In the same way that personality can be conveyed through our clothing preferences, so it can be shown through our taste in music and interior design choices. Fuse those latter two together, and you can use your personality as a source of inspiration to help curate a unique and functional design aesthetic.
If you’re a keen musician, an audiophile or simply like nice looking things, here are 7 ways to incorporate music into your interior design scheme.
An Accent Piece
One of the great things about having a hobby like playing a musical instrument is that the instruments and equipment which you’ve accumulated over the years, rather than being a storage burden, can bring real character to your house. Moreover, musical instruments are beautiful to look at, and, as such, you shouldn’t be afraid of showcasing them in your décor.
If you’re a guitarist, hang your guitar on the wall to create an interesting focal point that will grab people’s attention. Display a single guitar on its own or create an entire wall full of guitars for impact. Hanging any musical instrument on the wall in your living room is not only decorative, but makes for an easy to reach jam session when the mood and music hit you.
A piano, if you have the space, can add aesthetic intrigue, too. Indeed, pianos aren’t just great for the people that play them; they provide a fabulous focal point when you have friends and family over. Have plenty of seats, stalls and poufs nearby, and voila – you have a makeshift stage.
A Sound System
Nowadays, you can buy a domestic sound system that would rival any small gig venue. Moreover, these modern day sound systems don’t just add harmonic richness to your favourite music, but visual appeal, too. A stylish setup, complete with turntables, can become as much of a talking point as any piece of art.
Whether you go for a trendy JBL, a retro-looking Marshall Stanmore Bluetooth speaker, or the elegant minimalism of Naim Audio’s range, a well-chosen speaker is a unique way to spice up your interior design with a mood lifter.
Frame Your Musical Moments
Although creating a shrine to your personal musical achievements may look a little self-indulgent and is best avoided if you want to look dignified, showing off a few moments you’re proud of as a way to incorporate music into your home decor certainly isn’t a crime.
If you’re a musician, consider framing certificates and adding them in with other artwork or gallery wall features. Or, perhaps incorporate photos of you performing into a gallery wall. Subtly showcase and incorporate your favourite musical moments into the overall interior design of the space for the most refined results.
Read: Why every adult should learn a musical instrument
Albums, Posters & Books
Speaking of gallery walls, a simple yet powerful way to add music to your home is to create a feature wall of your favourite album covers and posters of your favourite musicians. Framed concert tickets and music sheets can also be incorporated for that extra personal touch.
If you’re a lover of vinyls, consider investing in some floating vinyl shelves and creating a vinyl wall. Artists spent so much money on album art – in fact, some of the most iconic images in the world are album cover art – and they deserve to have a spotlight shone on them domestically, don’t you think?
Here at IDEAL, it’s no secret that we’re huge fans of coffee book tables. Consider placing books with titles related to the music industry or your favourite artist on the table. Not only will this add musical personality to your room, but it’ll also spark conversations with guests.
Musical Antiques
You can also look into antique musical instruments that will provide a nice vintage touch to your decor and can tell the history of world music by themselves. An old record player is an excellent addition to a living room, especially if you love Jazz music.
On the other hand, if rock music is your passion, an amplifier would fit perfectly into your interior design. If you’re a fan of classical music, a statue of a musician or a beautiful solo harp could be a focal point of the room. Indeed, If you have space, instruments like the harp can become a particularly fascinating part of your decor. Have fun with this thing, and create a harmony (get it?) between music and domestic interior design today.
A Dedicated Listening Nook
If space permits, consider carving out a corner specifically for musical enjoyment. A comfortable armchair, good lighting and your preferred audio setup can create a retreat within your own home. Add a small side table for your current vinyl rotation or a stack of music magazines, and you’ve got yourself a personal sanctuary. This intentional approach to creating space for listening elevates music from background noise to a mindful experience.
Music-Inspired Textiles & Soft Furnishings
For those who prefer a subtler nod to their musical passions, textiles offer an understated way to weave melody into your décor. Cushions featuring graphic prints of instruments, throws in colours inspired by iconic album artwork, or even curtains with a subtle sound wave pattern can all contribute to a cohesive musical theme without overwhelming the space. It’s about creating a sense of rhythm in the room through pattern and texture.
The Bottom Line
Your home should be a reflection of who you are, and for music lovers, that means letting your passion take centre stage. Whether you opt for a statement instrument on the wall, a carefully curated vinyl display or a dedicated corner for deep listening, incorporating music into your interior design creates a space that’s both personal and inviting.
The key is to strike a balance between showcasing your musical identity and maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Get it right, and your home won’t just look good; it’ll feel like it has its own soundtrack.
