20 Decor Ideas Above TV for a Stylish Look

The wall space above your TV presents a unique decorating challenge—you need something that enhances your viewing experience without being distracting, complements your entertainment setup without competing for attention, and creates visual balance in what’s often the room’s main focal point.

The right decor above your television can transform your entertainment wall from a basic black rectangle into a thoughtfully designed feature that elevates your entire living space.

Most living rooms leave the area above the TV completely bare, creating an unfinished look that makes the television feel disconnected from the rest of the room’s design. Others make the mistake of hanging artwork too high or choosing pieces that clash with the screen when it’s in use.

Smart above-TV decor creates harmony between technology and design, making your entertainment wall feel intentional and beautifully integrated. From floating shelves to statement lighting, these ideas will help you create the perfect finishing touch above your television.

Floating Shelves with Curated Objects

Why try this? Floating shelves add horizontal lines that balance the TV’s rectangular shape while providing display space for personal collections.

Implementation: Install 2-3 floating shelves at varying heights above your TV, leaving adequate clearance for wall-mounted sets. Style with books, plants, decorative objects, and framed photos. Keep items low-profile to avoid overwhelming the television below.

Who benefits: Those wanting functional storage with style and anyone preferring flexible displays that can change seasonally or as collections grow.

Pro tip: Use LED strip lighting underneath shelves to create ambient backlighting that reduces eye strain during TV viewing.

Gallery Wall of Coordinated Artwork

Create sophisticated visual interest with carefully curated artwork that enhances rather than competes with your television.

Implementation: Choose artwork in similar color palettes or themes, keeping pieces smaller than your TV width. Arrange in symmetrical or asymmetrical groupings, maintaining 6-8 inches of space above the television. Select calming rather than busy patterns to avoid distraction.

Best for: Art lovers wanting to personalize their entertainment area and those with extensive artwork collections seeking display opportunities.

Con: Gallery walls require careful planning and multiple nail holes—use paper templates to perfect arrangements before committing.

Large Statement Mirror

Why try this? Mirrors reflect light and make rooms feel larger while adding elegant sophistication above entertainment centers.

Steps: Choose mirrors slightly narrower than your TV width to maintain proper proportions. Consider sunburst designs, geometric shapes, or vintage-inspired frames that complement your room’s style. Position 8-10 inches above the television for visual connection.

Why it works: Reflects natural light from windows while creating a glamorous focal point that works whether TV is on or off.

Pro tip: Angle mirrors slightly downward to reflect interesting room elements rather than ceiling fixtures or blank walls.

Built-In or Faux Built-In Shelving

Transform your TV wall into a custom entertainment center with floor-to-ceiling shelving that looks professionally designed.

How to: Install shelving units on either side of your TV or create full wall built-in appearance with bookcases. Paint the same color as walls for seamless integration. Style with books, decorative objects, and concealed storage for media equipment.

Why it matters: Creates architectural interest while providing abundant storage and making any TV installation look intentional and expensive.

Styling tip: Balance shelf styling by mixing books, decorative objects, and empty space to avoid cluttered appearance.

Recessed Wall Niche Display

Install architectural detail with recessed displays that add depth and sophistication without protruding into room space.

Implementation: Create shallow recessed niches in drywall above TV for displaying art objects, small sculptures, or collections. Add LED backlighting for dramatic effect. Ensure adequate structural support and professional installation.

Who benefits: Those wanting architectural character and anyone preferring sleek, modern display options that don’t add visual bulk.

Downside: Requires wall modifications and professional installation—best planned during construction or major renovations.

Decorative Wall Molding or Panels

Create instant architectural interest with decorative molding, wainscoting, or geometric panel designs that frame your television beautifully.

Steps: Install board and batten, picture frame molding, or modern geometric panels around and above your TV. Paint in contrasting colors for drama or matching colors for subtle texture. Extend design to ceiling for maximum impact.

Best for: Those wanting permanent architectural enhancement and anyone preferring classic, traditional design elements.

Pro tip: Use molding to create a “frame” around the TV that makes the flat screen look more like artwork when not in use.

Hanging Plants or Living Wall

Why try this? Plants add natural life and color while softening the hard edges of electronic equipment.

How-to: Install ceiling hooks for hanging planters or create vertical garden systems on the wall above your TV. Choose low-maintenance plants like pothos, philodendrons, or air plants that thrive in indoor lighting conditions.

Why it’s helpful: Improves air quality while adding natural elements that make entertainment areas feel more living room than media room.

Con: Requires adequate natural light and consistent watering—consider artificial plants if maintenance is a concern.

Statement Lighting Fixture

Wall-mount dramatic lighting that serves as functional illumination and decorative art piece above your entertainment center.

How to: Choose sconces, pendant lights, or artistic light fixtures that complement your room’s style. Install on dimmer switches for ambient lighting during TV viewing. Consider uplighting that washes the wall with soft illumination.

Why it’s great: Provides ambient lighting that reduces screen glare while creating beautiful focal point that works day and night.

Drawback: Requires electrical work for hardwired fixtures—consider plug-in options for easier installation.

Textile Art or Fabric Wall Hanging

Add softness and texture with large fabric pieces, tapestries, or textile art that balance hard surfaces in entertainment areas.

Benefits: Softens acoustics in rooms with hard surfaces while adding warmth and color. Provides opportunity to introduce patterns and textures that complement furniture fabrics. Creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Steps: Choose large-scale textile pieces that coordinate with existing decor. Mount securely to prevent sagging. Consider seasonal changes for fresh looks throughout the year.

Best for: Those wanting to add warmth and softness to modern or minimalist spaces with lots of hard surfaces.

Pro tip: Choose textiles with subtle patterns that won’t compete with moving images on the television screen.

Symmetrical Sconce Lighting

Create balanced, hotel-inspired elegance with matching wall sconces positioned symmetrically above your television.

How to: Install matching sconces equidistant from TV center, providing both ambient lighting and visual symmetry. Choose designs that complement your room’s hardware and fixture finishes. Use warm bulbs for a cozy atmosphere.

Who it’s for: Those preferring classic, balanced design approaches and anyone wanting sophisticated lighting that enhances TV viewing.

Con: Requires careful measuring and electrical work—professional installation recommended for perfectly symmetrical results.

Wooden Accent Wall or Shiplap

Install textural wood elements that add warmth and natural beauty while creating stunning backdrops for modern televisions.

Implementation: Install horizontal shiplap, vertical wood planks, or reclaimed wood accent walls behind and above your TV. Choose wood tones that complement existing furniture finishes. Add LED backlighting for extra drama.

Why it matters: Creates warm, natural texture that softens high-tech entertainment equipment while adding architectural interest and character.

Downside: Wood installation requires carpentry skills and proper preparation—consider peel-and-stick wood-look alternatives for easier installation.

Minimalist Single Artwork

Make a bold statement with one perfectly chosen piece that creates a focal point without overwhelming your television.

Steps: Choose artwork 2/3 the width of your TV in coordinating colors or neutral tones. Select pieces with calming rather than busy compositions. Position 8-10 inches above television for proper visual connection.

Best for: Those preferring clean, uncluttered aesthetics and anyone wanting maximum impact with minimal effort and commitment.

Styling tip: Choose horizontal orientations that echo TV shape or vertical pieces that add height to low entertainment centers.

Decorative Mirrors Collection

Create a glamorous display with multiple mirrors in varying sizes and shapes that reflect light and add sparkle.

How-to: Group mirrors of different sizes and shapes—mix round, rectangular, and geometric forms. Maintain consistent finish colors like all gold, all silver, or mixed metallics. Arrange asymmetrically for modern appeal.

Why it works: Reflects light throughout room while creating interesting visual texture that catches and moves light beautifully.

Pro tip: Include at least one larger mirror to anchor the collection and prevent busy, scattered appearance.

Seasonal or Changeable Display

Create a flexible decoration system that allows easy updates for holidays, seasons, or changing personal preferences.

Implementation: Install picture ledges, magnetic systems, or clip rails that accommodate rotating displays. Change artwork seasonally, showcase family photos, or feature children’s artwork that can be easily updated.

Who benefits: Those who enjoy frequent decorating changes and families wanting to display rotating collections or seasonal decor.

Con: Requires commitment to regular updates—may look unfinished if forgotten or neglected between changes.

Architectural Corbels or Brackets

Add traditional charm with decorative brackets that provide both visual interest and functional support for shelving.

Steps: Install decorative wood or metal corbels above TV to support floating shelves or simply as architectural detail. Choose styles that complement your room’s design—ornate for traditional spaces, clean-lined for modern rooms.

Who it’s for: Those appreciating traditional architectural details and anyone wanting to add period character to plain walls.

Pro tip: Paint corbels the same color as walls for subtle texture or contrasting colors for dramatic architectural statements.

Neon or LED Sign Art

Install contemporary edges with custom lighting that adds personality and ambient illumination above your entertainment center.

Implementation: Choose custom phrases, family names, or artistic designs in fonts and colors that complement your decor. Install dimmer controls for adjustable brightness during TV viewing. Consider battery-powered options for easier installation.

Best for: Those wanting modern, personalized touches and anyone appreciating contemporary art that doubles as functional lighting.

Con: Can feel trendy or temporary—choose sophisticated designs and fonts that won’t feel dated quickly.

Vintage Plate or Ceramic Display

Create collected, personal displays with vintage plates, ceramics, or cultural artifacts arranged as wall art.

How-to: Mount vintage plates, ceramic pieces, or inherited collections using proper plate hangers and wall anchors. Arrange in pleasing compositions mixing sizes and patterns while maintaining cohesive color stories.

Why it works: Adds personal history and cultural interest while creating unique displays that reflect individual taste and family heritage.

Styling tip: Include some pieces with similar colors or patterns to unify diverse collections and prevent scattered appearance.

Geometric Wall Sculptures

Make three-dimensional statements with modern metal or wood sculptures that add architectural interest and contemporary style.

Implementation: Choose geometric metal artwork, wood sculptures, or modern wall reliefs that complement your room’s design aesthetic. Consider pieces with interesting shadows or light interaction for dynamic visual effects.

Who benefits: Those drawn to contemporary or modern design styles and anyone wanting dramatic, sculptural elements above entertainment areas.

Con: Three-dimensional pieces can collect dust and may interfere with wall-mounted TV installation—plan placement carefully.

Rope or Natural Fiber Art

Add organic texture with rope art, woven pieces, or natural fiber installations that bring warmth to high-tech entertainment areas.

Steps: Choose or create rope art, macrame pieces, or woven installations in neutral colors that complement your decor. Mount securely and consider scale carefully to avoid overwhelming television below.

Best for: Those appreciating handmade, artisanal elements and anyone wanting to add natural textures to modern spaces.

Pro tip: Choose pieces with interesting texture but minimal busy patterns that won’t compete with television images.

Custom Built-In Media Console Extension

Create seamless, custom appearance by extending built-in media console design up the wall above your television.

Implementation: Design built-in cabinetry that incorporates TV mounting while extending storage and display opportunities above and around the screen. Include concealed lighting, wire management, and coordinated finishes.

Best for: Those wanting fully integrated, custom entertainment centers and anyone planning major room renovations with professional installation.

Con: Most expensive and permanent option—requires significant planning, professional installation, and long-term commitment to layout.

The key to successful above-TV decor lies in creating visual balance that enhances rather than competes with your television viewing experience. Great above-TV decoration should feel purposeful and proportional, making your entertainment wall look finished and thoughtfully designed whether the screen is on or off.

Remember that the area above your TV is often viewed from multiple seating positions, so choose decor that looks good from various angles and distances. Consider lighting conditions both during day and evening TV viewing, and select pieces that maintain their appeal in different lighting situations. Your above-TV decor should complement your entertainment experience while reflecting your personal style and making your living space feel complete and professionally designed.