Choosing an accent wall can dramatically elevate the look and feel of a room, but selecting the right wall involves considering focal points, natural light, furniture arrangement, and room shape. Accent wall colors can make a room feel larger, cozier, or more dynamic, depending on the shade and tone. Beyond paint, accent walls can feature wallpaper, wood panels, stone, or even shelving for a stylish twist. This guide walks you through the reasoning and options to help you make a choice like a pro.
Step 1: Deciding Which Wall Should Be the Accent Wall
The key to choosing an accent wall is understanding how it interacts with the room’s layout. Here are some professional tips to guide your decision:
- Identify the Natural Focal Point: Often, the accent wall is one that already draws attention. Examples include walls with fireplaces, large windows, or headboards in a bedroom. These walls naturally act as anchors for the room’s design.
- Consider the Longest or Unbroken Wall: If a room lacks an obvious focal point, the longest unbroken wall often works best. This ensures a clean and uninterrupted canvas for your accent.
- Check the Flow of Natural Light: Accent walls can amplify natural light or work against it. A well-lit wall can make bold colors pop, while darker shades may feel overwhelming if the wall doesn’t receive much light.
- Avoid Walls with Doors or Windows: These features can interrupt the visual impact of the accent wall. Exceptions are when the architectural features are intentionally being highlighted, like framing large bay windows with a bold hue.
- Think About Room Functionality: For example, in a dining room, a wall behind the table often serves as an ideal accent wall. In an office, it might be the wall behind your desk or shelves.
Step 2: How Color Impacts Your Accent Wall
The choice of color can dramatically affect the mood and perception of the space. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to make informed decisions:
- Warm Colors (Reds, Oranges, Yellows): These add energy and vibrancy, perfect for social spaces like living rooms or kitchens. They can make a space feel more intimate but should be balanced to avoid overwhelming small rooms.
- Cool Colors (Blues, Greens, Purples): These create calm and relaxation, ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms. They can also make a smaller room feel more spacious.
- Neutral Tones (Grays, Beiges, Blacks): Timeless and versatile, these shades work in almost any setting. Black, for example, can be dramatic and sophisticated, while light grays add subtle depth without dominating.
- Dark Shades: Use these to create depth and coziness but be mindful of making the room feel smaller. Pair dark accent walls with lighter adjacent walls for balance.
- Bold and Bright Colors: Vibrant hues can inject personality and drama into a room but work best in spaces where you want a playful or statement-making feel.
Step 3: Beyond Paint: Creative Accent Wall Options
An accent wall doesn’t have to be just a painted surface. If you want to add texture or unique character, here are some popular alternatives:
- Wallpaper: From bold patterns to subtle textures, wallpaper can bring dimension to your accent wall. Peel-and-stick options are great for commitment-phobes.
- Wood Paneling: Shiplap, reclaimed wood, or vertical slats offer a cozy, rustic, or modern vibe. These options also add a tactile element to your room.
- Stone or Brick: Stone veneer or faux brick can create an earthy, industrial, or urban-chic feel. These are particularly striking in living rooms and fireplaces.
- Textured Materials: Options like 3D wall panels or plaster create dramatic shadows and visual interest. Textures work well with monochromatic or neutral colors.
- Shelving and Built-Ins: Turn an accent wall into a functional focal point by incorporating bookshelves, cubbies, or floating shelves. Combine this with paint or wallpaper for a layered look.
- Murals and Art Installations: A mural can transform your accent wall into a gallery-worthy piece. Whether hand-painted or a high-quality decal, these are true statement-makers.
- Fabric or Upholstery: Adding fabric panels or even upholstered sections can introduce warmth and softness, ideal for bedrooms or reading nooks.
Step 4: Practical Tips for a Stunning Accent Wall
Once you’ve decided on the wall and finish, here are a few tips to ensure your accent wall shines:
- Keep Surrounding Decor Minimal: Let your accent wall take center stage by keeping the other elements in the room neutral or complementary.
- Tie the Accent Wall to the Room’s Palette: Use colors or patterns that link the accent wall to furniture, rugs, or artwork in the room.
- Mind Proportions and Scale: Large patterns or dark colors work best in larger rooms, while subtle tones and smaller patterns fit better in compact spaces.
- Lighting Matters: Ensure the room’s lighting highlights your accent wall rather than casting it in shadow. Consider adding wall sconces or spotlighting.
- Experiment with Sample Swatches: Before committing, test your colors or materials in different lighting throughout the day. Grab a few of the top choice colors from your local Sherwin Williams store to see how they look in the room and if you have the right lighting for the color.
- Call Colin Can Help: Instead of trying to do it all yourself, make a call to schedule a free consultation to determine which wall would be best for your intended use of the space. We can go over the materials, proper wall, and leave you with a quote for the price and timeframe it would take for us to get it all done for you.