No complex gallery walls. No backlit panels or museum lighting. Just real ideas that are easy to do—and that never disappoint. These are the simple living room wall design tricks I keep coming back to, because they just work. Every time.
Let’s dive in.
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Simple Living Room Wall Design Ideas That Work Across the Living Room
These wall design choices set the tone for your entire space. They’re your base layer.
1. Try a Wallpaper That Does the Heavy Lifting
Nothing makes a bigger impact with less effort than a well-chosen wallpaper.
I’m talking one pattern, one wall, and boom—your living room is doing something.
There’s a wallpaper for every mood—bold, soft, wild, or serene. I usually browse for just a few minutes before something grabs me and doesn’t let go. Lately, I’ve been drawn to patterns that hint at stories—like those with geometric shapes and rhythmic lines, often inspired by traditional African textiles.
You May Also Like: African Wallpapers You’ll Love: 11 Picks for Every Room
2. Color Drench the Walls
Color drenching is still trending, and for good reason. It creates a full, immersive effect without needing much else.
Personally, I love earthy tones—burnt sienna, clay, warm beige. They give a space that grounded, natural mood I’m always chasing. But if you’re into jewel tones or moody hues like plum or olive, go for it. Your walls, your vibe.
Simple Living Room Wall Design Behind the Couch
This is usually the biggest blank wall in a living room, so it’s worth giving it a bit of love. These ideas can stand alone or work with other walls in the room.
3. Go Bold with One Large Artwork
This is the easiest win of all. One well-sized artwork, centered above the couch—done.
Make sure it’s about two-thirds the width of the couch for balance. And try not to hang it too high. The sweet spot? About one-third of the way up between the top of the couch and the ceiling.
My favorites? Pieces with texture or history. Like a large canvas in rich tones, or even something that nods to African folklore.
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4. Use a Trio of Artworks
No single piece in mind? Use three.
Pick same-sized frames and align them horizontally above your couch. This looks clean and intentional, and it’s a great way to mix in different colors or styles.
Stick to equal spacing and apply the same height rules as you would with a single artwork. It’s amazing how much a well-aligned set can elevate a simple living room wall design.
5. Install a Floating Shelf with Personal Decor
A floating shelf works when you want to display pieces that matter to you. Think travel finds, books, small sculptures, or even ceramics with a story.
Choose a warm wood tone that suits your space, then mount the shelf so it’s high enough to avoid head bumps—but low enough to be part of the scene.
And styling? Mix heights, colors, and textures. Play around until it feels interesting and balanced.
6. Paint a Mural That’s All Yours
If you’re feeling bold—or know someone who’s handy with a paintbrush—a mural can change everything.
This works best when the wall is proportional to the couch. Don’t do it on a huge wall if your couch is tiny—it’ll feel off.
7. Hang a Fabric Tapestry
A wall hanging in fabric can create that same wow effect, but with less commitment.
The best part? You can switch it out when your mood changes. Some hang like soft murals, others bring in bold patterns or textures.
On my end, I go for Kuba cloth every time. There is just nothing quite like it.
You May Also Like: Why Fabric Wall Decor is the Ultimate Game-Changer
Smart Ideas for Other Walls in the Room
Don’t forget the side walls, hallway nooks, and those awkward empty corners. These ideas are your wall-filling toolbox.
8. One Well-Proportioned Artwork for Narrow Spaces
Got a narrow space between two pieces of furniture? That space wants one clean piece of art.
Make sure it’s around two-thirds the width of the wall and hang it at eye level. That simple math makes all the difference.
Sometimes, one well-placed print is all a wall needs to look intentional.
9. Frame Sets That Are Easy on the Eyes
Frame sets don’t have to be fussy. I like to keep it simple with these layouts:
- Two or three frames at slightly different heights
- Four identical frames in a square
- Six in a grid: two rows of three
It gives you structure, but still lets you mix in personality. I once used a set of six to display prints I found on a trip to Senegal—completely in love.
10. Add a Wall Basket Assortment
This is one of my favorites.
Handwoven wall baskets bring in texture and rhythm. They’re especially great above a sideboard or on a tall vertical wall.
Look for baskets from Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, or Zambia—every region has its own distinct weaving style. And the natural materials? They’re perfect for warming up modern interiors.
You May Also Like: The 11 Top Brands for Stunning African Wall Baskets
11. Use a Large Shelf for All Your Treasures
If you’ve got the wall space, fill it with a long shelf unit and style away.
This works great if you’re not into hanging frames. Instead, think sculptural vases, clay pots, coffee table books, or even framed art leaning casually against the wall.
The key here is balance: mix tall and short, matte and shiny, soft and solid.
12. Leave One Wall Completely Blank
Yup—nothing.
At least one wall should stay totally empty. Negative space isn’t boring; it’s necessary.
It gives your eyes a place to rest and lets the other walls shine without feeling too busy.
And honestly, restraint shows confidence. Just like in traditional African design, where empty space is used with intention.
Final Thoughts on Simple Living Room Wall Design
A simple living room wall design doesn’t mean boring—it means smart. Thoughtful. Relaxed.
Whether you’re layering up color, showing off personal treasures, or letting a blank wall breathe, the goal is the same: to create a space that feels like you.
Add a little story, a little texture, maybe a wink to heritage—and your walls will always hit the mark.
Continue Reading: 5 Beautiful African Wall Decor Ideas for a Standout Home
