How to Paint an Accent Wall—Plus 7 Inspiring Ideas for Every Room
Accent walls can add lots of drama to the rooms in your home—and they let you bring in bold color that might be a little bit too much for a full room. Before you dive in, though, consider these ideas (and a few how-tos) to make the most of your design choices.
Ideas for Creating Your Accent Wall
There's more to an accent wall than just slapping up some strong-colored paint. Consider these options to create a wow-worthy look.
Try a two-tone accent wall
Two bold colors together can make a strong statement on your accent wall. Choose colors that complement each other well.
Add texture to your accent wall
Board and batten or shiplap can make your accent wall even more of a standout.
Don't forget about wallpaper
Wallpaper is back—and choosing a strong statement wallpaper will enhance your space.
Consider paneling
Paneling has moved beyond the '70s-era rec room look—as this bold accent wall shows.
Do an accent ceiling instead
Make the ceiling the centerpiece by painting it in a bold color instead of the traditional white.
Accent Wall Tips and Tricks
Ready to dive in? Make sure that your accent wall game is strong with these how-to tips.
1 Choose your perfect accent color
Generally, an accent wall is supposed to be the focal point of the room, so select the color wisely. "I tend to work with accent colors that are within the same color palette as the space," says interior designer Abbe Fenimore. "That way, the space has depth, looks cohesive, and is tactfully layered. If a really bold color is used, it's important to incorporate that color around the room using art, accessories, or a great rug." For the finish, interior designer Sara Story suggests using choosing paint with a high sheen level (which means it's shinier), to make the wall even more interesting.
2 Prep your accent wall well
Preparation is key to a good paint job. "To prep, make sure the surface is clean—that means removing cobwebs from corners, dust, and grease or smudges if it's a kitchen wall," says interior designer Timothy Brown. "Then, lightly sand the surface."
RELATED: 7 Things You Should Do Before You Start Any Paint Project
3 Be patient while you paint
Even though it's only one wall instead of four, painting an accent wall still takes some time and patience. "The number of coats depends on your desired saturation of color," says Brown. "Generally, that means one to two coats if you want a light color, and two to four coats if you want a dark, rich color. The best technique is slow and steady, especially with darker paints."
4 Take it to the next level
If you like taking risks in design, paint isn't the only way to create an accent wall. "Instead of using paint, choose a patterned wallpaper to add texture and vibrancy," says interior designer Amanda Reynal. "Then, paint the other three walls in either a neutral tone or a color from the wallpaper. The room will be unified and alive, and the wallpaper will act as artwork."
5 Think about furniture placement
After the accent wall is finished, the next task is deciding how to incorporate your existing furniture and home accessories. "For a bedroom, I would recommend placing the bed in front of the accent wall," says Story. "For a living room, I would recommend placing the sofa in front of the accent wall."
Reynal is a fan of creating an accent wall in the dining room. "It's a place that's often hard to create visual interest," she says. "By styling the wall with a mirror, sconces, and a sideboard, it becomes part of the space and acts as a beautiful backdrop."