Accent Wall Ideas: A Thorough Guide
Ever thought about how to make a room truly POP? Adding an accent wall is an excellent way to transform the look and feel of any room in your home. By using a bold color, pattern, or texture, you can create a focal point that adds depth and color or texture to the space. However, to achieve the desired effect, it’s important to consider certain do’s and dont’s. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key factors to keep in mind when designing an accent wall as well show some gorgeous accent wall ideas, ensuring you create a stunning space for your home.
Accent Wall Ideas: Do’s
Choose a Large Uninterrupted Wall
The largest wall in the room should generally be used as an accent wall. This will help create a powerful contrast with the other walls and draw attention to the selected wall. This may not always be possible or feasible but is more of a generality. There are plenty of times when choosing the largest wall doesn’t make sense to use as an accent wall.
Choose a Small Wall that is a Natural Focal Point
If your space boasts a unique architectural details like exposed beams, arches, or alcoves, consider using that wall as the accent wall to highlight this area of your home. Paint or highlight those elements in a contrasting or complementary paint color to draw attention and create a beautiful accent wall.
Consider a Cabinet or Shelf Wall
Need more storage? Adding cabinets or shelves to a wall can be an effective way of creating an accent wall. Not only do they add much needed storage space, but they also provide a great opportunity to introduce color and height into the room.
Fireplace Wall
Fireplaces provide a natural focal point in any room and can be great for creating an accent wall. By painting the fireplace wall in a bold color, you can draw attention to the fireplace and make it even more of a central feature in the space. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider adding one – either electric or gas – as this will be an ideal blank canvas for an accent wall. The material of the fireplace accent wall itself can be used to make an accent wall. I did a whole blog post on stone fireplaces and they are a perfect canvas to start creating an accent wall with.
Ceiling Accents
Don’t forget about the ceiling when considering an accent wall. Painting your ceiling in a unique color can create a stunning focal point and help to open up the room and give it height. However, be sure to take into account how much natural light enters the space as this will have an impact on how bright or dark you should go with the paint color. A shiplap ceiling is another way to add style to your space. A shiplap ceiling is best for rooms that don’t have an ideal accent wall.
Back of Book Shelves
As an avid reader I absolutely adore this accent wall idea. Not only does it provide more storage options, but also adds warmth and texture to the room. However, make sure you don’t overcrowd your shelves with books, as this can easily take away from the overall look. A few pieces of artwork or small home decor items provide the perfect backdrop for a bookshelf accent wall.
Think About Room’s Purpose
Take into account the room’s purpose and the mood you want to create. Use warm tones like reds, oranges, or yellows for energizing spaces like the living room or dining room. Cooler tones like blues, greens, or purples work well in relaxing spaces like bedrooms or offices.
Experiment with Colors
Choose a color that complements the overall color scheme of the room. You can either select a shade that contrasts with the surrounding walls or opt for a slightly darker or lighter tone to create a subtle distinction. Use color swatches or digital tools to visualize how the chosen color shade will look in the room.
Play with Patterns
Beyond color, patterns and textures can add depth and dimension to your wall. Consider options like geometric patterns, stripes, chevron, or wallpaper with intricate designs. Textured materials such as stone, brick, reclaimed wood, or even 3D panels can also create a captivating accent wall.
Accent Wall Ideas: Dont’s
Don’t Use Too Many Colors
When creating an accent wall, it’s important to consider the overall colors of the room. Stick to one or two shades for your design that are complementary or contrasting with existing hues in the room. Anything more than that could overwhelm your space by clashing with other walls and elements in your home. I once did a striped accent wall in my home and used 3 different colors. I ended up hating the outcome and painted over the entire thing within a year.
Bold or Busy
When selecting a pattern for your wall I like to keep in mind that too much of a good thing can be overwhelming. When choosing a wallpaper or mural for your accent wall, pick something subtle that won’t create chaos in the space. Remember not to use too many different colors as it could quickly overwhelm the space.
Overuse
While accent walls can elevate a room’s aesthetic appeal, it’s crucial to avoid overdoing them. Using them in every room or every wall within a single room can create visual chaos and ruin their impact. Accent walls should be used only for areas where they can truly shine and enhance the overall design of your space. I like to select 2-3 rooms in my home to have an accent wall. I think having too many can distract from the overall design of my home.
Clash with Existing Patterns
When designing your accent wall avoid creating a wall that clashes with existing patterns or decor in your room. If the space already has a dominant pattern on furnishings or curtains, choose a solid color or a simpler pattern for the accent wall to avoid overwhelming the visual balance of the space.
Forget about Lighting
Don’t forget that lighting plays a vital role in accentuating the impact of your design. Poorly lit walls can appear dull and lose their intended effect. Consider incorporating adequate lighting, such as recessed lights, sconces, or track lighting, to highlight the wall and create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Neglect the Room’s Size
It’s important to remember that the size of the room should absolutely influence your accent wall decisions. In small spaces, opt for lighter colors and subtle patterns to prevent the room from feeling cramped. In larger rooms I like to use bold colors and patterns as they can help create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in the home.
Rush the Decision
We all get excited when remodeling but its very important to avoid rushing into a decision when selecting the color, pattern, or texture for your accent wall. Take the time to gather inspiration, create mood boards, and seek opinions from professionals or friends. A well-thought-out design can significantly enhance the overall aesthetics of your space. I like to paint a few swatches on the walls and leave them there fro a few days so I can see how the paint looks during different times of the day.
Overcrowd the Design
It’s also important not to over design your walls. Adding too many pieces of large wall art or adding a gallery wall can easily overpower the design of your accent wall. Stick to simple wall decor and a simple design style to ensure your wall design has the most impact and takes your design to the next level. I prefer to keep my accent walls simple and use either one paint color or simple wood paneling to accent the wall.
Accent Wall Ideas
The designs for an accent wall don’t have to be complicated or expensive – sometimes thinking outside the box helps to create a truly special accent wall. Here are some of my favorite accent wall ideas and inspiration photos for you to consider when designing your very own.
Paint Color Accent Walls
Green
Consider painting an accent wall in your bedroom with a shade of green for a distinct and calming atmosphere. You have a variety of colors to choose from, ranging from dark and moody to light and muted shades, including hunter green, olive green, sage green, and emerald green. I have always loved a sage green but I love blues too much to actually follow through with a green accent wall.
Gray
Using gray as an accent wall color in your home can add sophistication and calmness. It is adaptable to any room in your home and can be paired with many different accent colors. The shade of gray you choose (light, medium, or dark) will determine the overall look and feel of the room. Gray is also a great color to use for an accent wall since it is pretty neutral and no one dislikes gray.
Black
I love how this black wall idea showcases how black can add sophistication, elegance, and drama to your home. Using black as an accent wall can create a bold statement and totally transform the space. It can also highlight other design elements in the room, like artwork, furniture, textiles, or the bed and frame in a bedroom. Black is a classic and timeless color that can enhance your home’s style. I never thought I would love the look of a black painted wall in a home but after looking at ideas for this post I absolutely love the idea of having a black accent wall. I think this would be great for either a fireplace wall or a home office.
Navy Blue
Navy bllue isnt the typical accent wall color but I don’t know why not. Navy blue is a classic and timeless color that can add a luxurious touch to any room in your home. This color works particularly well for an accent wall because it has just enough contrast to make it stand out, but not so much that it will overwhelm the space. Navy blue can be used to create a modern and sophisticated look, or it can be paired with white for a more traditional or coastal/ beach feel. I have always loved the look of navy blue paired with white and brass accents.
Non-Traditional Accent Wall Ideas
If you’re looking for something a little more outside the box, there are plenty of non-traditional ideas to consider. You can use decorative wallpaper, shiplap or geometric patterns to create an eye-catching accent wall. Also included in this list are non-traditional accent wall locations including walls with televisions on them and walls that contain a fireplace. These wall ideas are some of my personal favorite and I have used many of them in my own home.
TV Accent Wall
Stop trying to hide your TV and highlight it instead. A TV accent wall is a wall in a room that contains the TV, which is also a natural focal point and where the furniture is usually orientated to. So it is a no brainer to use this wall as the accent wall for the TV room. Having an accent wall behind your television can enhance the room’s appearance and create a great atmosphere for watching movies, streaming shows, or playing video games.
Shiplap Accent Walls
Who doesnt love shiplap? A shiplap accent wall is a popular and timeless design that adds everyone’s favorite farmhose charm, texture, and character to the space. Shiplap can be installed horizontally or vertically or overlapping each other, creating a seamless and visually appealing wall surface. Each orientation provides a totally different look so select one that works best for your home.
Fireplace Accent Wall
When it comes to home décor, few elements can match the timeless appeal and cozy ambiance of a fireplace (how I wish I had one), couple that with a lovely fireplace accent wall and you have a design that can not be beat. A fireplace serves as the heart of a living room, bringing warmth and gathering loved ones together. To truly make your fireplace stand out and become a captivating focal point, consider enhancing it with a stunning fireplace accent wall.
Geometric Patterns
Create tons of visual interest in your home with a unique geometric design. The possibilities are limited to only your imagination, from diamond and hexagon shapes to chevron and herringbone patterns. This idea is particularly great if you are a DIY’er since you can really let your creative juices flow. These designs are one of my favorite accent wall ideas because of their ease and customization.
Wood Trim Accent Walls
Wood paneling is a great way to add character and visual interest to any room in your home. There are many different types of wood wall paneling ideas, each with its own unique look and feel. These accent wall ideas are achievable at various price points and are 100% customizable.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is another great way to add both texture and color to your homes accent wall. Whether you opt for floral, geometric, striped. or some other patterned wallpaper, the possibilities here are endless! Just be sure to choose one that works with the existing room’s decor. With my guide on How to Make Any Wallpaper Removable your options are truly unlimited with your wallpaper design. With this guide and the numerous designs of peel and stick wallpaper, you are sure to find a wallpaper design that appeals to your unique taste and style.
Best Spaces For You to Use an Accent Wall
Living Rooms
Liven up your living room with an eye-catching accent wall! It is a great way to add depth and visual interest, as well as give the room some personality. You can use bold colors, patterns, or textures that draw the eye and set off the other elements in the space.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to home decor, despite being one of the most frequently used spaces in our homes. To give this important room the same attention as other rooms, consider adding an accent wall to upgrade your bathroom and add some flair. With their ease and effectiveness, bathroom accent walls are a great option for transforming your large or small bathroom.
Home Office’s
Working from home has become the new norm these days, and many people have opted to work in a home office to ensure productivity, privacy, peace and convenience. However, your home office’s design and décor can significantly impact your work environment and motivation. One of the best ways to elevate your home office’s style is by incorporating an accent wall into the space. They are an excellent way to add color, texture, and pattern to the room without overwhelming the space.
Dining Room’s
A dining room accent wall in your home is an excellent way to add personality and depth to your space while also showcasing your unique style. Whether you choose a bold color, patterned wallpaper, or textured wall treatment, an accent wall can be the perfect finishing touch for your dining room. By creating a focal point in the room, you can add visual interest that will make it stand out from the rest of your home.
Bedroom Accent Walls
The bedroom is usually a place for relaxation and is usually a comfortable space to retreat to after a long and busy day. To create more of an intimate atmosphere in your bedroom, consider adding an accent wall as this will draw attention and enhance the overall ambiance of the space. As mentioned above the best wall to accent is the wall with the headboard, this is because it is usually the natural focal point in the space.
Accent Wall Ideas Conclusion
Accent walls have become quite a popular trend in interior design, and with all the various options to choose from, it’s easy to see why. Whether you opt for bold colors, patterns, or textures, accent walls are an excellent way to transform a room and add character. I hope my list of ideas has given you some inspiration for your own project!
