When it comes to decorating a living room, one of the most debated topics is whether or not to hang art above the TV. While some swear it’s a design no-no, others see it as an opportunity to add visual interest and create a stunning focal point. But what’s the right answer? Should you hang art above the TV, or is it a decorating faux pas?
The Case Against Hanging Art Above the TV
One of the primary arguments against hanging art above the TV is that it can create a sense of visual clutter. When you’re trying to relax and watch your favorite show, the last thing you want is a distracting piece of art competing for your attention. Additionally, a large piece of art can make the room feel overwhelming, drawing the eye away from the TV and creating a sense of tension.
Another concern is that the TV itself can be a design element that’s difficult to work with. With its sleek, modern lines and glowing screen, it can be challenging to find art that complements it without getting lost in the background. Plus, if you’ve invested in a high-end TV, you may not want to draw attention away from it.
The Competition for Attention
Let’s face it: TVs are designed to be attention-grabbing. With their bright colors, moving images, and captivating sound, they’re meant to pull you in and keep you hooked. When you add a piece of art above the TV, it can create a sense of competition for attention. Your eye is drawn to the TV, then to the art, and back again, creating a sense of visual overload.
Furthermore, if the art is particularly bold or brightly colored, it can clash with the colors and patterns on the TV screen, creating a jarring effect. This can be especially true if you have a lot of bright colors or patterns in the room, as it can create a sensory overload.
The Case For Hanging Art Above the TV
On the other hand, hanging art above the TV can be a great way to add depth, visual interest, and even create a sense of harmony in the room. When done correctly, it can elevate the entire space and make it feel more sophisticated.
Creating a Focal Point
One of the biggest benefits of hanging art above the TV is that it creates a clear focal point in the room. Rather than the TV being the only thing that draws the eye, the art adds an additional point of interest, creating a sense of balance and harmony.
Plus, when you choose a piece of art that complements the TV, it can create a sense of cohesion in the room. For example, if you have a modern TV with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, you can choose a piece of art that echoes those same design elements. This creates a sense of continuity and flow, making the room feel more put together.
Adding Texture and Depth
Another benefit of hanging art above the TV is that it adds texture and depth to the room. A flat TV screen can create a sense of flatness and two-dimensionality, but a piece of art with texture and depth can help to counterbalance that.
Additionally, art can add a sense of tactility to the room, drawing the eye and encouraging you to explore the space more fully. This can be especially true if you choose a piece of art with a lot of texture, like a sculpture or a heavily textured painting.
Design Tips for Hanging Art Above the TV
So, if you do decide to hang art above the TV, how can you make it work? Here are some design tips to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Size
One of the most important things to consider is the size of the art. You want to choose a piece that’s large enough to make an impact, but not so large that it overpowers the TV.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a piece that’s between 1/3 and 2/3 the size of the TV. This will create a sense of balance and proportion, while also ensuring that the art doesn’t get lost in the background.
| TV Size | Art Size |
|---|---|
| 40-50 inches | 20-30 inches |
| 50-60 inches | 25-35 inches |
| 60-70 inches | 30-40 inches |
Select a Unifying Element
Another key consideration is choosing a unifying element that ties the art and TV together. This could be a shared color palette, a similar style or theme, or even a similar frame or mat.
By choosing a unifying element, you can create a sense of cohesion and harmony in the room, making it feel more put together and designed.
Consider the Style of the Room
Finally, it’s essential to consider the style of the room when choosing art to hang above the TV. For example, if you have a modern, minimalist space, you may want to choose a piece of art that’s sleek and contemporary.
On the other hand, if you have a more traditional or rustic space, you may want to choose a piece of art that’s more ornate or vintage-inspired. This will help to create a sense of continuity and flow in the room.
Conclusion
So, should you hang art above the TV? The answer is, it depends. While there are valid arguments on both sides, the key to making it work is to choose a piece of art that complements the TV and the room, and to consider the size, style, and unifying elements that will tie everything together.
By following these design tips and considering the unique needs of your space, you can create a stunning focal point that elevates the entire room. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – and see what kind of beautiful, eye-catching design you can create!
What is the TV conundrum and why is it a problem?
The TV conundrum refers to the dilemma of whether to hang art above a TV or not. It’s a common issue in home decor because the TV is often the centerpiece of the living room, and placing art above it can be challenging. The problem arises when trying to balance the visual appeal of the art with the functional purpose of the TV.
The TV conundrum is a problem because it can affect the overall aesthetic of the room. If not done correctly, the art can look out of place or overpower the TV, creating a cluttered and distracting visual environment. On the other hand, not hanging art above the TV can leave the wall looking bare and uninviting. Finding a solution that balances both elements can be tricky, but with some guidance, it’s definitely achievable.
What are the benefits of hanging art above a TV?
Hanging art above a TV can add visual interest to the room and create a sense of balance. It can also help to distract from the TV’s bulk and create a more refined look. Additionally, art can add a touch of personality to the space and make it feel more welcoming.
Furthermore, hanging art above the TV can also help to create a sense of height in the room. By drawing the eye upwards, the art can make the ceiling appear higher, creating a more spacious feel. This can be particularly beneficial in smaller rooms or apartments where space is limited. Overall, hanging art above the TV can be a great way to add some visual appeal to the room.
What are the drawbacks of hanging art above a TV?
One of the main drawbacks of hanging art above a TV is that it can create visual clutter. If the art is too bold or busy, it can compete with the TV for attention, making it difficult to focus on the screen. Additionally, if the art is not properly proportioned to the TV, it can look out of place or even awkward.
Another drawback is that the TV’s screen can reflect light and glare, which can affect the visibility of the art. This can be particularly problematic if the art is a darker color or has subtle details that may be lost in the glare. In these cases, it may be better to choose a different location for the art or opt for a different type of decor.
What are some tips for choosing the right art for above a TV?
When choosing art for above a TV, it’s essential to select a piece that complements the TV’s size and shape. A general rule of thumb is to choose art that is one-third to two-thirds the size of the TV. This will create a balanced look and prevent the art from overpowering the TV.
It’s also important to consider the style and tone of the art. A good rule of thumb is to choose art that is calm and unobtrusive, as bold or busy pieces can compete with the TV for attention. Additionally, consider the color palette of the room and choose art that fits in with the overall aesthetic. Avoid choosing art that is too bold or bright, as it can be distracting.
How high should I hang the art above the TV?
The height at which you hang the art above the TV will depend on the size of the TV and the room. A general rule of thumb is to hang the art 6-12 inches above the TV. This will create a visually appealing gap between the TV and the art, while also drawing the eye upwards.
However, the exact height will depend on the specific circumstances. If the TV is particularly large or the ceiling is low, you may need to adjust the height accordingly. It’s also important to consider the viewing angle of the TV and ensure that the art doesn’t obstruct the view.
What are some alternative options to hanging art above a TV?
If hanging art above the TV isn’t an option, there are plenty of alternative solutions. One option is to create a gallery wall around the TV, using a combination of frames and artwork to create a visually appealing display. Another option is to use a console table or media unit with decorative objects or sculptures to add visual interest.
Additionally, you could consider hanging art on adjacent walls or using a statement piece of furniture to draw the eye away from the TV. The key is to find a solution that creates visual balance and harmony in the room, even if it doesn’t involve hanging art directly above the TV.
How can I incorporate a large piece of art above a large TV?
Incorporating a large piece of art above a large TV can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. One option is to choose a piece of art that is similarly sized to the TV, creating a sense of balance and harmony. Alternatively, you could choose a piece of art that is slightly smaller than the TV, but has a bold or striking design that draws the eye upwards.
Another option is to use a combination of art pieces to create a larger display. For example, you could hang a series of smaller pieces above the TV, or use a large piece of art flanked by two smaller pieces. The key is to find a solution that creates a sense of balance and visual appeal, while also drawing the eye away from the TV’s bulk.