10 Ways to Fill the Space Above Your Sofa

This post about 10 ways to fill the space above your sofa was updated June of 2023

One of the questions our Design Services team gets all the time is, “How do I fill the blank space on my wall?” Sometimes it’s the top of a stair landing, sometimes it’s the wall of a bedroom, and many, many times it’s the blank space above the sofa!

Considering how often we get this question, we figured we’d dedicate a whole How to Decorate blog post to giving you answers! Here are 10 ways you can fill that big expanse of wall over your sofa to create an impactful focal point.

 1. A Large, Oversized Mirror

We’ve discussed on the blog how important it is create a focal point and infuse drama into every room, and a large mirror is the perfect way to do that.

Thinking of a way to fill the space above your sofa can be an intimidating space because it’s so expansive, but we actually like to think of it as an opportunity: Take the space and do something dramatic with it!

2. A Grid of Three or More Prints

Symmetry is another important thing to consider when thinking of ways to fill the space above your sofa it gives a sense of order to the space.

Symmetry is also a great tool if you love a serene, polished look—a symmetrical room is often more calm because your eye doesn’t jump around the space so much. A grid of prints over the back of your sofa is a great way to fill space, but also create a symmetrical focal point.

3. A Grouping of Prints in Different Sizes

A symmetrical gallery wall can be very intimidating to accomplish, but if you like the look consider doing a grouping of asymmetrical art all in the same vein like we did here.

All of these prints are from the same artist but in different sizes, and the arrangement of the prints is much more simplified than the big web you usually see in a gallery wall.

4. One Large Painting

Instead of lots of little pieces, consider hanging one large painting on the wall over your sofa. This has a few benefits: it’s a bit like putting on a dress in that you only need one piece and you’re done.

No coordinating, no matching pants to a top. Voilà. Another great thing about one large piece, it feels simpler, more polished, less busy. If that’s the look you’re going for, then considering finding one piece of art you really love and sticking to that!

5. A Set of Mirrors

If your room is dark and you want to bring more light into your space, considering hanging several mirrors over your sofa.

Not only will they bounce light around the room and add depth to your space, they also look chic and simple and go with any color palette you chose!

6. A Pair of Prints or Mirrors

There are so many benefits to buying home decor items in pairs, and a pair of prints is no exception when it comes to filling the space above your sofa!

You can always keep them together, or you can split them up in different rooms. A pair is much more versatile than a single print, just like a pair of lamps is easier to place than a single.

7. A Bookshelf

If you have the space, a bookshelf or cabinet is one of the best ways to fill the space above and behind your sofa.

In this room, we styled two of our Toulouse Towers behind the sofa and we love how they bring in height to the rest of the room. Don’t forget to prop your shelves with décor, like books and vases.

8. Go For a Gallery Wall

We know a gallery wall can feel intimidating, but there’s really no exact science! Just go for it.

Of course, it always helps to arrange prints on the ground before putting a nail in the wall, but we also love the idea of constantly adding to a grouping as you acquire new favorite pieces, as this will uniquely fill the space behind your sofa.

9. A Mirror or Large Piece of Art + A Pair of Sconces

Adding a sconce withyour wall décor brings in light and creates a nice ambiance to the room.

If you’re looking for a unique way to fill the space behind your sofa, try mixing your wall décor with a sconce to create a unique grouping that has personality and flair.

10. Nothing

Still stumped with what to hang behind your sofa? Place your sofa in front of a window and you don’t need a thing except that beautiful outdoor vista (except maybe a pair of pretty drapery panels)!

Looking for more wall inspiration? Read these helpful articles next:

• How to Layer More Light Into Your Space
• How to Use a Decorative Wall Bracket In Your Room
• 7 Wallpapered Looks and Why We Love Them
• Complete Guide to Living Room Drapery

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