Decorating above Television- continuing dilemma

Lou
by Lou
The wall area above our television is blank, too blank. A plain yet attractive wreath was initially hung above the TV but it immediately competed for visual attention. Btw, one idea is limited use of horizontal mounted shiplap in a non-distracting color. We are very weary from dealing with this issue so we sincerely ask for your suggestions and comments.
In the provided photos the television is shown on for cause.
Thank you.


  28 answers
  • Helen Cocuzza Helen Cocuzza on Nov 22, 2017

    what about a slim but wide wrought iron style decorative piece or light wood decorative item theres a lot of ideas at like Home Goods or watching the HGTV design shoes

  • SandyG SandyG on Nov 22, 2017

    Not sure a wreath or a photo would enhance that area. Have you considered a centered, horizontal rectangle vinyl sticker type decor? Or maybe you have a quote that is a favorite. I would not have something that is too long in words and not a busy, complicated frame. Below are sites you can browse to maybe get an idea.


    http://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=quotes

    https://www.pinterest.com/explore/vinyl-wall-quotes/?lp=true

    https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS733US733&biw=1440&bih=782&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=woEVWre9N6TT0gKOwbP4Ag&q=horizontal+wood+plaque++wall+quotes&oq=horizontal+wood+plaque++wall+quotes&gs_l=psy-ab.3...6274.11042.0.11343.13.13.0.0.0.0.204.1545.0j8j2.10.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..3.1.163...0i24k1.0.k75JrUmWrDc#imgrc=bHqB1okLk6P2BM:



  • Marty Phelps Marty Phelps on Nov 22, 2017

    Just a thought but what about mounting the tv so it is higher and more centered vertically, then you can use the space below it as well.


    • Lou Lou on Nov 22, 2017

      Any television should ideally be mounted so the viewers eyes are in line center or as near as possible with the center of the screen. The trend of mounting televisions high came about because of fireplaces. Such is due to fashion rather than function.


      Thanks for your comment.

  • Dianacirce70 Dianacirce70 on Nov 22, 2017

    I like the idea of the decorative metal piece. You can fine really simple ones that will give the space some character.

    • Lou Lou on Nov 22, 2017

      As with our wreath being to eye catching we would need to experiment with the iron art. Nice idea.

  • Mari Arcamo Mari Arcamo on Nov 22, 2017

    You can do your project by using fence board or shiplap monogram.

  • Barbara Chapman Barbara Chapman on Nov 22, 2017

    How about adding pillars around the edges of the television and going all the way to the ceiling, then putting in a beautiful soft pastel image in a beautiful frame. Make the area like a French tremeau mirror ~ the painting is at the top with a mirror below. You'll need extra wood going across at the top and below said painting connecting the two pillars horizontally. Something chunky would take up the space and make the television less of a distraction when it is not in use.


    Check out on Google: "photos of french trumeau mirrors". This should give you an idea of what I'm thinking of. Personally, I'd move the tv onto a stand separately and to another wall/corner. I hate televisions above the fireplace area as they sit too high and are uncomfortable on the eyes (having to look up to watch) and on the neck (same thing, head isn't sitting neutral but always a little up to watch; bad for neck).


    Hope that helps!

    xoxo Barb :)

    www.frenchethereal.net


    P.S. Here's a mirror I tremeau mirror I found at High Point Market this fall and I love it for its size. If you are interested, I can order it. Check thrift stores, antique shops, flea markets and good shops for similar. Sorry the pic is blurry. Wasn't one of my best... Lol!



    • See 1 previous
    • Barbara Chapman Barbara Chapman on Nov 25, 2017

      Maybe check out some of Charles Faudree's books and see what he may have done over his fireplace areas. Hope you find something to help with your decorating idea soon!


      Barb :)

  • Lou Lou on Nov 22, 2017

    I hope to post photos giving a broader perspective of the room and adjoin area. Thank you all.

  • Vicki George Vicki George on Nov 24, 2017

    What about painting the wall a darker,contrasting color? Right now the wall melts in with everything else. Or the ship-lap idea would work as well. I think anything above the television would be distracting or too high.

    • B. Enne B. Enne on Nov 26, 2017

      That was exactly what I was going to suggest, and it is an easy fix.

  • Sherry Krage Sherry Krage on Nov 24, 2017

    I have a large clock above mine

  • Traci Traci on Nov 24, 2017

    Using moulding on your tv wall, you could replocate the shape of the windows creating a subtle frame for the tv. Placing anything above the tv will detract from the windows and make the center wall too busy.


    Whatever you you choose to do, I am sure it will be classy.

    • See 2 previous
    • Traci Traci on Nov 25, 2017

      Good question. I am referring to the moulding outlines (top, sides, and bottom), and keep them white Do not add the panes, the simplicity keeps the wall from becoming a distraction.

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 24, 2017

    I would put the tv on the wall. Just center it you really don't need anything distracting from that.

    • Lou Lou on Nov 24, 2017

      That is not an option. Thanks for replying Mogie5757.

  • Barb Barb on Nov 24, 2017

    Pant hat section of wall the most dominant color in your sofas and add a spiky mirror

  • Castrang17 Castrang17 on Nov 25, 2017

    I see a mental distraction in the ceiling fan pull string, if it Is between you and the TV, paint it the same color as the wall. Center a rod iron scroll or a bamboo basket or mat, painted or spray painted the same as the wall color behind the TV. The wall needs a raised or textured item, neutral and plain. Your home appears welcoming and comfy.

  • SmallestSparrow SmallestSparrow on Nov 25, 2017

    i agree with Traci (I think). Use molding and paint to essentially enlarge the crown molding on the TV wall, to about the same degree as the top of window casings (maybe a bit more). I think it will decrease the look of ‘blank space’ above the TV. I think what is slighrly throwing off the balance is, as others said, the TV space is the same color as the other wall but appears to jut out from that wall (ductwork or fireplace?), and the flanking windows contrast while the media console almost blends. The current thin crown molding looks too thin on that wall (in my opinion).

    • SmallestSparrow SmallestSparrow on Nov 25, 2017

      I would just make the crown molding more substantial (but with clean lines) on the space where the wreath was, not the rest of the room (can’t due to windows) and not “frame” the entire TV space with molding. You have a beautifully simple space, no point in adding too many frills.

  • Traci Traci on Nov 25, 2017

    Lou, so many good ideas. Please share photos of the finished space. I would love to see what you decide to do.


  • Lou Lou on Nov 25, 2017

    We tested doing that when we closed up the fireplace. Looked okay but chopped up the wall. Our minds are still open. Thank you. Oh, no mirror. I talked my wife into taking down a very, very expensive mirror and she has not nor will forgive me. I think it is one of those "hell will freeze over before a mirror goes back there" things". Married 38 years and I'm still alive.

  • Barb Barb on Nov 25, 2017

    You will make the perfect statement in that room with your white trim wood work, I say it’s only paint and 1/2 gal will do it💡

  • Christian Dufrene Christian Dufrene on Nov 25, 2017

    Have you thought of putting up a panoramic photo? Or a trio of smaller ones. Floating frames (either modern or traditional) with black and white photos (or sepia tones, even...) wouldn’t be very “substantial” and distracting. Personally, I like seeing family photos displayed in unexpected places :)

  • Christy Christy on Nov 26, 2017

    I would suggest painting the wall directly behind the television an accent color and hanging something such the attached screenshot

  • Lou Lou on Nov 26, 2017

    Here is an idea I came up with about an hour ago. It is an extension of the media cabinet. It's only purpose is to expand the cabinets scope. Gives a more substantial look. Fyi, the only differences in the two designs are the height of the top of the back panel.


    What is your opinion?


  • Grg31869208 Grg31869208 on Nov 26, 2017

    It looks too rough for wallpaper but if you paint an accent color and then stencil in a bit of a lighter color across the top that might be what you are looking for. The stencil depends on your tastes and decor style.

  • Jacquie Trundy Jacquie Trundy on Nov 26, 2017

    I had the same problem. I found a large beautiful clock and put that up over the TV.

    • Lou Lou on Nov 26, 2017

      It did not compete with the tv for visual attention? What size clock?

  • Joy Joy on Nov 26, 2017

    I hung a shelf that is the same length as the tv. i am going to try to take a picture for you to see. (I haven't mastered technology lol)

    • Lou Lou on Nov 29, 2017

      Before ordering the framed botanicals we considered a two staggered shelves.

  • Lou Lou on Nov 28, 2017

    We are going to hang four 10"x10" framed same themed simple prints 8" above the television. Time will tell.

  • Lou Lou on Dec 14, 2017

    My wife now wants to paint the extruding wall (old fireplace wall) a shade of medium blue found on our couch. Should I start a new question for that specific topic or continue here? Btw, I'm going to SW to get swatches to match with the pillow tomorrow.


    Thanks,

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 14, 2017

    Wallpaper this wall with a contrast paper

    • Lou Lou on Dec 14, 2017

      This original fireplace wall has a stucco surface so wallpaper is not an option. Thanks for replying

  • Naisy.daisy69 Naisy.daisy69 on Dec 14, 2017

    wooden shelf or add a picture. turn a small shoe cubby sideways to fit the space.

  • Lou Lou on Dec 18, 2017

    Illness is delaying work.