Team Insights

The Room Series: Art for the Dining Room

Recognizing our favorite considerations when curating art for the dining room shown through examples from CAP projects across the country.

Dining room with red chairs, a long dark table and a large dark tapestry-like artwork with an ornate border
Broad Project, Artist: Tyler Macko (left)

The Dining Room

From morning to evening, the dining room serves as an essential gathering space that sets the tone for the day.  Art plays a defining role in shaping the atmosphere by introducing new color, texture, depth, and personality. A thoughtful piece can elevate these everyday moments by bringing a sense of character and beauty to a room that is so deeply woven into the rhythms of daily life.

Below, we explore some of our favorite considerations when curating art for the dining room through examples from CAP projects across the country.  

Scale

Scale is the first essential considerations when selecting artwork for the dining room. Large architectural walls call for pieces that maximize their contribution within the space and aid to the balance of a room. Alternatively, a smaller piece allows the artwork to fit within the larger design vision rather than compete with it. The right scale considers not only the wall, but the proportions, furniture, and overall rhythm of the room, creating a space that feels cohesive and thoughtful.

Vaulted white dining room with a large indigo patchwork textile artwork behind a long table and cane chairs
Round dark dining table with patterned chairs and a red pitcher beside tall windows framing a Manhattan skyscraper

Left: Alexander Design Build, Artist: Lawrence Calver
Right: Humbert & Poyet, Artist: Kevin McNamee-Tweed

Boldness

The dining room is a great opportunity to experiment with unique art choices to display personality or taste. Whether introduced through a dynamic scene or an unexpected hue, adding a bold touch can create a lively dining environment which feels authentic to the host without overwhelming the architecture or furnishings.

Dining room with two large photographic portraits of women beside a round black table and a globe chandelier
Large red abstract painting beside a dark glass-front cabinet in a dining room with a wooden table and rush chairs

Left: Ome Dezin, Artist: Nadia Lee Cohen
Right: Sebastian Zuchowicki, Artist: Florian Schmidt

Cohesion

A cohesive palette spanning the architectural design, furniture, and artwork creates a sense of intentionality within the dining room. Highlighting textures or pulling color from the furnishings can subtly tie the room together and lend to a refined aesthetic.  These considered relationships allow the artwork to complement every design element completely, making the space feel layered, unified, and intentional.

Large pale text-based artwork behind two pink upholstered armchairs beside a dining table and open kitchen
Dining room with two framed figurative drawings in red and black above a rustic wooden table and carved chairs

Left: Mass Beverly, Artist: Tony Lewis
Right: LP Creative, Artist: Elizabeth Ibarra

Series

A series of artworks connected by shared colors, styles, or themes is an effective way to anchor a table and make the dining room feel more dynamic and balanced. A series of smaller works can add a sense of movement to a space as people walk by, or, in a more open floor plan, can help create cohesion between two living spaces. A series is also a great way to work with shorter ceilings or a bold hanging light fixture.

Loft dining room with three framed green botanical paintings on a brick wall above a long live-edge table
Dining nook with four framed black and white drawings above a green banquette, wooden chairs and brass pendant

Left: LP Creative, Artwork: Sydney Cortright
Right: Studio Rob Diaz, Artwork: Gretchen Andre

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