40 Chic Living Room Wall Décor Ideas

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Work With Sporting Equipment

living room with surfboards — Space Exploration

Get inspired by the objects around you and proudly display personal effects by strategically leaning them against a blank wall in the living room. Here, surfboards make for a casual wall decoration that's also functional if you're an avid surfer. If your sporting equipment doesn't feel as chic as these boards, try large artwork or a mirror instead.

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Hang Alternative Art

living room with sculptural object hanging above fireplace — Studio DB

Instead of a traditional painting or print, opt for something more dynamic, like this sculptural object placed above the fireplace. Although a coveted spot in the living room, the space above the mantel often goes underutilized. Rethink mounting a television above the fireplace and go for something more artistic and interesting to fill the blank space.

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Go for Large-Scale Paintings

living room with large piece of hanging art — Sharyn Cairns; DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

Hang a painting on an empty wall in your living room to give the space a striking visual element: the bigger the piece, the more profound the statement. Here, a tall painting fits perfectly on a narrow wall near a doorway. Beyond the hall hangs yet another framed artwork, giving the living room depth and contrast.

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Organize a Gallery Wall

living room with gallery wall art — BHDM

If you aren't comfortable with a cluster of artwork on one wall but like the idea of hanging multiple works, create an organized gallery by hanging framed art in perfect alignment. Be sure to take exact measurements, so there is equal space between each frame. Whether you choose a small or larger amount of art to work with, it will be a perfect solution to take up some empty space.

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Try Cornered Art

living room wall with large framed photographs on wall — Liljencrantz Design

Hang paintings, prints, or photographs on two intersecting walls to get this tasteful look. Go bold with two completely different works of art, or create a cohesive look by hanging work by the same artist, medium, or color scheme. The similar framework and black accents of these pieces connect the space.

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Layer Fun Wallpaper With Paintings

living room with wallpaper art — Katherine Carter

Go bold with a decorative patterned wallpaper layered with a painting. It's a daring choice, but a statement-making print works in this eclectic space. Play with colors, patterns, and materials to create wall décor that's interesting and draws guests' attention.

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Include Iridescent Mirrors

living room with Iridescent Mirror — Jessica Helgerson

Utilize original objects like this iridescent mirror. It's colorful and creates depth in the space yet feels cohesive due to the wooden rim of the mirror, the wooden fireplace, and accents throughout the room. A traditional mirror is also a lovely way to invite light into the living room and make a small space feel larger.

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Decorate With Small Objects

living room with bookcase display — Sharyn Cairns; DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

A bookcase built into the wall is the perfect way to display small objects and knickknacks that are aesthetically pleasing. Organize small objects, decorative boxes, colorful books, and sculptures on the shelves of a bookcase to enhance the décor of a living room. This also works well in a space that already has art and additional décor on the walls.

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Create a Diptych

living room with Diptychs art — Studio DB

Hang two works side by side or in line with each other to create a diptych. Like you would with a gallery wall, take measurements and be precise. Make sure you consider the size of the art, the wall, and the flow of the rest of the room.

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Incorporate Bookcases

living room with large bookcases — Jessica Helgerson

Utilizing a bookshelf for design purposes is one unique living room wall décor idea. Whether the shelves are filled with books, objects, antique glassware, or vases, a wall-to-wall bookshelf is one way to make a statement and display the things you care about in your home.

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Choose Statement Paintings

Perhaps the most obvious choice for living room wall décor is one statement painting hung carefully above the couch. It is a timeless look that can be easily tailored to your tastes. When selecting a piece like this, one thing to keep in mind is the flow between the floor, walls, and ceiling.

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Consider Alternative Framework

living room with alternative art on the walls — Kristofer Johnsson; DESIGN: Pella Hedeby

These three black-and-white photos remain unframed, hanging on the wall by metal clips. This creates a perfectly unfinished look that lacks the formality of traditional artwork. Think of this as the elevated version of your youthful decorating attempts, which likely included hanging posters on the wall with only strips of tape.

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Add Framed Drawings

living room with framed art sketches — Alyssa Rosenheck

In addition to paintings, photographs, and sculptures, there are also drawings. These hand-drawn sketches are unrefined and raw, yet their place in this structured gallery wall transforms them into sophisticated wall décor. You can either feature some of your personal sketches or ones of someone close to you for a personal touch.

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Display Photographs

living room with framed photographs — Ashe + Leandro

Upgrade your traditional wall of family photographs with some intriguing black-and-white or vintage pictures framed and placed in a sprawling gallery wall. Do some digging at thrift shops, galleries, and outposts to find original art you can proudly display at home.

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Hang Interesting Prints

living room with stacked books and art — Sharyn Cairns; DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

Prints are a far less expensive way to bring gorgeous artistic elements into your home. Most websites that sell art online offer original paintings and more affordable prints of the same works. Check out Tappan, Twyla, 1stdibs, and Poster Child Prints for a vast selection of prints and work by under-the-radar artists.

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Position Large Objects

living room with decor of large wood pieces — Courtesy of Jeremiah Brent

Similarly to sporting equipment, you can use other large objects as wall décor, like the pieces of wood in this neutral but super chic living room. Whether you mount objects, lean them against the wall, or place them on top of a console table, if they're high enough, they'll function as wall décor that's unique and unexpected.

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Say Yes to Leaning Artwork

living room with leaning art work — Courtesy of Space Exploration

You don't have to hang artwork to make it impactful (which is especially helpful if you're a renter). You can lean artwork up against the wall for a relaxed, undone feel. Opt for one large piece, like in this photo, or add a few different smaller pieces of varying sizes.

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Hang a Statement Mirror

living room with starburst mirror — Sarah Sherman Samuel

A mirror is always a good bet when you need something for a wall, but you've exhausted all your art options. Instead of choosing a purely functional one, opt for a more statement-making mirror, like this sunburst mirror. It'll also help make a small space feel larger.

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Include Illuminated Artwork

Picture light above a framed artwork in living room — Stoffer Photography Interiors; DESIGN: Danielle Moss and Conor Scanlon

If you want your artwork to stand out or want your living room to feel more sophisticated, place a light over a work of art to illuminate it. It's another layer of décor, but it also serves a purpose.

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Create a Tower With Stacked Books

A large-scale print hangs on wall next to stacked books — Sharyn Cairns; DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

This one is a bit more unconventional, but the result is seriously chic. Ditch the bookshelves and stack your collection of books so that they go high enough to make an impact. The result? A perfectly imperfect cozy space.

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Try out an Accent Wall

blue and orange eclectic living room — Dazey Den

One of the easiest ways to liven up a blank wall? Make it an accent wall. Whether you choose wallpaper or a fun, colorful mural like this living room, it's a perfect way to create interest without having to hang anything.

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Hang Floating Shelves

neutral color living room with black geometric coffee table, tan couch and loveseat, floating white shelves — Gray Space Interior Design

Floating shelves provide the perfect customizable option to fill some space on your wall. Hang them to appear like stairs or stack them directly over each other, then add decorative items like photos, dećor, etc.

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Add Some Greenery

modern colorful living room with object gallery wall, plants, etc. — House of Chais

Lining the bottom of your walls with various types of plants is a fun, natural way to level up your living room. This space already did a great job of creating an object gallery wall, but the plants on either side of the couch help ensure there aren't any unnecessary blank spaces.

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Highlight the Architecture

paint techniques — Sarah Fultz Interiors

If you're fortunate enough to have unique architectural features in your home, like brick walls or wood beams, focus on that instead of hanging a bunch of artwork. This living room painted a brick fireplace and wood-paneled walls a deep forest green for a moody vibe.

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Add Lighting

emily henderson rustic living room — Design: Emily Henderson Design, Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Strategically placed lighting can liven up your walls. Add a pair of sconces, or take a cue from this living room and add a single sconce to brighten up a dead spot on your wall. The simple black and white silhouette complements the modern feel of the room.

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Get Colorful

colorful living room — Design: Lava Interiors

Even though this living room only features two pieces of art, they both feel incredibly impactful thanks to plenty of color and pattern. The bolder you go, the more of a statement your artwork will make (and therefore, you'll need less of it!).

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Install Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Let the light in by installing floor-to-ceiling windows in your living room. Not only will your walls become far more visually interesting, but it'll also brighten up your space, which is key in a smaller living area.

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Hang Window Treatments

Living Room Ideas — Courtesy of Jeremiah Brent

Window treatments can absolutely double as wall décor. Whether you opt for drapes, blinds, or Roman shades, choose something with a color or pattern that'll compliment your room as well as make enough of a statement that you don't need to rely on wall art.

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Forget Symmetry

living room with bright colors — Design: Arent & Pyke

This modern living room throws symmetry out the window. A solitary painting sits above a couch with a sculptural wall accent directly to the left. The right? It's left completely blank. Forgoing symmetry may not be for everyone, but if you're willing to take a risk, it can result in a unique and modern design.

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Use Paint

best living room ideas - sage green living room with olive couches — Brexton Cole Interiors

Instead of painting your entire wall, opt for painting just a section of your wall. This living room features white walls with a sage green fireplace. It brings the neutral room to life without feeling overly bold.

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Dangle Greenery

Simple Living Room Decorating Ideas — Courtesy of Elizabeth Roberts

We love the cascading greenery off this bookcase. It creates a boho, lived-in feel to the open-plan space. It also serves as another way to dress up a bookcase when you've run out of books or decorative objects.

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Utilize Pattern

You can rely on just one piece of art to liven up your room when it's as bold as this one. The artwork set against the patterned chair is all the otherwise minimalist room needed for a little pop.

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Wallpaper the Ceiling

Wallpaper averse? You don't have to cocoon your living room walls in it to make it impactful. Instead, try just wallpapering your ceiling. It'll create a cozy, intimate vibe without feeling too bold.

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Try a Tapestry

living room design ideas — Design: Alvin Wayne

We love the lived-in feel a tapestry creates. In addition to adding color and pattern to a room, a tapestry also adds texture. Because they're often quite large, it'll cover a lot of wall surface area, as well.

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Paint Built-Ins

Make built-ins stand out by painting them a bright color. This living room gets a pop from green built-ins. Though they're styled minimally, they still feel impactful. Sconces flank either side and add even more interest.

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Add Beams

Exposed beams aren't just for your ceiling. Extend them down your walls for a rustic, farmhouse feel. You could leave them as is or paint them a color depending on your décor aesthetic.

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Hang Polaroids

IKEA dresser hack — Courtesy of Norse Interiors

You don't need framed art to create a gallery wall. If you're short on space and budget, polaroids will work just as well. Hang a variety of them to add a vintage, personalized feel to your space.

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Wallpaper an Accent Wall

While this wallpaper might be a bit bold for an entire room, it makes a serious statement on an accent wall. In addition to the wallpaper, this living room also added a gallery wall and a painted orange accent wall for plenty of interest.

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Mount Antlers

Go rustic by mounting a set of antlers. They look stunning above a modern, minimalistic fireplace like in the living room pictured, particularly when flanked by two sconces. Sheepskin rugs add to the effect.

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Add Paneling

elegant apartment living room with marble coffee table, golden floor length mirror on the wall — Abitare Studios

Dress up your walls with wood paneling. It instantly elevates a space, eliminating the need for bold or large-scale wall art. You can paint your paneling the same color as the walls, like in the room pictured, or highlight it by painting it a different shade.