The best dining room wall art ideas for an Australian Christmas take their cue from the table itself: fresh seafood, cold drinks, summer flowers and long afternoons. A still life of oysters and prawns or a sunny landscape above the table sets the mood for the day – and stays looking right all year round.
Dining room wall art ideas: start with the table
Art above a dining table should be about two-thirds the length of the table and hung 20 to 30 cm above it, so it reads as one picture when people are seated. If your dining area is part of an open-plan kitchen, art on the kitchen wall or above a bench can do the same job. Browse the Still Life collection for food and table scenes.
The Aussie seafood spread
Nothing says Christmas in Australia like a seafood platter. Coastal Opulence I is an overhead view of a table laid with prawns, oysters, lemons and little bowls of sauce on a navy and white striped cloth. In a cream kitchen with open shelves and a rattan chair, the blue stripes stand out without overwhelming the room.
Its companion Coastal Opulence II brings in glasses of red wine and a platter of oysters on the same striped cloth. Hang the two side by side above a long table or sideboard for a matched pair – keep about 5 to 8 cm between frames.
Coastal Opulence III completes the series with oysters, lemon wedges and blue-and-white plates. Here it sits in a warm kitchen with dark timber cabinets and marble benchtops, proving the series works with traditional finishes too.
Moody still life for a statement wall
If your dining room has dark or coloured walls, choose a still life with depth. A Quiet Pour I shows a glass of water with ice and lime on a white plate, lit against a deep green background. On an aubergine kitchen wall with timber beams and open shelves, it feels elegant and restful – a nice counterpoint to a busy, noisy lunch.
Sunny landscapes for long lunches
A landscape gives the room a view, which is handy in dining spaces with few windows. Daffodil Meadow II is a large print of a yellow and green flower field under a bright blue sky, with a thick, brushy, painterly look. Hung on a big white wall it brings instant summer light, and its colours sit well with Christmas greenery on the table.
Bold colour for open-plan living
For entertainers who love colour, go bigger and bolder. 2 Head Grass Tree shows an Australian grass tree against a vivid pink and orange sky over a golden plain. In a space with terracotta floors, orange chairs and tall bookshelves, the warm sky picks up every bit of rust in the room. It suits relaxed, open-plan homes where the dining area flows into a lounge.
Practical tips for dining room art
- Mind the splash zone: near the kitchen, framed posters with a clear perspex face are easy to wipe.
- Centre on the table, not the wall: if your table is off-centre, hang the art to line up with the table.
- Light it well: a pendant above the table lights the art in the evening, so check the art and pendant are centred together.
- Pairs and trios: a series like Coastal Opulence works well as two or three pieces above a long table.
Ordering in time for Christmas
If you want new art on the wall before Christmas lunch, order early and allow time for printing, framing and delivery – custom frames are made to order and take longer. Delivery is free across Australia on orders over $330, and our Size guide helps you pick the right size for your table. For brighter options, see the Colourful and Bold collection.
FAQ
What kind of art suits a dining room?
Food and drink still life, landscapes and bold abstracts all work. Choose something that feels good to look at during a long meal.
How high should I hang art above a dining table?
Leave about 20 to 30 cm between the tabletop and the bottom of the frame so it relates to the table when people are seated.
Can I hang art in a kitchen?
Yes. Keep it away from the cooktop and sink, and choose framed posters with a perspex face for easy cleaning.
