That blank space above your TV? It’s a design goldmine you didn’t know you needed to strike. Most folks overlook it, thinking it’s just “meh” wall. But guess what? It’s prime real estate, darling. If your living room feels like it’s missing something, it’s probably this.
You don’t need a big budget or a celeb-level interior designer. Just some charm, a spark of boldness, and a few ideas that’ll make people go “woah… that’s cool.”
Let’s flip that awkward space into a showstopper.
1. The Gallery Wall Glow-Up
Start with what you love. Photos, art prints, abstract squiggles whatever vibes with your soul. The trick is to vary sizes but keep a theme. Maybe it’s all black-and-white. Maybe it’s a riot of color. Doesn’t matter. Just make it you.
Frames don’t have to match. In fact, it’s kinda cooler when they don’t. It’s like an art explosion above the TV. Suddenly, the screen looks like it belongs to the exhibit.
2. Leaned Ledge Magic
No nails? No stress. Use a floating ledge and lean your art instead of hanging it. This keeps things low commitment, but high style. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to swap stuff in and out when your mood flips.
Layer big frames with small ones, add a tiny sculpture, maybe a plant. Done. It’s like a casual cool gallery but make it lazy chic.
3. Textured Wood Panels
Bring the drama. A slatted wood panel behind and above the TV creates this cinematic, cozy look that screams, “Yes, I watch Netflix, but make it design-forward.” Go vertical for height, or horizontal for that wide luxe vibe.
Dark stains feel moody. Natural oak gives Scandi warmth. And if you’re feeling brave, go black. Your screen will pop.
4. Vintage Map or Tapestry Scroll
Skip the usual prints go with a vintage pull-down map or scroll-style tapestry. Mounted just above the screen, it adds a storytelling element and brings old-world charm into a modern setup.
Bonus if it’s of a place you love or want to visit. Gives you that daydreamy escape while the real world plays on screen.
5. Symmetrical Sconces
Lighting? Oh, honey, it makes or breaks the space. Mounting two sleek sconces on either side of your TV gives it a “this-is-a-design-choice” energy. No more random black box just floating on the wall.
Soft lighting makes movie nights vibey. And during the day, it’s like the TV is framed by golden halos. Romance, but make it TV.
6. Wall-Mounted Shelving Drama
Slim, floating shelves? Total gamechanger. You get space to style, without cluttering your console. Keep it minimalist with three staggered shelves or bold with one chunky unit above the screen.
Put books, candles, plants, or that weird ceramic dog you thrifted. Doesn’t matter. It’s about the layers. The life. The story you’re telling.
7. Botanical Framing
Plants don’t have to sit on the floor. Hang ‘em. Trail ‘em. Let them spill from above the TV like Mother Nature decided to do interiors.
Macrame plant holders work wonders here. Or install a long ledge and go crazy with trailing pothos, ivy, or string of pearls. A literal breath of fresh air.
8. Suspended Sculpture or Hanging Mobile
Who says mobiles are just for babies? A sculptural hanging piece floating just above your TV can add a surreal, artistic edge. Think of it like kinetic art a Calder-style mobile or even a lightweight geometric wood or brass design.
The gentle movement catches the eye without stealing the show. It’s like your wall is whispering, “Yeah, I’m artsy like that.”
9. Minimalist Canvas Art
One large canvas, centered above your TV. That’s the whole idea. And it works because it’s so chill it hurts. Think abstract textures, brushy strokes, or monochrome vibes.
Don’t overthink it. Go for something that calms the eyes. A lil’ visual sigh between shows.
10. Woven Wonders
Add warmth with texture think woven baskets, macrame hangings, or handwoven wall art. Above the TV, they bring in that tactile, travel-inspired feel.
Group them in odd numbers. Try a mix of sizes. And please, don’t make it perfect. Wabi-sabi is your bestie here.
11. Modern Mantel Illusion
No fireplace? Fake it. Install a floating wood beam above the TV like a modern mantel. Decorate it with books, vases, maybe even some seasonal junk like pinecones or pumpkins (you do you).
It makes the space feel anchored. Intentional. Like someone actually planned the room and didn’t just plop a screen in the middle.
12. Neon Light Moment
Sometimes you gotta go rogue. A neon sign above your TV adds instant personality. Choose a quote, a shape, or your fav word (mine’s “snack”).
It’s cheeky. Unexpected. And at night? The glow hits different. Trust.
13. Hanging Plate Display
Okay hear me out plates on a wall. Not your grandma’s china, though (unless she was fabulous). We’re talking hand-painted ceramics, bold patterns, maybe even some Moroccan flair.
Arranged right, they turn the space into a textured, cultural tapestry. And yes, it works above a TV. Just lean into the unexpected.
14. Floating Cabinet Slice
If you’ve got a wall-mounted TV, floating a slim storage unit above it can be genius. Hide the clutter, stash remotes, or just pretend you’re in a fancy hotel suite.
Go high gloss for modern. Warm wood for homey. Matte black if you’re feeling broody.
15. Custom Typography or Hand-Painted Quote
Get personal. Commission or DIY a hand-painted quote, poem snippet, or even just one bold word right above the screen.
Use imperfect brush strokes or minimalist lettering. Doesn’t have to be deep “Stay Cozy” or “Pause” works too. It’s expressive and grounding, reminding everyone this is your space, your vibe, your story.
Final Words
Let’s be honest your TV isn’t going anywhere. It’s the center of the living room whether you like it or not. But that wall above it? That’s your canvas. It doesn’t have to stay empty, awkward, or boring. With just a little creativity, you can turn that forgotten space into something that speaks. Not shouts. Just quietly says, “Yeah, I’ve got taste.”
Now you’ve got real ideas cool, lived-in, a little bold, and totally doable. Whether you go artsy, earthy, minimal, or full-on maximalist, the space above your TV deserves love too. It’s not just decor. It’s a chance to show who you are. So don’t leave it blank. Make it yours.
