6 Inspired Dining Spaces

Whether you’re hosting an intimate family meal, a fun dinner party with friends, or a special occasion, your dining room should be a place you want to spend time in. But if your space doesn’t reflect the good times as much as you’d like it to, explore these 6 ideas for dining area décor to get inspired. From fabulous colour schemes to upcycled furniture and statement accessories, make every meal special with these chic dining room design ideas.

1. Dark dining room designs

A dark colour scheme makes a striking statement and is one of the best ways to create atmosphere in your dining room. Whether you have a modern or traditional home, we have shades to suit every interior at Dulux. From Rich Black to jewel tones like Deep Aubergine and Sapphire Splendour, these shades add depth and a cosy feel.

If you’d prefer a contrasting colour scheme to prevent your dining room from looking too dark, pair your chosen shades with white or cream on the doors, skirting and window frames, or opt for white wooden furniture.

Want to revive tired cabinets or display units? A lick of dark paint will instantly transform them. And don’t be scared of painting tricky surfaces like interior brick and melamine cabinets, as this can help them complement the rest of your colour scheme.

2. Scandi dining room ideas

Scandinavian style is all about neutral décor, natural materials and a minimalistic approach that keeps your space – and your mind – clean and clear. The concept is effortlessly stylish for entertaining guests, making it an excellent choice for dining rooms.

Pure Brilliant White on the walls and ceilings acts as a calming backdrop and pairs beautifully with timber flooring. Black or grey soft furnishings add contrast to the décor, while a sleek, minimalist oak dining table and chairs are the epitome of Scandi cool. Industrial pendant lighting keeps the design modern, while plants and wall art add a subtle hint of colour and a personal touch to your dining room.

3. Yellow dining area colour schemes

Sipping your morning coffee in a patch of sunlight is a great way to start the day. But on dreary days, a yellow dining room is the next best thing! Yellow brings warmth, brightness and energy, helping to uplift the space. Depending on the shade you pick, yellow complements a variety of interiors, from traditional to modern homes.

Consider a bold shade like Citrus Zing on a feature wall surrounding the window, with natural light to enhance its sunny feel. For balance, paint the ceiling and surrounding walls in a soft white and choose natural wood furnishings. Create depth with different shades of yellow for soft furnishings and tableware, or introduce contrast with decorative accessories and artwork.

4. Nature-inspired dining room designs

Bring the outside into your dining room with nature-inspired hues like blue and green. These calming shades evoke outdoor landscapes of oceans and rolling hills. They’re fresh and uplifting while being easy on the eyes and a great alternative to neutrals.

Want to create continuity between an open-plan dining room and a kitchen colour scheme? Pale shades like Willow Tree and Frosted Lake are timeless choices that complement any interior, while brights like Sea Blue and Pixie Green make a statement feature wall. For balance, introduce white, wood or neutral tones for furniture and accessories.

5. Romantic dining décor

Nothing says cosiness and warmth quite like pink. And this romantic shade isn’t just for bedrooms – it’s also an excellent option for dining rooms. Warm pinks like Tuscan Terracotta are reminiscent of sunsets, while cool-toned hues like Pressed Petal have a calming feel.

Grey and pink work beautifully together, so consider painting cupboards, fixtures or trim with a light grey to break up the colour. For a light, spacious and rustic feel that balances dusky pink shades, opt for natural materials, wooden furniture and plants to finish off your dining room décor.

6. Playful dining spaces

Are you searching for dining room inspiration that makes an eye-catching statement? Put your stamp on your home’s entertainment hub by colour-blocking with vibrant shades. Primary colours like Volcanic Red, Lemon Pie and Striking Cyan are sure to make an impact. To avoid overwhelming a room with bright hues, we recommend sticking to two or three colours and using neutrals elsewhere in the design.

Whether you want to make your dining table the star or add a splash of colour to interior trim, there are several ways to introduce playful hues to your design. If you’re not ready to commit to painting walls, woodwork or furniture with brights, invest in soft furnishings, plants and wall art in your favourite colours.

Want to revamp your dining room but short on time? It can easily be a weekend project – check out our guide for tips on re-styling your space in just two days. If you’re not sure about your colour choices, download the Dulux Visualizer app to bring your ideas to life in a few clicks.