Patterned wallpaper can totally change your dining room, turning it from just another eating spot into the real star of your home. A lot of folks hesitate with bold patterns, but honestly, dining rooms are ideal for trying out eye-catching designs since you only spend focused time there during meals or when you’re entertaining.
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The trick to decorating with patterned wallpaper is finding the right balance with your furniture, lighting, and the size of the room. You might go for big florals to create drama, geometric patterns for a dash of sophistication, or subtle textures that just feel cozy and work with your dining style.
You can cover every wall or stick to just one accent wall—patterned wallpaper gives you so many ways to show off your personality. Let’s get into how to pick the right scale, match colors with your current setup, and avoid those common mistakes that make a dining room feel too busy or cramped.
Why Patterned Wallpaper Is Perfect for Dining Rooms
Patterned wallpaper really brings dining rooms to life by adding visual depth, creating focal points, and letting you show off your style. It makes the space more inviting—people remember a dining room that stands out.
Adding Visual Interest and Character
Patterned wallpaper quickly gets rid of boring, empty walls that make a dining room feel blah. Bold geometric patterns bring modern energy. Floral designs add a romantic, natural vibe.
Textured patterns add depth without actually making the walls thicker. Grasscloth wallpaper gives off an organic feeling. Wood-pattern wallpaper can look like real paneling, but it’s way more budget-friendly.
Different pattern sizes work for different rooms. Large patterns can actually make small dining rooms feel more open. Small patterns add detail without overwhelming a compact space.
Benefits of patterned wallpaper:
- Sparks conversation at dinner parties
- Covers up little wall flaws
- Warms up cold, sterile rooms
- Makes the space feel more finished and intentional
Creating Focal Points and Defining Space
Accent walls with patterned wallpaper draw everyone’s eyes to certain parts of the dining room. Put wallpaper behind your dining table—it becomes the obvious centerpiece.
Patterned wallpaper also separates open-concept dining areas from kitchens or living rooms. You get a clear boundary without adding extra walls or bulky furniture.
Vertical patterns make ceilings seem taller. Horizontal patterns can stretch out a narrow dining room. These tricks can totally change the vibe.
Branching patterns and tree designs pull your eyes upward. This works especially well if you’ve got standard 8-foot ceilings.
Expressing Personal Style and Mood
Your dining room wallpaper should reflect the mood you want. Blue patterns create a calm, sophisticated setting for chill family dinners. Black patterns with metallic accents bring drama and a touch of luxury, perfect for formal gatherings.
Botanical wallpaper brings a bit of outdoor freshness inside. If you love gardening or nature, those patterns are a win. Geometric wallpaper is great for anyone who likes a clean, modern look.
Popular pattern styles:
- Traditional florals for that classic, timeless feel
- Modern abstracts for a contemporary vibe
- Damask designs for a formal, elegant dining space
- Tropical prints for something fun and casual
Dining room wallpaper is your chance to take a design risk you might skip in the bedroom or living room. Since guests don’t spend as much time here, you can go bolder and make a real statement.
Choosing the Right Patterned Wallpaper
Picking the right pattern is everything. The pattern should fit your room’s size, your existing decor, and your color scheme. Pattern size and color coordination set the stage for a room that just feels right.
Selecting Patterns That Complement Your Space
Let your dining room’s style guide your pattern choice. Traditional spaces look great with damask, toile, or classic florals that add elegance without being too much.
Modern dining rooms shine with geometric patterns, abstract designs, or bold stripes. These keep things interesting but still feel clean.
Transitional spaces can handle almost anything. Botanical prints, subtle textures, or organic shapes bridge the gap between traditional and modern.
Your furniture style matters too. Ornate dining sets look awesome with detailed patterns like paisley or florals. Minimalist furniture pairs best with graphic patterns or soft textures.
The room’s vibe counts. Formal dining rooms can handle dramatic patterns. For casual spots, softer designs like watercolor effects or gentle botanicals work better.
Scale and Proportion in Wallpaper Patterns
Pattern size really changes the room’s feel. Large patterns make a big statement, but they can take over in small spaces. Save them for dining rooms over 150 square feet.
Small patterns suit tight spaces. They add some texture but keep things open. Think tiny florals, mini geometrics, or delicate textures.
Medium-scale patterns are a safe bet for most dining rooms. They’re interesting but not overwhelming.
Check your ceiling height before choosing a pattern. Vertical stripes or tall botanicals make low ceilings look higher. Horizontal patterns can help widen a narrow room.
If your dining table sits close to the walls, go with smaller patterns—they look better up close.
Matching Wallpaper Colors to Dining Room Decor
Start with what you already have. Your wallpaper should include at least one color from your existing furniture or decor. That way, everything feels pulled together.
Neutral base colors in patterns give you more flexibility. Cream, gray, or beige backgrounds work with almost any color scheme.
Think about the mood. Cool colors like blue and green feel calm and sophisticated. Warm colors like red and gold make things cozy.
Lighting changes how colors look. Always test samples in different light—natural daylight and evening lamps can really change things.
If you have metal accents, match them to metallics in the wallpaper. Gold patterns look great with brass fixtures, silver goes with chrome or stainless.
Popular Patterned Wallpaper Styles for Dining Rooms
Three main wallpaper styles can totally change your dining room. Floral wallpaper brings romance and elegance. Botanical designs offer natural sophistication. Abstract patterns add modern flair.
Floral Wallpaper for a Romantic Look
Floral wallpaper creates a timeless, elegant vibe in the dining room. Classic rose patterns look stunning in formal spaces. Big blooms make a bold statement if you use them on an accent wall.
Small florals are perfect for a cozy breakfast nook. You might like vintage-inspired designs for a traditional home. Modern, photorealistic flowers give old-school patterns a fresh spin.
Color choices make a difference:
- Soft pastels feel gentle and romantic
- Bold, saturated colors create a dramatic focal point
- Monochrome florals are quietly sophisticated
Pair floral wallpaper with solid-colored furniture to keep things from getting too busy. Cream or white chairs balance out a lively floral. Try matching your wallpaper to table linens or curtains for a pulled-together look.
Botanical and Nature-Inspired Designs
Botanical wallpaper brings the outdoors in with leafy, plant-inspired motifs. Palm fronds and tropical leaves make the space feel like a resort. Tree patterns and forest scenes work in rustic or farmhouse-style rooms.
Grasscloth textures add natural depth and warmth. Choose ferns, eucalyptus, or delicate branches. Bird and butterfly motifs add whimsy to the theme.
Popular botanical styles:
- Chinoiserie with hand-painted birds and flowers
- Tropical with big, exotic leaves
- English garden with herbs and wildflowers
These patterns go great with natural wood furniture. Wicker or rattan chairs fit the look perfectly. Natural fiber rugs help finish it off.
Abstract and Geometric Patterns
Abstract wallpaper gives the dining room a modern edge. Geometric shapes—hexagons, triangles—add visual punch. Zig-zags and bold stripes make the space feel lively.
Watercolor-style abstracts bring in a bit of art. You can pick marbled effects or paint-splash designs. Metallic accents in abstract wallpaper add a little glam.
Key geometric options:
- Large-scale patterns for standout accent walls
- Repeating motifs for steady rhythm
- Mixed scales for some visual variety
Abstract wallpaper pairs well with sleek, modern furniture. Glass tables and metal chairs work especially well. Keep the accessories simple so the wallpaper gets all the attention. Bold abstract patterns usually look best on just one wall.
Specialty Wallpaper Options
Some wallpapers have unique textures and visual effects that printed paper just can’t match. These specialty options can give your dining room extra depth and character.
Grasscloth Wallpaper for Texture and Warmth
Grasscloth wallpaper brings natural beauty to your dining room with its woven fibers. Made from jute, hemp, or bamboo, it adds texture and warmth you can’t get from regular wallpaper.
Grasscloth perks:
- Helps absorb sound
- Texture catches the light in cool ways
- Eco-friendly materials
- Every roll is a bit different, so your walls are unique
Grasscloth works best above wainscoting to protect it from scuffs. The fibers are delicate, so this placement helps it last longer and creates a nice contrast.
Stick with neutral grasscloth colors like beige, cream, or light gray. They go with both classic and modern furniture and don’t steal the spotlight.
Neutral Wallpaper for Subtle Elegance
Neutral wallpaper gives your dining room a sophisticated background without taking over. Soft colors and gentle patterns add depth but let your furniture and decor shine.
Popular neutral picks:
- Subtle damask in cream or ivory
- Textured designs that look like linen
- Soft geometrics in muted shades
- Delicate scrollwork or vines
Neutral wallpaper is perfect if you want to highlight a beautiful china cabinet, artwork, or ornate table. The understated look creates intimacy.
These wallpapers work with both light and dark wood. They let you change up your accessories and table settings whenever you want.
Wallpaper Murals for Dramatic Effect
Wallpaper murals make a statement and can totally change the dining room’s mood. These big designs cover a whole wall with a single image or pattern.
Good mural ideas:
- Scenic landscapes for a peaceful vibe
- Botanical murals with giant flowers or trees
- Abstract geometrics for a modern look
- Historic or architectural scenes for a traditional space
Put mural wallpaper on one accent wall to keep things balanced. You get the drama without overwhelming the room.
Lighting matters with murals. Darker images work best in bright rooms, while lighter murals help open up spaces with less natural light.
Measure your wall carefully before buying. Most wallpaper murals come in panels that need to line up just right.
Planning Your Dining Room Wallpaper Makeover
A little planning goes a long way and helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Accurate measurements and knowing how lighting affects your wallpaper will save you headaches.
Measuring Walls and Calculating Wallpaper Needs
Measure each wall’s height and width in feet. Jot these numbers down for every wall you plan to cover.
Multiply height by width to get each wall’s square footage. Add up all your walls for a total.
Subtract openings:
- Standard door: 21 square feet
- Standard window: 15 square feet
- Large window: 30 square feet
Most wallpaper rolls cover 56 square feet. Divide your total by 56 to figure out how many rolls you need.
Order 10-15% extra for mistakes and repairs. Patterns with repeats need more paper since you have to line up the design.
Large patterns mean more waste:
- Small (under 6″): Add 10%
- Medium (6-12″): Add 15%
- Large (over 12″): Add 20%
Store leftover wallpaper in a cool, dry place for future touch-ups.
Considering Lighting and Room Functionality
Lighting completely changes how wallpaper patterns and colors look in your dining room, and it shifts throughout the day.
North-facing rooms get cool, steady light, which tends to mute colors. I’d go for warmer wallpaper tones to brighten things up a bit.
South-facing rooms, on the other hand, soak up bright, warm light all day. Cool colors and bold patterns really pop in these spaces.
Try your wallpaper samples at different times:
- Morning natural light
- Afternoon sun
- Evening with the lights on
- Candlelight, if you ever host dinner parties
Think about how you actually use your dining room when picking patterns. Busy geometric designs can distract from the meal, especially during formal dinners.
Textured wallpapers absorb sound, so conversations feel more comfortable. That’s especially helpful if you have hard floors or not much in the way of soft furnishings.
Put bold patterns on walls away from the main seating area. This keeps things from feeling too busy during long meals.
Styling and Decorating Tips with Patterned Wallpaper
Getting patterned wallpaper right takes a bit of balancing with everything else in the room. The right combo of furniture and patterns can make the space look polished, not overwhelming.
Pairing Furniture and Accessories with Wallpaper
Pick furniture that works with your wallpaper’s vibe, not against it. If you love bold, busy patterns, simple, clean-lined furniture in solid colors is usually best.
Pull furniture colors straight from your wallpaper. Grab two or three main shades from the pattern and use them for chairs, table settings, or bigger pieces.
Wood finishes should match your wallpaper’s style:
- Light oak or pine for casual, country looks
- Dark walnut or mahogany for traditional, formal designs
- White or painted furniture for modern, geometric prints
Don’t go overboard with accessories if your wallpaper makes a statement. A few well-chosen pieces in matching colors look better than a bunch of little things.
Metal finishes matter too. Brass and gold go well with warm-toned patterns. Chrome and silver work better with cool colors and modern designs.
Mixing Patterns and Layering Textures
If you want to layer patterns, mix up their scale. Use one big pattern for the wallpaper, a medium one for chair cushions, and a small one for napkins or placemats.
Stick with patterns that share at least one color. That way, even different designs feel connected.
Some texture combos to try:
- Smooth wallpaper with rough woven fabrics
- Shiny metallic patterns with matte wood
- Raised texture wallpaper paired with sleek glass or metal
Mix pattern families with care. Geometrics and florals can work together, or stripes with abstract designs. I’d avoid pairing two florals or two geometrics of the same size.
Break up patterns with solid colors. Plain curtains, solid chair seats, or a simple table runner give your eyes a place to rest.
Installation and Maintenance Guidelines
Good installation is key for patterned wallpaper that actually lasts. A little maintenance keeps your dining room wallpaper looking fresh.
DIY vs. Professional Installation Tips
You can handle DIY installation for simple patterns if you’ve got some experience. Grab basic tools like a step ladder, paste-the-wall glue, a craft knife, tape measure, and a plastic smoother.
Start by cleaning and prepping your walls. Take down old wallpaper and fill cracks or holes. Sand rough areas for a smooth finish.
Pattern matching takes patience. Straight match patterns line up across each strip. Half drop patterns shift down by half the pattern’s height each time.
Cut your first strip with about 4 inches extra for trimming. Match up the pattern before cutting the next strips. Put paste on the wall, not the back of the wallpaper.
Professional installation costs more, but you get perfect results. Large florals or geometric designs with tricky repeats really benefit from a pro’s touch.
Hire professionals for:
- Expensive designer wallpaper
- Rooms with lots of corners or obstacles
- Patterns that are tough to repeat
- Textured or specialty materials
Maintaining and Cleaning Patterned Wallpaper
Regular maintenance really helps patterned wallpaper stay fresh. I usually dust once a week with a soft brush attachment on my vacuum.
If I spot a stain, I clean it up right away using a barely damp cloth. I just blot, never rub, since rubbing can mess up the pattern or surface.
Deep cleaning varies based on your wallpaper. Vinyl-coated papers can handle a bit of mild soap and water.
Non-vinyl papers? You’ll want to stick with dry cleaning methods only.
I always test cleaning products in a hidden spot first. For washable wallpapers, I mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with a cup of warm water.
Prevent damage by keeping humidity between 30 and 50 percent. Too much moisture leads to peeling or bubbling, and nobody wants that.
Try to keep dining room temperatures steady. Also, don’t put wallpaper near radiators or direct sunlight—those can fade your patterns.
If you see a small tear, fix it fast with clear wallpaper adhesive. Press the edges down and smooth out air bubbles before they get worse.