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    Homepage » Home Decor » Decorating Ideas & Trends

    How To Do an Accent Wall The Right Way

    Posted: Oct 26, 2020 · Updated: Mar 18, 2022 ·This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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    accent walls pinterest

    Accent walls are still very much on-trend for 2021. In fact, they've had a huge resurgence this past year. If you're thinking of adding one to a room in your house, then this post is for you!

    Table of Contents show
    1 Why Add an Accent Wall?
    2 What Wall to Choose
    3 Accent Wall Color Combinations
    4 Accent Wall Ideas

    Why Add an Accent Wall?

    When done right, accent walls can be a powerful design statement in your home. They draw your eye to a particular part of the room, creating the perfect focal point. Plus, they give you a chance to play around with color in a way that you might not want to on all four walls.

    Don't shy away from using a bold color for your accent wall. In fact, it makes more sense to choose some bright and bold so that it stands out. Isn't that the whole point of an accent wall?

    If that's a little scary for you, then at the very least, choose a color that's several shades darker than the other walls. Going only one - two shades darker can result in an accent wall that simply looks like the other walls cast in shadow.

    Navy accent wall in nursery
    Sherwin Williams Naval Accent Wall with Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

    What Wall to Choose

    Wherever the natural focus point is for the room, tends to be the best choice for an accent wall. For a living room, that would be either the wall that the couch is against or the wall with built-in, shelves, fireplace or the TV.

    In a bedroom or nursery, the accent wall will be the wall with the bed or crib and in a bathroom it will be behind the vanity or directly behind the bath tub or even in the shower.

    reading nook accent wall

    Other spaces that may benefit from a fun accent wall would be a hallway wall with floating shelves or a reading nook under the stairs or in a playroom.

    Even the wall going to the upstairs of your home is a great way to really make a statement in an otherwise boring hallway!

    staircase with black accent wall

    Think of the accent wall as a way to draw the eye to a particular feature.

    Accent Wall Color Combinations

    The color combinations you choose will of course depend on the color scheme in your home.

    However, I've compiled some of my favorite accent wall color combinations to help getting you thinking of what might work for your own space.

    Benjamin Moore Essex Green and Benjamin Moore Dove White
    Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and Sherwin Williams Pure White
    Sherwin Williams Serious Gray and Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
    Sherwin Williams Naval and Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
    Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Benjamin Moore Decorator's White

    Accent Wall Ideas

    There's more to accent walls than just paint. Consider wallpaper, a wood plank wall, stone or even tile.

    black geometric painted accent wall

    Have fun with painter's tape and create a stunning accent wall this black one. Start by painting the wall the darker shade of black ( 2 shades darker than the lighter one).

    Then tape off a geometric pattern, and paint the wall a second time, but with the lighter shade. It's a simple, modern and very effective way to get a beautiful accent wall.

    Wallpaper Accent Walls

    Don't be intimated by wallpaper, especially when you only have one wall to cover! With a little patience, it's an easy DIY project that anyone can do.

    I did this wallpaper accent wall when I was 7 months pregnant and knocked it out in a few hours. Follow a few basic steps, and you'll be on your way to your own wallpaper accent wall in no time.

    nursery wallpaper accent wall
    Wallpaper Accent Wall
    floral wallpaper accent wall idea for a bedroom
    Wallpaper Accent Wall via Annette O'Brien

    Wood Accent Walls

    There's a myriad different ways to create a wood accent wall in your home.

    From reclaimed peel and stick planks, to pretty millwork and of course, a shiplap accent wall - they are all projects that even the most novice DIYer can figure out!

    Stikwood reclaimed wood wall in nursery
    Reclaimed Wood Accent Wall

    Wood accent walls, in particular the millwork approach, can offer a safer alternative to a bold color. Sticking with the same paint color as the rest of the room, you can add interest to a wall while still maintaining a softer look.

    picture frame molding tone on tone wall
    modern geometric wood accent wall
    Modern Accent Wall via Within The Grove

    Tile Accent Walls

    The most obvious place for a tile accent wall is the bathroom. Within this one room, there's a few different ways to achieve this look.

    An entire wall of tile behind the vanity is a stunning addition to any bathroom. Pick a bold color for your tile, a geometric pattern is a similar shade to the walls or a pretty cement tile to really make it pop.

    Dark tile above vanity in bathroom
    Tile Accent Wall via Floor & Decor
    Bathroom wall with floor to ceiling tile
    Powder Room Tile Accent Wall
    cement tile bathroom accent wall
    Cement Tile Accent Wall via My Life From Home

    If you're considering adding a statement accent wall to a room in your home, why not have some fun with it?

    Other Posts You'll Like

    • Blue & White Nursery Reveal
    • DIY Plywood Shiplap Walls in One Weekend
    • 11 DIY Projects For A First Time Home Owner
    • Pottery Barn Inspired Textile Art

    Looking for more? Follow me on social media for lots more home decor, DIY & recipe content!

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    Unfortunately, I no longer have the time to answer personalized paint color questions. If you leave a comment asking for personalized advice, it will not be answered. Sorry!

    Comments

    1. Sunita

      January 03, 2022 at 7:35 pm

      I liked this accent wall article, Jenna. You forgot to touch the subject that how many accent walls are a good or bad idea in one home, Or if the house is only one floor or two floors, Or if people should/could mix accent walls with paint/ wood paneling/wall paper or must stay with one theme. Thanks

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