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Trendey • Ideas by Room • 14 Dining Room Wall Decor Ideas

14 Dining Room Wall Decor Ideas

14 Dining Room Wall Decor Ideas

  • by — Kendrick Hulse
  • Published on June 28, 2021

  • Updated on March 23, 2025

The dining room is one of the least used rooms in the modern home. This is partially because of a rising preference for multi-use spaces (today’s meals are often eaten in the kitchen or living room instead).

If you’re like most homeowners, your dining room may only play a starring role during holidays and parties. Still, putting a little extra care into its decor will ensure it blends into the rest of your home design.

Keep reading for our favorite dining room wall decor ideas that will leave you wondering how you ever enjoyed a meal surrounded by blank walls!

1. Discover Bold Accent Wall Ideas

Some homeowners see accent walls as slightly dated or even a major design faux pas. But chances are if you have a negative view of this decorative element, it’s because you’re only familiar with poor examples.

Elegant dining room with textured white accent wall, vintage wood table, mixed chairs, and pendant lighting.
Source: @habitarteco via Instagram
Modern dining room with bold blue 3D accent wall, sleek white table, black chairs, and white vases with greenery.
Source: @heyjuliemaigret via Instagram
Rustic dining nook with wood accent wall, bold yellow upholstered bench, and vibrant floral centerpiece.
Source: @leks.ent via Instagram
Modern dining room with abstract line art wall mural, wire chairs, and minimalist pendant lighting.
Source: @lifeasweknowit_interiors via Instagram
Neutral dining space with a wood plank accent wall, round table setting for six, and a modern pendant light.
Source: @lovely_residences via Instagram
Glam dining room with bold pink chairs, glossy blue table, chandelier, and textured fireplace accent wall.
Source: @peabodysinteriors via Instagram

Adding an accent wall isn’t just about choosing the brightest color and painting a random wall. Executing this trend well means thinking about the space — in this case, your dining room — in its entirety.

Some of the best accent walls don’t use color at all. Instead, these designs play with texture and three-dimensional elements to create a focal point within the room.

2. Create a Cozy Cottage Wall Decor

Cottage decor is a branch of the rustic design movement that features a soft, romantic aesthetic paired with organic elements. This trend is even more comfortable and welcoming than rustic decor as a whole.

Charming white dining set with floral wallpaper and framed quote reading “The secret ingredient is love.”
Source: @our.loved.place via Instagram
Cozy cottage dining room with white shiplap wall, rustic clock, farmhouse table, and soft floral curtains.
Source: @smalltowngirllife via Instagram
Warm cottage dining room with wood furniture, floral wallpaper, vintage chandelier, and cozy bench seating.
Source: @tighedtogetherdesigns via Instagram

Much of cottage design has an almost storybook-inspired side to it. You can think of quaint holiday decor like wreaths, candles, and figurines as examples. The key difference is that cottage design employs this decor year-round.

Dining room wall decor can include items made from reclaimed wood such as old shutters or floating shelves. Items that have a handmade quality work great as cottage-style decor. Vintage china and serveware also make excellent accents.

3. Use Textured and Reflective Finishes for a Modern Touch

The average household may have drifted away from the formal dining room but that doesn’t eliminate the need (or desire!) to have a luxurious space at the ready for entertaining. Wall decor is an excellent tool for creating a dining area that wows without going over the top.

Elegant dining room with crystal chandelier, tufted chairs, white wainscoting, and a large ornate mirror on the wall.
Source: @deco_design_officiel via Instagram
Luxurious dining room with tufted chairs, ornate oversized mirror, crystal lighting, and neutral color tones.
Source: @ivys_luxury_home via Instagram
Opulent dining room with ornate gold-trimmed chairs, glass-top table, and gold-accented tree mural wall design.
Source: @oussifinehome via Instagram

Here’s the secret to making a space feel elegant: Use textured and reflective finishes.

Metallic decor will instantly make your dining room look like it cost a fortune to outfit. Likewise, a large hanging mirror will make the room brighter and create the illusion of more square footage.

4. Farmhouse Dining Wall with Vintage and Modern Touches

Today’s farmhouse dining rooms are a nearly perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary sleekness. The best farmhouse wall decor is just as functional as it is beautiful.

Farmhouse dining room with white shiplap wall, floating shelves, rustic decor, and framed botanical prints.
Source: @alittle_bitof_alldecor via Instagra
Farmhouse dining area with large windows, gallery wall of food-themed signs, and a table set with rustic charm.
Source: @backstagehomeblog via Instagram
Farmhouse dining room with black chairs, wood shelf decor, vintage window frames, and rustic “Farmers Market” sign.
Source: @lynettecarpenter77 via Instagram
Farmhouse dining room with black metal chairs, wooden table, mug racks on the wall, and a centerpiece of labeled white pitchers.
Source: @mrs_sobczak via Instagram
Farmhouse dining room with rustic wood table, tufted seating, round chandelier, and wall wreaths over vintage window frames.
Source: @my.blessed.home via Instagram
Farmhouse dining space with gray walls, white wall shelf displaying plates, rustic table, and greenery centerpiece.
Source: @the_lavender_home via Instagram
Farmhouse dining room with wood bench seating, gather sign, tobacco basket wall decor, and cotton wreath accent.
Source: @thetennesseehome via Instagram

Mount floating shelves to display your best dinnerware or cast iron hooks for your family’s coffee mugs. Chalkboard paint is popular in farmhouse design. Use a DIY wall hanging as a household calendar or meal plan.

If you want to retain the modern edge seen in many farmhouse-inspired homes, avoid the temptation to add too much decor to your dining room walls. Clutter will erase any hint of contemporary sensibility in the space!

5. Personalize with a Unique Gallery Wall

Can’t decide which photos or artwork to hang on your dining room walls? A curated gallery wall is the perfect backdrop to your dining room table.

Bright dining room with white table, black chairs, and a gallery wall filled with assorted family photos and frames.
Source: @freshfarmhousefeels via Instagram
Modern black dining table with metal chairs, mid-century chandelier, and an art-filled gallery wall in a monochrome space.
Source: @huaconry via Instagram
Minimalist dining nook with soft pillows, white walls, and a grid of botanical line art prints in light wood frames.
Source: @lemon.and.bloom via Instagram
Scandi-style dining room with modern gallery wall, wooden table, mismatched chairs, and pampas grass centerpiece.
Source: @littlehousenearthebrook via Instagram
Traditional dining room with dark wood table, black-and-white photo gallery wall, and gold chandelier above.
Source: @ourcottagenest via Instagram
Rustic dining space with wood table, woven placemats, floral centerpiece, and an eclectic gallery wall with quotes and photos.
Source: @rebeccas_rose_tinted via Instagram
Casual dining area with wood and black furniture, eclectic gallery wall with prints and maps, and a touch of greenery.
Source: @thegosfordmama via Instagram

Gallery walls were one of the biggest interior design trends of the last decade. Don’t let this deter you from creating your own. While incredibly uniform gallery walls have their time and place, contemporary design is more partial to mismatched layouts.

Choose a variety of wall decorations. You can include different shapes, colors, sizes, and even materials but there should be a common thread shared between all items (such as a general theme or color scheme). Artwork and photographs should be placed in similar — not identical — frames.

6. Innovate with Hanging Decor Techniques

We’re used to seeing multimedia wall decor hung in spaces like the living room, bedroom, or bathroom. For some reason, though, homeowners often overlook these items when selecting dining room wall decor.

Boho-inspired wall with birch trunks and hanging planters, creating a natural divider in a light-filled modern home.
Source: @beachhouse_cologne via Instagram
Cozy dining nook with black chairs, marble table, wall-mounted herb garden, and vintage decorative plates.
Source: @onnielangb via Instagram
Boho dining area with wooden table, macramé placemats, and hanging planters creating a lush green wall display.
Source: @thelittleknotshoppe via Instagram
Bright dining area with macramé wall hanger, terracotta potted plants, and mirrored sideboard for a lush, cozy vibe.
Source: @trhouseplants via Instagram

Tapestries are typically the first wall hangings that come to mind. Wine racks make great wall decor in a formal dining space. Even woven baskets can be repurposed as wall hangings to show off their unique shape and texture.

Hanging planters are the easiest way to add greenery to your dining room without taking up any usable space. These planters come in all different styles, from Bohemian to ultra-contemporary.

7. Explore Metal and Wood Wall Sculptures

Dining room wall art is often confined to items that are as smooth and inoffensive as possible. Rest assured, however, that adding multidimensional sculptures to your dining room will be an upgrade. Not a design misstep!

Modern dining corner with round table, white chairs, and black metal wall art that reads “You Are What You Eat.”
Source: @fantecraft.co via Instagram
Industrial-style dining nook with wood and metal table set, concrete wall, and decorative metal cat sculpture.
Source: @flamemetalwallart via Instagram

Animal and botanical effigies are great options for any space. There’s no shortage of avant-garde sculptures for more eclectic homeowners.

Scale is incredibly important when selecting a wall sculpture for any room. You can use metal or wood sculptures as accents or statement pieces. In the latter case, subtle backlighting will make your sculpture really pop.

8. Enhance with Strategic Mirror Placement

Despite being so commonplace throughout home design, we tend to think of mirrors as functional first and foremost. That prejudice can lead to overlooking this versatile decoration as an ideal dining room wall accessory.

Modern dining space with black shiplap accent wall, round gold-framed mirror, and sleek wood table with neutral chairs.
Source: @_sydneydawn via Instagram
Elegant dining room with large wood table, beige upholstered chairs, arched grid mirrors, and iron chandelier.
Source: @alidolkz via Instagram
Chic dining room with dark wood table, elegant chairs, round segmented mirror, and decorative sideboard with bar setup.
Source: @caseyevesdesign via Instagram
Elegant dining room with dark walls, trio of ornate gold-framed mirrors, floral arrangement, and wooden sideboard.
Source: @oldlansdowne via Instagram
Contemporary dining room with bold blue chairs, round stone-look table, mirrored wall tiles, and abstract art prints.
Source: @our_wedge_home via Instagram
Stylish dining room with black table, abstract mirrored wall art above fireplace, and decorative accents on mantel.
Source: @rivendell_home via Instagram

Yes, you can technically use any mirror to inspect your hair or straighten your tie. But that’s not the main purpose of hanging a mirror in your dining room. Instead, installing a mirror in your dining space is about increasing the brightness and perceived space.

Mirrors come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Unique statement mirrors are perfect for the dining room where they will be a main focal point. Consider hanging several mirrors along one wall for a more dramatic look.

9. Experiment with Paint Techniques

The idea of painting shapes or patterns on an interior wall is often reserved for children’s bedrooms. In the last year, this trend has migrated into the “adult” decor world.

Colorful dining space with red ombré accent wall, leafy plants, framed bird art, and wooden table with modern chairs.
Source: @amaliedalby via Instagram
Neutral dining room with hand-painted accent wall, round floral medallion art, candle sconces, and white farmhouse furniture.
Source: @artkeyologie via Instagram
Minimalist dining room with two-tone painted ceiling and wall, modern wood table, and oversized black dome pendant light.
Source: @kaluinteriors via Instagram
Whimsical dining-living space with oversized feather mural, dark sofa, round coffee table, and geometric patterned rug.
Source: @thearchdigest via Instagram
Modern dining nook with black accent wall, wood table and bench, minimalist shelf decor, and monochrome art prints.
Source: @through_the_lane via Instagram
Bold dining room with geometric wall mural, circular glass table, velvet gray chairs, and modern glam decor.
Source: @trewcolors via Instagram

As long as you take the time to achieve a clean, professional finish, nothing is stopping you from bringing this trend into your dining room. Painters’ tape, patience, and a steady hand are the most valuable tools for this project. Think about how your design will frame your dining table and chairs.

Painting a contrasting arch or stripes can be an excellent way to designate an accent wall. Adding splotches of bright colors over a white wall is far less jarring than painting the entire surface.

10. Transform with Wall Panelling

Many years ago, interior wall paneling was replaced by drywall as the go-to solution. Yet today’s popular home designs feature this vintage trend very heavily.

Minimalist dining room with light wood table, mixed seating, dark floors, and classic white wall paneling.
Source: @houseofwahls via Instagram
Charming dining room with soft panelled walls, wood table, mix of chairs and bench, and cozy fur accent.
Source: @interiorby_ab via Instagram
Rustic dining room with geometric panel accent wall, farmhouse wood table, mix of chairs and bench, and lantern-style light.
Source: @lahulan via Instagram
Bright dining room with elegant white wall paneling, modern wood table, blue velvet chairs, and a sleek chandelier.
Source: @mymarkonit via Instagram
Elegant dining room with soft blue chevron panel wall, tufted chairs, large chandelier, and festive holiday decor.
Source: @thefunkgypsy via Instagram

This trend isn’t only available to homes with existing paneling. It’s quite easy to replicate the look of wood paneling using materials from your local hardware store. Coat everything with a matte or satin paint color for a modernized finish.

Since wall paneling is no longer synonymous with old architecture, you can safely pair this trend with more contemporary decor. There’s no need to worry about your wall panels looking frumpy or dated.

11. Incorporate Stylish Shelving Solutions

Part of the struggle of decorating a dining room or similar space is having somewhere to actually place your decor. Shelving is a straightforward solution to this common problem.

Festive dining nook with wall shelves holding colorful bottle brush trees, glassware, and vintage holiday decor.
Source: @_sydneydawn via Instagram
Cozy dining corner with white wall shelves displaying framed art, candles, decorative pillows, and textured ceramics.
Source: @enparlantdeco via Instagram
Stylish dining room with black wall, floating shelf decor, pink velvet chairs, and hanging greenery for a cozy vibe.
Source: @homeliving5 via Instagram
Funky dining area with black wall, colorful framed quotes, gold disco ball, star decor, and glowing pendant lights.
Source: @kissmeatthedisco via Instagram
Colorful dining room with blue accent wall, record display shelves, multicolor chairs, Iron Man poster, and playful dog on yellow seat.
Source: @mysunderlandcottage via Instagram
Modern dining area with wood and metal table set, floating shelf decor, framed quote, and silver accent pieces.
Source: @our.1930s.semi via Instagram
Eclectic dining space with deep green walls, floating bookshelves, copper pendant lights, and a rustic wood table.
Source: @tri_lyonsmakeupartist via Instagram
Elegant dining room with green built-in bookshelves, floral chandelier, wood table, and decorative ceiling molding.
Source: @welcome_to_no.1 via Instagram

Floating shelves are the most obvious choice for any highly functional or small space. However, you should take full advantage of any built-in shelving present in your dining room.

Remember that wall-mounted shelves can be decorative or simply fade into the background. If you want to highlight the items on your shelves rather than the shelves themselves, paint everything the same shade as your dining room walls.

12. Revisit Retro with Vintage Decor

Those who love vintage artwork and decor often feel that way because of its lived-in quality. And this quality is ideal for curating a home dining space.

Dining room with a wooden table, white and dark chairs, patterned rug, white sideboard, and decorative wall with mirror and shelf.
Source: @downtoearth.style via Instagram
Rustic dining corner with vintage wooden hutch, wicker baskets arranged on the wall, and soft natural lighting.
Source: @jesicadanna via Instagram
Eclectic vintage dining space with green faux plant wall, ornate mirrors, tufted seating, and floral decor accents.
Source: @kdh_creations via Instagram
A minimalist dining room with a round table, four wooden chairs, and classic portraits on the walls
Source: @reimagine_designs via Instagram

Before starting your dining room makeover, it’s important to decide if your decor will come from a single era or not. There’s nothing wrong with co-opting decor from a wide timespan. But you want to reach this decision before investing in items that don’t fit your chosen aesthetic.

Antique paintings, prints, and photographs make beautiful wall hangings. Battery-powered picture lights will make your wall art look like it came straight from a museum. You can also adorn your walls with vintage mirrors, sconces, and even household goods.

13. Express Yourself with Wall Art

No one is arguing the value of using art as wall decor. Yet deciding which artwork to display in your home can be a challenging prospect.

A dining room with a wooden table, white chairs, teapots, blue and white abstract wall art, and a chandelier above
Source: @chicaandjo via Instagram
Dining room with a wooden table, two upholstered chairs, four black metal chairs, a modern chandelier, and decorative wall art.
Source: @krafted_renovations via Instagram
Minimalist dining room with six chairs around a wooden table, modern chandelier, large abstract art, and a sleeping dog by the window.
Source: @rachelm.moore via Instagram
Elegant dining room with a dark wood table set for six, beige chairs, large chandelier, and soothing blue walls with art and mirrors.
Source: @stylewiseinteriordesign via Instagram

Abstract decor is ideal for the dining room because it is beautiful yet emotionally neutral. If that isn’t your style, consider an artistic rendering of natural elements like animals or plants.

Asking yourself how your dining room is used in day-to-day life can help narrow your choices. If your dining room is used primarily for entertaining, a piece of artwork that is provocative or overly personal likely isn’t the best choice.

14. Revitalize with Wallpaper Designs

Wallpaper’s resurgence has given homeowners access to previously unimaginable patterns and finishes. Often, these products are so visually intriguing that no other wall decor is necessary.

Sophisticated dining room with forest-themed wallpaper, green velvet chairs, modern chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling yellow curtains.
Source: @accentwall.eu via Instagram
Elegant dining room with pink velvet chairs, black table, jungle toile wallpaper panels, and sculptural modern lighting.
Source: @andreazappone via Instagram
Bright dining room with cloud-like wallpaper, white wainscoting, dark wood table, and silver glass Christmas tree decor.
Source: @champagneandsawdust via Instagram

As with paint, wallpaper can be applied to an accent wall of the entire room. Wainscoting will dampen a bright or dramatic wallpaper print used throughout your whole dining room.

While you absolutely can hang decor over wallpaper, it’s not always the best strategy. Mirrors are one exception, as they blend into the wallpaper’s pattern rather than fight against it.

Is it okay to have a blank wall in your dining room?

Leaving parts of your home bare is often just as important as covering others with your favorite decor.

Don’t feel pressured to add decor to every wall in your dining room. If your dining space includes a gallery wall or a large statement mirror on one wall, it may be better to leave the adjoining walls blank.

How do you add storage to a dining room?

While floating shelves are perfect for displaying fine china or other dining room decor, they’re not ideal for storing items you’d rather leave out of sight. If the available space allows, adding a buffet or sideboard to your dining area can be a great way to store extra utensils, centerpieces, and mixology supplies without cluttering up your wall space.

Should your kitchen and dining room match?

Sometimes. If your home features an open floor plan, then you’ll want to ensure your kitchen and dining spaces coordinate — if not outright match. But if your kitchen and dining room are separated by a doorway, you have much more freedom in each area’s decor and color palette.

Kendrick Hulse

Writer

Kendrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Wisconsin. She has written professionally for five years and specializes in home and garden design, with past experience working in the residential gardening industry.

Kendrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Wisconsin. She has written professionally for five years and specializes in home and garden design, with past experience working in the residential gardening industry.

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