Stunning Wall Art Decor Ideas for Above the Sofa
Need Some Gorgeous Wall Decor for Above the Sofa?
When it comes to decorating over the sofa, finding the right piece of art is essential to transforming a blank space into a stunning focal point. Whether you're going for a serene coastal vibe or adding a personal touch to your living space, choosing the perfect art piece and pairing it with complementary paint colors can instantly elevate your room. A large piece of art, like Boardwalk to Shore, is a great way to anchor an accent wall and create a bold, modern style statement.
One of my favorite art pieces for this type of transformation is Boardwalk to Shore. It captures the tranquility of a peaceful beach scene, blending the calmness of the coast with the warmth of fall. In this post, I’ll be sharing wall decor ideas on how to pair this artwork with four stunning paint colors from Sherwin-Williams and Behr that enhance the fine detailing of the piece and help create the perfect balance of warmth and serenity in any living room wall.
Why Art Above the Sofa is Key to Your Living Room Design
Decorating above the sofa is more than just filling a blank wall space—it’s about setting the tone for the entire room. In many homes, the sofa is a central piece of furniture, and placing art above it helps create a cohesive focal point. The right artwork, like Boardwalk to Shore, can elevate the room’s design, adding visual interest and bringing a sense of calm to your living space. Coastal art is especially effective here because it evokes peaceful, serene emotions, making the living room a place of relaxation.
This is particularly important in spaces with large, blank walls that can feel empty or unfinished without a stunning piece of wall art. Whether you’re working with a large wall or a small space, adding art like Boardwalk to Shore above the sofa is a great way to complete your room and make it feel intentional.
The Story Behind Boardwalk to Shore
Boardwalk to Shore reflects those quiet, late afternoons at the beach when the summer crowds have gone home, and the crisp fall breeze begins to roll in. I wanted to capture the serene beauty of an empty boardwalk, where the only sounds are the soft crash of waves and the rustling of dune grasses. This artwork embodies the quiet stillness that beach lovers live for—the kind of peaceful afternoon where you can walk along the shore and feel completely connected to nature.
Craving the calm of the shore with the colors of fall? Click to earn more about BOARDWALK TO SHORE
With its subtle autumn tones and calm blues, Boardwalk to Shore evokes the relaxed beauty of fall at the beach. It’s perfect for adding a personal touch to any living room, family room, or home office, giving you the opportunity to create a serene space that reflects your favorite things. This piece brings together the warmth of fall with the timeless tranquility of the ocean, making it an excellent choice for over-the-sofa wall decor.
Tips for Positioning and Hanging Art Over the Sofa
Proper placement of art above the sofa is key to achieving balance in your room’s design. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
- Height: Hang the artwork so that the bottom is about 6-8 inches above the top of the sofa. This ensures the piece isn’t too high and feels connected to the sofa.
- Width: A general rule is to choose art that is about two-thirds the width of the sofa. Boardwalk to Shore comes in different sizes, making it easy to find the right piece to fit the width of your sofa and ensure the artwork doesn't look too small or too large.
- Eye Level: Ideally, the center of the artwork should be at eye level to create the most comfortable viewing experience. This makes the art easy to admire and helps it blend seamlessly with the room’s decor.
Choosing the Right Frame for Boardwalk to Shore
The frame you choose for your artwork can significantly impact the overall look of the room. For Boardwalk to Shore, here are a few framing ideas:
- Natural Wood: A natural wood frame enhances the coastal theme of the artwork, providing an organic feel that complements the beachy tones in the print. This is a great option for a more casual, coastal home decor style.
- Sleek Black: For a modern, minimalist look, a sleek black frame can add contrast to the soft, calming tones of Boardwalk to Shore. This combination offers a sophisticated, contemporary style that works well in spaces with bold looks.
- White Frame: A white frame can keep the focus on the artwork itself, blending with the neutral tones of the piece and the room. This is ideal for brightening up the space while maintaining a clean, airy look.
Creating a Cohesive Color Palette
One of the most important elements of designing a room is creating a cohesive color palette. With Boardwalk to Shore as your focal point, you can easily build a palette around its soft blues, sandy tones, and earthy colors. Here are a few tips for creating a cohesive look:
- Neutral Base: Start with neutral walls, like Sherwin-Williams Natural Tan or Behr Coconut Twist, to provide a subtle, warm backdrop.
- Complementary Accents: Add complementary accent colors with throw pillows, decorative vases, or textured items in soft blues, greens, or teals to tie the room together.
- Natural Elements: Incorporate natural elements like wood or woven textures to enhance the coastal feel, balancing the room’s modern design with organic warmth.
Paint Colors and Boardwalk to Shore
Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211):The soft, muted blue-green of Rainwashed creates a calming backdrop for Boardwalk to Shore. This color reflects the peaceful tones in the sky and ocean, making it an easy way to enhance the coastal vibe of your room. This combination is perfect for creating visual interest in a room with plenty of natural light, as the soft color palette allows the artwork to shine while keeping the space light and airy. For a complete look, add decorative objects like textured wall hangings or throw pillows in coordinating hues.
Sherwin-Williams Natural Tan (SW 7567):
For a cozy, grounded look, Natural Tan is a great option that brings out the earthy tones of Boardwalk to Shore. The neutral warmth of this color makes it the perfect choice for those who want to add a subtle pop of color while maintaining a relaxed, beachy feel. This pairing works well in a family room or small room, where it helps the artwork become a focal point without overwhelming the entire wall.
Behr Oceanside (PPU11-03):
If you're looking for bold looks and I know some of you are all about the bold blues and turquoises, Oceanside’s rich teal hue creates a striking contrast against the softer tones of Boardwalk to Shore. This dramatic color enhances the blues in the artwork, adding depth and dimension to the space. It’s a great idea for someone wanting a more creative way to bring a modern style to their home. The deep teal pairs well with textured wall elements and offers the illusion of more space in larger rooms.
Behr Coconut Twist (S320-1):
For a light, neutral option, Coconut Twist offers a clean, off-white backdrop that lets the artwork take center stage. The subtle warmth of this color adds a perfect opportunity to highlight the fine detailing of the artwork while keeping the room feeling bright and inviting. This pairing is ideal for small spaces or rooms where you want to make a large piece of art the right place for your eye level. It’s one of the best ways to make an empty wall space feel intentional and stylish.
Creating a Gallery Wall Featuring Boardwalk to Shore
If you’re working with a large wall, consider creating a gallery wall featuring Boardwalk to Shore as the central piece. This can add visual interest and allow you to showcase more of your personal style. Here are a few tips for building a gallery wall:
- Choose Complementary Art or Choose an Eclectic Mix: Select pieces that complement the colors or theme of Boardwalk to Shore to maintain cohesion. Or another popular option is an eclectic mix of many styles and interesting textures, which may include small pieces along with oversized pieces of unique styles.
- Vary Sizes: Mix art pieces of different sizes to create a dynamic layout that draws the eye.
- Arrange with Balance: Use symmetry or an organic arrangement, depending on the look you want, but keep the balance so the gallery feels intentional.
A gallery wall creates interest and is a great way to add creativity to your space and make a bold style statement.
Lighting Tips to Enhance Your Wall Art
Lighting can dramatically affect how your wall art is viewed. Here are some tips for lighting your Boardwalk to Shore Print:
- Natural Light: If your living room has ample natural light, position the artwork where it won’t get direct sunlight, as this could cause fading over time. Indirect natural light will help the artwork’s colors shine.
- Picture Lighting: Install picture lighting or wall sconces to highlight the artwork and create a soft glow that draws attention to the piece.
- Track Lighting: If you have a large wall or gallery wall, track lighting is a great option to illuminate the entire space and keep the focus on your art.
Thoughtful lighting enhances the colors and fine detailing of your wall art, ensuring it remains the focal point of the room.
Bringing It All Together
Decorating over the sofa is an opportunity to create a stunning focal point that reflects your personal style and elevates your living space. With Boardwalk to Shore, you can bring the calming beauty of the coast into your home, blending serene coastal elements with the warmth of fall. Whether you choose to feature this artwork as a standalone piece or as part of a larger gallery wall, its rich tones and fine detailing will create a sense of peace and tranquility in your room.
By pairing Boardwalk to Shore with the right paint colors—whether soft and neutral like Sherwin-Williams Natural Tan, or bold and striking like Behr Oceanside—you can create a cohesive look that enhances the beauty of the artwork while adding warmth and visual interest to your space. With the perfect frame, lighting, and decorative items, your living room or family room will feel complete, offering a welcoming, peaceful environment that speaks to your love of coastal design.
No matter the size of your space or the look you’re trying to achieve, Boardwalk to Shore is the perfect piece to transform a blank wall into a beautiful, personalized statement in your home. Ready to elevate your space? Explore Boardwalk to Shore and other coastal-inspired wall art to find the right pieces for your home.
