The menu is set, the location is perfect, the zoning and inspections are all figured out. The restaurant is just about ready to open. The only problem? The walls are barren. That means you need to be in the market for restaurant art.

You know what all restaurateurs worth their salt know: ambiance can make or break a dining experience. A major part of that ambiance is restaurant wall art. So read below for five restaurant wall design ideas that will be sure to leave an impression on your diners!

Photography of the Region

This is a very common strategy, but it is used so often because it works. If you have a restaurant heavily inspired by French cuisine, use Paris photography prints to decorate the dining area. If you serve Italian food, why not have pictures of the iconic waterways of Venice?

This is a very common strategy, but it is used so often because it works. If you have a restaurant heavily inspired by French cuisine, use Paris photography prints to decorate the dining area. If you serve Italian food, why not have pictures of the iconic waterways of Venice?

Location pictures for restaurant walls evokes the adventure of a distant locale while also rooting the food in a narrative of place. Again, these features make it common, but its frequency does not diminish its effect.

If you are looking for pictures to put on a wall in your restaurant, you can’t go wrong with photos of the region your recipes originate from.

Abstract Art

Abstract art comes in many moods and styles. Restaurant wall decor can have many different needs. You might want a bright, inviting feel for a cafe, or a darker, more urban feel for that glamorous night out for cocktails.

What makes abstract art so attractive as restaurant artwork is that it can express just about any of your needs without being highly specific. You can also find many styles that are not distracting, and that can help your food take center stage.

Painted Designs

Restaurant wall ideas don’t necessarily have to be photography or paintings that are framed and hung. For a bold statement and high energy, try painting simple designs directly on the wall.

Need some ideas? Slanting lines, enormous X’s, arches, or concentric circles. These simple interactions of line, direction, and color, can help lead the diner’s eye, helping in wayfinding through your establishment while also setting your restaurant apart.

It’s youthful, it’s bold, and it’s not for the faint of heart. But if your restaurant’s identity matches these features, try it out.

Collectibles

This style is highly popular in sports bars and retro cafes. By covering your walls in collectibles and items from the past, you evoke nostalgia and connection to subject matter.

Not all restaurants have a theme that connects so easily with this style, but when it does, this is a strong choice. Many restaurants can at least incorporate this in part. Are you down the block from a theater where most of your foot traffic arrives from? Why not frame several of their old playbills?

Mural

This is the most ambitious on the list, but it leaves a memorable impression. Don’t limit yourself to thinking about murals as only large scenes covering a wall. Murals can involve words, abstract images, and effects.

Most towns have a number of artists who will paint murals on commission, and the larger the city, generally the better the selection of talent.

Final Thoughts
Restaurant wall art ideas are everywhere. Whenever you see a photograph, a painting, a wall pattern, you can draw inspiration. As there are so many options, it is worth taking time to brainstorm ideas, pick your favorite, and execute your restaurant wall strategy thoughtfully. As part of your interior design, the art on your walls is crucial in developing your identity and crafting the perfect dining experience.