Most can agree that the living room is a centerpiece for a well-decorated, cohesively styled home. Rightfully so, the living room serves as a place to host guests, welcome relatives, have family time, or simply unwind. Balancing design and comfort can seem daunting for a room of such intense use. Many opt to embellish their walls in order to give the room that added lift. Here are some ideas and tips on how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings!
Paint-based Decor
There are many options available for those who don’t mind the task of painting a room. With so many different types of paint, colors, and designs available it can get overwhelming. However, you’ll find it easier to narrow things down when you have in mind a particular design or color scheme to use as a guide. The look of large walls within a room often sets the tone for the entire space, and as we will cover, a well-painted wall can serve as a backdrop for other pieces.
How to Choose Your Paint
When looking for base paint for your living room, it does well to be mindful of things such as material, finish, and preparation. These subtle differences within paint may change the way you go about decorating the large wall in your living room.
Oil or Latex?
Oil-based paints are usually thicker and take longer in terms of application and drying. Though more resistant to scratching and rough use, they can discolor with extended exposure to the elements. Latex, water-based paints are less of a hassle to use, and they are relatively sustainable. However, they don’t do as well in high contact areas. What you use ultimately comes down to preference and the location of your wall.
Things to Remember About Paint
The application of your paint goes more smoothly with preparation. If you look to repaint, take special note of the existing condition of the wall. Using a new material to repaint over another can create complications depending on the composition of the paint. If you are decorating an unpainted or stripped wall, you’ll need to lead with a primer if it isn’t already in the paint itself. For more porous wall materials, doing so separately is often preferred.
Make sure to use a sturdy roller frame. For the taller tasks, you may do well to get a full-sized one with a longer handle if you want to cut down on some of your work. Look for a high-density, high-quality roller. Be sure to get full, even coverage without runniness or piling. If you are using latex (water-based) paint, look for a good-quality synthetic material that won’t dry out as fast.
For smaller jobs, the handheld brush is much more desirable. Angled brushes are best for those hard-to-reach areas, such as wall corners and ceiling lines. For direct, straight touch-ups, you can get away with using a well-kept straight bristled brush you may have on hand.
Color
As mentioned, a cohesive design brings the whole room together. With your walls, there are many different ways to go in terms of color. For a base color, you may look to choose one within a color scheme, so that it doesn’t clash with the many other fixtures within the room.
Some home designers prefer to have an elaborate finish to top off the look of the paint. A finish does well in bringing out a certain accent of the color, in order to further complement the room. Again, this is all preference! In learning how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings, you may want to become familiar with some common finish varieties:
- Matte is the one with the least luster and shine. Further, it is less prone to show imperfections of the wall and scratching. This is the finish of choice if you prefer to have a large wall that is very neutral and doesn’t draw away from the colors of other décor or fixtures.
- Eggshell finishes are known for the distinct texture they give to the look of the paint. It has a bit of sheen, but it doesn’t do much in the way of reflecting light. It is also simple to clean. This is another good option for those who lean more towards a neutral look, with a texture that can complement the overall look of a room.
- Satin works for those who may not be high on an overpowering backdrop while also wanting a touch of boldness. This chic finish is especially good for toning down non-neutral colors. It’s also one of the better options in terms of maintenance, despite the somewhat sheeny look it provides.
- Glossy finishes are perhaps the boldest. Lighting bounces off this type in a way that creates a smooth shine like no other. However, a tradeoff of this is that scratches and spots appear more dramatic than they are. For fans of glossy finishes, however, it is comforting to know that they are simple to clean much like their satin counterparts.
- Faux Paint layering is also worth noting because of the many options available. Many like this option due to the endless DIY texture options. More intricate looks are also available that can be done by professionals. More elaborate jobs can replicate the looks of other materials such as laminate and accentuate the color below.
The color itself is largely subjective. When in doubt, look for a color that complements your existing furniture. You may even base this off of shades within these existing pieces.
If you do decide to repaint or retouch, keep in mind to remove any of these nearby fixtures possible (regardless of color.) Tarps can also act as protective blankets for those surfaces so that you avoid a painting catastrophe! Especially with bigger jobs that involve a paint roller, for example, a good even coating will likely come with some cleanup! In smaller areas such as a bathroom, this holds especially true.
Before priming or repainting, you may find that dusting is needed. A dust mop like the Champion Old Fashioned Dust Mop can do the job for your wall and be used effectively on other surfaces such as wood and laminate. For a more intense cleaning, a multipurpose cleaner will do the trick. Champion Supplies has its own multipurpose cleaner, the Champion Ultra-Concentrated Degreaser, that is also safe for carpets, kitchen use, and floors. For more heavily stained walls, dilute three ounces with a gallon of water. No rinse needed!
Not a Fan of Paint?
No need to worry! If your wall has a lot of work to be done, painting is not the only way to create a gorgeous focal point of a room. Take a look at a few ideas on how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings, without painting.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is the leading choice for those who are not so high on painting their large living room wall. There are endless designs, abstract patterns, and layouts available. Wallpaper is also a popular choice in part due to its typical durability compared to most paints, usually able to withstand substantial contact without suffering blemishes, peeling, and scratches. It is essential for you to take measurements and get an estimate of how much you’ll need to cover.
Just like paint, the color and design of the wallpaper you use are all up to personal choice and appeal. From coastal to rustic, to modern contemporary there are many fits for every taste. With such an array of options, there is perhaps even more room for originality here, if that is what you prefer. There are also looks that mimic popular materials like marble and tile. But there are some general qualities across the board that are good to have in terms of a quality wallpaper:
- Some interior areas get a substantial amount of moisture exposure, such as those near sinks or doors leading to the outside. If you have such an area, you want wallpaper made of a material that can withstand moisture. In this case, vinyl is your best bet.
- Primer is a good preparation to invest in. The thin, even coating gives the wallpaper something extra to adhere to.
- No matter how good the quality, no wallpaper will adhere as well to a surface with debris or dust. This build-up can act as a layer that stands between the back adhesive and the surface. Prepare, as necessary.
Adding Complementary Décor
Even after you have established your color scheme, wall color, and paint material, it may still feel that something is missing. A great way to fill in those empty areas a bit is by incorporating your own complimentary décor. These pieces work best when they don’t take away from the scene around them but fit in like the piece to a beautiful puzzle. However, there are no hard and fast rules here, so you may discover a few unlikely fits that serve the room surprisingly well.
How to Decorate A Large Wall in the Living Room With Decals
Decals are not just for cars! These upscale stickers are also available in varieties for use on your wall, and they come in multiple elegant designs ranging from quotes to nature, to shapes. The decals fit seamlessly yet add some flavor to the wall. They come in a variety of sizes, with larger ones typically being packaged as smaller sections. The best part is, they can be self-applied!
Your knowledge of how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings is enhanced when you make use of complementary décor. Here are some steps to simplify the application of these beautiful additions:
- Before application, be sure that the surface at hand is clean. Like wallpaper, decals work best on an even playing field.
- Have some wall-safe tape or painter’s tape on hand. When you position the decal in the position you want it, you’ll want it secured there before you do any adhering. If taped horizontally, peel the back paper, and apply the decal vertical wise (and vice-versa.) It helps to use smaller sections.
- As you remove the back paper to adhere to the decal, apply using a gentle, forward scraping motion. A hand-held plastic squeegee should do the job here. Remove the tape you applied.
- Once adhered, carefully remove the transfer tape layer of the decal, making sure the decal stays on the wall.
Pictures
Those memories you’ve made over the years can work wonders for a room! Photos from sightseeing, vacations, and times with family add atmosphere and sentiment. As an added plus, when these cherished moments are held by a frame or stand in plain sight, they are much more likely to stay safe and accounted for!
To use photos as decoration, it is best to keep them within a display frame so that they are not lost or otherwise damaged in some way. Self-standing frames are inexpensive yet effective. If they are near a place of high traffic where they could be bumped, avoid shatter-prone materials such as glass. Be sure to keep any material frame placed on a stand (we’ll get into those in more detail soon!) away from edges where they can fall and be damaged.
Another great means of filling in those large living room walls is through artwork. Whether elaborate or minimalist, a well-placed piece can go a long way. If your living room has a more neutral look, you can afford to get a bit more colorful with these kinds of decorations, because they don’t even have to be large!
When you have in mind pictures and artistic elements to add, you may see some that are meant to be placed directly on the wall itself. While it is tempting to use the classic nail, drill, and hammer, there are better ways that conserve your wall. This way, you are able to switch things around without having to work around such a spot. Hangers and command strips that use adhesive are your friend. They are not permanent, and the residue can be removed as needed.
Lighting
Though it is by no means impossible, here is one type of decoration that may require you to be a bit craftier in the way you incorporate it. There are non-wired forms of lighting available that do not have to be installed by an electrician (wired varieties are best done professionally to ensure safety) yet add a cool look to your living room. Here are some things to keep in mind when figuring out how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings using lights:
LED Strips have seen a recent growth in popularity, due to their ease-of-use, color-changing capabilities, and smartphone functionality. Though they are typically sold in long lengths or in a roll, the amount you need is dependent upon the size of the room. Typically for a living room, they are placed on the wall around the perimeter of the room, as close to that ceiling corner as possible without overlap.
Putting in LED Strips effectively will require you to measure and record each side of the room. Most are able to be cut in designated spots according to these numbers. Adhesive usually comes on the strip, opposite the lights. Simply peel the cover off of this and apply it carefully for the light to stick. Most choose to break up long stretches into smaller sections where possible in order to avoid slack.
Another option for self-decoration is found in wall sconces. There are battery-powered and plug-in varieties of this sleek lamp look-alike available that don’t require wire work to install. However, you will want to make sure that the installation is done by someone who knows their way around handiwork involving a drill, hammer, and screws! Though these jobs are not typically large in scope, precision is necessary if you are willing to operate on your wall!
Clocks
Clocks are a staple in most living rooms, regardless of the room’s aesthetic. They can add a nice touch to the room, while also coming in handy for those on-the-go time checks. Added, there is a fit for every price range, so replacement is certainly possible in case of a change in need or tastes. Nonetheless, there are some safety guidelines that should be kept in mind with hanging clocks, so that they are kept secure.
If your clock is going to be placed onto the wall itself, you must make sure that it isn’t a hazard. Especially with shatter-prone materials, the clock may not be able to withstand a fall from a high place. One method for smaller clocks is to secure them on the back with double-sided adhesive strips. Do take note of the size and weight specifications because they may determine how many strips are needed. Knowing how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings safely is important!
Before you hang your clock make sure you are able to set the time. Secure any batteries that may go within. Some clocks have these areas only in the back, so doing them before they’re stuck to the wall is standard procedure. When you have your adhesive applied, line the clock up, and put it onto the desired spot. Slightly press and hold for a few moments to ensure that the tape does its job, and the clock is nice and stable.
DIY Décor Ideas
What if you find that store-bought options just don’t capture that feel you’re looking for in the living room? Well, they are far from the only option available! There are endless possibilities for those looking to exercise their creativity muscle. From easy to challenging projects, many personalized decorations can be made in the comfort of your own home; some with everyday items that you may have. Here are a few affordable examples you may look to incorporate in your creations.
Diplomas and Certificates
Those accolades don’t have to sit in a drawer and collect dust! These items can be put on a wall easily. Here are some useful tips on how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings using diplomas and certificates.
As mentioned, picture frames are a cheap, inexpensive way to store paper decorations. Make sure to get a frame large enough, so as to prevent bunching and bending your document.
It doesn’t hurt to spice these frames up a little, either. With a few inches of ribbon, you can tie or tape them into nifty designs and shapes. These can be put onto the corners of your frames to add some nice detail.
Look for a lightweight frame that can be placed easily. One way to place your frame is by simply using adhesive tape. If you have several inches of yarn handy, you might tape or glue it to the frame and hang it that way using an adhesive hook.
Finger Paintings
Finger painting can be enjoyed by all ages because there is no need to be perfect! Beginner-level designs include trees, animals, or just a big medley of colors. These paintings can go into a frame as well, but they need to be completely dry. It is best to let these creations sit for a day or so to ensure that they are.
Flowers
If you are a nature person, you may want to learn how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings using them. For example, you could make your own customized wreath. All you need is a wreath frame, flowers, tape, and time! There are many possibilities, as you’ll be able to mix and match different colors, flowers, and even ribbons to create your own unique, natural look.
When hanging your wreath, be sure to hang it by the wires of the frame instead of any part of a stem that may be loose. This way, your wreath stays up and your flowers are not damaged. An adhesive hook or nail is best used in this case, however running some yarn through and tying that on sturdily can work too.
Glow in the Dark Figures
Here is a good chance to test your experiment skills! Glow in the dark shapes, designs, and even simple stick figures can add an amazing element of design and decoration to your living room at night. You can easily make these to match a variety of themes, occasions, and seasonal events without breaking your budget.
These figures can be made in a variety of ways. One solution is to paint a sheet of watercolor paper with glow in the dark acrylic paint, allow it to dry, and simply cut the figures out. Or you could design the figures by taping together several individual glow sticks. If you use this method, look for non-toxic varieties in case of any breakage or cracks that may happen.
Newspaper
Even with digital media growing in scope, some people keep a collection of printed editorials for the memories associated with them. Newspaper clippings can make for a beauty of a collage. Start by assembling your clippings like a puzzle if you are looking to fill in all the gaps. Lightly glue each part individually onto a clean sheet of paper (hardy varieties such as cardstock work best here), allow it to dry completely, frame it, and add it to your living room wall!
Medals
Those awards you worked so hard to earn can be décor as well. They can be organized and positioned in any way you see fit. For example, to display multiple take a group no larger than four, join them together at the back using tape and a few wooden dowels, and hang each ribbon.
Alternatively, medals can be organized onto a poster board. A bit of simple double-sided tape at two points or so on the medal should suffice, as long as the medal itself is one of them. This option gives you the chance to add colorful drawings, bubble letters, or whatever you please. Ideally, you’d want to be the last step (don’t forget to dry of course) before you put your work up.
Paper Figures
Stencils are a nice beginner-level addition for those who want to add that homemade element but aren’t as confident in their abilities. For this one, using a sturdy variety of paper doesn’t hurt. Simply make a light pencil tracing for reference and cut your figure out. If you are a fan of origami there are creations for a variety of skill levels, but they usually require a more malleable paper. Copy paper, loose-leaf, or any soft texture will work for your paper sculpture project.
If you have a series of paper-based art that you want to display, you can do so with yarn. To hang this across a wall, be sure to estimate the length you’ll need (this can be done with the yarn alone in lieu of measuring tape). Go closer to exactness if you want a linear look but measure out a just few inches of slack for a crescent effect.
Jigsaw Art
If you are a puzzle hobbyist, there is room here for your pastime as well! For your base, stick to something solid such as cork or canvas. A shortcut for this method is to measure out and make a light guideline to use. Start out by assembling the pieces on one side first and gluing them down. Then use this as a guide to working your way out, gluing the other pieces down straight. Ideally, you’ll glue them directly to the surface (as opposed to other pieces) individually.
How to Decorate With Larger Fixtures
If you are not a fan of direct-to-wall decorations, there are other ways for you to fill in those empty spaces. Your wall can be transformed into a backdrop for a prized possession or antique, a cozy area to unwind, or a place to put other useful items. As long as it is done safely, there is no need to be afraid of rearranging and reworking some of the pieces you already own. Most prefer to do this way of giving the room a new look, rather than spending on new furniture!
Displays
Maybe you have small collectibles that you want to utilize in your decoration. Especially for more valuable ones, you want them in an enclosed or secure spot such as a cabinet. If you have a spare bedroom stand sitting in a closet, put it to use in the corners of large walls where décor options are more limited. Others prefer to place flowers or plants in these areas, as they are not overpowering for most rooms. Also, they are more easily replaced than collectible items.
Furniture and More
If you are looking to do a complete revamp or are moving into a new residence, choosing furniture can be a real headscratcher. Comfort and ease of use, of course, are near the top of most customers’ priorities, if not there firmly. So most prefer to weigh multiple options and prospects, rather than strictly adhering to design standards. But as it pertains to design, it doesn’t hurt to bear in mind the following general things:
- Color matching every piece in your living room is by no means necessary; in fact, most people avoid doing this. No chair, recliner, or standalone fixture has to be removed just because it doesn’t blend in completely.
- No need to overcrowd with decorations. The walls behind large furniture, such as a sofa or couch, won’t need much. Simplicity is good, and most of the wall’s area is already covered.
- Keep an eye on any baskets, decorative containers, or vases holding real vegetation. Some things like fruits need to be checked on regularly so that they are not left bad. Being precise when you water plants prevent mildew. Be sure to do a timely cleanup for spills.
- Bookshelves can double as literature storage and antique housing. A bookshelf could become a new, exciting family building and painting project for those who live with someone handy with woodwork.
One solution is to rearrange your furniture. It is surprising what difference a simple reworking of the existing dynamic can make. Even smaller fixtures can make a difference.
Putting It All Together
…And that’s how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings! To summarize, a good paint or wallpaper makes a solid foundation for your living room wall but be sure to prep and plan where necessary. There are a variety of accessories available to decorate with, so don’t be afraid to get creative with things like lighting and decals. Likewise, there are equally beautiful options that can be crafted with everyday items.
As long as safety precautions are followed the combinations are endless. If you don’t want to be as bold, taking inspiration from examples you may see and adding your touch here and there is completely fine. There is no interior design board looking over your living room arrangement! Now that you’ve figured out how to decorate a large living room wall with vaulted ceilings, have fun and good luck decorating.