Bathroom Accent Wall: Designs and Inspiration
When it comes to home decor, bathrooms can be, and often are, easily forgotten. Yet they are one of the most commonly used spaces in our homes, the bathroom deserves just as much attention as we give other rooms in our homes. A bathroom accent wall is the perfect way to upgrade your room and add a touch of personality and color to this often-overlooked space! Accent walls are an easy and effective option for transforming any area – including bathrooms! Here we will explore some of my personal favorite bathroom accent walls.
What is a Bathroom Accent Wall?
An accent wall is a wall that is different from the other walls in a room, typically created try painting one wall a different color than the rest. An accent wall can also be created by using a textured pattern like shiplap or wood paneling. In the context of a bathroom, an accent wall is a wall that is chosen to create visual interest and draw attention to a particular wall or area in the space. You can really choose any wall to be the accent wall in a room but there are some walls that naturally attract attention like the wall behind the vanity or the wall the bathtub or shower is on.
Why Choose an Accent Wall?
Bathroom accent walls have the ability to transform a dull and ordinary bathroom into a stunning and stylish space with nothing more than a can of paint and a few hours of free time. Here are some reasons why you might consider adding an accent wall to your room:
Visual Interest
An accent wall can add visual interest to an otherwise plain and boring space. By using a contrasting color or pattern an accent wall can create an eye-catching focal point that draws the eye and adds depth to the space.
Style Statement
An accent wall allows you to express your personal style and make a statement in your bathroom. Whether you prefer a bold and vibrant color, a trendy pattern, or a unique texture, an accent wall is absolutely a reflection of your taste and personality.
Budget-Friendly
Adding an accent wall is a budget-friendly way to update your bathroom without a major renovation. It requires less paint or material compared to painting or covering all the walls in the bathroom, making it a cost-effective option for a bathroom makeover.
Versatility
Bathroom accent walls offer endless possibilities for creativity and customization. From using different paint colors to experimenting with wallpapers, tiles, or even reclaimed wood, you can create a unique and personalized look that suits your home’s style.
Flexibility
Unlike permanent fixtures or finishes, such as tiles or cabinets, an accent wall is relatively easy to change if you want to update your bathroom’s look in the future. This makes it a flexible design option that can evolve with your changing tastes and preferences.
Types of Bathroom Accent Walls
When it comes to creating your accent wall, the options are almost endless. Here are some of my personal favorite accent wall designs that you can consider for your room:
Painted Accent Wall
Painting an accent wall is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to create a focal point in your bathroom. You can choose a contrasting color that complements the rest of the bathroom or opt for a bold and vibrant color for a statement look. Make sure to choose a paint finish that is suitable for a bathroom, such as a satin or semi-gloss finish those finishes are more resistant to the moisture often found in bathrooms.
Wallpaper Accent Wall
Wallpaper has made a comeback in recent years, and it can be a great option for an accent wall. With a wide range of patterns, colors, and textures available, you can find a wallpaper that suits your bathroom’s style, whether it’s modern, traditional, or coastal. Bathroom wallpaper can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your bathroom, and there are even moisture-resistant wallpapers specifically designed for bathrooms.
Tile Accent Wall
Tiles are a very popular choice for bathroom walls, and they can also be used to create a beautiful accent wall. You can choose from a variety of tile materials such as ceramic, porcelain, glass, or natural stone, and create a unique pattern or arrangement to make your accent wall stand out. Subway tiles, mosaic tiles, or patterned tiles are popular choices for creating a tile wall in a bathroom. My personal favorite design is a subway tile in a herringbone design.
Tips for Creating a Stunning Bathroom Accent Wall
Creating your bathroom design requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that it enhances the overall aesthetics of your bathroom. Here are some tips to help you create a stunning design:
Choose the Right Wall
The first step in creating an accent wall is to choose the right wall to accentuate. Consider the layout and flow of your bathroom, and choose a wall that will create the most impact and draw the most attention. Walls behind the vanity or the bathtub are popular choices for bathroom accent walls, but you can also choose other walls depending on the layout and design of your bathroom. A tip I have learned is to walk into a room and whatever wall is the first one you truly notice that wall should be the accent wall.
Consider the Color Palette
The color palette of your room is an important factor to consider when creating an accent wall. Choose a color that contrasts with the rest of the bathroom walls and complements the overall color scheme of your bathroom. Consider the style and mood you want to achieve, and choose a color that enhances that. If you’re not sure about which color to choose, you can start with a neutral color and add pops of color through accessories or fixtures. Some colors that I have used for accent walls in bathrooms and other spaces include Sherwin Williams Pewter Green, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray and Benjamin Moore Pale Oak.
Play with Patterns and Textures
Mixing patterns and textures add tons of visual interest and depth to your bathroom accent wall. You can choose a patterned wallpaper, textured tiles, or create a pattern with painted stripes or stencils. Experiment with different patterns and textures to find the one that suits your bathroom’s style and adds the right amount of visual impact to your space.
Pay Attention to Scale and Proportion
The scale and proportion of your accent wall are important considerations to ensure that it complements the overall design of your space. If you have a small bathroom, a large pattern or a dark color may make the space feel cramped. On the other hand, if you have a large bathroom, a small-scale pattern or a light color may not create enough impact. Consider the size of your bathroom and choose a scale and proportion that works well with the space.
Don’t Forget about Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in accentuating your accent wall. Make sure that the accent wall is well-lit to highlight its features and create a true focal point in the room. You can use wall sconces, pendant lights, or even LED strips to create a dramatic effect on your accent wall. Consider the placement and intensity of the lighting when selecting lighting for your bathroom.
Consider the Overall Style
Your design should complement the overall style of your bathroom. Consider the existing elements in your bathroom, such as the vanity, bathtub, sink, and fixtures, and choose a style that enhances the overall aesthetic. For example, a modern space may benefit from a sleek and minimalistic accent wall, while a traditional space may require a more ornate or textured accent wall.
Think Beyond the Wall
While the focus of an accent wall is typically the wall itself, don’t forget to consider how it interacts with the rest of the space. Think about how the accent wall will impact the overall flow and design of your room. Consider the placement of mirrors, accessories, and fixtures in relation to the accent wall to create a cohesive and visually pleasing design.
Consider Your Budget
This one is crucial. Since I am moving every 2-3 years it doesn’t make a ton of sense to spend $1000’s on redecorating every time I move. So, like any home improvement project, creating an accent wall comes with a cost. Consider your budget and choose materials and designs that keep you within your budget. There are tons of affordable options available, such as peel-and-stick wallpapers, faux panels, or even repurposing materials from another room which can help you create a stunning accent wall without breaking the bank.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you’re not confident in your DIY skills or if you’re considering more complex designs. It is best to seek professional help. Hiring a contractor or interior designer can ensure that your accent wall is executed correctly and meets your design vision.
Bathroom Accent Walls: Ideas and Inspiration
Gold and Green Bathroom Accent Wall
A gold and green accent wall creates a modern and stylish look in this contemporary room. This is a great example of using wallpaper as an accent wall. The green and gold really make the space POP. I absolutely love that the gold accents in the wallpaper coordinate and tie in with the cabinet pulls.
Blue Shiplap Bathroom Accent Wall
This navy blue shiplap wall adds a modern edge to this traditional bathroom. The cool tones of the blue create a calming, spa-like feeling in the bathroom that makes it feel like an oasis. Shiplap is a great material choice for a accent wall as it is durable and easy to clean. The navy blue shiplap wall goes great with the copper tub and dark wood vanity.
Wood Paneling Bathroom Accent Wall
This small wood accent wall is a great choice for this bathroom. I am usually against making the accent wall the wall with the window, but in this example I love it. The window gives you the feeling of bringing the outdoors indoors. That combined with the natural wood makes this one of my favorite accent wall ideas.
Traditional Paint Bathroom Accent Wall
This is a great way to use paint to create your accent wall. The blue used in this bathroom adds a pop of color and brings the whole room together. It’s a great way to add some dimension and texture without having to break the bank. Painting is also one of the easiest ways to create an accent wall, so it’s a great choice for beginners and makes for a great weekend DIY project.
Mix and Match
This homeowner and designer decided that one accent wall just wasn’t enough for them. They used tile and wallpaper. The combination makes for a great design and makes the room truly POP.
Half Wall Bathroom Accent Wall
This half wall accent wall is a great way to break up the wall without overdoing it. The simple design adds texture and interest to the bathroom without being terribly overwhelming in the space.
Brighten up a Space
This bright wallpaper design is great for a bathroom that needs some extra light and color. The blue wallpaper creates an inviting and bright atmosphere in the room.
Bathroom Accent Wall Ideas: Tile
Herringbone Tile Accent Wall
Bathroom accent walls provide endless opportunities for creativity and personalization of your space. This herringbone design is a great example of a tile accent wall for your bathroom. It is simple and understated but still performs its job as an accent wall by bringing a beautiful design in the space.
Black Tile
This black accent wall is a great way to add texture and contrast to your space. The glossy finish of the tile gives it an elegant look that will never go out of style. I love how it pairs well with the white tile flooring, creating a modern and stylish look that is perfect for small spaces. I love that the designer used the same tile from the accent wall in the shower niche. It’s a great design choice and one that I would consider using in the future.
Tile Bathroom Accent Wall Matching Flooring
This is a great example of using the same tile as an accent wall and for the flooring. The subtle colors in the tile make it easy to match with almost any color palette, but still adds texture and interest to the room. I love that the black tiles pair nicely with the white walls and brings out a calming vibe throughout the space.
Striped Shower Tile Accent Wall
This is a great way to use accent tile to bring texture and pattern into the room. The striped design creates an interesting effect that will draw the eye and make your bathroom stand out. I love how the designer used a mix of blues for this shower tile accent wall to create depth and interest in the room.
Shower Niche Accent
This is a great way to add design to your space even if you don’t have a full wall in your space to turn into an accent wall. This interior designer decided to just create an accent within the shower tiles. In my Florida house I did something similiar but my accent was isolated to the shower niche. This is a really great way to incorporate an eye-catching design into your bathroom.
Bathroom Accent Walls Conclusion
A well-designed accent wall can transform your bathroom into a stylish and unique space. Whether you choose to use paint, wallpaper, tiles, textures, or artwork a thoughtfully designed accent wall can become a focal point and add personality to your space. Consider the overall style, color palette, materials, scale, and proportion, and lighting to create a stunning wall that enhances the aesthetics of your bathroom. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different options to make your bathroom truly stand out.
