Small Dining Room Colour Ideas

Struggling to settle on dining room wall paint colours for a smaller space? Just because you're limited when it comes to square footage, doesn't mean you have to settle on a lacklustre colour scheme.   

If you want to play it safe, stick to classic white, muted beiges and versatile greys when decorating a smaller dining room. Want to open things up in a compact dining space? Use low-key furniture and lightweight storage that won't eat into valuable floor space. 

Even if you opt for stripped-back wall colours, you can still inject personality into your dining area elsewhere. Create a dramatic focal point with contrasting colours or integrate eye-catching wall art to create visual interest. 

At Tikkurila, we stock an unbeatable range of premium paint colours that will turn any dining room into a space to be proud of. Whether you're looking for something light and airy for a family space or more dramatic hues for formal dining rooms, you're bound to find something that ticks all the right boxes. 

Off-white painted walls are a timeless design trend. They can work well in traditional spaces but are equally effective in more modern spaces with contemporary furniture. 

If dimensions are limited, off-white dining room walls are the way to go. Stripped-back walls in neutral off-whites will make effective use of natural light. If your dining room is lacking large windows, you can always use artificial light to illuminate your interior. 

Need a winning dining room paint idea? Paper F497 is a standout choice from our selection, with this pure white boasting understated grey accents. Perfect for those who want timeless style, with a subtle hint of depth and character. 

Want to go a little darker? Arctic Fox S503 is another one of our premium pure white paints. With a delicate hint of grey, it'll go down a storm with any fan of soothing shades.

Blue dining walls are often reserved for the brave-hearted. However, the blue colour family is the perfect choice for breathing life into smaller dining rooms. 

Before settling on the right shade of blue for your dining space, consider how often you use your room. If you regularly use it during the morning and daytime, a lighter hue is the way to go. If your dining room is only really used during the evening, go with darker shades. 

If your aim is to brighten things up, go with a vibrant blue like Cumulus Y354. Soothing and serene, this light blue will work well with wooden furniture and light dining chairs. 

Prefer pastel shades? Consider using Forget Me Not H353 to paint your dining room walls. This eye-catching blue won't overwhelm a small space, even if it's furnished with a large dining table and bulky furniture. 

Greens are often reserved for lounges and bedrooms, but they can also be used effectively in dining areas. The right shade of green can bring the spirit of the outdoors into your home, helping create a sense of tranquillity as you sit down to eat. 

If you're decorating a particularly small dining space, think about reserving richer greens for feature walls. Alternatively, stick with lighter hues that won't leave your room feeling overwhelmed with pigment. 

A paint colour like Aloe X381 is a fine choice if you're a fan of pastel schemes. Subtle and stylish, this light green works well with natural oak furniture and crisp white accents. 

If you prefer colours with more complexity, go with Menthol J442. This muted green boasts an equal balance of blue, leaving you plenty of options for incorporating secondary colours and room accents. 

Beige doesn't have to be boring. In fact, the right shade of beige can turn the most dreary of dining rooms into a space to be proud of. 

Beige shades are an easy choice for rooms that are lacking in square footage. They can bounce light around like whites and neutrals, while the complex pigment brings much-needed depth to your interior design schemes. 

Not sure which colour to go for? Batiste G487 is a stellar choice, combining the best qualities of grey and beige. Perfect for more contemporary dining spaces, this paint colour works incredibly well with modern room accents and minimalist table arrangements. 

Searching for something with more character? Halo F462 will go down a storm. This breathtaking beige brings together hints of grey and peachy pink, making it a fine choice for injecting essential warmth into smaller dining spaces. 

In the market for pastel-inspired dining room paint ideas? We've got plenty of options for you to consider. Pastels are ideal for smaller dining areas, bringing all the space-enhancing benefits of white paint. 

A pastel shade like Sunday H480 will work particularly well in a modest dining room. This paint colour is a beige at heart, but there's plenty of pink character to enjoy here. You'll have plenty of fun accessorising with this one. 

Searching for something more striking to coat your dining room walls with? Doll H405 makes an instant impression with its pastel pink character and vibrant orange undertones. Pair with neutrals, light greys or classic white to bring your space together. 

How to Pick the Best Shade for Your Dining Room

Not sure what colour will work best in your dining room? While lighter colours tend to be the best bet for smaller spaces, there are other design concerns you'll need to bear in mind. 

Dealing with north-facing rooms? Opt for hues with hints of yellow, pink and gold. These enriching tones will create a sense of warmth, helping compensate for a lack of natural light. 

Looking for a long-lasting design trend that you can adapt over time? Stick to an off-white wall colour or versatile neutral. This way, you can regularly refine your space with new furniture, hanging artwork or decorative pieces. 

Sometimes, internal dining rooms may be lacking in windows entirely. If this applies to your layout, think about experimenting with warm-toned neutrals or earthy pastels. Avoid blue-toned colours whenever possible, as these will always appear cool and uninviting, even if you're making use of artificial light sources.

Can Feature Walls Work in Small Dining Rooms?

If you're pining for dark walls, don't despair. You can still experiment with darker shades by creating a feature wall. In fact, feature walls can prove very effective in small dining rooms. 

Consider the layout of your dining area. Do you have a chimney breast or eye-catching room feature that would benefit from being painted in a contrasting colour? If you've painted the bulk of your room in a muted grey or neutral shade, reach for an eye-catching indigo or charcoal shade to create visual interest. 

If your dining room is lacking in natural light, stick to warming shades when creating your feature wall. A sun-drenched pastel will work particularly well in rooms painted in neutral shades with hints of peach, gold or yellow. 

Ready to put the finishing touches to your dining space with a dramatic feature wall? We've got several standout colour options for you to consider. 

Joy H303 will make a fine addition to any dining space decorated in subtle greys, neutrals or off-white shades. This velvet yellow paint colour brings instant warmth, without proving too overwhelming for a smaller space. 

Looking to add a more daring pop of colour to your dining room? How about Tomato M316? This blood orange shade works well with classic white, light greys and vibrant greens alike.