Accent Wall Ideas

A tried-and-true decor idea, an accent wall is simply a piece of the wall that is a different color or has a different design from the other walls in a room. It’s a DIY element of interior design. However, you can certainly ask a professional to create one for you. An accent wall is great to try when you want a change but don't want to completely redecorate. It's also a good choice if you have a striking feature you want to spotlight, like beautiful bookshelves.

You can turn any wall into an accent wall. As a rule of thumb, avoid using the first wall you see when you walk into a room, foyer or other space. No matter which wall you use, it's best to work with a blank wall without a door or windows. You can also use a wall that already has a focal point, such as a glamorous upholstered headboard, a unique architectural element, a built-in fireplace or a decorative canvas.

Accent walls are a budget-friendly way to upgrade your space and can make a room feel larger. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your next project:

• Paint a bold statement. Choose a vibrant color to energize the space or a soft, neutral tone for a calming effect.
• Try peel and stick wallpaper. Perfect for renters or those hesitant to commit, peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to apply and remove without leaving sticky residue. Designs range from florals and animals to stripes, stacked stones and faux shiplap.
• Add texture with paintable wallpaper. Textured, paintable wallpaper can hide imperfections and be repainted when you’re ready for a change. Designs include bead board, bark, linen, stucco and tile.
• Incorporate decorative wall panels. For a rustic or farmhouse vibe, reclaimed wood panels in coastal grays, driftwood browns or muted blacks are a great choice.
• Upgrade with glass wall tiles. Use glossy white subway tiles in the kitchen or contemporary matchstick tiles in the bathroom. A glass mosaic backsplash or accent wall can elevate any space.
• Get creative with stencils and decals. Stencils and wall decals personalize a wall. Neutral paint colors are timeless, but bright colors can make stenciled designs pop.

Adding an accent wall can liven up your living room. The feature wall in a living room is often the one behind the TV or sofa. Here are a few accent wall ideas to inspire your space:

• Add mirrors. Use one oversized mirror or a collection of smaller ones in different shapes and frames to create visual interest.
• Hang large art prints. A wall with oversized art prints can serve as a striking focal point and a great conversation starter when guests visit.
• Create a gallery wall. Arrange framed photos, artwork or decorative objects in a grid for a polished look or in an eclectic layout for a more relaxed vibe.
• Bring in texture. Add tone-on-tone texture by incorporating molding in the same shade as your wall paint.
• Use wood planking or shiplap to bring warmth and character to your space.
• Install floating shelves to display books, plants or small decor items to showcase your style.

There's no such thing as too many accent walls. Your imagination is the only limit to creating a great accent wall. Use these ideas to get started.

• Use whiteboard or chalkboard paint in a kids playroom and let them scribble away, or use it on a kitchen wall to jot down menus and shopping lists. Frame your “chalkboard” with moulding for a finished look.
• In a finished basement, living area or in-home library, paint decorative shelves on the accent wall the same color as the wall. Do the same with cabinets under the shelves.
• For a basement room or home bar, consider wood wall paneling. Some panels are peel-and-stick.
• Make a photo collage on your wall using your favorite pictures. Stick to frames in the same two or three colors, but mix up the sizes and frame materials for fun.
• Add an entertainment center and/or a flatscreen television to your wall.
• Hang a collection of your favorite dishes or a group of mirrors on the accent wall. Treat them as one unit and keep them relatively close together.
• Don’t forget your ceiling when you’re creating an accent wall. Many interior designers now treat a ceiling as a fifth wall and accent it with paint that complements or contrasts with the rest of the room.
• You can also install decorative ceiling tiles. Some require tracks to hold them while others use adhesive.
• Personalize an accent wall with photos from your family vacations.
• Apply weathered, peel-and-stick boards to make a plank wall, and instead of using a headboard on your bed, place the bed against the wall.

Whether you have a fireplace or want to create the illusion that you have one, here are a few accent wall ideas:

• Add a bit of drama with a tile accent wall. This not only adds dimension to the space but is an afforadable update for those who want a change but have a tighter budget.
• If your current fireplace is classic red brick and you want a change, consider white-washing your brick to create more of a rustic look.
• Hang luxe-looking wallpaper. Temporary wallpaper is an easy way to make a stylish statement behind an otherwise basic fireplace mantel. Try geometric for a touch of mid-century flair or a textured type for depth.
• For those with a blank wall, add in a faux fireplace and tile the wall behind your new mantel.

Paint is an affordable and easy way to create an accent wall, with plenty of color options to match your home’s style.

• Use a dark color to make a painting stand out and turn it into a focal point with overhead lighting. Pair the dark wall with lighter furniture to keep it from blending into the background. Colors like navy, black or deep green can add a dramatic touch to your space.
• For a bold look, try bright colors like vivid orange, brilliant yellow or another eye-catching shade. These colors bring energy to a room and make a feature wall stand out.
• Another idea is to use tone on tone paints. These are different shades of the same color and can create a unique ombre effect on your wall.
• If you prefer a modern or minimal look, paint one wall in a deep jewel tone and leave the other three white for contrast.
• Don’t be afraid to mix primary colors. A yellow wall can look great with dark blue furniture and red throw pillows or accessories.
• To balance the light in a room, use a dark paint color to tone down a bright window. If the room feels too dark, use white or a pale color to reflect light and brighten the space.