Inspiring Dining Room Colour Schemes
When it comes to hosting and entertaining, the dining room is the focal point of the home. Dining rooms offer a setting where guests congregate for dinner parties and special occasions, these spaces are the ideal room to make a statement.
The paint colours you choose will determine the atmosphere of your dining scheme. Whether you are seeking an indulgent, luxurious feel or a lively, engaging and convivial space, discover shades in the Paint & Paper Library palette. Find inspiration below to elevate your dining experience.
7 yellow colour schemes from the Paint & Paper Library palette
We often consider yellow to be one of the boldest colours to introduce in a scheme. However, these mood-boosting shades sit very comfortably in the home. They work particularly well when paired with coordinating neutrals. This colour combination is an excellent way to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Yellow is a natural colour choice to add brightness and warmth to the darkest interiors, whether embraced all over or contrasted with a complementary colour.
1. Create a sophisticated dining space with darker hues
The Paint & Paper Library colour card comprises a host of luxurious deep hues. These shades instil elegance and impact within a scheme. If the rest of your home features light neutrals, your dining area is the perfect setting to introduce a contrasting palette.
Inherently associated with opulence, consider the rich deep purple, Plum Brandy, to evoke an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth. Make this shade the focal point of your scheme by accompanying it with light-coloured furniture, accessories and flooring.
2. Consider a monochrome dining room for an impactful backdrop
Black and white as a colour combination is undeniably timeless. Despite its impact, monochrome is also one of the simplest colour schemes that can feel harmonious, elegant and refined. Using a monochromatic pairing in your dining scheme is a smart way to bring a sophisticated, statement feel to both classic and contemporary interiors.
Instead of a pure black, consider a profound deep navy such as Beyond Blue. This attractive hue is a beautiful accompaniment to Blue Vein, which you can use as a colour highlight. Paint the ceiling in blue-based white, Flat Light, to achieve a classic monochromatic look.
3. Make a statement with contrasting dining room paint colours
You can create instant impact in your dining space by juxtaposing two contrasting colours. Consider stronger, brighter hues to invigorate your dining space and create the ideal environment for lively, exuberant conversation.
A simple way to select complementary shades is by using a ‘light and dark’ approach, which will provide balance. Consider using the unapologetically bold blue, Blue Blood, alongside soft and delicate porcelain pink, Temple. Combining these colours in a 70/30 proportion, rather than 50/50, will ensure there is a clear sense of focus. This balance will create effective structure to draw the eye.
4. Choose dining room decor ideas with a strong focal point and vibrant colour accents
Creating impact and atmosphere in your dining room doesn’t necessarily mean embracing all-over colour. You can paint your dining room walls and ceiling in a light neutral shade, then introduce stronger colour accents on your woodwork and furniture. This approach is an excellent choice for those who are hesitant of using bolder shades. Instead, expand your colour palette in an understated, controlled manner.
Painting large window frames in a richly coloured hue like Teal will bring a boost of energy, enlivening the space as a whole. Even a small change can bring unexpected design interest. Consider painting skirtings or dining room chairs in a contrasting shade.
5. Use one bold wall colour all over for a striking effect
If you’re looking to create an atmosphere of vitality and vigour, consider painting all four walls in one of Paint & Paper Library’s most vibrant paint colours. Shades like Caravan, Muga or The Long Room are fabulous when embraced all over in a colour-drenched scheme. These rich dining room paint colours immerse a room in their captivating contemporary hues.
These warm colours for a dining room are certainly capable of delivering a high impact finish. They work particularly well in north or east-facing rooms. These spaces receive very little yellow or orange light in the latter part of the day. To achieve a sense of balance, consider natural wood finishes for your floors and dining furniture.
Learn more about considering the orientation of your space when choosing dining room ideas.
6. Incorporate your woodwork and ceiling for a luxurious, encompassing feel
If you prefer a neutral colour palette, there are still plenty of other opportunities to create design interest. One method is to choose two or more related neutrals and combine them in unexpected ways. Ensure that you incorporate all surfaces, from the ceiling to the skirting boards, to achieve an all-encompassed finish.
This scheme features two shades from the Steel Architectural Colours, Steel II and Steel V. For a contemporary look, these cool, blue-based neutrals are juxtaposed in an asymmetrical colour blocking scheme. This pairing also offers an effective way to punctuate the scheme’s focal point: a statement light fitting.
Order a complimentary colour card to explore dining room colour ideas in more detail. Or browse our inspiration gallery for more ideas.
FAQs about colour schemes for dining rooms
What is the best colour for a dining room?
There are many different colours that complement dining rooms, depending on the atmosphere you want to achieve.
Many dining rooms are formal spaces dedicated to hosting intimate dinner parties. Consider deep, luxurious hues like rich purple, Plum Brandy or sophisticated navy blue, Plimsoll. The indulgent chocolate brown, Copper Beech, also provides an alluring backdrop.
Alternatively, choose shades that will boost the mood of the space. Invite guests to enjoy an animated, sociable atmosphere. Here you can introduce very bold paint colours. These could be a captivating teal like Iguana or a fabulous bright yellow such as Pollen II.
What colour should I paint a small dining room?
A small space offers the perfect opportunity to create an indulgent, intimate setting that provides a real sense of luxury. Use one richly coloured hue on every part of the space for an all-encompassed, cocooning effect.
Tempting neutrals like Truffle, Topi and Caddie will exude warmth. Whilst an earthy pink, such as Mink, Powder V and Rouge II, will bring a touch of romance to the scheme.
For a truly impactful scheme, consider some of the darkest hues in the Paint & Paper Library palette: Ilex, Squid Ink or Bronze.
What is the best finish for dining room walls?
The chalky Pure Flat Emulsion is the best finish for painting dining room walls. Pure Flat Emulsion has an ultimate low sheen of just 2%. This makes it a beautiful accompaniment to darker paint colours that may feature in a dining space.
The dining room is a low-traffic space with infrequent visits. As such, the gently wipeable, water-based formula of Pure Flat Emulsion is ideally suited to this part of the home. This finish is available in the complete palette of Paint & Paper Library colours.