If you’re looking to add a little personality to your space without committing to a full renovation, an accent wall might just do the trick. From moody paint colors and natural wood slats to timeless brick, we’ve gathered some of the best accent wall ideas to help inspire your next home upgrade.
And if you’re looking for professionals to install your accent wall, LNL Construction is here. Whether you want bold drama or cozy texture, we can build you the accent wall of your dreams. If you need a painter for your home, we serve the entire Sacramento area, including Roseville and Folsom, with exterior painting, cabinet painting, and interior painting.
Accent Wall Ideas
An accent wall provides just the right amount of interest without becoming overly busy. They’re also incredibly versatile. You can highlight architectural features, frame furniture, or just break up a plain wall. Whether you’re looking to add a bright pop of color or add texture with wood or brick, these accent wall ideas have something for everyone.
Living Room Accent Wall Ideas
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just relaxing after work, the living room is the place to be. Because you spend so much time here, the living room is the perfect place for an accent wall. Our favorite accent wall ideas for the living room include:
- Dark blue accent wall: Dark blue is classy and sleek, adding richness without being too dark. If you don’t want to commit to a whole room of blue, an accent wall can be a great choice. Consider deep shades of blue like Van Deusen Blue by Benjamin Moore or Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball for a stunning way to add interest to your living space. Dark blue pairs well with white, dark orange, and gray.
- Charcoal gray or black: Use charcoal gray or black for a bold look to anchor the room. These colors are modern and sleek and can be used for minimalist or industrial-style spaces. Some of our favorite paint colors include Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams, Deep River by Benjamin Moore, and Graphite by Benjamin Moore. Pair with metallics and warm woods for a subtle look, or contrast with white.
- Patterned wallpaper: Although wallpaper fell out of favor for a while, recent years have brought it back with a vengeance. Whether you’re looking for simple stripes or a maximalist floral pattern, you’ve got hundreds of options to work with. Use a patterned wallpaper to pull together the theme of your room, highlight interesting architectural details, or break up a boring wall.
- Cozy and earthy greens: If you’re looking to infuse some calmness into your living room, consider choosing shades of green for your accent walls. For an earthy, olive green, we love Hiking Path by Benjamin Moore or Green Onyx by Sherwin-Williams. For a moodier vibe, consider Green Smoke by Farrow and Ball. Greens work especially well with natural textures and colors inspired by nature.
- Wood accents: From shiplap to beadboard, wood accent walls add depth and character to any room. Wood works with nearly any style and can be left natural, stained, or painted to match your vibe.
Bedroom Accent Wall Ideas
While the living room is for everyone, your bedroom is your own personal space. What better way to personalize a bedroom than a unique accent wall? Some of our favorite bedroom accent wall ideas include:
- Bright colors: Don’t be afraid to go bold when creating an accent wall. Bright colors like teal, pink, orange, or bright green can be a fun way to add a vibrant accent to your bedroom. Make sure to utilize the color in your bedroom decor so the room feels complete. Consider a similar shade for your curtains, bedding, or throw pills.
- Romantic pinks: For a romantic and cozy bedroom, consider soft pinks like Marry Me by Benjamin Moore or Mission Rose by Portolo Paints. Blushes and dusty roses are warm and soothing without being too “pink.” Pair with creams, sage greens, or natural woods.
- Light blue: Blue is the color of serenity, and a light blue accent wall behind the bed can create a dreamy feeling for your bedroom. We love Summer Shower and Windmill Wings by Benjamin Moore, as well as Notable Hue by Sherwin-Williams. Light blues work especially well for nautical or coastal bedrooms.
- Create a gallery wall: Instead of choosing a different color, consider creating a gallery wall in your bedroom. The best part is that you can customize it to fit your unique personality. Whether you choose to use uniform frames or frames with varying sizes and details, a gallery wall can be a stunning detail in any bedroom.
The most common spot for a bedroom accent wall is behind the bed’s headboard, but that doesn’t mean you have to put it there. Consider what you want the room’s focal point to be. Are there any architectural features that you want to highlight, such as wainscotting or built-ins?
Bathroom Accent Wall Ideas
Bathroom accent walls are a fun way to elevate the space without doing a full remodel. Whether you go for texture or bold colors, you can make a big impact with a small change. Some of our favorite bathroom accent wall ideas include:
- Tile: While tiling the entire bathroom might be overkill, a tile accent wall can do wonders to create interest, especially if you’re highlighting an alcove or interesting architectural details. You can also mix things up by pairing tile with wallpaper, wood slats, or paint.
- Two-tone: One simple way to revive your bathroom is with a two-tone wall. Pair a dark shade with a lighter one for a big contrast, and consider using chair rail to separate the two colors.
- Soft green: Sage green and eucalyptus create a spa-inspired vibe in your bathroom. We love Behr’s Sage Green, Benjamin Moore’s Dry Sage, and Fresh Eucalyptus by Sherwin-Williams. These earthy colors pair perfectly with white tiles and wood accents.
- Stone or faux stone veneer: Use stone to create a luxurious feel in your bathroom. Stone works especially well with cottage, industrial, or rustic decor.
Choosing which wall to use as your accent wall can have just as much of an impact as what color or material you decide to use. Some common placements include behind the vanity/mirror, the wall behind a freestanding tub, a half-wall or vertical strip in a smaller bathroom, or around a niche or built-in shelf.
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Best Colors for Accent Walls
The best colors for accent walls depend on the mood you want, your existing decor, and how bold or subtle you want to go. Here are some of the top colors for accent walls:
- Navy blue: Navy blue is timeless and bold and pairs well with neutrals.
- Forest or emerald green: These colors are lush and rich, and add depth to your space. Pair with gold for added luxury.
- Black: For the ultimate bold move, a black accent wall can make a big statement.
- Desert colors: Consider shades of terracotta or clay for a warm, earthy vibe.
- Purple: Add a touch of sophistication to your room with a purple accent wall.
- Natural colors: For an organic feel, pick colors like sage green, warm taupe, olive, and soft beige.
- Blues: Create a cool and calm vibe in the bathroom with dusty blue, light gray, or seafoam.
When choosing the color of your accent wall, first consider the room’s purpose. Calming shades like sage or blue work well in bedrooms, while bold tones like navy, terracotta, or charcoal can energize a living room or dining area. Look at the surrounding wall colors and pick a hue that complements or contrasts in a stylish way. If your room has a lot of neutral tones, an accent wall is the perfect place to introduce a rich or dramatic color. When in doubt, grab a few paint samples and test them on the wall!
Wood Panels for Accent Walls
Wood panels can be an absolute game-changer for your accent walls. They bring warmth, texture, and depth to any room. And because there are so many styles to choose from, wood panels can be surprisingly versatile. Here are some of the best wood panel accent wall ideas to choose from:
- Vertical slat walls: Vertical slats are clean and modern, inspired by Scandinavian design trends. They’re great for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, adding height to a space.
- Shiplap: If you love the classic farmhouse look, shiplap is a great option for an accent wall. Paint it white, black, or any moody tone, depending on the vibe you’re going for. They’re great for entryways, bathrooms, or cozy living spaces.
- Board and batten: Board and batten is a subtle way to add texture to a room in traditional and transitional styles. It looks especially good painted in bold or dark colors.
- Reclaimed wood: Using reclaimed wood planks is a great way to add warmth and charm to your rustic space. It works well for cabin vibes, boho homes, or cozy dens.
Is Brick a Good Idea?
Absolutely. Brick is a stunning way to add texture, warmth, and character to any space. It works in a ton of different styles, from industrial to rustic to modern farmhouse. Whether you go for a classic red or brown brick or a whitewashed style, brick works in old homes, new builds, and everything in between.
Plus, you have a number of options to choose from. If you’re in a brick home, exposing a small section can create a fabulous accent wall. Brick veneer can give you the look of real brick without the bulk, while faux brick panels can be a lightweight, cost-effective option that looks surprisingly real when installed correctly.
Accent Wall Ideas Conclusion
When it comes to creating an eye-catching accent, you have a ton of options to work with. Whether you go for the classic look of brick or a vibrantly bold color, you can revive your space with these accent wall ideas.
If you need professional help, LNL Construction is here. From brick veneer to shiplap or tile, we’ll install an accent wall that pops. We’ll work with you on the design to help you find the colors and materials that work best for your space. Contact us today for an estimate!
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