16 Dining Room Wall Decor Ideas To Inspire You

Your dining room is more than just a place to eat—it’s a space to gather, celebrate, and make memories. And the right wall decor can transform your dining room, adding personality, warmth, and style to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion. 

If you’re not sure how to decorate your dining room walls, take a look at my list of dining room wall decor ideas below. I’m sure you’ll find at least a couple of inspiring ideas to inspire your own dining room wall decorating!

My Favorite Dining Room Wall Decor Ideas

1. Dark Paint

You might not think of paint as decor, but let me tell you—dark paint can work wonders for transforming a space. There’s something so striking and sophisticated about moody hues on your walls. They’re like the little black dress of interior design: timeless, chic, and a touch dramatic.

I absolutely love using dark colors in my home. (If you’re curious, here are all the places I’ve gone bold with black paint).

Black is a classic choice, but it’s far from the only option. Dark blues, like the Glidden Diamond in Federal Blue that I used in this cozy eat-in kitchen, bring a rich and inviting feel to a dining space. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a deep green, a sultry dark mauve, or even a charcoal gray. 

So, while dark paint might not technically be a decor item, it’s the perfect backdrop for all your dining room wall decor ideas. 

2. Framed Art & Prints

Let’s talk about a tried-and-true favorite. Hanging framed artwork is an easy way to bring personality and style to your dining room walls, and the options are endless! Depending on the dining room decor style you’ve gone for, you could frame botanical prints, geometric patterns, abstract art, or anything else that matches your design style.

You can use brand new store-bought art, commission a local artist, try your luck at thrifting, or even make your own art.

And before you write it off, making your own artwork is much easier than you probably think! Here are some DIY ideas to inspire you:

• Spray Paint Art: Make gorgeous geometric artwork using spray paint.
• Abstract Art: Make your own abstract masterpiece by playing with colors and brush strokes.
• Clip Art Paintings: Make something unique by painting over printed clip art.
• Scrapbook Paper Art: Create affordable artwork by framing pretty paper.

You can create your own dining room wall art without being the most artistic person!

Feeling even more creative? Think outside the box! Almost anything can become art…

One of my favorite hacks is finding beautiful pages in old photography books. Library book sales are goldmines—you can snag incredible finds for as little as 25 cents each.

For example, I used architectural sketches I found online, printed them onto cream-colored textured paper, and framed them to create this chic look.

The secret to success is picking frames that coordinate with your dining room’s overall vibe, and positioning your artwork in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing. Placing smaller pieces in groups of three or four works well.

3. Canvases

Canvas art is another fantastic option for decorating your dining room walls. While it’s similar to framed artwork, canvases bring a different vibe—especially when you go for a really large, statement piece. On a blank wall, a single oversized canvas can completely transform your dining room.

The possibilities for canvas art are endless. It can get pricey though, especially if you want a large feature piece. But, again, you can always make your own. Here are a couple of easy DIY ideas to get you started:

• Tape Art: Create simple but effective geometric designs using tape.
• Marble Art: Pour paint to create something unique and eye-catching!

Whether you buy or DIY, canvas art is a great way to decorate a large, empty wall.

4. Gallery Wall

Why settle for just one piece of artwork when you can turn an entire wall into a masterpiece? Whether you’re into sleek symmetry or eclectic charm, a gallery wall is the ultimate way to decorate a dining room wall.

Include any of the suggestions from above, but don’t be afraid to incorporate non-traditional pieces of art to keep things interesting. Here are a few ideas to include:

• Relief sculptures: Wall sculptures are made to be hung and add visual interest
• Calendars: A stylish calendar can be functional and decorative.
• Hand mirrors: Antique hand mirrors are a beautiful historic addition
• Theater or Gig Souvenirs: Showcase programs or posters from your favorite shows.
• Family Organizers: Add a practical twist with a magnetic art board or a dry-erase board.

And the best thing? A gallery wall isn’t just decor; it’s a conversation starter. The pieces you choose can spark stories and connections over the dining table, so choose interesting items!

For more on this option, check out my guide on creating a gallery wall.

5. Light Fixtures

Why not let your lighting double as decor? Adding decorative light fixtures to your dining room walls is a fantastic way to brighten the space while elevating its style. The right lighting can create a warm, inviting atmosphere for cozy dinners or lively gatherings.

If rewiring or electrical work isn’t your thing, no problem! There are so many stylish battery-operated wall sconces available now that you can simply attach to the wall—no electrician required.  Shop my curated list of wireless sconces (with remote) here!

Picture lights placed above your framed pieces or gallery wall can highlight your artwork while adding a soft, sophisticated glow. It’s a simple but high-impact way to make your dining room walls shine—literally!

6. Candle Wall Sconce

Much like a wall light fixture, candle sconce can add ambiance. However, while a light fixture can add significant light, a candle sconce is exclusively for charm. It is a beautiful decorative accent that adds a touch of sophistication to the space!

Important safety tip: Use a battery-powered flameless candle instead of a real flame.

7. Wallpaper

Putting up wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to completely transform your dining room walls. Whether you cover all the walls or just one, a decorative wallpaper can bring bold patterns, texture, or color into your space. There are so many stunning designs to choose from these days: from sophisticated to a bold and funky maximalist look. 

Check out my guide to decorating with wallpaper for all my best tips and tricks.

8. An Accent Wall / Mural

An accent wall is a powerful way to make one wall a decorative feature that draws the eye and sets the tone for the room.

You can achieve this look in a variety of ways:

• Paint: Use a bold, contrasting color to make the wall pop.
• Wallpaper: Choose a striking pattern or texture to create visual interest.
• Mural Artist: A hand-painted mural would be a stunning way to add character.

An accent wall works especially well behind the dining room table, creating a focal point that anchors the room. It’s an easy way to take your dining room from basic to breathtaking with just a little effort!

9. A Large Piece of Furniture

Sometimes, the best way to decorate a wall is by placing a beautiful piece of furniture in front of it. If you have the space, placing a piece of dining room furniture like a hutch, cabinet, dresser, or bookcase in front of a bare wall would be a simple way to add visual interest.

Not only does a large piece of furniture help break up the space visually, but it also creates the perfect opportunity to add more decor. Adorn the surfaces with a mix of functional and decorative items like:

• Crockery (Dishes)
• Plants
• Lamps
• Decorative accents like candles, framed photos, books, or seasonal decor

10. Mirrors

Mirrors are a fantastic alternative to traditional wall art. They’re especially great for small dining rooms and dining rooms with dark walls or limited natural light, since they reflect light around the room.

In my dining room, I chose a gorgeous statement mirror on my dining room wall that truly transformed the space. 

If a large mirror isn’t going to work for your dining space, you could arrange a set of smaller ornate mirrors or include a mirror in your gallery wall.

11. Wall Baskets

Fill beautiful wall baskets with flowers and greenery as a stunning accent. These baskets have a flat back and hang flush along the wall, exuding old-world charm. Use beautiful decorative hooks to add to the effect.

You can also go with narrow flat baskets like tobacco baskets that can be hung like you would art.

12. Crockery / Decorative Dishes

Whether it’s fine china, colorful ceramics, or vintage plates, beautiful crockery can bring charm and elegance to your dining room. Thrift stores are treasure troves for affordable crockery. Jazz up your finds with a little paint to create custom pieces that match your style.

You can stack plates, bowls, and cups neatly on open shelves or within a hutch to create a curated, layered look. Or hang plates directly on the wall for a striking and artistic arrangement. 

Whether you’re displaying family heirlooms, thrifted treasures, or your favorite dinnerware, this is a creative and budget-friendly way to elevate your dining room walls!

13. Moulding

If you’re looking to break up a blank dining room wall, consider adding architectural details like panelling, beading, or moulding.

Adding features like dado rails, shaker-style panels, or wainscoting not only makes your walls visually interesting but also gives your dining room a high-end, polished feel. 

For inspiration and tips, see my guide to adding architectural details to your walls.

14. Plants

Plants are a fantastic way to add a fresh, natural element to your dining room walls. Here are a few ideas to incorporate plants into your dining room wall decor:

• Hang pretty planters on the wall.
• Place a tall plant in a decorative pot in front of a wall.
• Install a wall planter, like the one in my kitchen.

Plants not only look stunning, but they also improve air quality and bring a sense of calm to your dining room. If real plants aren’t your thing, you can use a wall vase or wall planter with artificial plants.

15. Built-In Shelves

Give your dining room a cozy library-like vibe with built-in bookshelves! It makes for great storage, and a charming space.

Shelving isn’t just for storage—it can be a beautiful way to decorate your dining room walls. You can then style your shelves with plants, books, candles, ornaments, lamps, or framed artwork. 

16. Decorative Hooks

Hooks are another excellent way to decorate your dining room walls. Like shelving, hooks let you showcase items that are both functional and decorative.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Baskets
• Stylish hats
• Cooking utensils, e.g. wooden spoons, cutting boards, or even aprons
• Beautiful instruments

Decorative hooks are an easy, affordable way to add a bit more interest to your walls.

The Power of Dining Room Wall Decor

Whether you prefer bold statement pieces like dark paint or oversized mirrors, personal touches like family photos, or functional decor like shelves and hooks, I hope you found some dining room wall decor ideas to try for yourself. 

Even small additions, like a few hanging plants or a decorative sign, can completely transform the feel of your dining room, and make it a place you’re proud to host dinner parties and family gatherings.

Which idea will you try first?