Advice for decorating large, very tall wall with niches in family room
I have struggled with this wall for years. This is our main tv watching room and I don't want the tv over the fireplace. Wall to the left of fireplace is huge, two stories high. Niche above fireplace is narrow and limits what can fit. Niche to the right of the fireplace is deep. Furniture placement is as shown so that we get the most natural light from the south where the chairs are. If the sectional flips with the back to the windows, it blocks even more light. There is a fully covered patio outside so that limits light as well. I'd like suggestions on how to decorate this wall, thanks!
Comments (8)
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Comments (17)Ah, so you do have another space for lounging/TV watching. If you're pretty much sure you'd rather have a TV here too-I'd be satisfied with a (say) credenza or something to host a smaller size TV, which you can surround with some shelving with books, or maybe art..you can bring in plants-a lot of them..lots of interest since some of them grow like crazy and are virtually indestructible..)) and they always look at home-any style, any room you take, you can't go wrong with introducing plants, Remember Clifford Simak's purple flowers? lol you can paint the walls..you can wallpaper them if you're brave..you can put a mural on-there are some amazing ones. there are many many ways to make this room interesting. also don't forget-you look at it now while it's empty. but when you'll actually live there-you'll have furniture, fabrics, books..now it's a blank slate but it won't stay this way. it will be you and your family plus this room. it will be interesting enough without the feature wall. which you still can decide to do-I continue to think these wood planks are way cool..but they might be too overwhelming..and I would think very carefully about how to incorporate them, and whether it's worth investing in. That's personal of course and you might find that yes, you really want it, TV or no TV. Then I'd introduce more of that wood around..maybe wooden frames on art? maybe woven shades in the window? maybe painting the mantle another color so it'll blend more with the walls? And I'd use this plank wall more heavily then if I decide to put it in..it's a big space, and it might be useful and very very cool to have more on it than just the TV. Whatever you decide-it's exciting. Lots of possibilities here. And yes you're right..you don't need to match the wood finishes. You do need to consider how they will look together..in rare instances mixing just doesn't work. Say red mahogany or similar very expensive woods..)) find it hard to incorporate lol. Passed on amazing nightstands several years ago..the most useful amazing high quality nightstands I ever saw(on Craigslist)) but they just didn't blend in, what can I say.. But I don't think that's your case....See MoreFamily room decorating advice
Comments (21)So many wonderful suggestions & visuals--these all look amazing! Celerygirl, are these real items available for purchase? I love everything, even the accessories! I'm including a picture of the family room from another angle. This is from the previous owner but it gives you an idea of how the room is configured, if that's helpful. I, too, have a sofa table and mirror at the back of the room like they did. I'll keep checking and I promise to update as soon as I start making changes within the next two weeks....See MoreIdea for decorating very large statement wall?
Comments (15)You might also consider pressed metal wall art. If you like music, you could focus on that theme: https://www.ebay.com/itm/164052298799 https://www.ebay.com/itm/TrebleClef-Black-Musical-Note-Music-Metal-Wall-Art-Decor/153839029144?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225085%26meid%3Dd4be207d83a54d30b922d5c0faa0c77d%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D153580763612%26itm%3D153839029144%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1 https://www.ebay.com/itm/MUSIC-MUSICAL-SMALL-VERSION-WOOD-HEART-NOTES-TREBLE-CLEF-WALL-ART-DECOR/333137467780?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225085%26meid%3D3bd6740fe0b540afb31fdbe05a838fa1%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D153839029144%26itm%3D333137467780%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851 You could also add wood related items, including an actual guitar or any musical instrument or even music related art made from wood. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sing-Word-With-Treble-Clef-Laser-Cut-Wood-Wall-Art-Decor-Music/333342757798?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225085%26meid%3D5bc81f7047ee44c59138591ae6535dfd%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D333137467780%26itm%3D333342757798%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851 Or add pictures or posters (framed or unframed), even abstract art with that same theme. https://www.bing.com/shop?q=pressed+metal+wall+art+music+&FORM=SHOPPA&originIGUID=A06FB88FF1364E6A9BB53EE23FB0BD95 You could choose the beach or the mountains or race cars or sports or even outer space as your theme. What interests your family?...See MoreHelp! I need advice on Family Room Paint/Fireplace/Wall
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Jilly
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoDitto what dee said. Getting accessories in there will make a huge difference.
As for the walls, I’d just have one narrow picture above the fireplace, or a layered look in front of it. For the wall on the left, a substantial piece of furniture (such as a good-sized console) with a couple of pictures above it, a lamp on it, accessories. Or a tall bookcase, but only if you have any need for shelves.
Just very general ideas:
I used this console, and this mirror, just for mock-up purposes only .... keep in mind the white squares of “art“ here make it look much busier than it’d be in real life with muted art colors, wood frames, etc. Maybe a better photoshopper can put real art ideas up instead of my ugly squares. :D
Gai Llinot thanked Jilly
IdaClaire
4 years agoSorry for the crude mockup, but I'd look at doing something like this ...
I personally like art niches and think they can add depth to a space and help "frame" artwork nicely. I'd add one large, chunky vase or pottery piece in the center of the mantle as well.Gai Llinot thanked IdaClaire
Gai Llinot
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoThank you everyone for your suggestions!
I've considered closing the niche above the fireplace, but that will leave only 6" on the mantle which isn't much space for decor. I agree that it would allow more options for art up above.
I do have a large chest to the left of the fireplace right now. The trouble with that is there is little space for traffic between it and the end of the sectional. If I shift it left, it looks off balance and is facing a direct walking path. And I don't really want to rotate the sectional against the windows although that would improve the narrow traffic problem.
All the above pics were taken after the wood floor was refinished, but before I put any accessories, decor, etc. back up. I wanted to show a "blank slate". (I am working on getting an area rug)
If I stick with everyone's suggestions, my next questions are:
How high up should I try to decorate the fireplace niche? And should I do anything behind the tv? I've had nothing there and it looks blank, and I've put up a very large piece of art and it looks too busy. It seems like there are too many focal points.
Here are some pics that show earlier attempts at decorating. The silver vase with floral is probably close to 48" high. Please ignore the floral behind the tv, that is not normally there.
Pic #1 was right before they moved the furniture out for the flooring, so all my extras were already in storage.
- PRO
Carol Jean
4 years ago
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