The space above your dining room window often gets overlooked, but it presents a fantastic opportunity to elevate the entire room’s aesthetic. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist, modern look or a more traditional, opulent feel, decorating this area can add personality, color, and visual interest. From bold statement pieces to subtle, elegant touches, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore 26 creative design ideas to transform the area above your dining room window into a captivating focal point.
Statement Art Piece
A large, eye-catching piece of art can instantly transform the space above your dining room window. Consider a bold abstract painting in vibrant colors like emerald green and sapphire blue, reflecting the current trend of jewel tones in interior design. In the US, large-scale canvases with textured elements are popular, while in the EU, minimalist line art and photography are gaining traction. Choose a piece that complements your dining room’s existing color scheme and style. For a modern dining room, opt for geometric patterns, while a more traditional setting might benefit from a classic landscape or portrait.
Floating Shelves with Greenery
Install floating shelves above your dining room window and adorn them with a curated collection of potted plants. This brings a touch of nature indoors, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Trailing plants like pothos or ivy add a sense of effortless elegance. Utilize a mix of ceramic and terracotta pots in earthy tones like beige and rust orange, reflecting the organic trend seen in both US and EU design. Consider incorporating small succulents for a low-maintenance option. Vary the heights and sizes of the plants to create visual interest and depth.
Elegant Drapery with a Top Treatment
Extend your window treatments beyond the window frame by adding a luxurious top treatment above. A tailored valance or a more elaborate cornice board can add architectural detail and sophistication. Deep jewel-toned velvets in colors like ruby red or sapphire blue are trending in both the US and EU, lending a sense of opulence. For a more contemporary look, consider a Roman shade in a neutral linen fabric paired with a sleek metal cornice board. Ensure the fabric complements the existing decor and allows for sufficient natural light to enter the dining room.
Sculptural Wall Sconces
Add a touch of drama and ambient lighting with a pair of sculptural wall sconces flanking the window. Opt for designs with metallic finishes like brushed brass or antique gold, reflecting the current popularity of metallic accents in interior design. Geometric shapes and minimalist designs are favored in modern settings, while more ornate styles with intricate details suit traditional aesthetics. In the EU, there’s a growing trend towards using sustainable materials like recycled glass or reclaimed wood in lighting fixtures.
Gallery Wall of Mirrors
Create a dazzling display with a gallery wall of mirrors in varying shapes and sizes. This not only adds visual interest but also helps to bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more spacious. Round mirrors in antique gold frames are a classic choice, while geometric shapes like hexagons and octagons add a modern touch. Mix and match frame styles and finishes to create a curated look. Incorporate a few smaller framed art prints within the mirror arrangement to add further personality.
Decorative Metal Grille
Install a decorative metal grille above the window to add architectural interest and texture. Black wrought iron grilles are a classic choice for traditional dining rooms, while geometric patterns in brushed brass or copper offer a contemporary feel. The use of metal accents is a popular trend in both US and EU interior design. Consider incorporating backlighting behind the grille to create a dramatic effect in the evening.
Macrame Wall Hanging
Introduce a bohemian touch with a large macrame wall hanging. Natural fibers and earthy tones are trending in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for cozy and organic interiors. Choose a macrame piece in cream, beige, or terracotta to complement a neutral color palette. Alternatively, opt for a bolder design with colorful accents to add a pop of personality. Consider layering the macrame over a simple Roman shade for added texture and visual interest.
Large Clock as a Focal Point
A large, oversized clock can serve as a striking focal point above the dining room window. Opt for a vintage-inspired design with Roman numerals for a classic look, or choose a more modern style with clean lines and a minimalist face. Oversized clocks are a popular trend in the US, adding a touch of grandeur to dining spaces. In the EU, there’s a growing preference for minimalist clock designs with industrial influences.
Woven Basket Collection
Create a rustic and textural display with a collection of woven baskets in various sizes and shapes. Natural materials like rattan, seagrass, and wicker are trending in both the US and EU, adding warmth and organic appeal to interiors. Hang the baskets directly on the wall or arrange them on floating shelves above the window. Incorporate a few greenery elements within the baskets to further enhance the natural aesthetic.
Reclaimed Wood Mantel
Install a reclaimed wood mantel above the dining room window to create a focal point reminiscent of a fireplace. This adds architectural interest and warmth to the space. Reclaimed wood is a popular material in both the US and EU, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability in design. Decorate the mantel with candles, vases, and framed photos to personalize the space.
Hanging Planter with Cascading Greenery
Suspend a large hanging planter above the dining room window and fill it with cascading greenery. This creates a dramatic and visually stunning focal point. Choose a planter in a material that complements your dining room’s style, such as ceramic, terracotta, or metal. Trailing plants like pothos, ferns, or spider plants are excellent choices for creating a lush and vibrant display.
Bold Wallpaper Accent
Apply a bold wallpaper pattern to the wall above the dining room window to create a dramatic focal point. Geometric patterns, floral motifs, and tropical prints are all popular choices. Consider using a wallpaper with metallic accents to add a touch of glamour. Ensure the wallpaper complements the existing color scheme and style of the dining room.
Floating Shelves with Books and Decorative Objects
Install floating shelves above the window and style them with a curated collection of books, decorative objects, and personal mementos. This creates a visually interesting and personalized display. Arrange the items in a balanced and visually appealing manner, varying heights and textures. Incorporate plants, candles, and framed photos to add personality to the display.
Capiz Shell Chandelier
Hang a capiz shell chandelier above the dining room window to create a glamorous and ethereal focal point. Capiz shell chandeliers add a touch of coastal elegance and are particularly popular in the US. The iridescent shells create a beautiful play of light and shadow. Choose a chandelier that is appropriately sized for the space and complements the existing decor.
Metal Wall Art with Geometric Patterns
Install a large metal wall art piece with intricate geometric patterns above the dining room window. This adds a modern and sophisticated touch to the space. Metal wall art is a popular trend in both the US and EU, offering a versatile and durable decor option. Choose a piece that complements the existing color scheme and style of the dining room.
Vintage Sign or Advertisement
Hang a vintage sign or advertisement above the dining room window to add a touch of nostalgia and personality. Vintage decor is a popular trend, offering a unique and eclectic touch to interiors. Choose a sign that reflects your personal interests or hobbies, or opt for a classic advertising sign for a retro vibe.
Row of Small Pendant Lights
Hang a row of small pendant lights above the dining room window to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Pendant lights offer a versatile lighting solution and can be used to highlight specific areas of the room. Choose pendant lights in a style that complements the existing decor, such as industrial-style metal pendants or elegant glass pendants.
Large Mirror with Ornate Frame
Hang a large mirror with an ornate frame above the dining room window to create a statement piece and reflect light into the room. Mirrors can help to make a space feel larger and brighter. Choose a frame that complements the existing decor, such as a gilded gold frame for a traditional look or a sleek black frame for a modern aesthetic.
Collection of Framed Botanical Prints
Create a gallery wall of framed botanical prints above the dining room window to bring a touch of nature indoors. Botanical prints are a classic and timeless decor choice. Choose prints that feature a variety of plants and flowers in different colors and styles.
