A dining room buffet is more than just a storage piece. It often becomes a focal point of the room, but the empty wall above it can be challenging to decorate. The right wall decor can balance the space, add personality, and make your dining area feel more complete.
If you are wondering what to put above a dining room buffet, there are many options beyond traditional paintings. From oversized wall art and mirrors to gallery walls and floating shelves, the best choice depends on your dining room style, buffet size, and personal taste.
Here are some stylish ideas to help you create a beautiful wall display above your dining room buffet.
10 Ideas for Decorating Above a Dining Room Buffet
1. Hang a Large Piece of Wall Art
One of the easiest and most popular ways to decorate above a dining room buffet is with a large piece of artwork.
A statement painting can instantly become the centerpiece of your dining room while adding color, texture, and visual interest. Abstract art, minimalist paintings, textured wall art, and landscape artwork are especially popular choices because they can complement different interior styles.
For a modern or contemporary dining room, consider:
- Large abstract paintings
- Neutral textured canvas art
- Minimalist line art
2. Add a Decorative Mirror
A mirror is another timeless option for the wall above a buffet.
Besides adding style, mirrors can make a dining room feel brighter and more spacious by reflecting natural light. They work especially well in smaller dining areas where you want to create the feeling of a larger space.
Popular mirror styles include:
- Round mirrors for a soft, modern look
- Antique mirrors for a classic dining room
- Large framed mirrors for an elegant statement
3. Create a Gallery Wall
If you prefer a more personal and collected look, a gallery wall is a great choice. Instead of using one large piece, combine multiple smaller artworks, photographs, or decorative pieces to create visual interest.
A dining room gallery wall can include:
- Family photos
- Botanical prints
- Abstract artwork
- Vintage artwork
- Small paintings
A gallery wall works especially well above long buffets because it fills horizontal space without requiring one oversized decoration.
4. Install Floating Shelves
You can use shelves to display:
- Ceramic vases
- Plants
- Candles
- Artwork
- Decorative plates
- Books
The key is to avoid overcrowding. A few carefully selected items usually create a more elegant look than filling every inch of shelf space.
Wood shelves are ideal for farmhouse, rustic, or Scandinavian dining rooms, while metal shelves can create a modern industrial style.
5. Use Oversized Decorative Plates
Decorative plates are a classic dining room wall decoration that adds texture and character.
A collection of ceramic plates can create a charming, traditional look, especially in farmhouse, Mediterranean, or vintage-inspired interiors.
You can arrange plates:
- Symmetrically for a clean appearance
- In different sizes for a more artistic feel
- With similar colors for a coordinated look
This option works beautifully above a buffet because it connects naturally with the dining theme.
6. Add a Statement Clock
A large wall clock can be both functional and decorative. Oversized clocks work well above dining buffets in farmhouse, industrial, and traditional homes. Choose a design that matches your overall decor:
- Wooden clocks for rustic spaces
- Metal clocks for industrial interiors
- Minimal clocks for modern dining rooms
A statement clock can fill an empty wall while adding a practical element to your dining area.
7. Place a Tapestry or Textile Wall Hanging
For a softer and more relaxed atmosphere, consider hanging a textile piece above your buffet. Fabric wall art can add:
- Warmth
- Texture
- Handmade character
- A cozy feeling
This option works well with bohemian, coastal, and organic modern dining room styles.
8. Create a Layered Look with Art and Decor
You don’t always need one single decoration above your buffet. Layering different elements can create a designer-inspired look.
For example:
- Hang a large painting and place a vase in front of it
- Combine a mirror with small decorative objects
- Add shelves with artwork and plants
Layered styling makes the space feel more intentional and visually interesting.
9. Add Plants or Greenery
Plants can bring life and freshness to your dining room. While plants are usually placed on the buffet itself, you can also incorporate greenery above the buffet with:
- Hanging plants
- Wall-mounted planters
- Botanical artwork
Green elements pair beautifully with natural materials like wood, linen, and textured artwork.
10. Choose a Statement Wallpaper
Wallpaper is another creative way to decorate the wall behind your buffet. A patterned or textured wallpaper can turn the entire wall into a design feature.
Popular dining room wallpaper styles include:
- Botanical patterns
- Neutral textures
- Vintage-inspired designs
- Geometric prints
If your dining room furniture is simple, a bold wallpaper can add personality without needing many decorations.
How to Choose the Right Decoration Above a Dining Room Buffet
Choosing the right decoration above your dining room buffet depends on three key factors: size, style, and color balance. The right wall decor should complement your furniture and create a cohesive look.
Consider the Size of Your Buffet
Your wall decor should match the scale of your buffet. A piece that is too small can make the wall feel empty, while oversized decor may overwhelm the space.
For small buffets, choose medium-sized artwork, mirrors, or a simple gallery wall. For larger buffets, oversized wall art or multiple pieces can help fill the space. As a general rule, artwork should be about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of your buffet for a balanced look.
Match Your Dining Room Style
Choose decorations that complement your existing interior style. Modern dining rooms work well with abstract art, minimalist paintings, and simple mirrors. Farmhouse spaces pair nicely with rustic decor, wooden shelves, and vintage artwork. For elegant or Wabi-Sabi interiors, consider large framed art, textured wall art, and neutral-toned handmade pieces.
Pay Attention to Color Balance
Your wall decor should connect with the colors already in your dining room. Neutral spaces can benefit from warm-toned textured artwork, while dark furniture often looks better with lighter wall art for contrast. The goal is not to match everything perfectly but to create a balanced and harmonious space.
Common Mistakes When Decorating Above a Dining Room Buffet
Choosing Decor That Doesn’t Match the Dining Room Mood
The wall decor above your buffet should enhance the atmosphere of your dining room, not feel like a random addition. A bold, colorful artwork may look out of place in a calm minimalist space, while a simple piece may feel too plain in an elegant dining room. Choose pieces that support the overall style and mood of the room.
Ignoring the Wall Space Behind the Buffet
Many people focus only on the buffet itself and forget about the wall area behind it. A blank wall can make even a beautiful buffet feel unfinished. Consider the size, shape, and visual weight of the wall before choosing artwork, mirrors, or other decorations.
Using Too Many Small Pieces Without a Clear Arrangement
A collection of small decorations can easily look messy if there is no clear structure. Instead of placing random items together, create balance through consistent colors, spacing, or a shared theme. A thoughtfully arranged gallery wall often works better than several unrelated pieces.
Forgetting About Lighting
Lighting can greatly affect how your wall decor looks. Artwork above a buffet may appear flat or unnoticed without proper lighting. Consider adding wall sconces, picture lights, or nearby lamps to highlight the decoration and create a warmer dining atmosphere.
Choosing Trendy Decor That Lacks Personal Connection
Following trends can make your dining room look stylish, but overly trendy pieces may quickly feel outdated. Choose artwork or decorations that reflect your personality and complement your home for a more timeless look.
FAQ
How big should artwork be above a dining room buffet?
Artwork above a buffet should typically be about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the buffet. A piece that is too small may look disconnected, while oversized artwork can overwhelm the space.
Should artwork above a buffet be centered?
Yes, artwork is usually centered above the buffet to create a balanced and symmetrical look. However, you can also create a more relaxed style by placing a large artwork slightly off-center and balancing it with decorative objects on the buffet.
How high should you hang art above a dining room buffet?
Generally, artwork should be placed around 6–12 inches above the top of the buffet. The exact height depends on the size of the artwork and the ceiling height, but it should feel visually connected to the furniture rather than floating too high on the wall.
Should the decor above a buffet match the dining table?
The decor does not need to match the dining table exactly, but it should complement the overall color palette and design style of the room. Coordinating materials, colors, or textures can help create a cohesive look.
What can I put above a long dining room buffet?
A long buffet works well with oversized artwork, a wide mirror, a horizontal gallery wall, or multiple coordinated pieces. The key is to choose decorations that match the width of the furniture and fill the wall without making it feel crowded.
Final Thoughts
The best answer to “what to put above a dining room buffet” depends on your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create.
From large wall art and mirrors to gallery walls and decorative pieces, the right choice can transform an empty wall into a beautiful focal point.
For a timeless and textured look, Eleanos Gallery offers handcrafted textured wall art and minimalist artwork designed to elevate dining rooms and create a stylish statement above your buffet. Choose pieces that reflect your personality and make your dining space feel warm, balanced, and inviting.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.