Accent walls are one of the easiest ways to add personality and interest to a room — but done incorrectly, they can make a room feel disjointed instead of thoughtfully designed. Here are six tips for getting it right.
Three Dos
Do: Choose the Right Wall. The best accent wall usually has a natural focal point — behind a headboard, around a fireplace, or the wall you see first when entering a room. Walls broken up by too many doors, windows, or closets don’t typically make good accent walls, since the color won’t be seen as a cohesive statement.
Do: Consider the Room’s Size and Light. The correct wall in a large, well-lit space can add depth and coziness. Dark accent colors can make a small or dim room feel closed in. Natural light exposure throughout the day should factor into the final color choice, since colors shift dramatically between morning and evening light.
Do: Think Beyond Paint. Paint color design (think stripes), wallpaper, wood paneling, and textured finishes can all serve as beautiful accent walls and often add more visual interest than color alone.
Three Don’ts
Don’t: Pick Color in Isolation. Choosing an accent shade without considering the rest of the room’s palette is one of the most common mistakes. The color should relate to existing furniture, soft furnishings (such as pillows or drapery), flooring, or decor. Select the color as a bold complement or a deeper shade of a color already in the room.
Don’t: Overdo the Contrast. An accent wall should feel intentional, not jarring. Extremely high-contrast choices (like a stark black wall in an otherwise all-white room) can work in certain settings, but often need supporting elements, such as color-coordinating accessories, artwork, or trim details that incorporate the contrast color — to feel balanced rather than random.
Don’t: Choose More Than One Per Room. Multiple accent walls compete for attention and can make a space feel busy rather than curated. One well-chosen wall is almost always most effective.
We are often asked to create accent walls when working on interior painting projects. We’re happy to offer some guidance on your next project.
