Decor

How to Decorate a Living Room Wall

living room gallery wall with shelves

Your living room wall is the perfect canvas to showcase your personal style and add character to your home. But decorating a living room wall can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t know where to start. Lucky for you, we have curated a list of creative and stylish ways to transform your living room wall into a stunning focal point. From gallery walls to statement art pieces, there are endless possibilities to explore and make the most of your space. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to decorate a living room wall and inspire you with a range of decorative ideas.

simple living room wall gallery
Photo by Mike Bird

Assess the Space and Identify the Focal Point

When it comes to decorating a living room wall, the first step is to assess the space and identify its focal point. Here are some factors to consider:

Measure the Wall and Consider the Room’s Layout

Start by measuring the wall’s dimensions. This will help you determine the size of artwork or shelving that will fit best. Next, consider the room’s layout. Is there a particular wall that stands out as the main focal point? Or are there multiple walls that need to be decorated?

Determine the Purpose of the Wall

The next step is to determine the purpose of the wall. Is it simply a blank canvas that needs to be filled with art and decor? Or does it serve a specific function, such as a media wall or a statement piece that ties the room together?

Identify the Focal Point

Decide on a focal point or feature that you want to highlight on the wall. It could be a fireplace, a statement piece of furniture, a piece of artwork, or any other element that adds visual interest and draws attention. Identifying the focal point will guide your decisions regarding placement and arrangement of other decor items.

Choose a Color Scheme and Style

living room with gallery wall
Photo by Spacejoy

Once you’ve identified the wall’s focal point, it’s time to select a color scheme and style that complements the space.

Consider the Room’s Existing Color Palette

Start by considering the room’s existing color palette. What colors are already present in the room, and how can they be incorporated into the wall decor? Choosing a color scheme that complements the room’s existing colors will help create a cohesive look.

Decide on a Style and Theme

Next, decide on a style and theme for the wall decor. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look? Or do you want to create a cozy, eclectic vibe? Choosing a style and theme will help guide your selection of artwork and decor.

Selecting Wall Art and Decor

Now comes the exciting part – selecting the wall art and decor pieces that will bring life to your living room wall. Consider the following tips:

Scale and Proportion

Consider the scale of your wall and the size of the chosen artwork. Large walls often benefit from sizable art pieces or a gallery wall arrangement, while smaller walls might require more modest-sized artworks. Aim for a balance between the wall size and the artwork to create a visually pleasing composition.

Large walls often benefit from sizable art pieces or a gallery wall arrangement, while smaller walls might require more modest-sized artworks.

Artwork Options

Explore a range of artwork options, including paintings, prints, photographs, tapestries, or even DIY projects. Choose pieces that resonate with your style and theme, and that evoke emotions or reflect your personal taste.

Hang Scale Artwork or Mirrors

large blob mirror
Photo by Spacejoy

One of the easiest ways to fill a wall is to hang scale artwork or mirrors. Choose artwork that fits the space and complements the room’s color scheme and style. A single piece of artwork can make a bold statement, while a collection of smaller pieces can create a gallery wall effect. Hanging a mirror can reflect light and create depth in the room.

Install a Statement Wall Mural or Wallpaper

A statement wall mural or wallpaper can add drama and personality to a living room wall. Choose a design that complements the space and makes a statement. Consider professional installation for a seamless look.

statement wallpaper
Photo by Dan Gold

Create a Gallery Wall

One of the most popular ways to decorate a living room wall is to create a gallery wall. Here are some tips for creating a beautiful gallery wall:

Lay Out the Gallery Wall on the Floor First

Before hanging the artwork, lay out the gallery wall on the floor first. This will help you determine the best arrangement and spacing for each piece. It’s also helpful to use large sticky notes or paper to test layouts on the wall before hanging the permanent pieces.

Art Arrangements

Experiment with different art arrangements. For a grand statement, consider a single oversized piece as a focal point. Alternatively, create a gallery wall with a collection of smaller artworks or mix art with decorative objects for added visual interest. Play around with the placement and spacing until you achieve a configuration that feels balanced and visually appealing.

Incorporating Functional Elements

Adding functional elements to your wall decor can elevate both aesthetics and practicality. Here are a few ideas:

Shelves and Storage

Install floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets to display decorative objects, books, or plants. Not only do they add visual interest, but they also provide storage solutions, making the wall both beautiful and functional.

living room gallery wall with shelves
Photo by Jonny Caspari

Mirrors for Depth

Consider incorporating mirrors into your wall decor. Mirrors can create an illusion of depth, visually expand the space, and reflect natural light, brightening up the room. Choose decorative mirrors that complement your style and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Incorporate Textural Elements with Tapestries or Weavings

Tapestries or weavings can add texture and warmth to a living room wall. Choose a textile that complements the room’s color scheme and style. Hang the textile with care to avoid wrinkles or sagging.

Lighting and Finishing Touches

To complete your living room wall decor, pay attention to lighting and finishing touches:

Ambient Lighting

Install appropriate lighting fixtures that highlight the wall decor and create a cozy ambiance. Consider wall sconces, track lighting, or recessed lights to illuminate specific elements and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Finishing Touches

Add finishing touches to tie the whole look together. This could include decorative accents such as plants, vases, framed quotes, or textiles that add texture and visual interest to the wall.

small gallery over desk
Photo by Alexandra Gorn

Final Thoughts

Decorating a living room wall is an exciting opportunity to showcase your style and creativity. With careful planning, consideration of the space, and thoughtful selection of wall art and decor, you can transform your blank wall into a captivating focal point that reflects your unique personality and enhances the overall ambiance of your living room. Embrace the process, trust your instincts, and enjoy the journey of creating a stunning wall decor that truly makes a statement.