Make a Room Stand Out with an Accent Wall!

29 Oct Make a Room Stand Out with an Accent Wall!

Want to spice up a room? Add an accent wall! As professional painting contractors, we fully appreciate their value. A wall painted in a contrasting color to the other walls is an excellent way to add interest or highlight a feature, such as a fireplace or a view. And accent walls are more popular than ever! Here are our expert tips for painting one in your home.

What is an accent wall?

An accent wall is the star of the room. It’s a wall painted or finished in a different color or style from the other walls. For example, three walls are painted off-white. The fourth wall is trimmed out and painted in dark gray, making it the accent wall. When you walk into that room, the eye is immediately drawn to it.  

Picking an accent wall.

When you walk into the room, is there a prominent wall? To create an accent wall, consider wall configuration, furniture placement, and any design features, like a fireplace or picture window with a nice view. The accent wall is usually, but not always, the first wall you see when you walk into a room.

In a bedroom, the highlight wall might be the wall behind the headboard and bed. 

In a living room, it’s not always as obvious. You might use a wall with prominent architectural features like a fireplace or built-in cabinetry or the wall behind a sofa. 

Selecting wall colors:

Once you’ve identified an ideal wall to be the accent wall, it’s time to pick a color. 

• The accent wall should contrast or stand out from the other wall colors.
• It should not clash with other colors in the space.
• Think out of the box! Go bold and select a paint (or wallpaper) that’s a big contrast to the other wall color in the room.
• If you’re not ready to be bold, start with the current wall color but select one several shades darker or lighter.  
• To make the accent wall more interesting, add new trim molding to create a paneled wall style. 

Are you ready to create some interest in your next paint project with us? Contact our offices or use our online scheduler if you would like to speak with us about your painting project. We also provide our clients with a one-color consultation

FAQ

What is an accent wall and how does it enhance a room?

An accent wall is a single wall in a room painted or finished differently from the others to create a focal point. It adds visual interest, highlights architectural features, and can make a space feel more dynamic and personalized.

Which wall should I choose for my accent wall?

Typically, the best wall to accent is the one that naturally draws attention, such as the wall behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace. Choose a wall without doors or windows for maximum impact, and consider the room’s layout and lighting.

What colors work best for accent walls?

Bold, contrasting colors are popular for accent walls, but the best choice depends on your existing décor and the mood you want to create. Warm colors like red or orange add energy, while cool tones like blue or green bring a calming effect. Neutral tones can also create a sophisticated look.

Are there alternatives to paint for creating an accent wall?

Yes, besides paint, you can use wallpaper, wood paneling, stone, tile, or even textured materials to create an accent wall. These options add depth and character, allowing you to customize the look to your style.

Can an accent wall work in any room of the house?

Accent walls can be used in almost any room, including bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and even bathrooms. The key is to balance the accent with the rest of the room’s design and not overwhelm the space.

Mike Katounas

Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.