Wall Behind Sofa Decorating Ideas

8 Extraordinary Ways to Decorate the Wall Behind a Sofa

Let go of the conventional choices and create a stylish wall behind the sofa that stands out

Krita Raut

5 March 2018

Houzz India Contributor. A journalist who discovered her passion for architecture and home décor some three years back, now I am all set to explore this subject further through my writing. Another new found passion of mine – coloring books for adults.

The wall behind a sofa is premium real estate in your decor plan. You have a plain surface with maximum visibility at your disposal. How are you going to use it to your advantage? Here are eight different ways you can make the most of it with a bang.

1. Think 3D
Take a break from paintings and photographs, instead, explore artwork with an added dimension. The two rows of broken-eggshell design pieces prove a stylish addition to the white wall of this contemporary living room.

A modern take on the animal bust, the two wooden pieces embellish the white wall without creating too stark a contrast. This way, the wall doesn't clash with the contrasting combination of a white sofa with cushions in bright colours, giving the decor a well-put-together look.

Find out more about 3D wall decor ideas

2. Bring out the texture
If you prefer the less-is-more mantra, let your wall behind the sofa take up the role of a decor element. A textured surface can be a good option. Here, the seashell-like textured pattern of the wall compliments the bulky tufted couch in greyish blue. Painting a textured wall can enhance the effect further.

The elaborate floral carvings make the walnut wood wall an exquisite backdrop to the all-white furniture. The fine detailing and flawless finishing of this accent wall take the whole concept of a textured wall a notch higher.

Browse through images of textured walls

3. Put up a display
On the other hand, you can use this wall as a canvas to display your collection of visual art – prints, photographs, and paintings.

A cluster of wood-framed pictures covers the beige wall behind a sofa and an armchair in this room. The light colour and small sizes of the frames prevent this wall arrangement from looking too crowded or messy, while the difference in the prints provides variety.

This image shows a more structured composition of frames. A small collection of photos and prints in vertical frames are hung close together, covering the wall space just behind the sofa. The colour scheme of the framed images matches that of the sofa and the rug.

Tip: For a neat and organised art wall design, pick one consistent factor, be it the size or shape of the frames, or the colours or themes of the artworks.

4. Paper the wall
Another way to create an accent wall: use wallpaper. From quirky to bold to elegant – you will be spoilt for choice with the huge variety of wallpapers available.
This wallpaper with a large telephone print on it resonates the quirky print theme of the cushion covers. The colour of the phone also gives continuity to the presence of pink at various spots in the room.

Unlike most floral wallpapers, this one stands out as the flowers are extra large in size. This unique print design adds to the boho style of the room. The colours also supplement the overall colour scheme. Learn to achieve bold looks for you room with wallpapers

5. Opt for mix and match
Everything doesn't have to match and be in the same style. A circular mirror in a copper frame sits between two oriental paintings on the wall, behind a couch full of cushions in this small living room. The colourful paintings pop out in the colour-coordinated space.

An amalgam of frames with prints and figurines cover the textured wall behind the off-white tuxedo sofa. From a pop art print to quirky accessories like the vintage key and the aeroplane, the variety gives this feature wall an eclectic vibe.

6. Carve out a niche
You can also carve out spaces on the wall to display artefacts, potted plants and more. This white wall, behind a sofa in the same colour, is punctuated by two rectangular alcoves in bright yellow. These give a pop of colour to the space and serve as display counters. The focused lights above further accentuate these niches as the highlights.

The two extended built-in wall shelves in this large living room run along the length behind the floor couch and other seating down the room, connecting different sitting areas. The cove lights throughout the length impart a sense of depth to the wall.

7. Hang a mirror
It's definitely worth investing in a standout mirror for this space. The traditional mirror here reflects the greenery outside, subtly complementing the carpet and the sofa.

Frameless round mirrors in different sizes make for a one-of-a-kind wall decoration. The shiny surface contrasts with the raw grey wall; the reflection of the outdoors bring freshness and a pop of light to this sober living room.

Here are spaces that shine with mirrored walls

8. Shelve it
You can mix utility and decor on this wall by adding a rack. Here a wooden rack sits behind one of the sofas, complementing the centre and side tables.

The bold green wall rack, taking up the whole wall behind the yellow sofa, is the showstopper of this living-cum-dining space. The use of lighter accessories on the dark shelves brings more depth and creates more points of interest in the room.

Read more:
Timeless Wall and Sofa Colour Combinations
5 Extraordinary Ways to Dress Up Your Walls

Tell us:
How have you done up the wall behind the sofa in your living room? Share your pictures in Comments below