Looking For A Dining Room Wall Idea? We Have One Word For You: Wallpaper
Looking for dining room wall ideas? One word: wallpaper. Your home's dedicated dining space is the perfect place to try out the bold pattern you've been drooling over or the fun color that you've been to hesitant to try, and the good news is you don't need much to create an impact. Patterned, textured, neutral, vibrant, modern, or tropical, there's a style to suit everyone. Think of the following as wallpaper 101, a crash course that covers different types of wallpaper, as well as six fun ideas that will make your entertaining space completely unforgettable (in a good way!).
Types of Dining Room Wallpaper
Printed Wallpaper
Printed wallpaper is the most commonly used and is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The digitally-printed material is typically cheaper than hand-printed and is relatively easy to apply to the walls. On the downside, it can look a little "off-the-shelf," and due to mass production, can be cheaper in quality. The ink for this type of wallpaper is water-based, so it's not normally suited for kitchens and bathrooms.
If you're looking for a more functional material for your dining room, vinyl is the way to go. This type of wallpaper is made up of printed paper coated with a layer of vinyl. It's durable and can withstand steam, making it washable (so it's able to survive your annual food fight) and less high maintenance.
Flock wallpaper is a luxury option and isn't well-suited for all design styles or budgets. The pattern is made using velvet-like material pattern on top of a paper back, which gives it an old-fashioned feel. It's strokeable, which can lead to marks, and it's also difficult to install because of the slightly thicker stock.
One of the major advantages of removable wallpaper is that you can hang it and remove it without damaging the walls. You don't need an adhesive and it's cheap to buy, making it a brilliant product for renters. Although removable wallpaper can be convenient, it can also detach from the wall when it's not supposed to and it is susceptible to wear and tear. Read our handy guide on how to hang removable wallpaper before you make your final decision.
1. Play with pattern.
Know your stuff when it comes to wall decor? A graphic print in your dining room can make your home dinner party-ready in an instant. You just need to know how to style it. This boho-chic space is warm and inviting, and the oversize banana leaf-inspired pattern that lines the top of the walls adds depth and a dash of whimsy.
2. Introduce some color.
Cladding every surface with a busy wallpaper print can be an overwhelming dining room wall idea, so use it sparingly instead to create an equally eye-catching effect. This works especially well around fireplaces, as demonstrated by Kimberly of Swoon Worthy. Incorporate colors that are showcased in the wallpaper throughout the space, using artwork, table settings, and trinkets.
3. Add texture.
If there's one thing that wallpaper can do quickly and easily, it's add texture. You can find faux brick, stone, and more, but we're massive fans of the grasscloth variety. This luxurious space shows how a simple dining room wall idea can really create a dynamic effect — and the George Nelson pendant light and tulip table don't hurt either.
4. Complement your decor.
If you're showcasing a bold pattern on the top half of the walls, keep the rest of the design simple by using just one or two colors to complement that pattern. Interior designer Kate Marker has painted the bottom half of the walls in this dining room a stark white, allowing the blue pattern to stand out, even in the presence of an intricately beaded chandelier.
5. Make a statement.
Turn a bland space into a vivacious one by throwing in a statement dining room wall idea. This eclectic design by Louisa G. Roeder is bringing the outside in, adding a breath of fresh air to the creamy backdrop. And who doesn't love mismatched chairs? Swoon!
6. Set the theme.
Your dining room wall decor doesn't have to fade into the background. A good wallpaper can work as a piece of art, too, especially when it's a large scale pattern that doesn't repeat. Studio DB created this modern design by working in a nature-inspired mural to set the tone for the rest of the space. Bold pops of color and varying textures complement the accent wall.
Where to Shop for Dining Room Wallpaper:
August Abode
August Abode is a Los Angeles-based wallpaper line creating exclusive patterns in a contemporary spirit, reinventing classic motifs with an edited and uncluttered approach. Head here for all the California vibes.
Society6's peel-and-stick wallpaper is super easy to apply and remove — leaving no residue behind. Plus, it comes in a number of designs (we're talking hundreds), making it perfect for any interior.
Working with a growing global community of independent artists, the brand Feathr sources, curates, and commissions contemporary designs and turns them into wallpaper. Remember those large-scale works of art we were talking about earlier? This is where to find them.