20+ Stunning Decor Ideas Above TV to Elevate Your Living Space

You know that big blank space above the TV? Yeah, the one that just sits there… judging you. Empty. Uninspired. It’s like the decor void no one wants to deal with. But what if that space could actually wow?

Let’s change that. Let’s make it shine.

Here’s the thing—your TV wall doesn’t have to be boring. It can feel like the most deliberate, thought-through spot in the entire room. No, really. Whether you’re in a tight city apartment or sprawling in suburbia, that slice of wall above your TV is prime real estate. You just need the right ideas to make it sing.

1. Oversized Art (Not Your Grandma’s Watercolor)

Big, bold, unapologetic art.

Think something that makes people stop mid-sentence. A piece that almost says, “Yes, I am the focal point now, thanks.”

The trick is to avoid art that’s too “try-hard” or too safe. An abstract with some chaos. Or a modern piece with colors that bounce off your sofa pillows—just enough to make it seem like you’re effortlessly stylish, even if you spent 6 hours scrolling Etsy to find it.

Also… you don’t have to hang it. Let it lean. Let it chill. Let it breathe. That casual lean on a floating shelf? Weirdly powerful.

2. Floating Shelves with Stuff That’s Not Junk

People slap up floating shelves like they’re fixing the problem. But then they throw random things on there and call it a day. Nope.

You want intention here. A mini jungle of trailing plants, a stack of old books (the weirder the better), a ceramic duck maybe—why not? This isn’t about perfection. It’s about texture. Layers. Vibes.

And, listen, mix heights. Stagger things. Add a frame with a photo that almost looks accidental, but really… you measured that thing three times.

3. Gallery Wall (But Make It Odd)

Everyone loves a gallery wall, right? But the key is in the oddness. Symmetry is nice, sure. But a slightly chaotic layout? Way cooler.

Grab five or seven frames (odd numbers win here), mix sizes, throw in a print, a sketch, a black-and-white photo of someone who may or may not be your great aunt. Add a shadow box with a dried flower or a weird little artifact from a flea market.

Put them just off-center enough that someone tilts their head and goes, “Huh. I kinda love that.”

4. Wood Paneling or Slat Wall (The Sexy Backdrop)

Ever seen those fancy Pinterest TV setups with the wood slats going vertical behind the TV? Yeah. That.

It’s like wrapping your TV in a warm hug made of modern design. Dark walnut? Smooth oak? Painted black slats? All of them slap.

Bonus: it hides cords. You know, the Medusa’s nest of tangled wires you swore you’d deal with two Christmases ago.

It adds depth and feels expensive—even if you DIY’d it with $80 worth of wood and some stubborn nails.

5. Sculptural Wall Sconce Lights

Lighting isn’t just for ceilings and side tables.

A pair of sculptural sconces flanking the TV? Deadly good. Especially if they dim. Mood lighting with a side of sophistication. Like wearing a blazer over your pajamas—suddenly, you look like you have your life together.

Brass, matte black, weird frosted glass blobs—there’s no wrong here. The TV suddenly feels like part of an art exhibit. “And here, ladies and gents, we have the season finale of ‘Succession.'”

6. Plants. Plants!

Green is always good. It makes you feel like your air is 10% cleaner just by looking at it.

But don’t just throw a pot on a shelf and walk away. Go for height. A tall snake plant or fiddle-leaf fig in a corner that stretches up above the TV. Or hang some pothos in a planter that droops juuuust enough to brush the top edge.

It’s like your TV is living in a greenhouse. And honestly? That’s the aesthetic we all need after a long day of doom-scrolling.

7. Mounted Cabinetry (Storage That Doesn’t Suck)

Alright, this one’s for the practical folks.

Custom cabinetry above the TV can look sleek—if it’s done right. Think flush mount, no handles, floating. Clean lines. Nothing bulky. It should feel like it’s meant to be there, not like you just squeezed a kitchen cabinet into your living room.

Hide your clutter. Hide your sins. Hide the stack of remotes you swear you’ll sort one day.

And you can paint it to match your wall, or go bold. Navy blue cabinets above a black TV? Dramatic. Cinematic. Honestly kinda hot.

8. Wall Mural or Bold Wallpaper (Risky… but Worth It)

Here’s the deal: If you’re brave, this one pays off.

A mural, even a peel-and-stick wallpaper, adds drama without needing ten different pieces. It makes the TV blend in, which is a bonus if you hate how it looks like a big black rectangle when it’s off.

Go tropical, go moody forest, go geometric madness. Go big or go beige. And please don’t go beige.

Pair with minimalist decor and boom—your living room feels like a curated boutique hotel lobby. In Copenhagen. That serves overpriced espresso. Yes, please.

9. Neon Sign or Quirky Typography

This one? Not for the faint-hearted.

A neon sign that says “binge-worthy” or “let’s stay in” right above your TV is playful in a not-trying-too-hard way. Or maybe just a chunky wood sign with a hand-painted quote. Preferably not “Live, Laugh, Love” unless you’re doing it ironically, in which case… full send.

It’s cheeky. It’s personality. And it’s a conversation starter—especially if you have something unexpected like “Please don’t judge my watch history.”

10. A Mirror (But Not Just Any Mirror)

Mirrors above a TV can be tricky. Too big and you get a weird reflection of the couch. Too small and it looks like you just ran out of ideas.

Here’s the move: a mirror with a frame that makes a statement. Arched. Vintage gold. Carved wood. Or a mosaic that makes your wall look like it’s been kissed by the sun.

Also great if you want the space to feel bigger. Mirrors bounce light, which is basically free design magic. Plus, you can check your snack face mid-movie without anyone noticing.

11. Ceiling-Mounted Hanging Art or Installations

Yes, from the ceiling. Not the wall.

This idea hits different. Imagine a lightweight hanging sculpture or minimalist mobile that gently floats above your TV. Subtle movement, soft shadows—it’s hypnotic. And nobody expects it.

You just gave your TV a ceiling-side crown. And suddenly, people are asking you where you bought it. You didn’t. You made it. You crafty genius.

12. Tapestries or Textiles

This one? Cozy. Unexpected. Textured.

Drape a woven wall hanging or a vintage kilim rug up above your TV. Or go wild with a massive piece of fabric art pinned just high enough to balance the techiness below.

It’s soft. Warm. Like giving your cold, rectangular TV some actual soul. Bonus: helps with sound dampening, if you’re into that.

13. Shadow Boxes with Personal Mementos

Okay, imagine this: above your TV, a few deep shadow boxes, each telling a mini story.

Your kid’s first sneakers. A concert wristband. A Polaroid from a night that still feels like a dream. All displayed like artifacts in a tiny personal museum.

Way better than stock photos and IKEA prints. People feel something when they look up there. Nostalgia. Curiosity. Awws.

14. Vintage Clocks (Yes, Plural)

One clock? Predictable. But three vintage clocks in a row? Suddenly very chic.

Pick pieces with character—old brass ones, a faded train station style, a mid-century wall tick-tock that doesn’t even work anymore (but looks fire).

Bonus: set each clock to a different timezone. Yours. Your favorite city. Your dream destination. It’s giving jetsetter without the jet lag.

15. Custom Letterboards or Pegboards

This is for the folks who can’t stop changing things up.

A big ol’ letterboard lets you spell out quotes, jokes, or just random chaos whenever the mood strikes. “No snacks, no Netflix” on Monday, “Eat. Watch. Nap. Repeat.” on Sunday.

Or try a pegboard with little hanging accessories—tiny shelves, hooks, frames. Rearrange it every month and feel like you just got new decor without spending a cent.

16. Mini Architectural Archway or Frame

You ever think about building a fake arch around your TV?

Well now you will.

Install a soft, curved frame or mini architectural detail just above and around the top edge of the TV. It’s theatrical. A little vintage. Kinda like your TV is sitting on a teeny stage, ready to perform.

Paint it the same color as your wall for a subtle “wait… is that built in?” effect.

17. Painted Accent Shape or Mural

You don’t need objects when you’ve got paint.

Try this: paint a big block or circle of color above your TV. Or go abstract—swoops, curves, even a weird mountain range silhouette.

It frames the screen without needing nails, shelves, or dusting. Just some tape, a paintbrush, and a playlist to blast while you pretend you’re an artist in Berlin.

18. Horizontal Stack of Vinyl Records (Framed or Raw)

You got taste in music? Prove it.

Mount a row of record sleeves above the TV. The album art brings color, culture, and a touch of rebellion.

Switch them out seasonally, or arrange them by vibe—moody fall jazz above the Halloween marathon, bright disco energy for your summer streaming benders.

Just make sure they’re not your rare copies. Sunlight is a ruthless beast.

19. Custom-Made Chalkboard or Whiteboard

This one’s kinda fun and practical. A framed chalkboard right above your TV where you can write things like:

• “Movie night at 8 🍿”
• “Turn off autoplay!!”
• “Reminder: we do have lives outside of this screen.”

Or go all in with silly doodles, rotating quotes, or even a scorecard for who keeps pausing during movies. (Looking at you, Steve.)

20. Wall-Mounted Terrariums or Glass Domes

Want to get weird and wonderful? Go green-glass-future-fantasy.

Mount small, clear terrariums filled with moss, pebbles, and tiny plants right above your TV. Some look like they belong on a spaceship. Others feel like they were stolen from an elf’s forest cottage.

It’s part nature, part art, part “what is that cool thing?” without being heavy or typical.

Conclusion

And there it is. Ten ways to flip that sad blank space into something kinda magical.

But here’s the secret no one tells you: it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to feel like you. A little messy. A little curated. A little brave.

Your TV might still be the center of the room—but now, it’s got competition. Real stylish competition. With a side of plants. Maybe even a ceramic duck.

So yeah. Go elevate that space. You’ve got this.

Want a few photo examples to spark ideas?

FAQs

What is the best way to decorate above a TV without making it look cluttered?

Choose one or two bold decor elements with clean lines to keep the look intentional and balanced.

Can I hang art above my TV without drilling into the wall?

Yes, use leaning frames on shelves, adhesive hooks, or picture ledges for a no-drill option.

How high should decor be placed above a TV?

Ideally, 6–12 inches above the TV for balance and visual connection.

Is it okay to place plants above the TV?

Absolutely—just make sure they’re not too heavy or at risk of falling onto the screen.

Can I use wallpaper behind or above the TV for a dramatic effect?

Yes, bold wallpaper or murals add depth and turn your TV wall into a focal point.

What colors work best for decorating above a TV?

Neutral tones with pops of contrast or accents that tie into your room’s palette work best.

Should the decor above the TV match the rest of the room?

It should complement, not necessarily match—aim for a cohesive vibe, not identical styles.

How do I create symmetry with decor above the TV?

Use matching sconces, framed art, or shelves equally spaced on either side or above.

Is it okay to decorate with asymmetry above a TV?

Yes, asymmetry can feel dynamic and artistic—just keep it balanced in scale and spacing.

What’s a unique decor idea above the TV that few people use?

Ceiling-mounted art or wall-mounted terrariums are unusual and super eye-catching.