How-To
10 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Dining Room With Art
Displaying art effectively can transform your dining area into a haven for relaxation and reflection, or create a vibrant space for socializing and celebration. In either case, showcasing some of your favorite artwork around the dining table is a valuable way to increase the visual appeal of your living space and make your home feel more welcoming and complete.
Here are some ideas on how to hang and display original art and art prints in your dining room:
#1: Hang Art in Pairs
Pairing similar artwork in engaging colors creates a sense of symmetry and harmony in your dining space, while complimenting other decorative accents in the process.
#2: Work with the Windows
Complementary art can be also used to frame and highlight windows. Small original works and art prints make a big impact when effectively displayed in limited spaces above windows and doors.
#3: Add Interest with Contrasts
Combining colorful paintings with rustic textured surfaces creates interesting contrast in your living space. Using warm colors and natural materials can make dining spaces feel more inviting.
#4: Hang Small Art in Groups
Displaying small art in groups invites a sense of wonder and fun. A unique mix of paintings, drawings, photos, and sculpture is a great conversation starter at social gatherings, encouraging guests to share stories about where they found their favorite art treasures.
#5: Use Existing Architectural Details
Taking advantage of existing architectural details can provide a stunning frame for your art. Look at this dining room from Apartment Therapy for example… Notice how the arched doorway leading into the dining room draws additional attention to the photograph, further accentuating how its bright colors pop against the dark wall. The image has a vintage feel that provides a great backdrop for the Mid-Century chandelier, too.
#6: Display on Shelves and Mantlepieces
Propping small and medium sized art on chair rails, mantelpieces, floating shelves, or a sideboard is an innovative display idea for apartment dwellers who may not want to put lots of holes in the walls. Displaying your art collection this way also works well for art enthusiasts with extensive collections and limited wall space. Smaller art can be propped in front of larger works for increased visual impact.
#7: Let Your Art Guide Your Tableware Choices
In more casual settings, coordinating art and tableware is an enjoyable way to create visual unity in your dining space.
#8: Embrace Bold Color and Scale
Displaying large original artwork can add a burst of color to room and help to define your dining area in an open space. A bold painting can provide a strong focal point and effectively frame your table.
#9: Go for Visual Impact
Using textures and stark contrast can be an appealing way to decorate your dining room. Here, a large white sculptural chandelier is framed by the minimal black painting behind it for maximum impact.
#10: Make a Window with Art
As seen here on Domaine, hanging lush landscape art or an eye-catching abstract piece allows you to create a “window” on interior walls and treat your guests to a visual feast.
