Decorating behind a couch can add a layer of depth and interest to a room. But don’t limit yourself to just a standard sofa table! Here are ways to make use of some extra space with 10 beautiful ideas for what to put behind a couch.
Let’s talk about sofas! Or rather, the backs of sofas. They tend to be plain and uninteresting, which is why people often feel the need to add something behind them.
A “floating” sofa is one that is pulled away from the wall. In those cases, the back of the sofa is exposed and well….they are often rather boring. Most often, people put a sofa table {or a console table depending on height}. This is a great option! But here are some other ideas.
1. Sofa Table
Admittedly, this seems like a no-brainer….I mean, it’s in the name! But let’s talk about some tips for choosing the right sofa table for your home.
What’s the difference between a sofa table and a console table? Really just the height. Console tables tend to have a standard height whereas sofa tables vary. When shopping online, though, the two are used interchangeably.
Height: When selecting a sofa table, look for one that is close to the same height as the back of your sofa but never taller.
Length: The length of your table should be no less than 1/2 of the length of your sofa to almost the same length. My personal favorite is for the sofa table to be about 3/4 the length of the sofa.
Other options include using large plants or baskets, again taking up more visual space.
2. Desk
A desk behind a couch is a great way to maximize space, especially with so many working from home right now. Writing desks are stylish and practical, offering space for decor but also a place to work.
For more ideas on writing desks, you can read this post: The Writing Desk – A Stylish Solution
3. Buffet/Sideboard
If your living room is adjacent to your dining room, a sideboard would serve a dual purpose! But even if it doesn’t, this is a great piece of furniture that offers storage and a large visual presence.
4. Bench
Benches are an ideal shape and depth for placing behind a sofa. You can use the bench for additional seating or perhaps, just for display.
I really love the look below because the wood really pops against the sofa’s white backdrop.
5. Seating Arrangement
If you have an open concept, you might want to consider adding a secondary seating arrangement behind your sofa. This would offer seating that can be used in place or even pulled up to the sofa for a large gather. Plus it ties two spaces together nicely!
6. Bookcase
Open shelving to store books {or other knick-knacks} is a great way to decorate behind the sofa without looking quite as bulky as a cabinet. This is a great idea for lower sofas since many sofa tables and cabinets are too tall for low-back sofas.
7. Bar Cart
A bar cart is open and airy and similar to a sofa table, but with a specific purpose. If you entertain often, this is a practical solution for what to put behind a couch!
8. Chest of Drawers
Looking for some extra storage? A cabinet or chest of drawers looks beautiful behind a sofa. Below, just as with a sofa table that is a bit too short for the length of the sofa, chairs are used to visually extend the size of the cabinet.
9. Bar Table
A small table and chairs is great if you want a spot for watching TV while eating! One caveat: Be careful of the height. Sometimes, bar height tables are used and they loom over the back of the sofa. Just as with a sofa table, bar tables look best when they are lower than the back of the sofa, so choose a regular table height, which is between 28″-30″.
10. Nothing
Putting nothing behind a couch is perfectly fine! In fact, in cases where space is limited or a room seems crowded, nothing is preferable. Or if your decorating style leans to minimalist, follow the less is more rule.
Of if the back of your sofa is beautiful all on it’s own, like Anita’s from Cedar Hill Farmhouse, feel free to skip decorating the back!
More Decorating Tips
- Nostalgic Italian Ranges – What You Need to Know Before Buying
- How to Make Your Home Cozy and Warm All Year Round
- Learn How to Decorate a Mantel in 3 Simple Steps
- Design Style Quiz
- The Beauty of Demijohns and Where to Buy Them!
I hope you found some new ideas and inspiration for decorating behind the couch!
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Hey Kim, Thank you for sharing the beautiful ideas, I never imagined a bar cart could be added behind the sofa.
Are there tables between couch and wall that both sides fit flush, one with the straight wall, and the opposite side, angled to couch back? I don’t like how the space towards the bottom looks not filled in. Basically the frame is angled on one side.
I have a u shaped sectional with a chaise on one side in a room with a corner fireplace. I am wondering if I need a wall unit to fill in a big empty wall. The other wall is a wall of windows. both full sides of the sectional are exposed, one being backed to a hallway so can I put something behind both sides? Also, the windows butt up against the corner fireplace, can I put a long drape rod across the entire window span but have the drapes pushed all to one side?
I put a cupboard behind my sofa that is higher than the sofa. What can I do to hide the ugliness of it.