Thursday, July 5, 2012

Design Dilemma: What to do Above the Sofa?

Since having my son 2 months ago, I've done a lot of sitting on the sofa...recovering from a C-section, nursing, sleeping, catching up on my DVR, folding laundry, etc. Spending so much time in our living room has sparked a desire in me to redo everything! I've stared at the room hours on end and have re-designed it about 100 times. I wish I had the money to do a complete overhaul, but that's not an option right now, so I need to get creative on how to change things up without breaking the bank. First item on the list: replace the giant piece of art on the wall above my sofa. This painting has been hanging on our wall for 5 years and I'm SO over it! The dilemma: there's quite a bit of wall space to fill so a small mirror medium size piece of art won't cut it. I know I'm not the only one with this same challenge - I'm sure many of you have wondered what to do above your own sofa, right? So, I went searching online to find some great ideas to spark some inspiration and here's what I found. If you have any other great ideas, please share them :) I'll keep you posted on the progress of my mini-living room makeover as I slowly make changes!

{Create an art collage with framed paintings (maybe even some DIY ones), photos or even fabric (I've framed fabric as art many times, which is easy and affordable!)}

{A pair of mirrors with a 3D object in between, like these wooden antlers}

{The classic sunburst mirror, with a smaller painting off to the side, above an end table}

{Art flanked with wall scones or candelabras}

{A large painting, hung just above the back of the sofa}

{A large painting in the center, flanked by smaller pieces of art, photos, mirrors, etc.}

{Stacked sunburst mirrors - this definitely creates an illusion of height in a space with low ceilings}

{A mirror in the center, flanked by smaller prints}

{A large unframed canvas. The oversized lamps on either side of the sofa also take up some of the wall space, especially because of the bold black shades}

{A series of framed botanicals, hung in a row}

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[IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10]

14 comments:

  1. The first thing that came to my mind was to hang a large (long) piece of fabric behind the sofa, from the roof down to the floor. Either flat against the wall, or (and here, my limited vocabulary in English becomes a problem...) sort of 'wavy', almost like a curtain. The wavy one would look good in a sheer, almost see-through fabric I think.

    Good luck with your new living room!

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    1. What a unique and fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Loving these ideas! I think a large canvas that makes a statement would be so fun. I also love the sunburst mirror idea! I hope you will share with us what you decide to do.

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  3. AnonymousJuly 05, 2012

    I think the large unframed canvas is my favourite. I should really get back into art and create some things for my walls.

    Gorgeous post as usual.

    Amber xo

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  4. I love sunburst mirrors...I may be leaning toward that idea! I'll definitely share the "before & afters" with you all.

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  5. So many great options to choose from! However, I think I'll go for the large painting painting flanked with smaller ones on both sides!

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  6. I bought a bunch of vintage film reels in multiple colors/sizes and used them on a wall...it was so different and fun! Can't wait to hear what you end up doing!

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  7. So much eye candy! I like the Large piece of art with smaller ones on either side. Another idea, instead of a piece of art is to enlarge a photograph to an extra large size. I've seen so many statement enlargements that I have loved if you choose the right photo and styled correctly.

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  8. check out allposters.com they have interesting art pieces, right now I noticed Vogue Magazine Covers that would make an interesting collection framed. Ikea always has great frames at a good price...
    What ever you do have a great time doing it... also you could try your hand at painting afew canvas from a hobby store, if you do, remember to sign them...

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  9. what a great idea thanks to share

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  10. AnonymousJuly 06, 2012

    For a bit of the natural element I've seen large weathered branches (bark removed) being hung over coaches. I love the texture it adds to a room.

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  11. I love either a large piece of art with a cool picture lights like t2 or 3 annette library sconces above painting,or a 30 inch Dorchester at Circa. Or a gallery setting like Kristin Buckingham does, anything you do I am sure will be great!

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  12. My mum in law hung a large floral print in a big gilt frame then bracketed it with a pair of mirrors that were rectangular but curved at the top, in similar gilt frames. Looked like a window with shutters and certainly widened the art.

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  13. I'm looking for a coffee table like the one in the last picture with the botanicals above the couch...any idea where they got it?

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Thank you for your comments! I appreciate you stopping by :)