10 Dining Room Paint Colors – Ideas & Inspiration

1. Bold & Beautiful: Dining Room Wall Colors

When choosing dining room wall colors, remember that the dining room isn’t a space you settle into for long periods of time, so it’s an opportunity to use a paint color that is both elegant and dramatic. Warm reds and corals, like Rosy Apple 2006-30, create lush, indulgent spaces. For an even bolder look, try using it on the ceiling to create a sumptuous space perfect for hosting a dinner party or a candlelit date night.

If you want a dramatic look with a little less saturation, try a metallic-inspired hue like Marblehead Gold HC-11 or silvery Violet Mist 1437, which will work with the lighting to create a glowing effect.

2. Dining Room Wall Decor, Art & More

When choosing a paint color for a dining room—or any room—consider your decor. Many elements can inspire you, from the furniture that’s front and center to the artwork you choose to display. For a pulled-together look, let your accents be your guide: wood tones, fabrics, and other accessories can be a huge help when deciding on color.

Here, mid-tone York Harbor Yellow 2154-40 acts as a pleasing backdrop to the gold-accented chandelier, curio, and hutch. The jewel-toned tablecloth and vibrantly patterned upholstered chairs add an eye-catching pop of color that will have your guests talking.

3. Be a Good Neighbor: Dining Room Color Flow

To create design flow in the main living areas of your home, consider the rooms that are connected to the dining room when picking a paint color. Though you don’t have to match the colors of neighboring spaces, your home may flow better visually if the colors relate. Here, Windmill Wings 2067-60 in the back room plays peekaboo with First Light 2102-70 in the dining room, creating a peaceful transition from room to room.

Some of our favorite dining room color combinations for optimal color flow:

• Chippendale Rosetone HC-58 & Pink Damask OC-72
• Shaker Beige HC-45 & Coriander Seed AF-110
• Great Barrington Green HC-122 & Edgecomb Gray HC-173
• Luxe AF-580 & Distant Gray OC-68

4. Dining Room Accent Walls

Unlike kitchens and living rooms, dining rooms present a unique design opportunity thanks to their singular purpose: to provide a beautiful space in which to gather, nurture, and indulge. No matter how often or formally a dining room is used, an accent wall—or color—can add dimension and drama to a room that may frequently be in the background.

This earthy dining room invites guests to sit and relax over a cup of coffee as rich as the color of the accent wall: Barista AF-175. Creamy Steam AF-15 on the ceiling and left wall ties everything together, conjuring warm energy.

5. Dining Room Color Ideas: Delineating Space

If you live in an open-concept space, especially a small one like a loft studio or an apartment, delineating a space exclusively for dining can be difficult. We suggest using different paint colors to designate a dining nook and create a space that lends itself to meals and gatherings of all kinds, whether it’s dinner, your morning coffee, or a midnight snack.

To achieve this look, using a bold hue to break up an otherwise neutral space is key. In this dining area, a wall painted in homeowner-favorite White Heron OC-57 is elevated by Forest Green 2047-10—an enchanting dark green—on the wainscoting, trim, and bench.

6. Rustic Style Dining Room Color Ideas

Evoke a cozy cabin vibe with rustic decor and warm, welcoming paint colors. We recommend shades of dark purple, forest green, and rich brown to create an inviting atmosphere, and soft creams and neutrals to add light and balance.

Here, walls in Iron Gate 1545—a gray with brown undertones—are paired with off-white Soft Chamois OC-13 on the trim and ceiling. The curio, in Black Bean Soup 2130-10, takes center stage in a space that’s perfect for intimate gatherings and comforting meals.

Other cozy shades we love:

• Jack Pine 692
• Philipsburg Blue HC-159
• Mayonnaise OC-85

7. Paint Colors for Dining Rooms with Fireplaces

A dining room with a fireplace adds warmth and character to a home, creating an inviting space that’s perfect for gatherings. Choosing the right color to paint it can enhance the room’s aesthetic. For a classic look, consider painting the mantel a soft, neutral gray like Horizon OC-53, paired with a crisp white on the trim, such as Decorator’s White OC-149. This combination (pictured here) creates a timeless, elegant focal point.

For a bolder statement, a deep blue like Hale Navy HC-154 or a charcoal like Temptation 1609 adds drama, while a warm beige like Twisted Oak Path 226 or a sophisticated neutral like Pashmina AF-100 offers a cozy, inviting feel.

8. Dining Room Paint Ideas for Minimalist Style

For a minimalist dining room, opt for paint colors that evoke simplicity and tranquility. Soft neutrals like warm white or greige provide a clean, airy backdrop that enhances a room’s open feel. Consider shades like Paper White OC-55, shown here, which pairs beautifully with the streamlined furniture.

Alternatively, classic black and dark shades of purple or brown can elevate minimalist style. If this suits your taste, test out these shades:

• Shadow 2117-30
• Fresh Brew 1232
• Black Tar 2126-10

9. Best Dining Room Colors for Boho Style

For a boho-style dining room, embrace earthy, easygoing colors that reflect a relaxed vibe. Start with a rich jewel tone such as a forest green like Rosepine 461, a burgundy like Sweet Rosy Brown 1302, or a terra-cotta like Terra Mauve 105, shown here. This hue adds depth and warmth, beautifully complementing this sun-drenched dining room.

Incorporate natural elements like warm wood tones and lush greenery to enhance the organic feel. Finally, mix various patterns and textures into your textiles and decor to create the eclectic, cozy vibe that is characteristic of boho style.

10. Dining Room Color Ideas for Open-Concept

When choosing paint colors for open-concept living spaces, it’s important to consider flow. Opt for colors that create a seamless transition between different areas. You can’t go wrong with a white paint color like Dove Wing OC-18, shown here, that exudes a silvery undertone.

Rejuvenate your space by painting your cabinets a bold hue. Here, luminous St. John’s Bay 584 brings a beachy feel to the kitchen area for diners to gaze upon. Here are other shades we love for cabinets:

• Dorset Gold HC-8 for its playfulness
• Antique Jade 465 for its calming effect
• Birchwood 1161 for its warmth