When it comes to home decor, the area above the television often gets overlooked. After all, it’s easy to focus on what’s eye level and below, leaving the wall above the TV looking bland and uninviting. However, decorating this space can enhance your living room’s aesthetic and add a personal touch to your home. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore creative and stylish ideas for decorating above your TV, ensuring that you transform this often-neglected area into a focal point that complements your room’s overall design.
Why Decorate Above Your TV?
Decorating above your TV serves numerous purposes beyond mere aesthetics. It helps to create visual interest, make your living space feel more cohesive, and can even enhance the viewing experience. Here are some reasons to consider:
Visual Balance: Placing decor above your TV can help balance out the visual weight of the television itself, particularly if it’s large or mounted on the wall.
Express Personal Style: This space is an excellent canvas for showcasing your unique style, whether through art pieces, shelves, or decorative objects.
Maximize Space: Utilizing vertical space can make your room feel larger and more organized, especially in smaller living areas.
Choosing the Right Style
Before diving into specific decor ideas, it’s essential to consider the overall theme of your living space. The style you choose for decorating above your TV should complement your existing decor. Here are some popular styles:
Traditional
Traditional decor features classic designs and elegant touches, often incorporating wood, rich colors, and intricate patterns.
Modern
If your home has a contemporary feel, think sleek lines, minimalism, and a neutral color palette. Modern decor usually favors less is more.
Rustic
Rustic decor often includes natural materials, such as wood and stone, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws on the outdoors.
Eclectic
For the bold and adventurous, eclectic styles mix diverse elements, colors, and patterns, allowing for maximum creativity and personal expression.
Decorative Ideas for Above Your TV
Now that you have a grasp on the style you’re aiming for, let’s explore some practical ways to decorate above your TV. Each of these ideas can be adapted to fit your personal taste and the specifics of your space.
1. Use Art to Enhance the Space
Art pieces are one of the most effective ways to decorate above a TV. They can fill empty space and add character to your room.
- Large Statement Artwork: Consider hanging a single large piece of art above your TV to draw the eye in and create a focal point.
- Gallery Wall: A collection of framed pictures, prints, or other artworks arranged in a creative format can add depth and interest.
Choosing the Right Artwork
When selecting artwork, think about the following:
- Color Scheme: Choose pieces that complement the colors in your room.
- Theme: Select art that reflects your personality or interests, such as landscapes, abstract pieces, or photography.
- Size: Make sure the artwork is proportionate to the size of your TV. Ideally, the art should be around two-thirds the width of the TV for balance.
2. Install Shelving for Functionality and Style
Installing shelves above the TV not only provides a place for decor but also practical items like magazines, books, or games.
Floating Shelves: These modern shelves can create a clean look while displaying decorative items, books, or even favorite collectibles.
Decorative Brackets: If you prefer a more traditional look, consider using decorative brackets to hold shelves that can hold heavier items, such as plants or art books.
How to Style the Shelves
- Layering: Arrange items in groups, varying heights and sizes to create visual interest. Smaller objects can be placed in front of larger ones.
- Color Coordination: Mix shapes, sizes, and materials, but keep a consistent color palette to ensure a harmonious look.
- Incorporate Greenery: Adding plants or succulents can bring life and a touch of nature to your space.
3. Create a Feature Wall
If you’re looking to make a bolder statement, consider creating a feature wall above your TV. This could be accomplished through wallpaper, wood paneling, or even a chalkboard.
Textured Walls: Adding texture can give the space dimension. Wood paneling or textured wallpaper can be striking without overwhelming the room.
Chalkboard Wall: A chalkboard can serve both as a decorative feature and practical space. Use it for notes, doodles, or even temporary art.
Tips for Feature Walls
- Stick with a neutral color for the rest of the room to make the feature wall stand out.
- Consider the lighting when planning out your wall decor, as shadows can enhance textured walls.
4. Incorporate Decorative Objects
Showcasing decorative objects is a fun and personal way to enhance the area above your TV. Choose items that resonate with you.
Sculptures: A striking sculpture can serve as an excellent conversation starter and draw attention to the space.
Antiques or Vintage Finds: Adding items with history can evoke memories or stories, providing depth to your decor.
How to Choose Objects
- Scale: Ensure that the scale of your objects relates well to the size of your TV. Larger items might dwarf smaller TVs, while smaller items can be lost above large screens.
- Theme Consistency: Choose objects that align with your overall decor theme to maintain a cohesive look in your space.
5. Using Lighting to Enhance the Design
Lighting can dramatically change the vibe of your space. Consider adding lighting above or around your TV to create ambiance.
Wall Sconces: These can be placed to either side of the TV for an elegant look, providing both indirect light and enhancing the overall decor.
LED Strip Lights: Adding LED lights behind your TV can create a backlit effect, not only adding drama but also reducing eye strain during viewing.
Choosing the Right Lighting
- Opt for dimmable lighting to adjust the ambiance depending on the time of day and your activities.
- Ensure the light fixtures are aligned with the style of your room for a more polished finish.
Final Touches and Considerations
Once you’ve decided on your decor, remember to step back and evaluate the overall effect. Keep it balanced and uncluttered. The idea is to enhance the space without overwhelming it. Consider these final touches:
Balance and Cohesion
Achieving a harmonious look may require a little rearranging. Utilize different heights and textures, and keep in mind the flow of the surrounding decor.
Maintenance
Lastly, consider the maintenance of the decor above your TV. Ensure that the items are secure and that you can easily clean the area. Dust can accumulate quickly, especially in areas where electronics generate heat.
Conclusion
Decorating above your TV doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using a combination of art, shelving, and decorative objects, you can create a visually appealing and cohesive design that enhances your living space. Remember to reflect your personality, choose a style that complements your home, and maintain balance. With these tips and inspiration, you’ll find that the space above your TV can become one of the most celebrated areas in your home. Start planning today and watch as your room transforms into a beautiful and inviting space!
What are some popular decor options to place above a TV?
A variety of decor options can enhance the space above your TV, transforming it into a focal point in your room. Shelves are a versatile choice, allowing you to display books, plants, or personal memorabilia. Floating shelves can be particularly effective as they take up minimal visual space while still providing opportunities for creativity.
Another popular option is artwork or framed pictures. This could be a large canvas painting, a gallery wall of smaller artwork, or even a mirror that reflects light and creates a sense of depth. Customizing the art to match your room’s color palette can tie the entire space together and divert attention from the TV when it’s not in use.
How can I balance decor above my TV without overwhelming the space?
Balancing decor above your TV is important to maintain a cohesive look without cluttering the area. One effective strategy is to choose a focal piece that captures attention, such as a large painting or an oversized clock, and then build around it with smaller items. Ensure that the scale of each piece complements the size of the TV and wall to foster a harmonious design.
It’s also beneficial to use a limited color palette and similar materials to create visual cohesion. Mixing textures like metal, wood, and fabric can add dimension while still keeping a tidy appearance. Keeping a consistent style, whether it’s modern, vintage, or eclectic, will help maintain balance between your TV and the decor above it.
Can I use plants as decor above my TV?
Using plants above your TV can be a great way to bring life and color into the space. Hanging planters can add height and dimension, drawing the eye upward without blocking the view of the TV. Alternatively, smaller potted plants on shelves can provide a pop of greenery that complements the surrounding decor.
When choosing plants, consider the lighting conditions above the TV. Opt for low-maintenance varieties if you prefer less upkeep, such as succulents or snake plants. Keep in mind the proportions of both the plants and the TV; larger plants should be placed where they won’t overshadow the screen, creating a balanced look.
How can I incorporate lighting in the decor above my TV?
Incorporating lighting above your TV can enhance the ambiance and highlight the decor you choose to display. Wall sconces on either side of the TV can provide soft illumination, creating a cozy atmosphere for watching shows or entertaining guests. Recessed lighting can also be effectively used to spotlight artwork or shelves, adding an artistic flair to the space.
Another option is to use LED strip lights for a modern touch. These can be placed behind the TV or on shelves to create a subtle glow that draws focus to the area party. Adjustable lighting can help set the mood, allowing for different atmospheres depending on the occasion or time of day.
What should I consider when hanging artwork above my TV?
When hanging artwork above your TV, it’s essential to consider the height and spacing for optimal viewing and aesthetic appeal. The general guideline is to hang art so that its center aligns with the viewer’s eye level when seated. This creates a more inviting atmosphere and ensures that the artwork is easily appreciated without straining your neck.
Additionally, consider the size and shape of the artwork concerning the TV dimensions. If the artwork is too small, it may get lost in the surrounding decor; if it’s too large, it might overwhelm the space. Aim for a balance by selecting art that complements the TV’s size, while also leaving enough room to prevent visual clutter.
What are some DIY ideas for decorating above a TV?
DIY projects can provide a unique and personal touch to your decor above the TV. One idea is to create a custom wood frame or a gallery wall featuring your favorite photos or artwork. This not only personalizes your space but allows you to showcase your creativity and style. Using materials like reclaimed wood can lend an additional character to your decorating approach.
Another DIY option is to craft handcrafted shelves or floating ledges to display collectibles, books, or plants. Staining or painting these shelves to match your existing decor can create a cohesive look while providing a functional display space. Encouraging creativity through DIY projects allows you to have complete control over the design and can add a special sentimental value to your decor.
How do I choose the right color scheme for decor above my TV?
Choosing the right color scheme for decor above your TV is crucial for a harmonious look in your living space. Start by taking cues from the existing color palette in your room, including the TV unit, wall color, and surrounding furniture. Aim for a cohesive mix of colors that either complements or contrasts with these elements, creating visual interest without clashing.
Using a limited color palette or choosing analogous colors can help maintain unity. You might also incorporate accents that reflect less used shades in the room for added depth. Consider the overall mood you want to set—warm colors can create a cozy atmosphere, while cool tones may evoke a sense of calm and cleanliness.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when decorating above a TV?
When decorating above a TV, one common mistake is neglecting the scale of the decor. Placing large items above a smaller TV can create an imbalanced look, while tiny knick-knacks may get lost against a larger screen. Always consider the proportions of both the decor and the TV to create a visually appealing arrangement.
Another mistake is overcrowding the area with multiple decor items. Too many accessories can make the space feel cluttered and distracting. Instead, focus on a few key pieces that serve as focal points, ensuring they are well-spaced and thoughtfully arranged to create a balanced and intentional look.