Ideas for Designing Behind the Living Room Sofa

Take a page out of Kathe Baker's design book and install built-in bookcases to the wall behind your living room sofa. Ebony, floor-to-ceiling bookcases make for a moody and extravagant sofa backdrop in this traditional lounge. The cognac leather upholstery shines against the inky casing, sconces provide ambience overhead and a handsome book collection infuses the space with rich color and layered textured throughout.

Molding is used to create a large geometric pattern on the walls behind the velvet sofa in this luxurious family room. Millwork is an elegant way to add subtle, visual interest to the space without overpowering your furnishings.

Accentuate your sofa’s silhouette and upholstery with a bold, contrasting backdrop. Designer Wendy Labrum draws all eyes to this crisp white sofa by coating the surrounding walls with a rich, olive lacquered paint. Labrum continues the earthy green hue in the drapery panel and cornice for a monochromatic, yet dimensional, backdrop to the design.

Skip oversized art and take notes from designer Crystal Sinclair when styling the empty wall behind your sofa. Showcase a collection of unexpected, textural items such as woven baskets, wooden shoes or, in this case, antique cutting boards. We love this technique because it’s easy on the wallet and it results in a space that feels custom and sentimental.