What should you put on dining room walls? Large art centered on the table or sideboard is the classic choice. Mirrors, gallery walls, plate walls, wallpaper and wainscoting also work well, and a hutch or china cabinet can be wall decor in itself. Keep the scale generous, hang art 6 to 10 inches above a sideboard, and add wall lighting for a warm atmosphere at dinner.
Dining rooms often have the plainest walls in the house, and dining room wall art is often an afterthought. That's a shame, because guests sit there and look at them for hours. These dining room wall decor ideas will help you fill a blank wall, in any style or size of room.
10 Dining Room Wall Decor Ideas
1. Oversized art
One large piece of art, centered on the dining room table, gives the room a strong focal point. Abstract art feels modern, and still life and landscapes feel classic. Choose something you won't tire of looking at over many meals.
2. Art above the sideboard
A sideboard and a piece of art make a natural pair. Leave about 6 to 10 inches between the top of the furniture and the frame, and choose art about two thirds as wide as the sideboard. The Travero Modern Buffet Sideboard below shows the effect.
3. A gallery wall
Mix family photos, prints and small mirrors for a personal look. Keep frames in one or two finishes for a cohesive design. See our gallery wall ideas for layouts.
4. A large mirror
Mirrors bounce light from windows and reflect the chandelier at night, which makes a dining room feel bigger and brighter. Hang one opposite a window if you can.
5. A plate wall
Hang decorative plates in a cluster or grid. It's perfect for a dining room and a good use for a collection. Use plate hangers or adhesive discs rated for the weight.
6. Wallpaper
Dining rooms are used less than other rooms, so they're a good place to try bold wallpaper. A botanical or mural print can be the only wall decor you need. See how to choose wallpaper.
7. Wainscoting or paneling
Paneling on the lower part of the wall adds architecture and protects the wall from chair backs. Paint it a deep color for drama. Our wainscoting ideas cover styles and heights.
8. A hutch or display cabinet
Furniture can do the job of wall decor. A tall cabinet filled with dishes, books and plants adds height and personality. The Relievo Arched Hutch Cabinet in the photo above combines an arched top with built-in LED lighting and closed storage below. Our guide to styling a display cabinet shows how to fill one.
9. Wall sconces
Sconces on either side of art or a mirror add soft light for evening meals. Plug-in versions work if there's no wiring.
10. Floating shelves
Open shelves display serving pieces, glassware and plants. Keep them styled lightly so they don't look cluttered.
Wall Decor for the Dining Room by Style
- Modern: One large abstract canvas, a slim picture ledge and a sculptural sconce.
- Traditional: Paneling, a gilded mirror and a pair of sconces.
- Farmhouse: A plate wall, a wood-framed mirror and open shelves.
- Minimalist space: One piece of art and nothing else. Let the furniture do the talking.
- Eclectic: A full gallery wall in mixed frames.
How to Choose the Right Piece
- Measure first. Art over a table or sideboard should be about two thirds of its width.
- Center on the furniture. Line art up with the table or sideboard, not just the wall.
- Consider the paint color. Art that picks up the wall color or one shade from the room's color palette ties it together.
- Think about the light fixture. A busy chandelier pairs best with simpler wall art.
- Choose themes you'll enjoy. Food and still life are traditional, but anything you love works.
What Is the 3-5-7 Rule for Decorating?
It's a guideline for grouping objects in odd numbers, such as three, five or seven. Odd groups look natural and relaxed. Use it for frames in a gallery wall or objects on a sideboard.
Dining Room Wall Decor Mistakes
- Too small: A small frame on a big wall looks lost.
- Too high: Art should relate to the furniture, not float near the ceiling.
- Too much: Fill one or two walls, and leave others quieter.
- No texture: Mix frames, wood, metal and fabric so the room doesn't feel flat.
For the rest of the room, see how to decorate a dining room and our dining room ideas. Looking for a new focal point? Browse sideboards and buffets.
Related: see our dining room lighting ideas.
FAQ
What kind of art should hang in a dining room?
Anything you enjoy. Large abstracts, landscapes and still life are popular. Food or drink themes are traditional, but not required.
What looks good on a dining room wall?
A big piece of art, a mirror, a gallery wall, a plate wall, wallpaper or a display cabinet.
How high should art be above a sideboard?
About 6 to 10 inches above the top of the sideboard.
How do I decorate a large blank wall in a dining room?
Use oversized art, a large mirror, a full gallery wall or wallpaper. Tall furniture like a hutch also fills a wall well.
Should dining room art be centered on the table or the wall?
On the table, if the table is the main feature. Otherwise, center it on the sideboard or other furniture below it.
Related: What to put above a couch · How high to hang pictures · How to decorate a sideboard · Christmas dining room decor