The dining room is where memories are made, but figuring out how to decorate those blank walls can be a little tricky. You might feel stuck on where to even begin, but with a few clever design tricks, you can easily turn that blank canvas into a space that feels special and inviting. Let’s dive in and elevate your dining room!
01 |. Try a Layer of Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to add instant texture and pattern to your walls. You can create a classic, upscale look by choosing a paper with a bold pattern and a subtle color, like a neutral gray, cream, brown or sage green. Sticking to these softer colors adds so much visual interest without overwhelming the space, and it can make your dining room feel more sophisticated and put-together.
02 |. Go with Oversized Art
A single, large piece of framed art is a classic choice for a reason: it instantly creates a focal point. When you center one big piece behind the dining table, it can modernize the entire space and make a huge statement. A large piece of art works especially well on a wall that has no architectural details, as it will really draw the eye in.
The good news is, you don't need a massive budget to do this. You can get that same look for a lot less by taking a big piece of wallpaper and framing it yourself. It's an easy way to get a custom-looking piece of art that doesn't cost a lot.
03 |. Create a Gallery Wall
Gallery walls are a great way to personalize your dining room, and they are just such an easy way to decorate a large, blank wall. You can use a collection of different photos or art prints to tell a story or display a curated collection. For a clean and polished look, you can use a symmetrical arrangement, all the same type of frame, and a consistent color palette, like with black and white photos. For a more impactful statement, use oversized frames to create a bold, clustered arrangement.
04 |. Place an Oversized Mirror
A large mirror is a smart design trick for a dining room. It helps bounce light around the space and can make it feel much bigger than it is. You can either hang it on the wall or simply lean it against the wall to get the same effect. Scale is key here—a large mirror can be a statement piece all on its own. Mirrors come in a huge variety of shapes and styles, so it’s easy to find one that fits the look of your room.
05 |. Add Wall Sconces
Wall-mounted lighting is a great way to add a functional and beautiful design element to your walls. Wall sconces can create a stylish focal point without taking up any floor or table space. Plus, with a lot of new battery-operated and rechargeable options available, you don't even have to worry about hardwiring them. Sconces provide a warm, ambient light that can make a dining room feel so cozy and inviting.
06 |. Consider Millwork or Paneling
Millwork, like wainscoting or paneling, adds so much texture and interest to walls without needing a lot of extra art or decor. This is a great choice if you want a calmer, more monochromatic look while still making the walls feel special. Paneling can give your dining room a polished, custom feel. You can even find peel-and-stick options that mimic the look of real paneling, which makes it a simple DIY project.
07 |. Match Curtains to Wallpaper
This is a clever trick for creating a seamless and sophisticated look in your dining room. When you match your curtains to the pattern or color of your wallpaper, it makes the entire wall feel more cohesive and expansive. It creates a smooth, continuous line that makes the space feel complete. It's an easy way to achieve a high-end, custom look without a lot of extra effort.
08 |. Add Texture and Shape with Decorative Items
For a truly personal and unique look, you can decorate with things that add texture and shape to your walls. A great way to do this is by hanging woven items like rattan and wicker baskets or even embroidered pieces, which instantly bring warmth and a natural feel to the space. You can arrange them in a gallery wall or cluster them together for a dimensional look. Or, if you want to try something different, you can also hang decorative plates. They add a classic look with their unique shapes, patterns, and colors. You can easily find these kinds of items on a budget at thrift stores.
09 |. Hang a Rug or Tapestry
This is a clever and unique idea that can add so much warmth and personality to your dining room. A beautiful rug or tapestry on the wall instantly adds a huge amount of texture and can serve as a soft, inviting focal point. It can also help to absorb sound, which makes the room feel more comfortable and quiet during meals.
10 |. Add Stacked Open Shelving
Wall-mounted ledges or shelving can be a chic and functional way to decorate your dining room walls. You can use these shelves to display a mix of art and functional items, like your best glassware. By stacking a few of them on a wall, you create an organized, stylish display that adds a lot of personality without feeling cluttered. This is especially good for those who want a flexible way to change up their decor.
11 |. Consider a Wall Mural
A mural is a fantastic way to make a bold, immediate statement in a dining room. They can instantly transform a wall, creating a dramatic focal point that serves as the backdrop for all your gatherings. You can find murals in a variety of styles, from simple, artistic patterns to lush, scenic designs that make the room feel much larger. A lot of these are available as peel-and-stick wallpaper now, which makes them super easy to apply and remove if you ever want to change things up.
12 |. Use Wall-Mounted Wine Racks
This is a fun and functional idea for a dining room. Wall-mounted wine racks can act as both a storage solution and a decorative element. By getting your wine bottles off the counter and onto the wall, you add a sophisticated, almost swanky feel to the space while also freeing up valuable surface area.
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