Creating an English style dining room often evokes a sense of timeless elegance, classic charm, and a touch of formality. Wallpaper plays a crucial role in establishing this atmosphere. From delicate florals to bold geometrics, the right wallpaper can transform your dining space into a sophisticated haven. Whether you lean towards a traditional or contemporary interpretation of the English style, the following design ideas offer a diverse range of options to inspire your next decorating project.
Classic Toile
Toile wallpaper, with its scenic depictions of pastoral life or historical events, is a quintessential English style choice. Often rendered in a single color against a contrasting background (commonly blue and white, or red and cream), toile adds a touch of narrative and historical charm to the dining room. Modern interpretations utilize updated color palettes, such as charcoal gray on a soft blush pink background or deep teal on a linen white. Consider pairing toile wallpaper with dark wood furniture, brass accents, and linen upholstery for a truly authentic feel. Adding a contemporary chandelier can provide a striking juxtaposition of old and new.
Grand Damask
Damask patterns, known for their intricate and symmetrical designs, exude opulence and sophistication. In an English style dining room, damask wallpaper can create a sense of grandeur and formality. Rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red paired with metallic gold or silver accents create a luxurious atmosphere. In contemporary applications, consider muted tones like sage green, dusty rose, or charcoal gray for a more understated elegance. Pair with velvet upholstery, crystal chandeliers, and ornate mirrors to complete the luxurious look.
William Morris Inspired
Drawing inspiration from the iconic designs of William Morris, this wallpaper style features intricate patterns of intertwining flowers, leaves, and vines. These nature-inspired designs often incorporate earthy tones like olive green, burnt orange, and deep browns. The intricate detail of these patterns creates a visually engaging backdrop for the dining room, bringing a touch of the Arts and Crafts movement to the space. Pair with wooden furniture featuring natural finishes, handcrafted ceramics, and woven textiles for a cohesive and organic ambiance.
Subtle Stripes
While bold patterns are often associated with English style, subtle stripes can provide a more understated yet equally elegant backdrop. Thin stripes in muted tones like beige, gray, or cream create a sense of calm and sophistication. Consider incorporating textured stripes or subtle variations in color for added visual interest. This versatile option allows for greater flexibility in furniture and décor choices, pairing well with both traditional and contemporary pieces. Introduce pops of color through artwork, upholstery, and table settings.
Floral Chintz
Chintz, a glazed cotton fabric traditionally adorned with vibrant floral patterns, has long been a staple of English interiors. Translating this classic pattern into wallpaper brings a lively and cheerful atmosphere to the dining room. Look for designs featuring large-scale blooms in bright colors like pink, yellow, and blue set against a light background. Modern interpretations may incorporate more abstract floral designs and muted color palettes. Balance the busyness of the pattern with solid-colored furniture and accessories.
Geometric Trellis
A trellis pattern, with its repeating geometric design, offers a more contemporary take on English style. This versatile pattern can be found in various scales and color combinations, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences. A classic black and white trellis creates a bold and graphic statement, while a softer palette of greens and blues evokes a more tranquil ambiance. Consider incorporating metallic accents within the trellis design for added glamour. Pair with modern furniture and minimalist décor for a contemporary dining room with a touch of English charm.
Painterly Landscapes
For a truly dramatic statement, consider wallpaper featuring painterly landscapes. These murals depict idyllic countryside scenes, rolling hills, or majestic forests, creating a sense of serenity and bringing the outdoors in. Choose a color palette that complements the existing décor and furniture in the dining room. This style works well in larger dining rooms with ample wall space to showcase the expansive artwork. Keep other décor elements relatively simple to allow the wallpaper to be the focal point.
Dark Academia
Embrace a more moody and intellectual atmosphere with dark academia-inspired wallpaper. This trend features deep, rich colors like oxblood, forest green, and navy blue, often incorporating intricate patterns inspired by classical architecture, literature, and art history. Think dark floral prints, antique maps, or even constellations. This style pairs well with dark wood furniture, leather accents, and vintage books displayed as décor. Add warm lighting to create a cozy and inviting ambiance despite the darker color palette.
Contemporary Chinoiserie
Chinoiserie, with its exotic depictions of Asian landscapes, flora, and fauna, has long been a popular element in English decorating. Modern interpretations of chinoiserie wallpaper often incorporate brighter colors and more abstract designs. Consider wallpaper featuring stylized birds, bamboo motifs, or cherry blossoms in vibrant hues like turquoise, coral, and emerald green. Pair with lacquered furniture, bamboo blinds, and Asian-inspired accessories for a chic and eclectic look.
Plaid Perfection
Introduce a touch of cozy charm with plaid wallpaper. This classic pattern, often associated with Scottish heritage, can also be incorporated into an English style dining room. Opt for traditional tartan plaids in rich reds, greens, and blues, or choose a more modern interpretation with muted tones and subtle variations in the plaid pattern. Plaid wallpaper creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, particularly when paired with wooden furniture, comfortable upholstery, and a roaring fireplace. Consider incorporating other plaid elements in the room, such as cushions or throws, to create a cohesive look.
Textured Linen
For a more subtle and understated backdrop, consider wallpaper that mimics the look and feel of linen fabric. This textured wallpaper adds depth and dimension to the walls without overwhelming the space. Choose a neutral color palette like beige, gray, or cream to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. Textured linen wallpaper provides a versatile backdrop that allows for greater flexibility in furniture and décor choices. It works well with both traditional and contemporary styles, creating a sense of timeless elegance.
Bold Botanicals
Embrace the beauty of nature with bold botanical wallpaper featuring oversized leaves, flowers, and tropical plants. This trend brings a vibrant and energetic feel to the dining room, creating a statement wall that commands attention. Choose a color palette that complements the existing décor, opting for either realistic depictions of plants or more stylized and abstract interpretations. Pair with natural materials like wood and rattan, and incorporate pops of color through accessories and artwork.
Art Deco Elegance
Infuse your dining room with the glamour of the Art Deco era with geometric wallpaper featuring bold patterns and metallic accents. Look for designs incorporating zigzags, chevrons, and stylized floral motifs in rich colors like gold, black, and emerald green. This sophisticated style pairs well with sleek furniture, mirrored surfaces, and luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk. Adding a vintage-inspired chandelier and art deco-style artwork completes the look.
Whimsical Wallpaper
Embrace a playful and imaginative approach with whimsical wallpaper featuring quirky patterns and unexpected motifs. Think hand-drawn illustrations, playful animal prints, or even abstract designs that evoke a sense of fun and lightheartedness. This style is perfect for creating a unique and personality-filled dining room. Choose a color palette that reflects your personal style and complements the existing décor. Pair with eclectic furniture and accessories to further enhance the whimsical vibe.
Monochromatic Magic
Create a sense of drama and sophistication with a monochromatic color scheme using wallpaper and décor in varying shades of a single color. For an English style dining room, consider using shades of gray, blue, or green. This approach allows for a cohesive and visually calming atmosphere. Introduce texture and pattern through the wallpaper and fabrics to add visual interest. Incorporate metallic accents or contrasting pops of color in small doses to break up the monotony.
Vintage Maps
For a touch of wanderlust and historical charm, consider wallpaper featuring vintage maps. This unique design element adds a sense of adventure and intellectual curiosity to the dining room. Choose maps depicting specific regions or countries that hold personal significance, or opt for a world map for a broader perspective. Frame sections of the map as artwork or use map-inspired accessories to further enhance the theme. Pair with leather furniture, globes, and vintage travel trunks for a cohesive and adventurous ambiance. Consider softer lighting to create a cozy atmosphere.
Ombre Effect
Embrace a subtle and sophisticated approach with ombre wallpaper, which features a gradual transition between two or more colors. This creates a sense of depth and dimension, adding visual interest without overwhelming the space. Choose colors that complement the existing décor and furniture in the dining room. For a calming effect, opt for a transition between shades of blue or green. For a more dramatic look, consider a transition from a dark to a light shade of the same color.
Faux Bois
Bring the warmth and texture of natural wood into the dining room with faux bois wallpaper. This design mimics the look of wood grain, creating a rustic yet refined atmosphere. Choose a wallpaper featuring realistic depictions of wood or a more stylized and abstract interpretation. Faux bois wallpaper pairs well with leather furniture, natural fiber rugs, and rustic accessories. Consider incorporating actual wood elements in the room, such as a wooden dining table or chairs, to complement the wallpaper and create a cohesive look.
Metallic Accents
Elevate the elegance of your English style dining room with wallpaper incorporating metallic accents. Whether it’s subtle shimmering details within a floral pattern or bold gold or silver geometric designs, metallics add a touch of glamour and sophistication. Choose a wallpaper that complements the existing décor and lighting fixtures in the room. Pair with mirrored furniture, crystal accessories, and luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk to create a truly opulent atmosphere. Consider using warm lighting to enhance the shimmer and shine of the metallic accents.
