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jessicacnicholson

Wall above TV decor

12 years ago
I'm trying to figure out what to do with the wall above our TV in our family room. The room is open to our kitchen and foyer. The fireplace is directly to the left, which I feel should be the focus of the room. So I had planned on leaving the TV wall empty, but it looks a bit too bare that way. Complicating matters is our in-wall speakers, which are installed above the TV on each side. I thought of perhaps doing a ledge with photo frames, but these limit where the ledges can be placed. Any ideas?


I'm still working on the room, will be adding throw pillows and am still arranging the mantel and trying to figure out how to accessorize the room. I'd also like to add a lighting fixture to the center of the room, but can't seem to find one that I like.

Comments (21)

  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Since you see this area from your entry way, a distance, a single large image art work would be my choice.
    Jessica N. thanked Inner Visions Interiors
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Since you see this wall from your entryway, a single large image artwork would soften that wall and add some visual interest when the TV is off. Choose something in an accent color you love
    Jessica N. thanked Inner Visions Interiors
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would suggest some abstract art. I've got some beautiful, vibrant original art, as well as prints on stretched canvas. Check out my Houzz page. Or visit http://lindsaycowlesfineart.bigcartel.com/category/prints to view available prints. I am happy to customize anything to your liking and your space!
    Jessica N. thanked Lindsay Cowles LLC
  • 12 years ago
    Would this iron votive holder work? I've mocked up what it'd look like to scale in the space. I already own this but have it elsewhere. Thoughts? I thought the color ought pull in the chocolate of the chairs and the throw pillows (not shown). Or would it be too busy with the fireplace on one side, window on the other, coffered ceiling, etc.?
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I agree with Warner Decor. Shelving... just 1 or 2 simple ones and at least long enough as the TV. I'd go long enough beyond the sides of the TV, just so it that space looks more like a media niche somewhat but that's me. ;)
    Jessica N. thanked Bedford Canyon Cleaning & More
  • 12 years ago
    The problem is that the large space above the tv throws off the proportion of the wall. I agree that the tv needs to be mounted higher on the walk which will give more balance. The console table could be changed to be higher as well which will be more proportionate. Then you could do a mix of shelving and framed art as a collage surrounding the TV. Or perhaps nothing at all. I think that if you put something only above the TV it will look strange. After moving the TV higher you may need wall art/decos on the sides of the TV.
    Jessica N. thanked Sarah Acosta Landry
  • 12 years ago
    I don't think the TV is too low. It seems perfect for relaxed viewing from the sofa. We added a picture ledge above our TV, which is mounted on the wall above a media console. We got the ledges from IKEA (needed 2 for length) and placed photos, drawings and paintings of different sizes in black and silver frames.
    Jessica N. thanked nansdrew
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks for the thoughts. I've thought about mounting the TV a bit higher on the wall, but am torn because I like the current height for viewing from the couch. Also, the cabinet is needed to hide away all our components, and it's a media cabinet that allows us to use our remote through the doors, ventilates the components, etc. So it'd be hard to replace with something more attractive because we need it to be so functional. But maybe mounting the TV would help the proportions of the wall. Right now It just looks like a big black blob over there.
  • 12 years ago
    Paint your media cabinet white. I bought mine in white from BDI but paint could fix yours and get rid of the black blob look.
    Jessica N. thanked Niki Posten
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    You could also get a bedroom dresser or buffet to sit the TV on. They are typically taller than standard media stands, and you'll be able to gain few more inches upwards?( Make a hole in the back of the shelves to pull cords/wiring through) Just a thought. good luck! :)
    Jessica N. thanked Bedford Canyon Cleaning & More
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would suggest that you have to first avoid putting the same size or type of elements that your currently have: you have a shelf (the one on the mantel), you have 2 large elements (the mirror and the TV). So...what's missing: art...definitely needed, but I would suggest you do a collage of smaller pieces...maybe mixed with textural small black iron elements. I'm adding an example of the evolution of a room I did recently, though it isn't the perfect look for your space.

    Always look for the elements in your space to complement each other and visually connect.
    Jessica N. thanked Distinctive Interior Designs
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks again. Some good ideas here - a lot to think about. I did a mock up of the TV mounted on the wall, and I think it does look better. Not sure the cabinet would work anymore though - it might be too low, so maybe a taller cabinet is in order if I went that route. Even though the proportions look better, it's still a bit bare on that wall.

    I'll also consider some type of gallery wall.
  • 12 years ago
    I think too you should bring the TV up - even 4 inches will break up the black hole. No art over the TV.

    Instead, I would replace the mirror over the fireplace with art. Too much reflective surface with the TV and the mirror now.

    Art that brings in brown and black and adds color would be nice.

    Put a colorful tray on the coffee table to break up the dark, add some colorful throw pillows.
    Jessica N. thanked Renee
  • 12 years ago
    I should add - not big art over the fireplace. Something not to high or the room won't look cozy. Accessorizing the table and adding pillows will ground the room. Let that gorgeous ceiling and the stone of the fireplace be the focus up high.
    Jessica N. thanked Renee
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I like the TV on the wall and a little higher up. You are likely right that your entertainment center is too low now. It can be visually built up (either with 'feet' added underneath or with accessories put on top), but I have to say, now I'm seeing too many visually heavy solid black/ dark elements in the space (the fireplace opening, the TV, the coffee table, the entertainment center and the dark leather parts on the chair). You may want to lighten the look of the space by using an open shelving item below the TV (see example); I know that might be contrary to your need to house your entertainment electronics, but...

    Now that the TV is higher and on the wall, I do like Renee's idea above about changing the mirror to narrow vertical art and potentially nixing the collage idea (though I really like your mirror). If you go this direction, just make sure it has a touch of some sort of black in it to connect with all our dark elements, but, on the whole, is lighter in tone. As well, accessorizing will make the space feel homey and finished...it's an absolute necessity.

    You're doing great! :)
    Jessica N. thanked Distinctive Interior Designs
  • 12 years ago
    Hmmm - what if I added some pops of color into the room? I haven't decided on an accent color yet, maybe a shade of green (the windows open to the woods in back, so there's a lot of green from the leaves). I'm going to add a tray or something on the table, so maybe include some color there, and perhaps some colorful accessories on top of the media console (under the TV)? And then maybe paint the candlesticks on the mantel that color as well? And a tall plant somewhere, maybe pull the color into the vase there as well?

    Of course, I have a very curious 10 month old right now who interferes in my ability to accessorize anything at his level : )
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would go with are but a medium size piece. You don't want to crowed the space and a smaller piece will be more emphasized in the space.
    Jessica N. thanked SoCal Contractor
  • 12 years ago
    I like the idea of art in place of the mirror, but in reality it's SO hard for me to find art that works. It has to be the right size for the scale, be the right color scheme, and also be something I like. I always end up settling for something that doesn't quite work, because I feel that I'll be waiting forever otherwise. I have thought about getting something commissioned, but that's not in the budget for now. So at least for right now, unless I happen upon the perfect piece, the mirror will stay.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Take a look at Uttermost.com. They have a GREAT selection of art (framed and unframed) at reasonable prices. The size you need is approximately equal to the width of the mirror portion of your circular mirror with a height that is about 6"+ taller than the outer frame of that same mirror. You're trying to keep it inside the space of the mantel accessories you currently have.

    On the other accessories within reach of your 10 month old--buy things from places like Home Goods/ Marshalls or, better yet for the convenience factor, through a catalog company like Home Decorators. You won't break the bank AND you won't necessarily be 'crying' if your little one happens to break it. I've got three grown children of my own at this stage...they broke LOTS of stuff...crazy glue is a life saver!
    Jessica N. thanked Distinctive Interior Designs