Dining rooms with high ceilings present a unique decorating challenge: how to fill the vertical space without making the room feel overwhelming. A large, empty wall can feel cold and uninviting. But with the right large wall decor, you can transform your dining room into a stunning and sophisticated space. This article explores 22 design ideas for large wall decor in dining rooms with high ceilings, taking into account current color palettes, design styles, and trends in both the US and EU.
Oversized Abstract Art
Abstract art provides a versatile solution for large walls, offering endless possibilities in terms of color, texture, and style. Consider a large canvas featuring bold brushstrokes in a color palette that complements your dining room furniture. Popular choices include deep blues and greens for a calming atmosphere, or vibrant reds and oranges for a more energetic vibe. Textured abstract pieces, incorporating mixed media or 3D elements, add depth and visual interest to the space. In the US, oversized abstract pieces with metallic accents like gold or copper are trending. The EU is leaning towards more muted tones and natural materials incorporated into the artwork, like linen or wood.
Gallery Wall: A Modern Take on Classics
A gallery wall allows you to showcase a curated collection of art and photographs. Instead of a single large piece, create a dynamic arrangement of framed prints, paintings, and even sculptural objects. Mix and match frame styles and sizes for a modern, eclectic look. Black and white photography provides a timeless elegance, while colorful botanical prints add a touch of nature. Current US trends favor gallery walls with a consistent theme, such as travel photography or vintage posters. European trends lean towards minimalist black frames with a focus on line art and abstract prints.
Dramatic Floor-to-Ceiling Draperies
While not strictly wall decor, floor-to-ceiling draperies can dramatically transform a large wall in a dining room with high ceilings. Luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk add texture and warmth, while sheer linen curtains create a light and airy feel. Choose a color that complements your existing decor, or make a statement with a bold pattern or print. Deep jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue are popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for rich and opulent interiors. Consider adding a decorative curtain rod and finials for an extra touch of elegance. In the US, motorized drapes controlled by smart home systems are gaining popularity.
Large Macrame Wall Hanging
For a bohemian or eclectic aesthetic, consider a large macrame wall hanging. The intricate knotting and natural fibers add texture and warmth to the space. Choose a neutral color like ivory or beige for a calming effect, or opt for a vibrant hue to add a pop of color. Macrame wall hangings can be found in various sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your wall perfectly. Adding plants and natural wood furniture complements this style. In both the US and EU, sustainability is a key trend, making natural fiber art like macrame a popular choice.
Antique or Vintage Mirror
A large antique or vintage mirror not only serves as beautiful wall decor but also helps to reflect light and make the room feel larger. Look for ornate frames with intricate carvings or gilded details. A large mirror placed strategically can visually double the size of the dining room. Current trends in the US lean towards oversized, distressed mirrors with a rustic or industrial feel. European trends are favoring Art Deco inspired mirrors with geometric shapes and mirrored frames.
Sculptural Metal Wall Art
Large-scale metal wall sculptures add a contemporary and artistic touch to a dining room. Choose a piece with an abstract or geometric design for a modern look. Consider materials like iron, copper, or brass, depending on your desired aesthetic. Black metal sculptures offer a dramatic contrast against a light-colored wall, while gold or copper adds a touch of warmth and luxury. Both the US and EU are embracing minimalist metal sculptures with clean lines and simple forms.
Large Format Photography
Showcase a stunning photograph in a large format print. Choose an image that complements your dining room’s style and color scheme. Black and white landscapes or cityscapes create a timeless and sophisticated look, while vibrant nature photography brings the outdoors in. Consider framing the print with a simple black or white mat and frame to let the image take center stage. The US is seeing a trend towards large-scale aerial photography, while the EU is favoring architectural photography with a focus on historical buildings.
Oversized Tapestry
A large tapestry adds a touch of history and artistry to your dining room. Choose a tapestry with a rich pattern and color palette that complements your existing decor. Traditional tapestry designs feature intricate floral or geometric patterns, while modern tapestries may incorporate abstract or graphic elements. This trend is experiencing a resurgence in both the US and EU, with designers incorporating vintage and modern tapestries into contemporary interiors.
Statement Clock
A large, statement clock can serve as a functional and decorative element in your dining room. Choose a clock with a bold design and oversized numerals. Materials like metal, wood, or even reclaimed materials can be used to create a unique and eye-catching piece. Industrial-style clocks with exposed gears are trending in the US, while minimalist clocks with clean lines and simple faces are popular in the EU.
Vertical Garden Wall
Bring the outdoors in with a vertical garden wall. This living wall adds texture, color, and a sense of tranquility to your dining room. Choose a variety of plants with different textures and colors to create a visually interesting display. Incorporate integrated lighting to highlight the greenery and create a dramatic effect. Vertical gardens are a growing trend in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for biophilic design and incorporating nature into interior spaces.
Floating Shelves with Decorative Objects
Install floating shelves along a large wall and decorate them with a curated collection of objects. Mix and match books, vases, sculptures, and other decorative items to create a personalized display. Use varying heights and depths of shelves to add visual interest. Incorporate lighting to highlight specific objects and create a focal point. Minimalist shelving with geometric shapes is trending in the EU, while the US is leaning towards more rustic or industrial shelving with exposed hardware.
Large-Scale Wallpaper Mural
A large-scale wallpaper mural can transform your dining room into a dramatic and immersive space. Choose a mural with a scene that complements your desired aesthetic, such as a lush forest, a bustling cityscape, or an abstract pattern. Tropical themes and bold geometric patterns are currently popular in both the US and EU. Custom murals allowing for personalized designs are also gaining traction.
Woven Wall Hanging
A large woven wall hanging adds texture and warmth to your dining room. Choose a piece with natural fibers like wool, cotton, or jute. Neutral colors create a calming atmosphere, while vibrant colors add a pop of personality. Geometric patterns and abstract designs are popular choices. Woven wall hangings are a popular trend in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for handcrafted and sustainable decor.
Collection of Decorative Plates
Create a unique and visually interesting display by hanging a collection of decorative plates on a large wall. Choose plates with varying sizes, colors, and patterns. Arrange them in a symmetrical or asymmetrical pattern to create a focal point. Vintage plates and plates with hand-painted designs are popular choices. This classic decorating technique is seeing a resurgence in both the US and EU, with a focus on mixing vintage and contemporary pieces.
Architectural Salvage
Incorporate architectural salvage pieces, such as old doors, window frames, or carved panels, as unique wall decor. These pieces add character and history to your dining room. Distressed finishes and reclaimed wood are popular choices. Architectural salvage is a growing trend in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for sustainable and unique decor.
Large chalkboard or Whiteboard Wall
Create a fun and interactive element in your dining room by installing a large chalkboard or whiteboard wall. This provides a space for writing messages, drawing pictures, or jotting down recipes. Chalkboard walls are popular in the US for creating a rustic or farmhouse look, while whiteboard walls are trending in the EU for a more modern and minimalist aesthetic.
Text-Based Wall Art
Choose a large piece of wall art featuring a meaningful quote, poem, or song lyrics. This adds a personal touch to your dining room. Consider using metallic letters, neon signs, or even hand-painted typography. Typography-based art is a popular trend in both the US and EU, with a focus on bold fonts and inspirational messages.
Map Wall Art
A large map of the world, a favorite city, or even a star chart can add a sophisticated and worldly touch to your dining room. Choose a vintage map for a classic look or a modern, stylized map for a contemporary feel. Map art is a timeless trend that remains popular in both the US and EU.
Oversized Botanical Prints
Bring the beauty of nature indoors with oversized botanical prints. Choose prints featuring lush greenery, vibrant flowers, or detailed illustrations of plants. Frame the prints in simple black or white frames to let the images take center stage. Botanical prints are a classic trend that is experiencing a resurgence in both the US and EU.
