Choosing a paint color for your dining room can be a daunting task. The dining room is often considered the heart of the home where families gather to share meals and memories. You want to choose a color that sets the right mood and complements your existing decor. The best dining room colors are those that make you feel warm, relaxed, and hungry. There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal shade for your space.
How Does Color Affect Your Appetite?
Believe it or not, the colors you choose for your dining room can actually affect your appetite! Cooler colors like blue, green, and gray have been shown to suppress appetite. These colors tend to be more relaxing and calming, which can make you less likely to want to eat. Warmer colors like yellow, orange, and red have the opposite effect. They energize and stimulate the senses, which can increase your appetite. When choosing a dining room color, go for a warmer shade if you want to encourage healthy eating and family dinners.
Popular Dining Room Color Schemes
When selecting a dining room color, you’ll want to consider the overall color scheme rather than just choosing one shade. Some popular options include:
- Warm neutrals – Painting your dining room in warm neutral tones like beige, taupe, cream or light brown creates a soothing and welcoming backdrop. It allows you to add pops of color with accessories.
- Rich greens – Deep green hues like sage and forest green look beautiful in dining rooms. They feel fresh while still providing a sense of tranquility.
- Vibrant reds – Red is bold and energizing. It stimulates conversation and lively gatherings. Just beware painting a whole dining room red, as it can be overpowering. Consider just one red accent wall.
- Coastal blues – From navy to sky blue, coastal-inspired blues work well for casual, beachy dining rooms. Pair with white trim for a crisp nautical scheme.
- Earthy neutrals – Natural earth tones like tans, mocha, clay and rust orange create a grounded, organic ambiance. They allow your wood furnishings to really shine.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint Colors
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting dining room paint colors:
- Exposure – Is your dining room dark or flooded with natural light? Cooler hues help brighten dark spaces, while darker warm shades can make sun-filled rooms feel more intimate.
- Flooring – Lighter floors like oak or pine look great with deeper, richer paint colors. Dark wood flooring stands out against lighter walls.
- Furniture – Match your wall color to the tone of the wood furnishings. For example, walnut dining sets pair well with deeper browns or tans.
- Artwork – Select a wall color that complements the style and palette of any artwork displayed. Don’t clash competing tones.
- Window treatments – If your dining room has heavy drapes or curtains, you can get away with more saturated colors. Sheer window treatments require more muted shades.
The Best Dining Room Colors
Now that you know what factors to consider, here are 12 of the best paint colors for dining rooms:
| Color | Shades | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Navy blue | Royal, bright, dark | Dramatic, intimate |
| Forest green | Deep, mossy, emerald | Fresh, tranquil, natural |
| Warm gray | Greige, taupe, heather | Calming, subtle, versatile |
| Terracotta | Burnt orange, rust, clay | Earthy, inviting, charming |
| Sage green | Pale, misty, green-gray | Serene, peaceful, clean |
| Red | Bright, brick, cranberry | Energizing, lively, appetite boosting |
| Beige | Cream, sand, biscuit | Warm, flexible, welcoming |
| Yellow | Mustard, lemon, sunflower | Cheerful, friendly, uplifting |
| Light blue | Sky, powder, robin’s egg | Tranquil, airy, spacious |
| Mocha | Coffee, chocolate, cafe | Sophisticated, cozy, indulgent |
| Lavender | Lilac, violet, orchid | Feminine, soft, soothing |
| Olive green | Khaki, muted, gray-green | Organic, sturdy, versatile |
These popular paint colors check off the right boxes. They stimulate the appetite, encourage conversation, match different styles of decor, and provide the perfect backdrop for dining and entertaining.
Paint Finish Makes a Difference
Don’t overlook the importance of sheen and paint finish when selecting your dining room wall color. The finish impacts how the color looks and wears. Here are some tips:
- Flat or matte is great at hiding imperfections but shows scuffs easily. It works for more rustic dining rooms.
- Eggshell has a soft glow with decent durability. It’s ideal if you want a classic look.
- Satin is family-friendly with its scrubbable finish and subtle sheen. It’s a top choice for active dining rooms.
- Semi-gloss has vibrancy and durability. Use it to highlight architectural details like wainscoting.
- High-gloss is ultra shiny and durable but can show imperfections. Use it sparingly as an accent.
Test different finishes on wall samples to see which look you like. Durability is key for a dining room prone to food splatters near the table and high-traffic areas.
Use Accent Colors Strategically
While it’s best to stick to one dominant color in a dining room, you can incorporate accent shades strategically. Here’s how:
- Paint an accent wall behind the head chair or sideboard. Try navy blue, deep green or maroon.
- Choose a colorful hue for the ceiling like robin’s egg blue or citron yellow.
- Pick a vibrant shade for the backs of dining chairs to add pops of color as people move about.
- Paint window frames, baseboards, wainscoting or other trim in a contrasting color.
- Display colorful art, floral arrangements, pottery or other decor items on the accent wall or table.
Accent colors work best when the rest of the dining room features neutral wall colors. Limit accent walls to just one so the room doesn’t feel too busy or overwhelming.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect dining room wall color requires balancing personal taste, mood you want to set, and practical durability concerns. Stick to warmer neutral or earthy tones if you want to stimulate family dining and conversation. Cooler greens and blues work well for relaxing casual meals. Remember to choose paint finishes that stand up to wear and tear. Strategically incorporate accent colors in small doses. With these tips in mind, you’ll select a shade that makes your dining room dining experience truly enjoyable.