When decorating a home, one popular design technique is to use an accent wall. An accent wall is a wall painted a different color or with a different finish than the other walls in a room. The accent wall serves to draw attention, provide visual interest, and give character to the space. Choosing the right room for an accent wall requires considering which space would benefit most from a pop of color or texture. In determining which room should have the accent wall, here are some key factors to weigh.
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Living Room
The living room is a top contender for an accent wall. As the main gathering space in the home where you relax and entertain guests, the living room deserves special attention. An accent wall here makes a strong statement and becomes a main focal point. When friends and family enter the living room, their eyes are immediately drawn to the accent wall. This creates an inviting space conducive to conversation.
An accent wall also adds warmth and personality to the living room. The living room tends to be one of the larger rooms in the home, so a single bold accent wall prevents the space from feeling cavernous and cold. The accent wall provides a sense of intimacy and coziness to encourage people to curl up with a good book or have long talks.
There are plenty of different living room accent wall ideas to explore. Some popular options include:
- Deep red or burnt orange
- Soothing blue or green
- Charcoal or black
- Bold wallpaper or mural
- Textured paint technique like Venetian plaster
- Stone or brick
- Wood accent wall
When selecting a living room accent wall, take color scheme and furniture into account. You’ll want an accent wall color that complements your furnishings. A muted accent wall color like gray green or pale blue is a safe choice for a variety of decor styles. For a bolder look, choose a shade that contrasts with your sofa and chairs. Include accents in your accent wall like framed art or sconces to tie the whole room together.
Dining Room
Like the living room, the dining room is another prime spot for an accent wall. When you host dinner parties or holiday meals, the dining room is where people will congregate. An accent wall makes your dining room feel polished and put-together.
Accent walls work especially well in formal dining rooms. The contrast between the elegant tablescape and chairs and the eye-catching accent wall creates visual tension. An accent wall in a more casual, everyday dining area also enlivens the space. At breakfast and family dinners, the accent wall sparks conversation and energizes the room.
Some dining room accent wall ideas include:
- Moss green
- Dark blue
- Deep purple
- Metallic paint or wallpaper
- Weathered wood planks
- Brick or faux brick
- Damask wallpaper
A dining room accent wall can also incorporate 3D elements. For example, you could do a wooden accent wall with open shelves for displaying china and silver. Wainscoting or chair rail molding are other ways to create an accent wall with dimension and texture. Position lighting like sconces or picture lights on the accent wall to create dramatic shadows at dinnertime.
Kitchen
With its mix of appliances, cabinetry, countertops, and often an eating area, the kitchen has lots of design potential. An accent wall is an opportunity to inject color, texture, or pattern. This keeps the kitchen from feeling monotonous with wood cabinetry or blah white walls.
Traditionally, the kitchen is a more functional space focused on food preparation. An accent wall makes the kitchen equally gorgeous. Nowadays, open concept homes have kitchens flowing into living areas. This makes the kitchen more visible, so an accent wall has great impact.
Some appealing kitchen accent wall ideas include:
- Herringbone backsplash
- Textured wallpaper
- Exposed brick wall
- Stenciled or hand-painted mural
- Wood accent wall
- Subway tile in an eye-catching color
- Chalkboard paint
When doing a kitchen accent wall, consider the wall with the main work area or fixtures. For example, try the wall behind the stove or the wall with open shelving. Avoid an accent wall right by the sink or appliances, as this could compete visually. If your kitchen has an eat-in dining area, this is a dynamite spot for an accent wall that makes mealtimes more inviting.
Bedroom
Your bedroom should feel like an oasis, which is why a bedroom accent wall is so effective. The accent wall immediately makes the room feel cozy and special. After a long day, walking into a bedroom with an accent wall feels like entering your own private sanctuary.
A bedroom accent wall is also an easy way to create a focal point in the room. Bedroom furniture like the bed, nightstands, and dresser provide practical function. An accent wall above the headboard or behind the bed gives the room personality and style.
Some relaxing bedroom accent wall ideas:
- Sky blue
- Sea green
- Lavender
- Subtle floral wallpaper
- Textured paint technique
- Wood accent wall
- Ombre painted wall
- Upholstered headboard
Aim for bedroom accent colors that have a calming, peaceful vibe. Soft pastels, moody blues, and muted earth tones all work well. Check that your bedding and existing furniture coordinate with your accent wall color so the room flows together. Add lighting and art to fully finish your bedroom accent wall.
Bathroom
In a smaller space like a bathroom, an accent wall makes a big visual impact. The bold use of color or texture transforms the bathroom from clinical and boring to spa-like. An accent wall also camouflages less attractive features like dated tile or a tiny window.
Moisture is a concern with bathroom walls, so take materials into account. Paint is affordable and adds simple drama, but may not hold up as well. Luxury vinyl tile, ceramic tile, or masonry materials stand up better to steam and splashes.
Some bathroom accent wall ideas:
- Dark charcoal or navy
- Wallpaper
- Wood accent wall
- Stenciled pattern
- Marble or metallic tile
- Faux stone or brick
In a bathroom, it’s common to do an accent wall behind the tub or vanity. This creates an instant focal point when you walk in. For a petite powder room, consider covering one entire wall in wallpaper or a striking paint color for drama.
Home Office
Working from home has become more popular, making the home office more important. An accent wall transforms your office from a boring spare bedroom to a motivational workspace. The accent wall becomes a work of art you look at each day.
An office accent wall color like bright red or orange sparks creativity. More subdued accent colors like gray, blue, and sage green have a focusing effect if you need to concentrate. Patterned wallpaper or architectural materials like wood planks make distinctive accent walls.
Some home office accent wall ideas:
- Grasscloth wallpaper
- Herringbone wood
- Exposed brick
- Chalkboard paint
- Corkboard material
- Bold paint color
Position your desk so the accent wall is behind it or immediately in your line of sight. This keeps you energized and inspired as you work. Add office lighting like track lighting or a desk lamp to create dramatic effects on your accent wall throughout the day.
Kids’ Rooms
An accent wall is a fun way to customize a child’s bedroom without a complete room makeover. Use the accent wall to reflect their hobbies, favorite color, or personality. This allows them to put their personal stamp on the room.
Kids’ rooms tend to be smaller, so an accent wall packs a big punch. Choose a vibrant paint color, hang wallpaper, or use decorative techniques like decals and stenciling. This keeps the room stimulating and engaging.
Some kids’ room accent wall ideas:
- Hand-painted mural
- Removable wallpaper
- Wood accent wall
- Blackboard paint
- Custom shelving
- Favorite sports team colors
Allow your child to help with the accent wall design. At their eye-level, add special details like their name in lights or framed artwork. For older kids, include them in the process of selecting paint swatches or wallpaper samples. This teaches design skills and responsibility.
Hallways and Staircases
Beyond the main living spaces, consider accent walls in your home’s passageways. Hallways and staircases are often overlooked when decorating. Give these high-traffic areas character with an accent wall.
Paint is the easiest way to transform a hallway or stairwell. Choose a saturated shade that contrasts with existing trim and doors. For a narrow hallway, paint the longest wall in a bold color. This makes the space feel more expansive.
In a staircase, paint color on the risers draws the eye upward, making the stairs feel grander. Or accent the wall along the stairs with wallpaper or family photos. Adding artwork like floating shelves or built-in cubbies also personalizes these functional spaces.
Some hallway and staircase accent wall ideas:
- Black staircase risers
- Gallery wall
- Wallpapered hallway
- Framed family photos
- Sculptural wall sconces
- Murals
Accent walls work especially well in front entryways to make a great first impression on guests. A bright front door or eye-catching wallpaper welcomes visitors. Accent walls along main circulation paths also guide people through your home in style.
Home Exterior
Take your accent wall outside by painting your home’s exterior entryway or a focal gable. This signals visitors they have arrived someplace special. Exterior accent walls add street appeal and give your house an updated look without a full exterior re-paint.
Some exterior home accent wall ideas:
- Front door in a contrasting color
- Painted brick wall
- Colored trim or shutters
- Patterned shades or awnings
- Murals on garden walls
- Climbing ivy wall
With an outdoor accent wall, select a color that complements your existing exterior. For a two-story home, paint the upper level a lighter color and the lower level a deeper, dramatic shade. This grounds the home visually. An L-shaped house benefits from an accent wall at the inner corner to add dimension.
Factor in siding material, trim details, entryway doors, and landscaping when planning an outdoor accent wall. You want the accent to stand out but still feel cohesive.
Conclusion
When designed thoughtfully, an accent wall transforms any space. The living room, dining room, and bedroom tend to benefit most from accent walls. Yet creative accent walls in kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, kids’ rooms, hallways, staircases, and on home exteriors pack a visual punch.
Keep these tips in mind when selecting the best room for an accent wall:
- Consider high-traffic spaces where the accent makes an impact.
- Look for large, uninterrupted wall expanses to showcase color or finishes.
- Accent walls draw the eye, so place them behind seating areas or beds.
- Complement existing architectural details like the fireplace or ceiling height.
- Tie the accent wall to other decor in the room through color scheme and accessories.
Accent walls let you highlight a room’s unique character. With limitless paint colors, materials, and application techniques, the design options are vast. Choose an accent wall style and location that excites you to fully transform your home’s spaces.