How to Paint Accents on the Wall Behind the TV

The area behind a TV no longer looks dull if you paint it.

Painting an accent wall behind the TV is a way to draw attention to this space in your home. The TV is often the main feature in a living room or den. Adding a painted accent provides a colorful frame around the set, thus giving it pizazz even when the TV is not turned on. Many people create an accent wall behind the television by painting the wall from the floor to the ceiling in a different color. Add an unusual twist to this idea by using a color blocking technique.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Painter's tape
• Carpenter's level
• 1 quart of wall paint
• Paint tray
• Paintbrush
• Paint roller

Instructions

1. Measure the size of your TV with a measuring tape. Jot down the length and width after adding 6 to 18 inches to the sums, depending on how large you want the color block.

2. Tape painter's tape to the wall behind the TV in a square or rectangle shape -- depending on your TV shape. Do this in the dimensions you wrote down.

3. Use a carpenter's level or a measuring tape to ensure the taped area is level and centered behind the wall where the TV sits.

4. Pour about half the can of paint into a painter's tray.

5. Fill in the space inside the painter's tape with the wall paint. Use a paintbrush or a paint roller if the area is quite large. A semi-gloss or satin paint is useful to focus everyone's attention to the area and make the shape appear to pop. The space may require an additional coat to achieve the look you desire. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly before adding another.

6. Wait for the color block to dry before removing the tape. This creates a frame of color behind the TV, thus adding a decorative accent to the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Place decorative wall art on either side of the TV so the black screen does not overly dominate the area when the set is turned off. If the room is decorated in a contemporary or minimalist style, leaving the wall bare accentuates the style.

• Accent the wall behind the TV in a darker or contrasting color than the other walls for the most attractive look. If you don't want the area behind the TV to be dramatic or intense, pick a shade that is two or three shades darker than the surrounding walls, as stated by House Painting Tutorials.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Inspiration: Painting a Color Block to Define a Space
• House Painting Tutorial: Tips For Painting Accent Walls