9 Stylish Ways to Decorate the Space Above Your Couch

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updated Jul 11, 2021

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The wall above your sofa is brimming with design potential, and it just takes a little imagination to reach it. Gallery wall? Geometric painted designs? Or maybe a fabric wall hanging? To inspire your own decorating endeavors, check out the nine living rooms from our home tours below with interesting things above the couch. From art arrangements to floating shelves, there’s a look for everyone.

Credit: Carina Romano

Gallery Wall Gone Wild

This Philadelphia home has pictures covering the entire wall above the living room sofa, and it makes a statement to say the least. We love the vintage feel of the chosen art.

Credit: Erin Farrugia

A Bit of This and That

Between a floating shelf, mirror, and art, there’s a lot going on above this sofa in Erin Farrugia’s Sydney, Australia apartment, but it totally works.

(Image credit: Jacqueline Marque)

A Big Piece of Art

Why waste your time wallpapering when you can employ one large-scale work of art instead? Take a cue from Dee Speed’s New Orleans’ home and hang a colorful painting or print above your sofa to make a big impact in your living room.

(Image credit: Jessica Isaac)

Vintage Finds

Looking for a renter-friendly way to make a statement behind your sofa? Propped up vintage art, like this vignette we spotted in Mila Moraga-Holz’s Los Angeles abode, is every bit as eye-catching as framed art—no hammer or nails necessary.

(Image credit: Chris Stout-Hazard )

An Oversized Mirror

If you thought oversized mirrors were reserved for bedrooms then think again. Not only does a large mirror above your sofa look super chic, it helps create the illusion of more space in a small living room, just like what we saw in this eclectic apartment.

(Image credit: as linked above)

A Floating Shelf

Sure, decorative items look great above your couch, but have you ever considered the storage opportunity that wall offers? A sturdy floating shelf, like the one we saw in Jasna’s Canadian living room, helps anchor the empty area above your sofa, while also offering up some unexpected storage space.

(Image credit: Minette Hand)

A Two-Wall Gallery Wall

A good gallery wall can be really impactful above a sofa. Case in point: Chambers Austelle’s Charleston, South Carolina home, where she turned a cramped living room corner into a hip sofa scene by installing a salon-style art display on the wall.

(Image credit: Elaine Musiwa)

Unique Lighting

Searching for something a little more functional to fill the space above your sofa? Follow in Zeba Blay’s footsteps and employ a sleek floor lamp to center your couch and create some ambient lighting.