Decorating with Posters: How to Hang Art Behind the Sofa
When furnishing your living room, the wall above the sofa is one of the most important spaces to consider. A well-placed gallery wall or a single statement piece can transform the entire atmosphere, making the room feel both personal and inviting. Posters and framed art are an affordable, stylish, and versatile way to decorate, whether you’ve just moved into a new apartment, renovated your home, or simply want a refresh. At Posterton, we believe that decorating with art should be as inspiring as it is easy. Here we guide you through how to hang posters and pictures behind the sofa in a way that highlights both the furniture and the overall interior design.
Creating a Stylish Gallery Wall Above the Sofa
A gallery wall is an eye-catcher that brings life and personality to a room. Start by deciding how many posters you want and which sizes work best with your wall and sofa. A common mistake is placing artwork too low so it clashes with the sofa’s backrest, or too high so the wall looks empty. The sweet spot is usually with the center of the artwork around eye level when seated. To achieve balance, many choose one larger piece in the middle and build around it with smaller posters in 21x30 or 30x40 cm. Another option is to let the gallery wall extend upwards towards the ceiling or sideways along the sofa’s edge, giving a more dynamic impression.
Choosing the Right Frames
Frames play a huge role in the overall design. If your sofa is colorful, go for neutral frames in white, black, or oak to let the furniture shine. If the rest of the interior is minimalistic, you can instead let the frames add character—gold or silver frames bring an elegant touch, while natural wood frames give warmth and fit perfectly with Scandinavian or Japandi interiors. Matching the frame color with the sofa, coffee table, or wall details creates a cohesive and well-thought-out look. At Posterton, you’ll find frames in several finishes and sizes to suit every style.
Picking Motifs and Colors
When choosing motifs for a gallery wall behind the sofa, think about how the posters interact with the rest of your interior. Posters with botanical elements add a calming feel, while abstract art can introduce bold shapes and modern design. Classic artworks by Monet or Hilma af Klint create a timeless atmosphere, while playful illustrations and vintage posters add character. Color is also key. Do you want harmony or contrast? Neutral tones like beige, gray, and black-and-white are safe choices that work with most furniture. But don’t be afraid to use bold colors—green, blue, or red motifs can lift an otherwise plain living room and tie the decor together.
Design Tips for Balance
Keep equal spacing: Leave the same distance between frames to avoid a cluttered impression. Use passepartout or margins: White space around the motif gives an elegant gallery feel. Mix vertical and horizontal: This adds rhythm and makes the wall feel more dynamic. Test on the floor first: Lay out your posters to try different layouts before hanging.
Inspiration for Your Living Room
Behind the sofa is often the first thing guests see when entering the living room. With posters and frames from Posterton, you can create a gallery wall that feels curated and personal. Whether you prefer minimalist Scandinavian interiors, romantic floral motifs, or expressive modern art, a gallery wall helps your home reflect your personality. Decorating should be fun and flexible. That’s why posters are the perfect choice—they’re affordable, easy to change with the seasons, and work beautifully as both single pieces and in larger combinations.
