How To Choose The Right Paint Colors For An Art Deco-Inspired Dining Room

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Choosing the right paint colors for an Art Deco-inspired dining room can seem tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Art Deco, which emerged in the early 20th century, is all about bold, geometric patterns and luxurious materials. The color palette for an Art Deco dining room should reflect this opulence and sophistication. So, how do you pick the perfect colors? Let's dive in.

Understanding Art Deco Colors

Art Deco colors are known for their boldness and elegance. The palette typically includes vivacious yellows, blues, and greens, along with pinks and reds. These colors are often paired with more passive hues like beiges and creams, as well as black and white. The key to creating an authentic Art Deco look is to balance these colors in a way that reflects the luxury and glamour of the era.

Common Art Deco Colors

1. Vivacious Yellows: These bright and cheerful colors can add a lot of personality to your dining room. Consider using a vibrant yellow like "Dunn-Edwards' Canary Yellow" for a bold statement.
2. Blues: From cobalt blue to navy, blues are a staple in Art Deco design. A monochromatic scheme of cobalt blue can create a stunning focal point in your dining room.
3. Greens: Emerald green is another popular choice for Art Deco interiors. This energetic green brings a sense of opulence and can be paired with black accents for a dramatic look.
4. Pinks and Reds: These colors add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Consider using a muted pink or red like "Hearts M323" for a classic Art Deco look.
5. Beiges and Creams: These neutral colors provide a backdrop for more vibrant hues and help to balance out the space. Warm beige tones can work incredibly well as an all-wall color, leaving you plenty of room to introduce other design elements.

Tips for Choosing Paint Colors

Choosing the right paint color for your Art Deco-inspired dining room involves more than just picking a color that looks good in the store. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect choice:

1. Identify Undertones

Understanding the undertones of a paint color is crucial for choosing one that works with your decor. Undertones refer to the base colors that show through in what is called undertones. For example, a paint that appears red might have undertones of orange or yellow. Identifying these undertones will help you choose a color that complements your other design elements.

2. Use an Inspiration Piece

One of the best ways to choose paint colors is by using an inspiration piece. This could be a piece of fabric, bedding, an area rug, or even a piece of art. Pulling colors from an inspiration piece ensures that they will coordinate with everything else in the room.

3. Test Paint Colors at Home

Never choose a paint color at the store because the lighting there will always be different than it is at your house. Always test your paint colors at home, in the room you’ll be painting, and look at it in different lighting at different times of day. This will give you a true sense of how the color will look in your space.

4. Use Large Test Swatches

Using large test swatches is essential for getting an accurate view of how the paint color will look in your dining room. You can order stick-on paint swatches or get sample size testers and paint them onto a Bristol board. Look at these large samples in all kinds of light, even moving them around the room to see what they’ll look like on different walls.

Art Deco Color Combinations

Art Deco color combinations are all about balance and contrast. Here are some popular combinations that you might consider:

1. Duck Egg Blue-Green + Black

This classic Art Deco look combines duck egg blue-green with black accents for a sophisticated and elegant appearance.

2. Duck Egg + Black + Orange

Adding orange to the mix creates an instant Art Deco look that is both bold and stylish.

3. Terra Cotta + Black

Terra cotta paired with black creates a dramatic and eye-catching combination that screams Art Deco.

4. Flamingo Pink + Black

This combination is reminiscent of South Beach, Miami Art Deco and adds a playful touch to your dining room.

5. Saffron Orange + Red + Black + Blue-Purple

This color scheme is particularly versatile and works well with wood elements, adding warmth and character to your space.

Specific Paint Colors for an Art Deco Dining Room

Here are some specific paint colors that would be perfect for an Art Deco-inspired dining room:

1. Emerald Green

Emerald green (Emerald L373) is a high-end alternative to neutral palettes and adds opulence to any room. It pairs well with black accents for a dramatic look.

2. Cobalt Blue

A monochromatic scheme of cobalt blue (Cobalt Blue) can create a stunning focal point in your dining room and easily complements metallic elements like gold and silver.

3. Muted Orange

Muted orange (Doll H405) brings passion to gloomy spaces and contrasts well with solid tones like grey and black. It has hints of pink that add a playful touch to your decor schemes.

4. Forest Green

Forest greens like Fjord M442 give rooms an instant lift with their grey undertones, coordinating effortlessly with monochromatic elements like black and white tiled floors.

5. Beige

Warm beige tones work incredibly well as an all-wall color, providing a backdrop for more vibrant hues and helping to balance out the space.

Additional Design Elements

Once you've picked out colors for your walls and ceilings, you'll need to think carefully about introducing further design elements to complete the Art Deco look:

Geometric Motifs

Geometric motifs are a staple of Art Deco design. Incorporate them into your space with artwork, printed upholstery, or throws featuring tight repeated patterns.

Material Choices

Use luxurious materials like silk, velvet, and chenille if your budget stretches. If not, linen, damask cotton, and merino wool are good alternatives that still reflect the high-end luxury of Art Deco.

Sculptures and Artwork

A true Art Deco interior should be kitted out with sculptures and artwork. Explore decorative arts to find your perfect piece. Art Deco figurines can be picked up relatively cheaply, although it's worth spending a little more on at least one premium piece.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint colors for an Art Deco-inspired dining room involves understanding the era's color palette and using practical tips to ensure that your chosen colors work well in your space. By balancing bold colors with neutral tones and incorporating geometric motifs and luxurious materials, you can create a stunning Art Deco dining room that reflects both elegance and sophistication. Remember to test your paint colors at home under different lighting conditions to get an accurate view of how they will look in your dining room. With these tips and color combinations, you'll be well on your way to creating an authentic Art Deco dining space that is both beautiful and timeless.