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Helpful Tips for Creating an Accent Wall

An accent wall is the perfect way to add a dose of color or pattern to your interior. Less of a hassle than wallpapering or repainting an entire room, focusing on one wall can create just as big of an impact. Not to mention, there are even easier ways to accentuate the wall of your choice, from hanging a large piece of artwork to creating an entire gallery of prints and photos. Today’s post is dedicated to accent wall style, and we’re sharing a collection of tips that will help draw attention to your favorite wall at home…

Painted Accent Walls

One of the easiest ways to create an accent wall is to add paint! When deciding on a paint color, make sure you can live with the hue. Select a color that inspires you, whether it makes you feel happy, more creative, or perfectly relaxed. And what about a bright jolt of color? When it comes to vivid shades, you might feel more comfortable taking a chance on a small wall in a space such as the powder room. Then again, if you know what you love when it comes to bright color, go for it, even on a grand wall in a prominent location! [from Lonny]

Vivid bathroom accent wall

One fun accent wall idea: go one shade darker than the rest of the walls in your space. The accent wall below is painted a shade of charcoal grey, which beautifully complements the light grey walls that surround it. [from Webber + Studio]

Dark grey accent wall in a grey room

You might also decide to choose an unexpected accent wall. In this next bedroom, the wall behind the bed is left white, while the wall that contains the door is painted dark grey. And perhaps you will decide to paint two accent walls (across from one another) for a unified look. [from ChrDAUER Architects]

Accent wall in dark grey

When pondering which wall to paint, opt for a wall with special features, such as a trio of windows. Accentuate the special feature(s) if you can. Note the white window trim in the photo below. [from Hendel Homes]

Accent wall of windows

Adding lighting to your accent wall will help emphasize the color and create visual interest. The bedside pendant lighting below is the perfect addition to this modern room with a pale blue accent wall. [from StudioLAB, LLC]

Modern lighting against a light accent wall

Get creative as you paint. For example, the grey wall in this next featured room becomes a painted wall/ceiling combo! A unique touch, don’t you thinik?! [from N Design Interieur]

Accent wall and painted ceiling

You can also paint a portion of the wall, whether your strategy involves painting a geometric shape (such as a rectangle or triangle), or painting a special feature such as the fireplace. [from Lonny]

Accent wall with a fireplace

Patterned Accent Walls

While some prefer to paint an accent wall, others opt for wallpaper. You can even add paper to a portion of the wall, as shown below by the wallpapered fireplace, which features a pattern that channels Art Nouveau style. [from Lonny]

Wallpapered accent wall with a fireplace

You can even color-coordinate your draperies with the wallpaper as a way to spread the color/interest throughout the entire room. Note the curtains in the space below, as well as the use of a transparent console table under the television. After all, why cover the wall with bulky furniture when the pattern is this fabulous?! [from Lonny]

Wallpapered accent wall in a modern bedroom

If you’re not into bold patterns, try a wallpaper with a subtle design, such as this Confetti Wallpaper in Grey from ferm LIVING. Not only is the pattern chic, it is set on WallSmart wallpaper, which is easier and faster to hang:

Confetti wallpaper from ferm LIVING

Bonus points if you hang a shelf or piece of wall art that complements your wallpaper! The geometric cube-style shelf below couldn’t be a more perfect choice for this Grid Wallpaper in Dusty Green, also from ferm LIVING.

Grid wallpaper from ferm LIVING

You can also use wallpaper (or a wall treatment) to add texture to your accent wall. Don’t you just want to reach out and touch the wall below?! [from West Elm]

Textured wall treatment

Not sure you’re ready to take the wallpaper plunge? Opt for wall decals that are easy to apply and easy to remove! The wall below features a pattern created with ferm LIVING’s Mini Drops Wallstickers. The perfect choice for a whimsical accent wall:

Wallstickers from ferm LIVING

Paneled Perfection

Wooden panels are becoming an increasingly popular choice for accent walls. They add richness and depth to a room while creating a rustic look. Wooden paneling can be used to emphasize the wall behind your bed, as shown in this space below featuring reclaimed wood salvaged from old barns in Oregon. [from Aurora Mills]

Accent wall of reclaimed wood

Wooden paneling is also a great choice for showcasing recessed accent walls. This interior from Risinger Homes features white oak paneling. [from Casey Dunn Photography]

Recessed accent wall of wood

There are many options when it comes to paneling, and while palette wood is a popular choice, you can also go with a wider plank in grey tones for a modern touch. The space below features recycled timbers from Capital Building[photography by Sue Murray]

Relaxing bedroom with an accent wall of recycled wood

Easy Accent Wall Features

We end today’s post with a collection of easy ways to accent your wall, whether it’s painted, wallpapered, or the same color as the rest of the room! For starters, consider a large piece of wall art. It’s a creative way to make a statement by bringing color and pattern to your accent wall. [from Lisa Petrole Photography]

Accent wall with a piece of wall art

A gallery of artwork makes a big impact, as shown in this series of framed prints in a bright upstairs hallway. [from Lonny]

Gallery wall accent wall

Don’t forget about the power of grand statements, such as a large mirror. And if it reflects the gold ceiling and sculptural pendant lighting in the space, even better! Also note the glossy paint in this elegant entryway. [from Lonny]

Entryway accent wall with a mirror

Paint. Wallpaper. Decals. Paneling. Wall art. A large mirror. Which of today’s featured accent wall ideas will you be trying at home? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…

Kate Simmons

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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