Dining Room Paint Colors to Suit Every Style

Sometimes all you need is a fresh coat of paint to reinvigorate a space. That’s true of any area in the house, but especially the dining room, where friends and family regularly gather for dinner parties, holidays, and more. Since it’s such a communal space, paint colors should be chosen carefully.

“[I like to] make sure that it’s a color that’s conducive to eating—calming and comforting—and not too bold or jarring,” says interior designer Robin Baron. “The color palette should flow with the rooms adjacent. Most importantly, your dining room should represent you and make an impact.” Here, we spoke to expert interior designers to get the low-down on the perfect paint colors for your dining room. From soft green to blush, there’s something here for everyone.

Not Quite White

White is a light and airy hue, but it can quickly lean stark if you pick a shade that’s too literal. If white tones speak to you, opt for a dining room paint color that’s slightly off-white. Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace is the perfect example, Baron says.

“White tones give you maximum flexibility, allowing you to use your favorite colors as highlights,” she says. “It gives you free rein to use the colors you love in the room without it feeling overwhelming or overpowering. White also makes it easy to change up the feeling of the room based on the season by swapping out your accessories and details.”

Gorgeous Gray

Shades of gray and blue go together seamlessly, especially when paired with white window treatments and similarly colored blinds. Continue with the gray color scheme by placing chairs in a lighter hue around your dinner table, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the calming room you’ve created. Try Clare’s sophisticated Seize the Gray.

Soft Green

An earth-inspired soft green is a beautiful choice for a dining room, says Jason Saft, interior designer and CEO of Staged to Sell Home. His go-to choice is the aptly named Breakfast Room Green by Farrow & Ball. “I think it’s an eternally chic and vibrant color that turns any room into a jewel box—especially when you use a full gloss finish, and the room has moldings and fantastic light,” he says.

Earthen Clay

Baron says she loves the calm and inviting feeling of a warm dining room, which invites your family and guests to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Benjamin Moore’s Savannah Clay is the perfect example of this. “The color is rich in pigment while still having a sophisticated softness,” Baron says.

When using a rich color on the walls, she recommends using white in your detailing to offset the depth of color. White moldings, white flowers, and white accessories can help lift and lighten the space.

Black and White

Crisp back and white is a classic color combination for a dining room. To help break up some of the stark contrast, infuse warmth via earthy tones and textures. Here, a wood floor and table help soften the room, and fresh greenery breathes life into the space.

Neutral Khaki

Your colorful china will pop proudly atop your dinner table when laid before a khaki wall. If you love art, hang a few of your favorite pieces, no matter what their color scheme may be. That’s the beauty of a neutral paint color like khaki or beige: It goes with anything. Try Balanced Beige by Sherwin-Williams.

Blush Tones

A subtle color can still have a warm and light effect on a space. This dining room features blush-tone walls that look sunny and airy, with rattan chairs and colorful decorative elements atop a glass table. For a tone that leans more orange-pink, try Dunn Edwards Peachy Keen. For a super subtle pink-leaning hue, consider Benjamin Moore’s Melted Ice Cream.

Saturated Blue

Rich tones, like dark blue, might seem overwhelming, especially when used on large walls, but when incorporated correctly, they shine. Mix lighter, softer elements like blush velvet chairs and gold light fixtures with opaque colors to create a seamless aesthetic. Behr’s Very Navy is a classic choice.

Bold Teal

Blue-green walls work well in a dining room with lots of natural light. If you want to add a splash of color without going all in, try painting one wall teal for a modern feel. Dunn Edwards Nocturnal Sea effortlessly marries blue with green.

Add potted plants for a splash of nature to bring out the subtle hints of green. Incorporating light wood accents, a patterned rug, and a few small pieces of artwork pulls this room together.

Beachy Coral

Choosing a tropical color like coral can add warmth and liveliness to your dining room, setting the mood for happy conversation. Houseplants and wooden features add to the overall vibe of the room, and contrast well with the sunset-inspired hue. Salmon Peach by Benjamin Moore is a beautiful choice.