Ideas for Walls in the Living Room: What Works & What Doesn't? Transforming Your Space with Stylish Solutions

Your living room walls are the perfect canvas to express your style and create the atmosphere you desire.

Many homeowners struggle with this aspect of interior design, feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities.

The most successful living room wall designs strike a balance between personal expression, functionality and visual harmony, combining colours, textures and decorative elements that complement rather than overwhelm the space.

At Dendo Design, we've observed that walls which work best in living spaces tend to incorporate thoughtful colour schemes with carefully selected art and decorative elements.

The wall treatments that fall flat typically include overly cluttered arrangements, poorly scaled artwork or colours that fight with the room's overall aesthetic.

Key Takeaways

• A well-designed living room wall balances colour, texture and negative space while reflecting the personality of the homeowner.
• Strategic placement of wall art and accessories at proper heights creates visual interest without overwhelming the space.
• Functional elements like shelving and lighting can serve both practical and decorative purposes when thoughtfully incorporated into wall design.

Establishing the Right Colour Scheme

The colour scheme of your living room walls creates the foundation for the entire space's mood and style.

Your choice of paint or wallpaper can dramatically transform the feel of the room without requiring significant renovation.

Choosing Paint for Atmosphere

Paint remains the most versatile option for living room walls. Light neutrals like soft greys and warm beiges make spaces feel larger and more open.

For a cosy atmosphere, consider deeper tones such as navy blue or forest green on a feature wall.

A popular technique is the half-and-half paint treatment, where the lower portion of walls uses a different colour than the upper section. This adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.

When selecting your paint colour, consider:

• Natural light levels in the room
• The size of the space
• Existing furniture and décor
• The mood you wish to create

Remember that colours appear different depending on the lighting, so always test samples on your actual walls before committing.

Incorporating Wallpaper to Add Depth

Wallpaper offers texture and pattern that paint simply cannot achieve. Modern wallpapers come in removable options, making them practical even for renters or those who enjoy changing their décor regularly.

A feature wallpaper on a single wall creates a striking focal point without overwhelming the space. This works particularly well behind a television or sofa. Bold wallpaper designs with geometric patterns work best in minimalist spaces, while floral wallpaper suits traditional or cottage-style interiors.

For smaller rooms, consider wallpapers with subtle patterns in lighter shades. Large-scale patterns, however, can create drama and interest in spacious living areas.

Textured wallpapers like grasscloth add warmth and tactile appeal that enhances the room's acoustic properties whilst creating visual interest.

Selecting the Perfect Wall Art and Decorations

Wall art and decorations transform bare living room walls into personalised expressions of style. The right choices create visual interest while complementing your existing décor scheme.

Arranging Gallery Walls with Personality

A well-designed gallery wall adds character and depth to your living space. When creating your arrangement, start with a central anchor piece and build outward. This creates balance and visual harmony.

Try mixing frame styles and sizes for an eclectic look, or stick with uniform frames for a more ordered appearance. Consider spacing of 5-7 cm between pieces to avoid a cluttered feel.

For maximum impact, arrange your artwork on the floor first before committing to wall placement. This allows you to experiment with different configurations.

Picture ledges offer flexibility for displaying art without committing to permanent nail holes. They make it easy to swap pieces seasonally or when you fancy a change.

Highlighting Dramatic Feature Walls

Feature walls serve as striking focal points that anchor your living room design. Bold paint colours, textured wallpaper, or wood panelling can create dramatic backgrounds for minimal art displays.

When selecting a feature wall, choose the one that naturally draws attention when entering the room. This is typically the wall behind your main seating area.

For maximum impact, limit bold treatments to a single wall. Too many competing elements can overwhelm the space and create visual confusion.

Murals make powerful statements and eliminate the need for additional artwork. Consider scale carefully—large-scale patterns work best in spacious rooms, while smaller motifs suit cosier spaces.

Choosing Art Pieces and Family Photographs

Select artwork that resonates with you personally rather than following trends. The pieces should reflect your interests and complement your living room's colour palette.

For family photographs, consider a cohesive approach using matching frames or a unified colour scheme. Black and white photos create a timeless, sophisticated look that works with any décor style.

Scale matters tremendously when selecting framed art. Undersized pieces get lost on large walls, while oversized works can dominate smaller spaces.

Mirrors serve as functional artwork that reflects light and creates the illusion of more space. Position them opposite windows to maximise natural light and enhance your room's dimensions.

Consider the viewing height when hanging art. The centre of pieces should typically sit at eye level, approximately 150 cm from the floor for optimal viewing.

Innovative Use of Wall Accessories and Lighting

Wall accessories and lighting can transform your living room from ordinary to extraordinary. Strategic placement of decorative elements and thoughtful lighting choices create depth, texture and visual interest without requiring major renovations.

Implementing Mirrors and Lighting Fixtures

Mirrors serve dual purposes in living spaces—they reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Place a large mirror opposite a window to maximise natural light throughout the room. A wall of mirrors creates dramatic effect when arranged in geometric patterns.

Wall lighting options like sconces provide targeted illumination whilst freeing up floor space. Install sconces at eye level (approximately 150-170 cm from the floor) to create balanced lighting.

Effective mirror and lighting combinations:

• Backlit mirrors for soft, ambient glow
• Sconces flanking artwork or TV for focused light
• Picture lights above paintings to highlight art pieces

Avoid overcrowding walls with too many reflective surfaces, as this can create a disorienting effect. For smaller rooms, limit mirror coverage to one feature wall.

Emphasising Texture with Wall Paneling

Textured walls add dimension and character to living spaces. Wood paneling in geometric patterns creates a contemporary look, whilst traditional wainscoting adds timeless elegance.

Exposed brick walls provide industrial charm—consider partial exposure on one wall rather than throughout the room. If authentic brick isn't possible, high-quality brick veneer offers a convincing alternative.

For architectural interest, consider:

1. 3D wall panels in geometric patterns
2. Slat walls with integrated lighting
3. Textured wallpaper with subtle patterns

Lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting textured walls. Strong directional lighting accentuates texture by creating shadows and depth. Wall washers or track lighting work brilliantly for this purpose.

Incorporating Practical and Aesthetic Shelving

Strategic shelving transforms living room walls from bland surfaces into functional display areas. Well-placed shelves add character while providing practical storage solutions for everyday items and decorative pieces.

Strategically Positioning Floating Shelves

Floating shelves create a clean, contemporary look that works in nearly any living room design. These wall-mounted units appear to "float" without visible brackets, offering a sleek aesthetic that doesn't overwhelm the space.

For maximum impact, install floating shelves at eye level where treasured items are easily visible. Consider grouping them in asymmetrical arrangements to create visual interest rather than perfectly aligned rows.

In smaller living rooms, light-coloured floating shelves against darker walls create depth and the illusion of more space. For larger rooms, consider incorporating thicker wooden shelving that makes a bold statement.

Add a picture light above showcased items to highlight special collections and create ambience in the evening hours.

Utilising Alcoves for Niche Decoration

Alcoves offer natural recessed areas perfect for customised shelving solutions. These architectural features provide ready-made opportunities for displaying cherished objects or creating functional storage areas.

Types of alcove shelving:

• Built-in fitted shelves (maximises storage)
• Floating shelves (maintains open feeling)
• Ladder shelving (ideal for awkward alcoves)

The sense of security provided by walls makes alcoves perfect for creating cosy reading nooks with shelves positioned above comfortable seating.

Consider alternating shelf depths within alcoves to create rhythm and visual interest.

For the perfect "shelfie" opportunity, paint alcove backs in contrasting colours to make displayed items pop. This technique draws the eye and provides a framed backdrop for your treasured possessions.

Accentuating the Living Room Walls with Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings offer versatile, affordable options for transforming plain walls into stylish focal points without permanent modifications. These textile additions create texture, warmth and personality in any living space.

Soft Furnishings and Textiles as Wall Decor

Wall hangings made from textiles provide both visual interest and acoustic benefits in a living room. Decorative cloth wall hangings make excellent statement pieces and can easily be changed with the seasons or when one's style preferences evolve.

Tapestries and woven wall art introduce rich textures and pattern variety. They work particularly well on large, empty walls that need substantial coverage.

Consider these practical options:

• Quilts and textile panels: Display family heirlooms or artisanal pieces
• Framed fabric swatches: Frame beautiful textiles in matching frames for a cohesive look
• Hanging rugs: Small, lightweight rugs can function as wall art
• Macramé pieces: Add bohemian charm with knotted wall hangings

For rooms with challenging acoustics, textile wall coverings help absorb sound whilst adding visual warmth. This dual functionality makes them especially valuable in flats with hard surfaces.

Creative Use of Typography and Wall Planters

Typography elements create personalised statements on living room walls. Custom word art, quotes or family names accentuate expressions that are meaningful to the homeowners.

Typography works best when:

• Scaled appropriately for the wall space
• Limited to 1-2 font styles for cohesion
• Matched to the room's colour palette

Wall planters introduce living elements that soften architectural lines. Indoor plants decorate indoor setups whilst improving air quality.

For small spaces, vertical gardens maximise impact without consuming precious floor space. Wall-mounted planters can be arranged in geometric patterns or organic groupings depending on the desired aesthetic.

Combining typography with hanging plants creates a balanced composition that feels both structured and organic—ideal for utilising small spaces effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Living room walls present unique decorating challenges. These common questions address solutions for various wall scenarios, from TV walls to rental spaces, with practical and creative options for every budget.

How can one adorn an expansive wall in the sitting room, particularly when it includes a television?

When working with a wall that features a television, balance is key. Create a gallery wall around the TV using similarly framed photos or artwork to integrate the screen into your design.

Floating shelves installed on either side of the television provide both decorative space and storage. This approach works particularly well in smaller homes where multifunctional elements are essential.

Consider a built-in wall unit or cabinetry that frames the television whilst providing ample storage. This solution creates a cohesive look and eliminates the need for additional furniture pieces.

What economical strategies exist for enhancing the walls of a sitting room?

Paint is the most cost-effective way to transform living room walls. Consider an accent wall in a bold colour or experiment with techniques like colour blocking or stencilling for visual interest without significant expense.

DIY artwork offers personalisation on a budget. Frame fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, or create your own paintings to fill wall space without the gallery price tag.

Removable wallpaper and decals provide dramatic impact without permanent commitment. These options work brilliantly for renters or those who frequently change their design preferences.

In terms of decorating, what should one consider placing on the walls of a living room?

Large-scale artwork makes a statement and can serve as a focal point. A single impressive piece often works better than multiple smaller items, especially in rooms with architectural features worth highlighting.

Mirrors strategically placed can enhance natural light and create the illusion of more space. Position mirrors to reflect windows or attractive views for maximum impact.

Textural elements add dimension to walls. Consider macramé hangings, woven baskets, or fabric wall hangings to introduce texture and warmth to the living space.

What guidance is available regarding the principles of wall decor within a sitting room?

Scale is crucial when selecting wall décor. Pieces that are too small can look insignificant on large walls, while oversized items may overwhelm smaller spaces. Measure your walls and leave appropriate breathing room around art.

Height matters in wall arrangement. The centre of artwork should generally hang at eye level (approximately 150-160 cm from the floor). This principle applies to most spaces except when hanging art above furniture.

Cohesion with overall room design ensures wall décor complements rather than competes with other elements. Consider colour palette, style, and theme to create a harmonious space.

How might one embellish a living room without inflicting damage to the walls?

Command strips and adhesive hooks offer secure hanging solutions without nail holes. These products can support surprisingly substantial weight when properly installed according to package directions.

Leaning artwork on mantels, shelves, or even the floor provides an effortless, casual display method. This approach works well for larger pieces and allows for easy rearrangement.

Tension rods installed between walls create damage-free hanging systems for lightweight items. This technique works particularly well in alcoves or window recesses for hanging plants or light textiles.

What creative approaches can be employed to fill a vacant wall space in a living room?

Vertical gardens bring natural elements indoors.

Wall-mounted planters with trailing or upright plants create living art that improves air quality and introduces biophilic design principles.

Sculptural wall installations offer three-dimensional interest.

Consider wooden wall sculptures, metal art, or even repurposed architectural elements to create distinctive focal points.

Projected art offers a modern, changeable solution for blank walls.

Digital projectors can display rotating artwork, photography, or ambient scenes that transform the space without permanent installation.