Adding wallpaper above wainscoting in a dining room is a timeless design choice that offers endless possibilities for personalization and visual interest. This technique allows you to blend classic architectural elements with contemporary design trends, creating a space that reflects your unique style. Whether you prefer bold patterns and vibrant colors or subtle textures and muted tones, the combination of wallpaper and wainscoting can transform your dining room into a stunning and inviting space. From modern geometric prints to traditional floral motifs, there’s a wallpaper design to complement every aesthetic. Let’s explore 26 design ideas to inspire your dining room transformation.
Classic Blue and White Chinoiserie
Embrace timeless elegance with classic blue and white chinoiserie wallpaper above crisp white wainscoting. This combination evokes a sense of serenity and sophistication, reminiscent of traditional European interiors. Opt for a wallpaper featuring intricate scenes of birds, flowers, and pagodas in varying shades of blue on a white background. Pair this with white wainscoting and furniture with dark wood accents to create a balanced and visually appealing space. Consider adding blue and white porcelain accessories and brass hardware to complete the look. This style is particularly popular in both the US and EU, offering a timeless appeal that transcends fleeting trends. Add a touch of modern flair with contemporary lighting fixtures.
Modern Geometric Gray and White
For a contemporary aesthetic, consider pairing gray and white geometric wallpaper with white wainscoting. This combination creates a clean, minimalist backdrop that allows for pops of color in furniture and accessories. Choose a wallpaper with bold geometric patterns in shades of gray on a white background. Opt for simple, shaker-style wainscoting painted in a bright white to enhance the modern feel. Incorporate natural materials like wood and stone through dining chairs and a table to warm up the space. This design trend is prominent in Scandinavian-inspired interiors, often seen in both US and EU homes. Add pops of color with artwork or textiles in vibrant hues like yellow or teal.
Bold Floral with Neutral Wainscoting
Create a dramatic statement with large-scale floral wallpaper above neutral wainscoting. Choose a wallpaper featuring vibrant blooms in rich jewel tones or pastel hues against a soft beige or gray background. The wainscoting can be painted in a complementary neutral color to anchor the space and allow the wallpaper to take center stage. This design works well with both traditional and contemporary furniture styles. To avoid overwhelming the room, keep the rest of the décor relatively simple. Consider adding metallic accents in gold or silver to enhance the luxurious feel. This style is currently trending in both the US and the EU, reflecting a renewed appreciation for maximalist design elements.
Subtle Textured Wallpaper in Warm Tones
Add warmth and depth to your dining room with textured wallpaper in warm tones like beige, cream, or taupe. Pair this with wainscoting painted in a slightly darker shade of the same color family to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Consider grasscloth or linen wallpaper for a natural and organic feel. This design works well in both traditional and transitional interiors. Layer in textures through furniture upholstery and accessories like throws and cushions. The use of natural textures and warm tones is a popular trend in both the US and EU, promoting a sense of calm and well-being in interior spaces. Adding woven textures to seating further complements this organic design.
Tropical Palm Leaf Print with Dark Wainscoting
Bring a touch of the tropics to your dining room with a vibrant palm leaf print wallpaper above dark wainscoting. Opt for a wallpaper featuring lush green palm leaves against a white or cream background. Paint the wainscoting in a rich navy blue, charcoal gray, or even black to create a dramatic contrast. This bold design choice works well in spaces with plenty of natural light. Accessorize with natural materials like rattan and bamboo to enhance the tropical theme. This trend reflects a growing interest in biophilic design, incorporating elements of nature into interior spaces, popular in both the US and EU.
Art Deco Inspired Metallic Wallpaper
Embrace the glamour of the Art Deco era with metallic wallpaper above dark wainscoting. Choose a wallpaper featuring geometric patterns in gold, silver, or bronze on a dark background. Pair this with wainscoting painted in a deep navy blue or black for a sophisticated and luxurious look. Incorporate velvet upholstery and mirrored furniture to further enhance the Art Deco aesthetic. This style is making a resurgence in both the US and EU, appealing to those who appreciate bold design and historical references.
Black and White Stripes with Black Wainscoting
Create a timeless and elegant look with black and white striped wallpaper above black wainscoting. This classic combination adds a touch of drama and sophistication to any dining room. Choose wide or narrow stripes depending on the size of the room and your personal preference. Pair this with black wainscoting and white trim for a crisp and clean look. Consider adding pops of color through artwork and accessories. This design remains a popular choice in both the US and EU, offering a versatile backdrop for various decorating styles.
Navy Blue and Gold Damask Wallpaper
For a truly luxurious dining room, consider navy blue and gold damask wallpaper above white wainscoting. This opulent combination creates a sense of grandeur and sophistication. Choose a wallpaper featuring intricate damask patterns in gold on a navy blue background. Pair this with crisp white wainscoting and furniture with gold accents. This design works well in traditional and formal dining rooms. Add crystal chandeliers and luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk to complete the look. This classic combination remains a popular choice in both the US and EU for its timeless elegance.
Gray and Silver Grasscloth Wallpaper
Combine the sophistication of gray with the natural texture of grasscloth for a unique and stylish dining room. Choose a gray grasscloth wallpaper and pair it with white or slightly darker gray wainscoting. This combination creates a serene and calming atmosphere. Add silver accents through picture frames, mirrors, and lighting fixtures for a touch of glamour. This design appeals to those seeking a balance between contemporary and natural aesthetics, a trend seen in both the US and EU.
Emerald Green and Gold Botanical Wallpaper
Bring the outdoors in with emerald green and gold botanical wallpaper above white wainscoting. Choose a wallpaper featuring lush green leaves and gold accents on a white or cream background. The white wainscoting will provide a crisp contrast to the vibrant wallpaper. This design creates a refreshing and inviting space. Accessorize with natural materials like wood and stone to enhance the organic feel. This trend aligns with the growing popularity of biophilic design in both the US and EU.
Soft Pink and Gray Floral Wallpaper
Create a romantic and feminine dining room with soft pink and gray floral wallpaper above white wainscoting. Choose a wallpaper featuring delicate floral patterns in shades of pink and gray on a white or cream background. The white wainscoting will brighten the space and allow the wallpaper to take center stage. Add furniture in soft gray or white to complete the look. This style is a popular choice for creating a calming and elegant atmosphere in both the US and EU.
Mustard Yellow and Gray Geometric Wallpaper
Add a pop of color to your dining room with mustard yellow and gray geometric wallpaper above gray wainscoting. Choose a wallpaper featuring bold geometric patterns in mustard yellow and gray on a white or cream background. The gray wainscoting will ground the vibrant wallpaper and create a balanced look. Accessorize with black accents for a modern and sophisticated touch. This color combination is trending in both the US and EU, reflecting a growing appreciation for bold and unexpected color palettes.