31 Creative Above TV Decor Ideas to Transform Your Space

A TV on a stand or mounted to the wall can often look cold or out of place without any other wall decoration. Since the standard height for a TV on the wall is around 70 inches, the remaining empty space will give you room to play with. With a touch of imagination, you can easily transform the empty wall above the TV with some excellent decor ideas.

Check out our list of inspiring above TV decor examples to help you figure out how to decorate the empty wall space above your TV.

Best Wall Decorating Ideas for Above the TV

Install Floating Shelves

One of the most common ways to decorate the wall above your TV is to install floating shelves. This gives you flexibility for placing your accessories or books there. The floating shelves can serve as an extra storage for your magazines and other essentials.

To coordinate the floating shelves with your TV, opt for a similar design or color as the TV stand as shown in this image. In this case, we picked contemporary, minimalist shelves that go with the TV cabinet stand as they blend together perfectly.

As you can see, these two simple floating shelves on the first image have taken the focus off the black screen TV while filling up the empty white wall space. The furniture and fixtures in this modern living room complement the floating shelves without making the TV look out of place.

Add Several Wall Sconces or Hanging Lights

Adding decorative wall sconces or lamps can be an effective way of making the blank wall space above your TV look more interesting. This is especially true if your living room lacks natural lighting. With wall lamps or sconces, you are not only adding a decorative element to the empty space, but you’re also brightening up your living room.

Although some people may think that lamps or sconces above the TV can be bothersome for the eyes, as long as the light beam isn’t pointing directly at you, (position them downwards to face toward the floor), then you won’t feel uncomfortable when watching TV.

In this example, the elegant hanging lights aren’t pointing outwards, thus making them the best choice for decorating the empty wall. The closed lamps are in chic black just like the TV and cabinet stand. You may prefer to add a row of several lamps above the TV, or use suspended ones on either side of the TV.

Decorate with a Wall Painting

A wall painting above the TV is the ideal way to fill up the empty space. Whether you go for an artistic piece or put your own artistry on show, be sure not to exceed the size of the painting with the TV as shown here.

The idea is to keep the TV firmly in focus without the painting detracting attention.

Hang a Decorative Mirror

Mirrors are highly functional and versatile pieces for any room. When you’re decorating your bare wall space above the TV, a decorative mirror will do the job nicely to make your wall visually more interesting.

Mirrors make a small room appear larger and more spacious. Moreover, they reflect light so your living room can feel much airier and brighter. Bear in mind to choose an ornately designed mirror instead of a plain one in order to avoid a bland look.

Create a Gallery Wall

Another effective (and gorgeous) way to decorate an empty wall above the TV is to create a gallery wall. This is the best opportunity for you to express your personal style.

To give you some ideas, consider using different types of frames or materials to display your favorite collection. Place the frames in rows or columns for a highly composed impression. That said, there are no rules to follow when creating gallery walls, so just let your creative juices flow!

Show Off Your Black and White Photos

If you’re not feeling creative at the moment, then a simple hand selection of your favorite black and white photos on the wall above the TV is all that’s required to showcase your pictures.

This idea brings visual interest when your TV isn’t on. With this setup, all you need to do is select the frames that most appeal to you and arrange them how you like on the wall.

Paint the Wall a Solid Color

The wall above your TV doesn’t have to remain white. Any bold or solid color can transform the space, without having to use any decoration for visual interest.

For example, a pastel green paint color for the wall that displays your TV can blend well into the space, with nothing else required above the TV. Just remember to balance out the furniture colors with the wall color to keep the interior design cohesive. Soft green is the perfect wall paint for achieving this effect as you can see in this photo.

Surround the TV with Built-in Shelves

By surrounding your TV with built-in or integrated shelves, your entertainment device won’t stick out like a sore thumb on the wall. In fact, a big screen TV can blend into the background with show-stopping open shelves.

This is an excellent opportunity to show off your decorating talent with an entire wall full of open shelves and a big screen in the middle of it.

Note: to avoid cluttering the shelves, go easy with the display of your favorite items as the idea is to keep the TV in focus. With open shelves all around your TV, including above the screen, you can gain heaps of storage to keep your accessories out of sight.

Get Creative with Decorative Wall Stickers

Wall decals are fast becoming popular for both modern and traditional interiors. Decorative stickers can be purchased from any online or offline store.

These affordable stickers can be any niche you like. As above the TV decor, the bare wall space will find balance between expressiveness and creativity. Just be sure to buy high-quality stickers as they are more likely to remain attached to the wall. After all, these are works of art produced by digital machines using color tones and symmetry.

All you need to do is simply peel off the backside of the decals and stick them on the wall above and around the TV. The result is a perfect viewing experience – and we don’t just mean with the TV!

Go Rustic with Hanging Plates and Planters

There is nothing more aesthetically appealing than blending technology with nature. We’re talking about TV as technology and hanging plants in pots or baskets as nature. Add some rustic hanging plates to this duo and you’ll have a perfectly filled blank wall space above the TV. This boho-inspired idea provides a clean, welcoming vibe as shown in this photo.

Keep in mind that hanging plates and planters don’t quite work in a modern interior. However, in a rustic setup, they can do wonders in transforming your wall space above the TV.

By adorning your wall with decorative planters and plates, your visitors will have something to talk about when they’re not watching TV! This is a great alternative to gallery walls, but just be sure not to hang too many plates and planters so as not to clutter the wall.

Keep it Minimal with a Simple Wall Panel

A simple wall panel is an excellent way to inject some character into your room. This idea not only adds a pop of color to the empty wall above the TV, but it also makes the screen stand out and be the star of the room.

Whether the wall panel is made of wood or vinyl, it perfectly ties the room together in a minimalist manner. You may also opt for grid or vertical paneling in any size you like. Real wood panels in shiplap or wainscotting patterns, however, cost more than vinyl counterparts so if you’re not looking for a permanent feature, opt for the latter.

Add a Textured Wallpaper Panel Above the TV

Try a single panel of wallpaper to draw the eye up and break up a plain wall. Something subtle like grasscloth or a linen print works, especially if it’s close in tone to your paint color.

Let the panel run a little wider than your TV and reach 12 to 24 inches above it. That vertical anchor gives structure without feeling heavy.

If you’re renting or in a dorm, removable wallpaper’s your friend. Housing offices almost always want non-damaging stuff. Matching the wallpaper’s tone to your console or media unit keeps things looking intentional.

Install a Picture Molding Frame Outline Around the TV Zone

Picture molding can make the TV look like it actually belongs there. Use thin trim to frame out a rectangle around the TV and paint it the same color as your wall.

This works best if you’ve got a big wall and the TV looks a bit lost. The molding defines the area without adding clutter.

Keep the spacing even—about 3 to 6 inches between the TV and the molding usually feels right. If you can’t drill, lightweight MDF and adhesive does the trick.

Style a Slim Console Vignette That Visually “Lifts” the TV Area

A narrow console table below a wall-mounted TV helps ground everything. Go for a depth of 8 to 12 inches so it doesn’t eat into your space.

Taller pieces like vases or stacked books work well at the ends, but keep the center low so the TV stays in focus. Neutral decor is your best bet if you’ve got bold walls.

Don’t overdo it—three to five items are plenty. Too much and it looks messy fast.

Hang a Large Sculptural Metal Wall Art Piece

One big metal sculpture can add depth and cast interesting shadows. Look for something that’s at least two-thirds as wide as your TV.

Matte black, brushed brass, or aged bronze usually play nicely with hardware. Pick an open, linear design so it doesn’t fight with the screen.

Mount it about 6 to 10 inches above the TV. Always double-check your anchors and stud placement, especially if it’s heavy.

Hang A Single Long Textile Wall Hanging

Textiles can soften up the sharp lines of a TV. Go for something that’s at least two-thirds as wide as your TV so it doesn’t look dinky.

Mount it 6 to 10 inches above the screen, close enough to feel connected but not crowded. Make sure the bottom edge stays above the TV—no overlap.

Neutral, woven fabrics are great if you’re into a minimal vibe. Or add a subtle pattern that ties in with your rug or throws if you want a bit more life. Heavy fringe? Probably skip it—it just distracts from the screen.

Add A Paneled Wainscot Accent Only On The Tv Wall

Paneling brings in structure but doesn’t have to look busy. Try simple rectangular molding just on the TV wall for a bit of depth.

Painting it the same color as the wall keeps things understated. Or, go a couple shades darker for some contrast.

Keep the TV centered within the paneling—either one big panel or two symmetrical ones. Clean lines help the TV feel like it’s actually part of the wall, not just tacked on.

Create A Color-Block Rectangle Behind The Tv

A painted rectangle behind the TV is a sharp way to frame it. Make a border that’s 4 to 8 inches bigger than the TV all around.

Painter’s tape is your friend for those crisp edges. Pick a color that’s a gentle contrast with your main wall.

Deep blue, muted green, or a warm gray usually play well with a black screen. The rectangle should look intentional, not oversized. Bonus points if you echo the color somewhere else in the room.

Add A Pair Of Tall Wall Planters Above The Tv (Minimal Greenery)

Vertical planters can pull the eye up. Mount two slim planters above the TV, evenly spaced.

Keep the plants tidy—think snake plant cuttings or faux trailing stems that don’t sprawl everywhere.

Set them high enough so nothing droops into the TV zone. Looks especially good if you’ve already got wood or linen textures in the room.

Mount Tonal Woven Baskets Above The Tv

Baskets are an easy way to add texture. Pick three to five in similar shades for a chill, cohesive look.

Cluster them horizontally, roughly matching the width of your TV. Try to keep the spacing even so it doesn’t get messy.

Natural fibers like rattan or seagrass are mellow and won’t clash with the screen. Loud patterns? Probably not the best for TV time.

Use A Stone Veneer Band Accent Above The Tv

Stone veneer brings in some heft and texture. A narrow horizontal strip the width of your console works best.

Stick with a height between 8 and 14 inches—enough to frame the TV, not swallow it.

Stacked stone in neutral tones usually fits right in. If you can match it to your floors or fireplace, even better.

Add A Pair Of Minimal Pendant Drops Above The Tv

Pendant lights can add a bit of symmetry. Mount two slim pendants just outside the TV edges.

Hang them high enough so you don’t get glare. Matte finishes help keep reflections down.

Simple shapes—think cylinders or globes—work well. Soft, warm bulbs keep it cozy without pulling focus from the screen.

Use A Set Of Arched Frames Above The Tv For Soft Shape

Arched frames break up the boxiness of the TV. Two or three in a straight row is plenty.

Stick to minimal artwork—maybe some line drawings or abstracts.

Space them evenly and center them over the TV. Those gentle curves add interest without making things busy.

Add A Grid Of Mini Botanical Prints

Botanical prints arranged in a grid look tidy and fresh. Six to nine frames in a tight layout works well.

Keep the spacing equal and line up the grid with the TV’s width.

Simple black or wood frames keep things grounded. Light backgrounds help the wall feel less heavy.

Add Decorative Antique Corbels As Accent

Corbels add a bit of old-school architecture. Mount a pair above the TV with even spacing.

Pick a finish that matches your furniture—wood or resin both work. Don’t go too big, or they’ll steal the show.

Keep them high so you don’t get weird shadows on the screen. Feels right at home in classic or transitional spaces.

Add A Vertical Slat Wood Accent Panel Above The Tv

Vertical slats are great for drawing the eye up. Run a panel from just above the TV almost to the ceiling.

Go for evenly spaced strips in oak or walnut tones, lined up with the TV’s center.

This trick adds warmth and height. Best to keep the rest of the decor simple so the slats stand out.

Use Ceramic 3D Wall Discs Above The Tv

Ceramic discs add a little dimension without shouting for attention. Matte white or soft neutrals are easy on the eyes.

Arrange them in a loose, organic cluster that’s wider than the TV, keeping the spacing consistent.

The raised shapes catch the light but don’t cause glare. Feels right in a modern, minimal setup.

Install A Shallow Display Niche Above The Tv

A recessed niche gives you a built-in vibe. Put it right above the TV so everything lines up.

Keep it shallow—no one wants stuff sticking way out. A couple of vases or books is plenty.

Painting the inside a different color adds a bit of depth. Integrated lighting is a nice touch, just not too harsh.

Add A Slim Picture Ledge With Layered Leaning Art

A skinny ledge is super flexible. Pop it 8 to 12 inches above the TV.

Lean two or three frames, overlapping them a bit for some dimension. Mix up the heights.

Stick some museum putty on the frames so they don’t slide off. Swapping art is easy—no extra holes needed.

Add A Picture Trio In A Straight Clean Row

Three matching frames in a row bring order to the chaos. Space them evenly across the TV’s width.

Line up the bottoms for a neat look. Art should feel cohesive—maybe black and white photos?

The straight row gives off a tidy, modern vibe without trying too hard.

Mount A Wood Beam Mantel-Style Ledge

A chunky wood beam really brings some presence. Try mounting it as a floating mantel just above your TV.

Somewhere between 6 and 8 inches deep usually works—enough room for a couple of things, but it won’t jut out awkwardly.

Make sure you hit the wall studs so it doesn’t wobble. Picking a wood tone that echoes your floors or furniture can make the whole thing feel intentional, not random.

Conclusion

Decorating the wall above your TV adds visual interest and color to the bare space. This prevents the TV from becoming an eyesore.

With your collection of paintings, photos, planters or even just a decorative mirror, you can transform the accent wall into a visually interesting focal point. Don’t forget to refer to our pocket-friendly above TV wall decor ideas to draw inspiration from!