If you're going to be entertaining in it, it might as well be fun. Whether you want to go super bold, or just find a way to make neutral look less boring, we've got ideas upon ideas to get you started. Need more dining room inspiration? Check out our favorite dining rooms of all time.
1
Climbing Vines
Victoria Pearson
This botanical wallpaper hints at a California home's verdant surroundings. Metal chairs are topped with Ikea sheepskins for extra warmth.
2
Steel Blue
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
Is it blue? Is it gray? You decide. Either way, it looks killer with a brass, geometric pendant.
Courtesy of Zeke Ruelas for Emily Henderson Designs
Here's how to paint your dining room pink and have it not look like a bottle of Pepto Bismal (or like you're 5 years old). Flamingo artwork optional, but highly encouraged.
This Malibu house's bold blue dining room is broken up with glossy white trim. It keeps it from overwhelming, and also plays up the architectural details of the room.
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7
Forest Green
House Beautiful
A green lacquer looks bold in this San Francisco home. Vintage sconces and a sunburst mirror add drama.
8
Shades of Gray
Björn Wallander
This Charleston rental opted for gray in the dining room. This particular shade changes throughout the day depending on the light in the room.
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9
Jungle-Inspired
House Beautiful
After a dramatic makeover, a Texas dining room now bursts with high-octane design, from the jungle wallpaper to the green molding.
10
Sunny Yellow
Ngoc Minh Ngo
Bright yellow walls and an even brighter citron table brought the dining nook of a North Carolina house to life. Even though it's a bold color, a sunny yellow still keeps a space feeling light.
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11
Warm Cream
Maura McEvoy
White can feel way too stark, so to warm up your space but still keep it neutral, choose a cream. It'll help your dining room feel lighter and brighter.
12
Mauve
Julien Capmeil
Mauve is not too gray, not too violet. Add contrast to the serene gray by upholstering chair backs with burlap.
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13
Garden Green
Thomas Loof
The green latticed wall in this Wisconsin home is serious goals. No matter what the weather actually is outside, you'll feel like you're eating in a garden.
14
Wine
Christopher Sturman
Wine walls are flattering, warm, and lively. Over seven coats of lacquer create this mirror-like sheen.
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15
Teal
Mick Hales
A dark blue creates moody drama in the dining nook of this upstate New York house. It feels a bit more relaxed than a formal dining room, but still totally elegant.
16
Canary
Jonny Valiant
A soft yellow palette makes this Southampton, New York house's dining room feel sunny. A heavy, dark table helps anchor the room.
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17
Mustard
Francesco Lagnese
In this Florida house, the dining room walls are painted mustard yellow, because yellow goes so well with candlelight. We can practically feel the ocean breeze.
18
Classic Blue
James Merrell
In the dining room of this upstate New York house, linen upholstery picks up the blue walls. White trim and chairs help add contrast.