Decorating living room walls is an art form that involves enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your living space. It is about transforming bare walls into expressive and inviting focal points that complement your furniture, dcor, and overall interior design scheme. From choosing the right colors to hanging artwork, mirrors, and shelves, the possibilities for decorating living room walls are endless.
Whether you prefer a classic, modern, or eclectic style, there are countless ideas to inspire you. A thoughtfully curated living room wall can create a welcoming ambiance, add warmth and texture, and reflect your personality and tastes. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or create a serene and calming atmosphere, the right wall dcor can elevate your living room to the next level.
In this article, we will explore a range of decorate living room wall ideas that cater to different preferences and styles. From simple and budget-friendly options to more elaborate and personalized solutions, we will provide inspiration and guidance to help you create a living room that reflects your unique vision.
Here are nine important points to consider when decorating living room walls:
- Choose a color scheme
- Hang artwork and mirrors
- Add shelves and floating shelves
- Create a gallery wall
- Use decals and wall stickers
- Incorporate plants and greenery
- Install wall sconces and lighting
- Hang tapestries and textiles
- Mix and match different textures
These ideas can help you create a living room wall that is both stylish and functional.
Choose a color scheme
Choosing a color scheme for your living room walls is a fundamental step in creating a cohesive and inviting space. Color has a profound impact on the overall ambiance and atmosphere of a room, influencing our mood, energy levels, and perception of the space. When selecting a color scheme for your living room walls, consider the following factors:
1. The size and shape of your living room: Lighter colors tend to make a room feel larger and airier, while darker colors can make a room feel more intimate and cozy. If you have a small living room, opt for light and bright colors to create a sense of spaciousness. If you have a large living room, you can experiment with darker and bolder colors to add warmth and depth.
2. The amount of natural light in your living room: If your living room receives a lot of natural light, you can afford to use darker and more saturated colors. However, if your living room is relatively dark, it’s best to stick to lighter and brighter colors to reflect light and make the space feel more inviting.
3. The style of your living room: The color scheme you choose should complement the overall style of your living room. For example, if you have a traditional living room, you might opt for classic and neutral colors like beige, navy, or gray. If you have a modern living room, you might choose bolder and more vibrant colors like red, orange, or turquoise.
4. Your personal preferences: Ultimately, the color scheme you choose should reflect your personal preferences and tastes. Consider the colors that make you feel happy, relaxed, and inspired. You can also draw inspiration from nature, art, or your favorite travel destinations.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your color options. It’s helpful to create a mood board or gather color swatches to visualize how different colors will look together. You can also experiment with different color combinations using online tools or mobile apps.
Hang artwork and mirrors
Hanging artwork and mirrors on your living room walls is a classic and versatile way to add personality, style, and functionality to your space. Artwork can create a focal point, evoke emotions, and tell a story, while mirrors can reflect light, create the illusion of space, and add a touch of glamour. Here are some detailed tips for hanging artwork and mirrors in your living room:
1. Choose the right artwork
When choosing artwork for your living room, consider the following factors:
- Size: The size of the artwork should be proportionate to the size of the wall and the surrounding furniture. A large piece of artwork can make a bold statement, while a smaller piece can add a subtle touch of elegance.
- Style: The style of the artwork should complement the overall style of your living room. For example, a traditional living room might call for classic oil paintings or landscapes, while a modern living room might be better suited for abstract or contemporary pieces.
- Color: The colors in the artwork should work well with the color scheme of your living room. You can choose artwork that matches the colors in your room or artwork that provides a contrasting pop of color.
- Personal taste: Ultimately, the artwork you choose should reflect your personal taste and preferences. Choose pieces that you love and that make you feel happy or inspired.
2. Hang artwork at the right height
The ideal height to hang artwork is at eye level. This means that the center of the artwork should be approximately 57 inches above the floor. However, you can adjust the height depending on the size of the artwork and the height of your furniture. For example, if you have a large piece of artwork, you might hang it a little higher so that it doesn’t overwhelm the space. If you have a small piece of artwork, you might hang it a little lower so that it’s more visible.
3. Create a gallery wall
A gallery wall is a great way to display a collection of artwork, family photos, or other cherished items. To create a gallery wall, start by choosing a focal point wall in your living room. Then, arrange your artwork and other items on the floor in different layouts until you find a composition that you like. Once you’re happy with the layout, start hanging your items on the wall. You can use nails, hooks, or adhesive strips to hang your artwork. Be sure to space the items evenly and leave enough room between them so that they don’t look cluttered.
4. Add mirrors
Mirrors can be used to reflect light, create the illusion of space, and add a touch of glamour to your living room. When hanging mirrors, consider the following tips:
- Size: The size of the mirror should be proportionate to the size of the wall and the surrounding furniture. A large mirror can make a bold statement, while a smaller mirror can add a subtle touch of elegance.
- Shape: Mirrors come in a variety of shapes, including round, square, rectangular, and oval. Choose a shape that complements the style of your living room and the other items on the wall.
- Placement: Mirrors can be hung above the fireplace, on a console table, or on an empty wall. Avoid hanging mirrors opposite windows, as this can create a glare.
Add shelves and floating shelves
Shelves and floating shelves are a practical and stylish way to add storage and display space to your living room walls. They can be used to display books, artwork, plants, and other decorative items. Shelves and floating shelves can also be used to create a focal point or to divide a large wall into smaller sections.
1. Choose the right shelves or floating shelves for your living room:
- Consider the size and style of your living room: If you have a small living room, opt for smaller shelves or floating shelves that won’t overwhelm the space. If you have a large living room, you can choose larger shelves or floating shelves to create a more dramatic statement.
- Consider the style of your living room: If you have a traditional living room, choose shelves or floating shelves with classic lines and finishes. If you have a modern living room, choose shelves or floating shelves with clean lines and contemporary finishes.
- Consider the function of the shelves or floating shelves: If you need shelves or floating shelves to store books, choose shelves or floating shelves with sturdy construction and adjustable shelves. If you need shelves or floating shelves to display decorative items, choose shelves or floating shelves with a more decorative design.
2. Decide where to place the shelves or floating shelves:
- Above the fireplace: Shelves or floating shelves above the fireplace can create a focal point in your living room. You can use these shelves or floating shelves to display books, artwork, or other decorative items.
- Above a console table: Shelves or floating shelves above a console table can create a vignette or display area. You can use these shelves or floating shelves to display books, plants, or other decorative items.
- On an empty wall: Shelves or floating shelves on an empty wall can create a statement piece or divide a large wall into smaller sections. You can use these shelves or floating shelves to display books, artwork, or other decorative items.
3. Install the shelves or floating shelves:
- For shelves, follow these steps:
- Measure and mark the location of the studs in the wall.
- Attach the shelf brackets to the studs using screws.
- Place the shelves on the brackets.
- Secure the shelves to the wall using screws.
- For floating shelves, follow these steps:
- Measure and mark the location of the studs in the wall.
- Attach the floating shelf brackets to the studs using screws.
- Slide the floating shelves onto the brackets.
- Secure the floating shelves to the wall using screws.
Create a gallery wall
A gallery wall is a stylish and versatile way to display a collection of artwork, family photos, or other cherished items on your living room wall. It can create a focal point, add personality and interest to your space, and tell a story about your life and interests.
- Choose a theme or style:
Before you start collecting pieces for your gallery wall, it’s helpful to choose a theme or style to help you create a cohesive look. For example, you might choose a theme based on color, subject matter, or artistic style. Or, you might simply choose pieces that you love and that reflect your personality.
- Select your artwork and other items:
Once you have a theme or style in mind, you can start selecting artwork and other items for your gallery wall. You can include a mix of different types of items, such as paintings, prints, photographs, drawings, and sculptures. You can also include personal items, such as family photos, travel souvenirs, or vintage finds.
- Arrange your items on the floor:
Before you start hanging your items on the wall, it’s helpful to arrange them on the floor first. This will help you visualize how the gallery wall will look and make it easier to make changes if necessary. Experiment with different layouts until you find a composition that you like.
- Hang your items on the wall:
Once you’re happy with the layout of your gallery wall, you can start hanging your items on the wall. You can use nails, hooks, or adhesive strips to hang your items. Be sure to space the items evenly and leave enough room between them so that they don’t look cluttered.
Gallery walls are a great way to add personality and interest to your living room. They can also be a great way to display your favorite artwork and other cherished items. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a gallery wall that is both stylish and meaningful.
Use decals and wall stickers
Decals and wall stickers are a quick and easy way to add color, pattern, and personality to your living room walls without the need for paint or wallpaper. They are also a great option for renters or those who don’t want to make a permanent change to their walls.
When choosing decals and wall stickers for your living room, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: Choose decals and wall stickers that are proportionate to the size of your wall. Large decals and wall stickers can make a bold statement, while smaller decals and wall stickers can add a subtle touch of elegance.
- Style: Choose decals and wall stickers that complement the style of your living room. For example, if you have a traditional living room, you might choose decals and wall stickers with classic designs. If you have a modern living room, you might choose decals and wall stickers with more contemporary designs.
- Color: Choose decals and wall stickers that work well with the color scheme of your living room. You can choose decals and wall stickers that match the colors in your room or decals and wall stickers that provide a contrasting pop of color.
- Placement: Decals and wall stickers can be placed anywhere on your living room walls. However, there are a few places where they are most commonly used:
- Above the fireplace: Decals and wall stickers above the fireplace can create a focal point in your living room.
- Above a console table: Decals and wall stickers above a console table can create a vignette or display area.
- On an empty wall: Decals and wall stickers on an empty wall can create a statement piece or divide a large wall into smaller sections.
Once you’ve chosen the right decals and wall stickers for your living room, it’s time to apply them to the wall. Here are the steps involved:
- Clean the wall: Make sure the wall is clean and dry before applying the decals or wall stickers.
- Peel off the backing: Carefully peel off the backing of the decal or wall sticker.
- Apply the decal or wall sticker to the wall: Start by applying the decal or wall sticker to the top of the wall and smooth it out as you go. Use a credit card or a squeegee to help you smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.
- Remove the transfer tape: If the decal or wall sticker has transfer tape, carefully remove it once the decal or wall sticker is applied to the wall.
Decals and wall stickers are a great way to add personality and style to your living room walls. They are also a great option for renters or those who don’t want to make a permanent change to their walls. With a little planning and creativity, you can use decals and wall stickers to create a living room that is both stylish and inviting.
Incorporate plants and greenery
Plants and greenery are a beautiful and natural way to add life and color to your living room walls. They can also help to improve air quality and create a more relaxing and inviting atmosphere. When choosing plants for your living room walls, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose the right plants:
Not all plants are suitable for living room walls. Some plants, such as ferns and ivy, are better suited for hanging baskets or pots. Other plants, such as succulents and air plants, are better suited for wall-mounted planters. Consider the size, shape, and growing habits of the plants you choose to ensure that they are a good fit for your living room walls.
- Consider the amount of light in your living room:
Some plants need more light than others. If your living room doesn’t get a lot of natural light, you will need to choose plants that are tolerant of low light conditions. Some good options for low-light conditions include snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos.
- Water your plants regularly:
Plants need water to survive, so make sure to water your plants regularly. The amount of water your plants need will depend on the type of plants you have, the size of the plants, and the humidity in your living room. A good rule of thumb is to water your plants when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilize your plants occasionally:
Plants also need nutrients to grow and thrive. Fertilize your plants occasionally with a balanced fertilizer. The frequency with which you need to fertilize your plants will depend on the type of plants you have and the type of fertilizer you use. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for specific instructions.
Plants and greenery can be a beautiful and beneficial addition to your living room walls. With a little planning and care, you can create a living wall that is both stylish and functional.
Install wall sconces and lighting
Proper lighting can dramatically transform the ambiance of your living room and highlight your wall dcor. Wall sconces and accent lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while also providing functional illumination for specific areas of the room.
When choosing wall sconces and lighting for your living room walls, consider the following factors:
- Purpose: Determine the primary purpose of the lighting. Are you looking for ambient lighting to create a soft glow, task lighting for reading or working, or accent lighting to highlight artwork or architectural features?
- Style: Select wall sconces and lighting that complement the overall style of your living room. For example, a traditional living room might benefit from classic sconces with intricate details, while a modern living room might opt for sleek and minimalist designs.
- Placement: Consider the placement of the wall sconces and lighting fixtures. Wall sconces can be mounted on either side of a fireplace, above a sofa or chair, or along a hallway leading to the living room. Accent lighting can be placed on shelves, cabinets, or behind furniture to create a soft glow.
- Color temperature: Choose the right color temperature for your wall sconces and lighting. Warm white light (2700K-3000K) creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool white light (4000K-5000K) provides a brighter and more energizing ambiance.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start selecting wall sconces and lighting fixtures that meet your specific needs and preferences. Experiment with different combinations and arrangements to create a lighting scheme that enhances the beauty of your living room walls and creates a welcoming and functional space.
In addition to wall sconces and accent lighting, you may also want to consider installing dimmer switches to control the brightness of the lights. Dimmers allow you to adjust the lighting to create different moods and atmospheres, from a bright and airy setting for daytime activities to a soft and relaxing ambiance for evening gatherings.
Hang tapestries and textiles
Tapestries and textiles can add warmth, texture, and personality to your living room walls. They can also be used to create a focal point or to divide a large wall into smaller sections. When choosing tapestries and textiles for your living room walls, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Size: Choose tapestries and textiles that are proportionate to the size of your wall. A large tapestry or textile can make a bold statement, while a smaller tapestry or textile can add a subtle touch of elegance.
Style: Choose tapestries and textiles that complement the style of your living room. For example, if you have a traditional living room, you might choose tapestries and textiles with classic designs. If you have a modern living room, you might choose tapestries and textiles with more contemporary designs.
Color: Choose tapestries and textiles that work well with the color scheme of your living room. You can choose tapestries and textiles that match the colors in your room or tapestries and textiles that provide a contrasting pop of color.
Placement: Tapestries and textiles can be hung anywhere on your living room walls. However, there are a few places where they are most commonly used:
- Above the fireplace: Tapestries and textiles above the fireplace can create a focal point in your living room.
- Above a console table: Tapestries and textiles above a console table can create a vignette or display area.
- On an empty wall: Tapestries and textiles on an empty wall can create a statement piece or divide a large wall into smaller sections.
Hanging tapestries and textiles:
- Use a rod or dowel: The easiest way to hang a tapestry or textile is to use a rod or dowel. Simply insert the rod or dowel into the top of the tapestry or textile and hang it on the wall using nails or hooks.
- Use a frame: You can also hang a tapestry or textile using a frame. This is a good option if you want to create a more formal look.
- Use clips or pins: If you don’t want to damage your walls, you can use clips or pins to hang your tapestry or textile.
Tapestries and textiles are a great way to add personality and style to your living room walls. They are also a great option for renters or those who don’t want to make a permanent change to their walls. With a little planning and creativity, you can use tapestries and textiles to create a living room that is both stylish and inviting.
Mix and match different textures
Incorporating a variety of textures into your living room wall dcor can add depth, visual interest, and a sense of sophistication to the space. By combining different materials, finishes, and patterns, you can create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere that engages the senses.
- Use a combination of hard and soft textures:
Juxtaposing hard and soft textures can create a striking visual contrast. For example, you might hang a woven wall hanging with a soft, velvety texture next to a metal wall sculpture with a smooth, polished finish. Alternatively, you could add plush cushions and throws to a leather sofa to create a cozy and inviting seating area.
- Mix smooth and rough textures:
Combining smooth and rough textures can add tactile appeal to your living room walls. For instance, you could hang a painting with a smooth, glossy finish next to a wall-mounted piece of driftwood with a rough, organic texture. Alternatively, you could add a sheepskin rug to a hardwood floor to create a warm and inviting contrast.
- Incorporate natural and man-made textures:
Mixing natural and man-made textures can create a sense of balance and harmony in your living room. For example, you might hang a macrame wall hanging made from natural fibers next to a geometric metal wall art piece. Alternatively, you could add a stone vase to a wooden console table to create a visually appealing display.
- Experiment with different patterns:
Using different patterns on your living room walls can add visual interest and depth to the space. For example, you might hang a patterned wallpaper with a bold geometric design on one wall and a more subtle floral pattern on another. Alternatively, you could add patterned cushions and throws to your sofa and chairs to create a cohesive and inviting look.
By mixing and matching different textures in your living room wall dcor, you can create a space that is both visually appealing and inviting. Experiment with different combinations and arrangements to find the perfect balance of textures that complements your personal style and the overall design of your living room.
Related Posts
