An antique portrait creates interest in a dining room.
Art is important to the design and style of a house. Generic art adds color and brings the eye up to the wall, but it accomplishes little else. Personal enlarged photos of family members can also be considered art, but they may make a statement that is too personal for formal or public rooms in the house like the dining room. The dining room is designed to welcome guests of all ages, genders and different backgrounds. A well-decorated dining room is inoffensive and attractive.
Size
The size or scale of art is important in every room. In a dining room it is common to position art between windows and above buffet tables. Often a tall cabinet or shelves will take up the rest of the wall space. The art you select should be visible and easy to identify to a person sitting at the table but not so large that it overpowers the room. This means you should avoid small artworks in favor of medium to large pieces. Arrange small artworks as a collection on a shelf.
The subject matter of the artwork should be interesting but not controversial. Landscapes have always been a good choice along with portraits and scenes. Abstract paintings are also appropriate when they are well-executed and interesting. Look for paintings that create an emotional experience without being too dramatic. A good painting can stimulate conversation at the dining room table, so be prepared to talk about your art in a knowledgeable way with your guests.
Subjects to Avoid
Avoid strong religious, political or controversial subject matter. Your family may be very religious but this doesn't make all religious art appropriate for the dining room. Avoid political posters and paintings with gruesome, awkward, risque, or otherwise inappropriate subject matter. Since you want your guests to have a positive dining experience, center your art choices on positive images and pieces. Vary your artwork placement seasonally to keep your rooms feeling fresh.
Too Personal
The public or formal spaces in your house include a formal living room, foyer, dining room, guest bathroom and staircase. They may include other formal rooms like a den, office, library, sunroom or any room specifically kept for the entertainment of guests. Personal family photographs can be too taste-specific in a public space. While family photos will make the family feel comfortable, they may make guests feel intrusive. Move such images into a family room, upstairs hallway and bedrooms or create a cluster or collection of images on a table or shelf.
Tags: dining room, subject matter, paintings with, room dining, , small artworks