by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Have you ever walked into a room and felt like something was missing? Like the space was lacking a certain warmth or personality? Chances are, an accent wall is just what you need. Accent walls are a simple decorating trick that can transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary. By painting one wall a bold, vibrant color, you'll instantly add visual interest and a sense of style to your room. An accent wall is an easy, affordable way to make a big impact without a major renovation.
What Are Accent Walls and Why Use Them?
Accent walls are walls in a room painted a different color than the other walls to make a bold statement. Using accent walls in your home is an easy way to transform spaces without a major renovation.
What Are the Benefits of Accent Walls?
Accent walls draw attention and brighten up a room. They create visual interest and help highlight the room's best features like a fireplace or architectural details. Accent walls also make a space appear more spacious by creating an illusion of depth.
- They're budget-friendly. You only need to buy paint for one wall instead of the whole room.
- They're low-commitment. It's easy to paint over an accent wall and choose a new color.
- They inspire creativity. Coming up with color combinations and patterns challenges you in an enjoyable way.
How Do You Choose a Color For an Accent Wall?
Think about the mood you want to create. Warm colors like reds and oranges make a room cozy while cool colors such as blues and greens create a calming vibe. Consider the room's purpose and existing decor. A bright color may be perfect for an office or kid's room but not ideal for a bedroom.
You have options beyond basic colors. Think about painted patterns, geometric shapes, stenciling, or a mural. Dark, dramatic colors work well when you want a bold accent wall. Lighter shades open up a small space. Metallic paints and wallpapers reflect light and give a luxurious feel.
The possibilities are endless with accent walls. All it takes is choosing a color or pattern you love and the right wall to make it pop. Accent walls are an effortless way to give your home a quick style upgrade without a big commitment. Why not give it a try?
Choosing the Perfect Accent Wall Color
Choosing an accent wall color that pops can be tricky. Where do you even start with the thousands of paint colors out there? Think about the overall style you want to achieve and the mood you want to set in the space. Warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows energize and make a bold statement. Cool blues and greens have a calming vibe.
Once you settle on a color family, consider the room's lighting. North-facing rooms may need a splash of vibrancy to combat dull light, while south-facing rooms can handle deeper shades. Hold paint swatches up to your wall in the actual space at different times of day to see how the color changes.
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. An unexpected pop of color does wonders for transforming a boring beige living room or bedroom. But if you want to play it safer, limit the accent wall to one wall or do two facing walls. Start with a lighter shade if going darker seems too dramatic. You can always re-paint if you want to go bolder!
For high visual impact, choose the wall behind the bed, sofa or fireplace. Or do the wall with the room's architectural details like a bay window or wainscoting. Consider the room's traffic flow too. A color-drenched wall where people frequently walk by or congregate will make more of a statement than a wall that's barely noticed in a little-used corner.
Once you start painting, stand back frequently to check that you're achieving the look you want. Don't be afraid to adjust by going a shade darker or lighter. The accent wall should enhance the space, not overwhelm it. With the right color in the perfect spot, your room will go from bland to brilliant in an afternoon. Now that's the power of paint!
Accent Wall Ideas for Living Rooms
An accent wall is a great way to transform a space and give it a pop of color. Here are some ideas for creating an accent wall in your living room:
Paint a single wall.
Choose one wall, like the one behind the TV or sofa, and paint it a bold, eye-catching color. The remaining walls are left as is. This draws attention and highlights the accent wall.
Use wallpaper.
Wallpapering a single accent wall is an easy way to make a statement. Look for wallpaper in a color or print that you love. Geometric shapes, large florals and Moroccan tiles are popular options. Make sure the wallpaper complements the existing color scheme and decor in the room.
Add wood planks.
For a rustic look, install wood planks on a single wall. Distressed wood, shiplap and reclaimed wood boards work well. The natural wood tones warm up the space and create texture. This also allows you to display decorative items on the shelves created between each board.
Use stone or brick veneer.
Faux stone and brick veneer panels instantly transform a plain wall into a focal point. Stacked stone and exposed brick veneer have an organic, earthy look perfect for living rooms. Install the panels yourself or have them professionally installed for a seamless accent wall.
Gallery wall.
Create a gallery wall with a collection of art, photos, mirrors and decorative items. Group them together on a single wall, arranging the pieces in a random, clustered way for the most impact. A gallery wall turns the ordinary into extraordinary and showcases your personal style.
An accent wall highlights the architectural details of a room and gives it a designer touch. With so many options to choose from, you can create an accent wall perfect for your living room. An accent wall may be just the pop of color your space needs!
Kitchen Accent Walls: Making a Statement
A bold accent wall in your kitchen can transform the entire space and reflect your style. Consider painting just one wall behind the stove, sink or cabinets in a vibrant shade. This focal point will make a statement without overwhelming the room.
Cabinet Accent Wall
Paint the wall behind your cabinets or stove a contrasting color for a dramatic look. A shade of red, like cranberry or cherry, pairs well with white or wood cabinets. For a coastal vibe, try a shade of blue like navy or teal. If your kitchen has an open concept, an accent wall in an adjoining living or dining space can also complement your kitchen.
Open Shelving Accent
If you have open shelving in your kitchen, paint the wall behind the shelves in a bright, attention-grabbing color. The contents of your shelves will pop against a brightly colored backdrop. This also highlights decorative items on display. For a retro look, consider mint green, butter yellow or coral.
Tile Accent Wall
Another option is adding a tile accent wall. Subway tile, decorative ceramic tile or stone tiles create texture and visual interest. A tile accent wall in your kitchen also protects the surface from splatters and spills. Consider tile in hues of gray, beige or terracotta which pair nicely with many kitchen styles. Mosaic tile provides an artistic touch.
Dark Accent Wall
For a bold statement, paint one kitchen wall in a dramatic dark color like chocolate brown, forest green or midnight blue. A dark accent wall gives depth to an all-white kitchen. Pair it with brass hardware and lighting for a stylish look. The dark color also makes a great backdrop for artwork or decorative plates.
With the variety of colors and materials to choose from, a kitchen accent wall allows you to showcase your style. An accent wall is an easy, inexpensive project that can transform your space and inspire your inner chef!
Bedroom Accent Walls: Creating a Focal Point
An accent wall is a simple way to transform your bedroom and create a focal point. Choosing a wall to emphasize with color creates depth and visual interest. Consider the bedroom walls that you face when lying in bed or first see when entering the room. These walls will have the biggest impact.
Paint Color
Select a shade you love—vibrant teal, fiery red or sunny yellow. For smaller bedrooms, pick a lighter color as dark hues can make a space feel cramped. If you prefer subtlety, a medium tone in a complementary color to your existing decor works well. For the biggest transformation, paint the wall behind your headboard or bed. This frames the bed, giving it a gallery feel.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper provides texture and pattern. Geometric, floral and nature-inspired are popular and easier to pair with existing decor. Removable wallpaper allows you to change up the look without damaging the wall. Place it behind furnishings you do not move often, like a dresser. For high-impact, put wallpaper on the wall behind your bed.
Shelves and Art
Accent your painted or wallpapered wall further with colorful shelves, art or a gallery wall. Group framed prints, photos or mirrors for a stylish collage. Floating shelves give a modern edge and provide space for decorative items or greenery. Place a shelf above your headboard to display favorite books or small plants.
•Murals - For the truly bold, a custom mural steals the show. A painted scene, abstract design or oversized botanical print makes a dramatic statement.
•Trim - Add trim, wainscoting or molding around the edges of your accent wall for a polished look. The trim helps define the space while complementing your chosen wall treatment.
An accent wall creates a focal point in your bedroom and allows your personality to shine through. Whether you opt for a pop of vibrant color, eye-catching wallpaper or an artful gallery wall, an accent wall gives your space style and visual depth. Transform your bedroom one wall at a time.
Home Office Accent Walls: Inspiring Productivity
An accent wall in your home office can boost your productivity and inspire your creativity. Adding a pop of color to one wall creates a focal point that energizes your space.
Choose a Color That Motivates You
Select a shade that you find uplifting and motivating. Bold colors like red, orange or yellow are stimulating and help fuel creativity. Blue is a calming color that enhances focus. Green is balancing and revitalizing. Paint or wallpaper just one wall in your chosen accent color for maximum impact.
Add Texture
Consider adding extra visual interest to your accent wall with a textured wallpaper, wood planks, stone or brick veneer. The added dimension enhances the accent wall and gives your eyes a place to rest in an otherwise plain room.
Use it as a Photo Display
An accent wall also provides an ideal gallery space to display favorite photos, art or inspiration. Create a photo collage or hang framed pictures, sketches or motivational quotes. Surrounding yourself with images that motivate and inspire you helps fuel productivity.
Separate Your Space
In an open-concept office, an accent wall helps define your workspace and separates it from the rest of the home. The pop of color demarks the space as your dedicated office area, allowing you to mentally transition into work mode when sitting down at your desk. The visual separation also helps prevent distractions from the rest of the activities happening in an open concept space.
Accent walls boost inspiration, enhance focus and motivate hard work. Adding a splash of color to one wall in your home office will transform your space into a productivity powerhouse and creative incubator. An accent wall helps set the perfect mood so you can get to work, stay on task and bring your A-game each and every day.
Bathroom Accent Walls: Adding Character
Accent walls in bathrooms can add character and transform an otherwise ordinary space.
Color
Choosing a bold color for your bathroom accent wall is an easy way to make a statement. Consider shades of blue to evoke feelings of tranquility or green for a spa-like vibe. For a dramatic look, select a dark, rich hue like eggplant or navy. Want something brighter? Yellow or orange accent walls can give your bathroom a cheerful pop of color.
Keep in mind the size of your bathroom when picking a color. Smaller bathrooms may feel cramped with a dark, vibrant accent wall. In that case, opt for lighter, brighter shades to make the space appear more open. For larger bathrooms, you have more flexibility to go bold with your color choice.
Pattern
Instead of a solid color, consider using patterned wallpaper, tiles or stone veneer on your accent wall. Geometric shapes, floral prints or mosaic tiles can transform your bathroom into an artistic space. Patterned accent walls also provide visual interest without feeling overwhelming.
However, too much pattern in a small bathroom may make the space feel chaotic and cramped. As with color, scale the amount of pattern to the size of your bathroom. For compact bathrooms, stick to small-scale prints and minimal patterns. Larger bathrooms can handle bolder, more intricate designs.
Focal Point
An accent wall provides a focal point in your bathroom. Use it to highlight standout features like a statement mirror, artwork or shelving. Painting the wall behind your vanity or tub a contrasting color is an easy way to make those areas a focal point.
An accent wall can also balance out an asymmetrical bathroom layout or call attention away from any unattractive features. Strategically choose which wall to accentuate based on what you want to emphasize or detract from in your space.
With the right color, pattern or feature, accent walls in bathrooms can turn an ordinary space into a stylish retreat. Find what combinations match your personal style and the vibe you want in your bathroom. Accent walls provide an opportunity to showcase your creativity and make a dramatic statement.
Accent Wall Paint Techniques and Finishes
Accent walls are all about experimenting with color and texture. There are many techniques you can use to create an eye-catching focal point in your space.
Paint
The simplest way to make an accent wall is with a fresh coat of colorful paint. Consider shades of blue, green, red or orange for maximum impact. For subtle depth, paint one wall a shade darker than the other walls. Or, paint one wall a complementary color to the rest of the room.
Stencils
Stencils are an easy way to create an intricate pattern on one wall. Geometric shapes, botanical designs and global-inspired patterns are popular options. Carefully apply 2-3 coats of paint over the stencil with a roller or stencil brush. Remove the stencil to reveal your custom creation.
Wallpaper
For serious style, apply a bold wallpaper to one wall. Large-scale floral, geometric or nature-inspired are eye-catching choices. Make sure the wall is properly primed first. Take your time applying the wallpaper and use a roller to flatten it as you go to avoid air bubbles. Trim off any excess along ceilings and corners for a polished look.
Panels
For an elevated design, install decorative wall panels on one wall. Wood planks, metal sheets, stone and brick veneer panels are attractive, textured options. Panels create an illusion of depth and dimension. They may require some cutting to fit your wall, so factor in a bit of extra installation time.
An accent wall is meant to be a focal point, so choose a technique and color or pattern you love. When done right, an accent wall can transform the entire feel of your space by adding warmth, texture and visual interest. Experiment and have fun with it!
Transforming Spaces With Color Accent Walls FAQs
Accent walls can transform a space and brighten up your home. Adding a pop of color to one wall in a room draws the eye, creates contrast, and makes a stylish statement. Here are some frequently asked questions about accent walls.
What color should I choose for an accent wall?
The options are endless! Think about colors you love and the mood you want to set. Warm reds, oranges and yellows energize. Cool blues and greens relax. Muted grays add subtle depth. You really can’t go wrong. Consider the room’s lighting and existing decor for guidance.
How do I paint an accent wall?
- Clean and lightly sand the wall to provide “tooth” for the new paint to grip onto.
- Apply a primer if the wall is dark or the new paint color is vibrant. The primer will prevent the old color from bleeding through.
- Use painter's tape to protect the adjoining walls, ceiling, baseboards and trim.
- Apply two coats of paint, waiting for each coat to dry completely between applications.
- Carefully remove all tape before the paint dries completely to avoid pulling off new paint.
- Consider using a paintbrush to cut in edges and a roller for large, open areas. A mini roller is great for accent walls.
How can I make an accent wall pop?
There are a few tricks to make an accent wall really stand out:
•Use a glossy sheen paint, like satin or semi-gloss. The shinier finish reflects more light and appears brighter.
•Paint the trim and ceiling the same color as the accent wall. This makes the color seem more expansive.
•Add wall decor, art, mirrors or sconces to the accent wall. This draws attention and highlights the color.
•Paint an adjacent wall a complementary shade for dramatic contrast. For example, red and green or blue and orange are complementary color pairings.
•Consider a wall stencil, mural or wallpaper for extra flair. Geometric patterns, nature scenes and Moroccan or bohemian prints are stylish options.
An accent wall is an easy, budget-friendly way to transform the look and feel of your space. With some planning and the right tools, you'll have a custom designer look in no time. Let your creativity shine through and don't be afraid to go bold with color!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, accent walls can completely transform a space and breathe new life into an otherwise boring room. By picking a bold color and dedicating an entire wall to it, you make a serious style statement. An accent wall is an easy, budget-friendly way to experiment with color in your home. Whether you opt for a moody blue, a bright citrus, or a rich jewel tone, an accent wall might just become the focal point of your space. So what are you waiting for? Grab some paint samples, clear your schedule for the weekend, and get ready to create an accent wall that wows. Your newly colorful space will thank you!