by arranging a gallery of smaller art pieces. To keep it cohesive, use frames of the same color or stick to a specific theme or color palette. The key is to create a balanced arrangement that complements the TV, not overpowers it. Map out your design on the floor first to get the spacing just right.
3. Hang a Large Statement Mirror
A large mirror is a fantastic way to make your room feel brighter and more spacious. It bounces light around the room and adds a touch of glamour. Choose a frame that matches your room's style—whether it's a rustic wood, an ornate gold, or a sleek modern metal. Ensure the mirror is slightly narrower than your TV or console to maintain proper visual scale.
4. Invest in Built-In Shelving
For a truly custom and high-end look, frame your TV with built-in or faux built-in shelving. This creates a complete, integrated media wall that offers abundant storage for books, media, and decorative items. Painting the built-ins the same color as your wall creates a subtle, sophisticated look.
9. Hang Textile or Fiber Art
Soften the entire wall by hanging a large piece of textile art, such as a macrame wall hanging, a colorful quilt, or a woven tapestry. This adds texture, warmth, and color, and it can also help absorb sound for better room acoustics.
10. Install a Wood Accent Wall
Create a warm, natural backdrop with a wood accent wall. Horizontal shiplap, vertical wood planks, or a modern slatted wood design can add immense texture and character, making the TV itself recede and feel like a more intentional part of the design.
6. Add Decorative Wall Molding
Introduce architectural character with decorative molding. A simple picture frame box, modern geometric paneling, or traditional wainscoting on the TV wall can add texture and sophistication. Paint it the same color as the wall for a subtle effect or a contrasting color for a bolder statement.
7. Incorporate Hanging Plants
Breathe life into your entertainment space with greenery. A hanging planter with a trailing vine like a pothos or philodendron can soften the hard edges of the electronics. Alternatively, you can mount a "living wall" system or install small wall-mounted planters for succulents.
8. Use Statement Lighting or Sconces
Treat the wall as a canvas for beautiful lighting. A single, artistic "picture light" or a pair of stylish wall sconces on either side of the space above the TV can add ambient light and a sense of symmetry. This is especially effective for reducing screen glare and creating a cozy atmosphere for movie nights.
5. Create a Recessed Wall Niche
If you're undergoing a renovation, consider building a recessed niche into the wall above the TV. This architectural feature adds depth and a high-end, minimalist spot to display a single, beautiful sculpture or vase. Installing a small spotlight within the niche can turn it into a dramatic focal point.
15. Display a Neon or LED Sign
For a modern and personal vibe, hang a custom neon or LED sign. A favorite quote, a family name, or a simple shape can add a fun pop of color and personality, doubling as a unique light source.
16. Mount a Vintage Plate Display
Showcase your collection of vintage or decorative plates by arranging them on the wall. Use sturdy plate hangers to create a circular or asymmetrical cluster. This adds a personal, eclectic, and charming feel, especially in cottage or traditional-style homes.
17. Install Geometric Wall Sculptures
Add three-dimensional interest with modern wall sculptures. Metal, wood, or ceramic geometric shapes can be arranged in a dynamic pattern, creating fascinating shadows and a contemporary art-like installation.
18. Extend Your Media Console
Create a seamless, custom look by extending your media console's design upward. This can be achieved with a custom-built hutch that matches your console or by adding a separate, matching cabinet piece that mounts to the wall, visually connecting the two pieces of furniture.
Tips for a Balanced Look
No matter which idea you choose, keep these final tips in mind:
Scale: Avoid hanging anything that is wider than the TV or the console it sits on, as this can look top-heavy.
Clearance: Leave at least 4-6 inches of "breathing room" between the top of your TV and the bottom of your decor to prevent a cramped look.
Cohesion: Make sure your chosen decor fits the overall style and color palette of your living room. The goal is to make the TV wall a harmonious part of the entire space.
11. Feature a Single Piece of Minimalist Art
Sometimes, less is more. Instead of a busy gallery, choose one large, horizontal piece of art that you love. A calming abstract landscape or a simple graphic print can be the perfect finishing touch. As a general rule, the art should be about two-thirds the width of your TV to look properly scaled.
12. Arrange a Decorative Mirror Collection
As a playful alternative to a single mirror, create a gallery wall using a collection of smaller, decorative mirrors. Group various shapes and sizes—round, sunburst, rectangular—in a tight cluster. This works beautifully to scatter light and add a sparkling, glamorous touch.
13. Create a Seasonal Display Ledge
If you love changing your decor with the seasons, install a long, narrow picture ledge. This is a less permanent option than floating shelves and makes it incredibly easy to swap out framed art, small seasonal objects, and holiday decor.
14. Add Architectural Corbels
For a touch of traditional, rustic, or farmhouse charm, install a pair of architectural corbels. These decorative brackets can be used to support a simple shelf or just be mounted on their own as a purely architectural element.
