The wall that is immediately behind the sofa is thick the most difficult to furnish. Very often there isn’t much space for furniture and therefore it risks remaining empty. However, it is very common to hang paintings, posters or place a floor lamp to make reading easier. So if you want to give an artistic touch to your home, here it is how to arrange paintings on top of the sofa.
How to choose the right paintings for the living room?
Selecting artwork is the first step towards creating a space that can represent you. Among the elements you should consider, in addition of course to your personal taste:
- Dimensions and proportions: The paintings should be in harmony with the dimensions of the sofa and the available space. A large painting can create a bold effect, while a series of smaller prints can create an interesting gallery effect.
- Colors and shades: The colors of the paintings should complement or contrast nicely with the palette of your living room.
- Styles and Frames: Choose a style that goes with the overall design of the room. Frames can also add further detail and finishing.
The right proportions: here’s how to get them
To obtain a harmonious environment, it is essential to consider the size and proportions of the paintings in relation to the sofa. The general rule suggests that works of art should occupy approximately two thirds of the length of the sofa.
This is not a detail to be underestimated: a correct proportion between the paintings and the furniture underneath is essential to give a sense of order and pleasantly impress guests. Furthermore, this arrangement avoids overloading the wall with elements that are too large or, on the contrary, leaving an empty space above the sofa which could be less than functional.
At what height should you place the paintings?
Positioning the paintings at the right height is another crucial aspect to make the canvases have a great visual impact. Following the midline rule, paintings should be hung so that their center is approximately five-eighths from the height of the floor. This practice ensures that the works are optimally positioned both for those sitting on the sofa and for those entering the room. In this way, the paintings will always be the center of attention, without forcing observers to force their gaze up or down.
To apply this rule correctly, measure the distance from the floor and mark the point with a light pencil before proceeding with fixing. If the ceilings are particularly high or low, it may be necessary to adapt this proportion slightly to maintain harmony in the visual perception of the space. Also, if the wall behind the sofa is particularly large, consider use multiple paintings to fill the space in a balanced way. This way you will avoid the feeling of emptiness above the sofa which could make the environment less welcoming.
