When setting up the decor in the living spaces of our homes, we have to face multiple challenges, whether they are practical considerations, personal preferences, or aesthetic concerns. One way or another, multiple approaches must be experimented with to achieve desired results.
The reality is that only some possess the natural aptitude or budget for professional assistance to implement these ideas.
Taking that into account, I have been feeling generous enough to share my personal expertise by providing practical tips and tricks and sharing some creative DIY solutions on “how to hide the back of a reclining couch” so that your home feels more organized and put together.
Why Is It Important To Hide The Back Of A Recliner?
You might think that it is just an extra effort to camouflage something that has no practical use or any other relevance to your daily life, but to break your bubble, hiding the back of the recliner has a handful of benefits, such as
Enhances Space Management
The back of the recliner leaves very little room for customization because it renders the space behind it unusable, creating a dead zone that can only be utilized for some purposes.
On the other hand, it also produces a visual barrier, making the room feel smaller and more cramped than it actually is. This makes space management quite challenging, especially in open-concept living spaces where the back of the recliner is exposed from multiple angles.
In that case, hiding the back of a recliner works wonders because not only do you create a more defined acoustics of the room, but you also improve the accessibility of the space.
Visual Continuity
Speaking of being a visual barrier, the back of the recliner is often deemed ugly and uninviting and never blends with the ambiance of the room, no matter how stylish or expensive the recliner itself is or how well-lit or spacious the room is.
This element is extremely important for individuals who have an itch for aesthetics, who are sensitive to visual clutter and disharmony, and who want their furniture to integrate with their decor seamlessly.
With your recliner back being exposed, there is no way you could achieve a polished and professional feel, as the exposed back will make the space feel unfinished and unrefined.
Improves Traffic Flow
For smaller rooms or studio apartments, the back of the recliner is a bain of traffic flow because it basically creates a barrier that forces people to walk around it, disrupting the natural flow of movement.
To make matters worse, it also creates a tripping hazard, especially if the recliner is placed in a high-traffic area, which is the last thing you would want if you have young children or elderly family members living with you, as they may be more prone to accidents.
Or you simply have to frequently entertain guests, as a tripping hazard can be embarrassing and potentially dangerous.
Creative Ways On How To Hide The Back Of A Reclining Couch
To spice up your living or bedroom, here are some clever methods that will transform the look of your space.
Room Dividers
Room dividers can work wonders if you have an open floor plan and want to create distinct zones or separate functional areas. Additionally, it also helps you conceal the back of a reclining couch without sacrificing style or functionality.
The beauty of room dividers is their affordability and adaptability, allowing you to customize your layout without breaking the bank or altering the structure of your room.
In order to install a room divider, follow the steps mentioned below,
- Start by measuring the space where you want to place the divider, ensuring it will fit comfortably and not obstruct walkways.
- Remember to choose the type of divider that best suits your needs and aesthetic, considering factors like material, size, and style.
- Next comes the tricky part, as you will be required to position the divider behind the reclining couch, ensuring it covers the back entirely and aligns with the desired layout.
- Once you are done, make sure the divider is stable and secure, especially if you have children or pets who may bump into it, so apply some pressure on it to check if it’s dangling or loose.
Console Tables
For those who prefer a less intrusive solution than a room divider, a console table provides a flexible option that complements various aesthetics, ranging from modern to traditional. Additionally, unlike room dividers restricted to vertical use, console tables can showcase decorative items or photos with elegance.
As an added bonus, it could also be paired with a mirror to create a focal point and visually expand the space. In other words, you have a space-saving solution that is not only versatile but also doubles up as a multifunctional piece of furniture.
Simply find a table with a width that complements the length of the recliner, creating a balanced visual proportion.
Sofa Or Couch Table
You might think that a sofa or couch table is only meant to be placed behind a sofa, but it can be used to hide the back of a recliner as well in some instances, it will look awkward or out of place, but with the proper styling, it can actually enhance the overall look of the room.
Although an additional purchase, a well-chosen sofa table can offer a surprisingly affordable room transformation just make sure that you choose the one that harmonizes with the recliner’s dimensions and aesthetic, so taking measurements is incredibly important to fully cover the back of an ugly sofa or recliner.
To attain its full potential, make sure it also has plenty of room for storage; after all, you want your money’s worth out of it, so why not utilize the storage space to declutter your living area by storing books, magazines, remotes, or other items that tend to accumulate.
Even better, if you use the table as a charging station for your electronic devices, keep cords and clutter out of sight, or create a mini library by organizing your favorite books and magazines on the table’s shelves or drawers.
Floral Units
Another looking for an option that is not only vibrant but also has an eco-conscious touch, I suggest that they consider a living wall behind your recliner since It introduces color, texture, and natural air purification.
If that’s not feasible or seems too challenging, try installing a series of hanging planters with trailing vines.
Hanging planters filled with trailing greenery can create a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere while softening the recliner’s harsh edges and rough design that could otherwise be seen as an eyesore.
For a touch of drama and elegance, opt for a statement plant like a fiddle leaf fig or monstera deliciosa, instantly transforming the room’s visual appeal.
And for those who prefer floor-standing options, you can easily install a series of mini plant pots with varying heights or simply choose the ones that can easily obstruct the line of sight of an ugly recliner back; bonus points if you use colorful textures that can create a dynamic display that basically counterbalances the aura that is hiding it.
Just make sure that these sets of pots are placed near the recliner, leaving enough room for air circulation and adequate sunlight exposure for each plant.
Tapestry Or Customized Panels
This is the part where you go entirely into DIY mode, which means you need to put effort into it, but once you get the job done, it’s totally worth it.
For starters, you can Create a custom panel using plywood or foam board, which can be customized with colors to match your other decor, or you could simply measure the dimensions of the back of your recliner to determine the size of the tapestry or panel you’ll need.
Tapestries are easily attached to the back of the recliners, and if you are fully implementing the DIY methods, you can also add decorative trim or embellishments, such as tassels, fringe, or ribbon, to personalize your creation.
The best part about tapestries is that there is no limitation or any restriction on the type of fabric or pattern you can use, even if the colors of the fabric doesnt match, as long as you can repurpose old fabrics or find affordable options at thrift stores or online, its more than sufficient.
It also makes your room showcase your attention to detail and craftsmanship, as you can choose a tapestry that reflects your hobbies or passions.
Shelving Units
Speaking of being artistic, you could install a shelving unit or a complete bookshelf; not only will it display a sense of organization and order, but it can also add visual interest and personality to the room.
Even if you don’t have an ample amount of books in your inventory, you could fill the bookshelves with additional decoration pieces such as sculptures, figurines, personal mementos or family heirlooms, candles or other lighting elements, and even vases of various sizes and styles.
Bottom Line
All in all, the methods mentioned above offer a variety of solutions on how to hide the back of a reclining couch all while offering tips that can transform a potentially awkward design element of your room into a classy decor home.
However, adding your own attribute of creativity and combining these tips could further boost the aesthetic element and even integrate the charisma that the back of an ugly recliner could otherwise be siphoned by an ugly recliner back, so feel free to experiment with practical ways and inspiration that you see elsewhere, after all, copying is the highest form of flattery, and it doesnt hurt if you copy a thing or two from your peers or buddy to spice up your room.
I am a furniture expert with a passion for recliners. With years of experience in the industry, I offer invaluable insights and creative ideas for selecting the perfect recliner to suit any space and your needs.