Raleigh, NC on Aug 24, 2011

Need help w/blank wall over sofa.

We are almost finished putting the house back together after our renovation. Awaiting chairs and refinished tables for our den. I have a blank wall over the sofa that I usually hang a tapestry over. I am thinking of doing a wall of family pics but am not sure how this will work with the "traditional" decor and shelving directly across. Should I just stick w/tapestry, try the pics or any other suggestions for this large wall? If I use the pics, should I do white frames or oil rubbed bronze to match fan & hardware? Any helpful ideas on an easy way to configure?

26 Comments Displaying 25 of 26 comments | See Previous

Rebecca C Saint Joseph, MI

Nice room, but I would change the window treatment here - the valance kind of crowds the window giving it a shrinking feeling or closing in feeling to the size of the window frame. I would leave your window just with the large slat blinds on them and nothing else which also brings more light into the room. Just my take on it.

on Aug 24, 2011 · Like 0
Stacey B Florence, KY

I LOVE this gallery wall by House of Smith's. I plan to do this on my stairway. But first I will need to take color-coordinated pictures. http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2011/05/gall...

on Aug 24, 2011 · Like 2
Donna Raleigh, NC

@Yamini..I was leaning in that direction. @Stacey thanks for the link...I love this wall too. Will most likely convert my photos to B&W for consistancy

on Aug 24, 2011 · Like 0
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

I'm thinking and older beveled edge mirror surrounded by same type framed family pix! The one shot from the side showing couch and window screams "showplace" and would make the room seem even larger and more inviting to indoors/out! Let us see what you do! JL

on Aug 24, 2011 · Like 1
Rebecca C Saint Joseph, MI

A mural might look nice or a large scenic oil painting the length of the couch or some pictures, same size frames, same color of frames straight across the middle of the wall all in line with each other or photos and scounces.

on Aug 25, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

We went with a more modern design that matches our new black leather couch...some abstract art from Destiny Womak. http://www.destinywomack.com/
Your home is looking for something in the more classical vein.
http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Castle-at-Twil...
on Aug 25, 2011 · Like 0
NETTE R Virginia Beach, VA

i would try the letter scroll, adding pictures within, yiu have great things

on Aug 25, 2011 · Like 0
Donna Raleigh, NC

@Auntwanette, what is the letter scroll?

on Aug 25, 2011 · Like 0
Judy S Oshkosh, WI

Do a web search for "wall words". That would look super with your framed photos!

on Aug 25, 2011 · Like 0
NETTE R Virginia Beach, VA

Quotes about life that either inspire or tell a story. Word art for walls

on Aug 25, 2011 · Like 2
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

Man! What a crib Kev! Life is good in them thar hills!

on Aug 25, 2011 · Like 0
Haddy T San Jose, CA

I would suggest a series of different size and shape mirrors or Photo Frames spray in an oil bronze or warm gold (not shiny). If you do the photo frames make sure you matte the pictures and have them all printed in black and white or sepia. Also remember that whenever you do hang anything on the wall it needs to be the right scale. So if you do a series of frames make sure they are hung close together to each other (about 2-3 inches apart) and enough of them that it will create the right ...»
overall scale for that room. Lastly if you choose to do the photos, I would change the picture over the fireplace to a framed mirror larger then that painting. It will reflect the photos so you can also enjoy them as you sit on your sofa.

on Aug 26, 2011 · Like 2
Spiffed-up Spaces Fuquay Varina, NC

Donna,
I agree with the comment about the window curtain in here. It's a bit dark and makes the window feel quite short.
As for the space over the sofa, I'm not sure I would do a family gallery wall there. I think it might get a bit too busy in that space. Also, when guests are trying to look at the photos (which ...»
they will do as we all LOVE to look at people's photos), they will have to, in essence, lean over the sofa to see them.
I think Haddy's ideas are a great option. Another choice would be to do a combination of artwork and floating shelves. I noticed that you had a few collections on your built-in shelves. Chose one and use that as your inspiration for the wall and build in related artwork around it. Then, add a small collection of framed family photos on one of the base shelves of the built-in. Does this make sense?
If you LOVE your tapestry, think of ways you might be able to reuse it...maybe flank it with beautiful candle sconces, etc. or move it into a different space in your home.Since I don't know the size, pattern, colors of it, etc., it's a bit difficult to say for sure.
Hope this is helpful. Let me know if I can be of any further help to you. :)

on Aug 26, 2011 · Like 0
Rebecca C Saint Joseph, MI

You could take a long rectangular painting or framed print that is only about 12-14 inches wide above your couch. and center it above your couch. But like what is said above if it is family photo's it would make it awkward for people to look at them because they would have to lean on your couch to do so to look up to see them up close, and the prupose of putting somethng up is so that a person can see it visually without bending their height. In most art galleries and museums, a lot of ...»
the paintings are at eye level, without having to bend over or sit on something to see it. You don't want to make it awkward for someone to look at it. What about actually painting a mural on the wall and then taking a nice frame and placing the frame around the mural? Also you don't want to stretch a cord to your lamp by the window. You don't need two lamps there. I would take the table right out of the room and use the tall lamp at the end of the couch not the short little one you have in the photo. Kind of looks tacky and it isn't balanced right with the size of the couch either.

on Aug 26, 2011 · Like 0
Garden Rebel / Sims Lands... Orlando, FL

Yes a fancy mirror and dont let anyone talk you into a moose head! Lol

on Aug 27, 2011 · Like 1
Donna Raleigh, NC

@Garden Rebel, Thanks, I'm thinking of doing a small grouping of mirrors now..see photo. @Rebecca, thanks for the input...you have some great ideas. My main concern is the wall...the other photos are so that everyone can see my general decor. The room is not finished as we are awaiting delivery of my tables out for refinishing and we have ordered 2 repacement chairs one which will go in the area of the window, so that end of the room is not finished and is why it looks "unbalanced".
on Aug 29, 2011 · Like 0
Garden Rebel / Sims Lands... Orlando, FL

im really into the larger mirror, it seems totally unique and has the wow factor ,I think with the big mirror it will be a forever piece and family heirloom. we have large ornate mirrors and with their beautiful frames i think of them more as art pieces.

on Aug 29, 2011 · Like 0
Culpepper Carpets and Int... Atlanta, GA

Donna , the room has a lot of shelves & accessories. Too much causes tension, I suggest a large oil painting or 2 companion pictures that are vertical or even the tapestry. You need it simple & the right size over the couch.

on Aug 29, 2011 · Like 3
Preeti M Santa Clara, CA

I agree with Lee Ann. There is already lot of action going on in the room. This room has to match with the rest of your creative work you have done in the past upgrading your kitchen, dinning and back yard. I am really looking forward to the final outcome Donna. Good luck!

on Aug 29, 2011 · Like 0
Diana H Wake Forest, NC

A beautiful round entwined mirror over the sofa....or a scroll work in wrought Iron perhaps? I love the sofa...where did you find in Raleigh??

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 0
Donna Raleigh, NC

OK....here is what I ended up with....the photos do not actually do it justice. I painted each frame dark brown and highlighted w/bronze patina and it looks great. Would have loved to add the wall words and eliminate the drapes but hubby nixed that and I have learned to pick my battles since I got everything I wanted everywhere else...LOL. Thanks guys for all the input.
on Jan 30, 2012 · Like 0
Donna Raleigh, NC

Note my 2 yr old grandaughter's artwork in front of the window...my Christma gift.

on Jan 30, 2012 · Like 0
Diana H Wake Forest, NC

Beautifully balanced now where did you purchase the sofa? I love the pattern and fabric!

on Jan 30, 2012 · Like 0
Donna Raleigh, NC

@Diana, the sofa is about 6 yrs old and is Thomasville's Dolce Vita.. I really wanted to cover my old chairs and get a smaller sofa but hubby selected the larger chairs (which I think are too big for the room) to go w/sofa. Thanks for the compliments...now if I can get the left over granite installed in the powder & laundry rooms I'll be done.

on Jan 31, 2012 · Like 0
Diana H Wake Forest, NC

Thank you so much,,,the sofa has held up well..I'm in the market for one and yours looked new! Your home is gorgeous! Now you need to have a small dinner party to show it all off !... Enjoy !

on Feb 01, 2012 · Like 0

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