{{blog.title}} ›

Decor Tips

Accent Wall Ideas + Paint Tips

Published February 25, 2021

Looking for a new project? Try these accent wall ideas, each designed to refresh a space.

What Is an Accent Wall?

An accent wall is any wall in a home that is singled out, whether through a different paint color, wall art, wallpaper or structural beams. Accent walls are one of the simplest ways to make a space feel brand new, and they also allow you to infuse your personality. Make an accent wall as playful as you wish; choose a paint color that was a childhood favorite or a wallpaper print of flowers, stripes or polka dots! Other ideas for accent walls include wall-to-wall shelving (try layers of floating wall shelves, one on top of the other); scenic wall mural decals; and large tapestries or hanging quilts for a softer aesthetic. Finally, consider furniture; a grand, large buffet, desk with hutch or tall bookcase each make the walls behind them stand out (and can in and of themselves be considered as accent wall pieces).

1. Accent Room

If you’ve got the paint and paint brush, why stop at a single wall? Try two or three walls like the room shown here to blanket a room in color.

2. Art Up High

Once you’ve finished a new paint job, make it pop with a framed wall art piece. Canvas prints feature art for virtually every taste and interest, so whether you want your walls to showcase your motorcycle hobby or ocean scenery, wall art has got you covered.

Art For Accent Wall

56X38 Amalfi Coast III With Grey Frame | Scenic | Print | Framed Canvas Art | Horizontal

Accent Wall Tip: Find the Right Wall. Before starting on a DIY accent wall project, you’ll need to choose the right wall. This should be one that’s already naturally featured in the room. Consider: a) a wall with the biggest furniture piece (such as a sofa or bed), b) the biggest or widest wall in a room, or c) a wall that naturally stands out due to a slant or arched ceiling edge.

What Color Accent Wall Goes with Grey?

If you have a grey sofa, grey rug or grey headboard, the best kind of paint color to match for an accent wall will be anything that pops. Turquoise, teal, yellow, pink, red, orange and blue all contrast against the subtle neutral and make a statement.

Accent Wall Tip: Create a Vision Board. Psst – have you heard about vision boards? Whether you’re working on an accent wall, vacation wardrobe or birthday celebration, vision boards help you know your vision and bring it to life. Try an online website host like Pinterest and get started keeping your favorite images. Anything and everything that inspires you (no matter if it has to do with the current project) belongs on a vision board. (Does a blue unicorn make you smile? Add it to the vision board. In some shape or another, it will come back and influence your accent wall or other project, even if just by helping you narrow down a blue color!)

Adriana 88-124" Extendable Grey Oval Wood Trestle Table | Grey Bench | Grey Armless Side Chair Set For 6 | Parsons

$2,320

Reid Natural Grey Fabric 109" 2 Piece L-Shaped Sectional with Right Arm Facing Corner Chaise | Track Arms

$945

Stark Dark Grey 80" Fabric Sofa with Reversible Chaise | Track Arms

$495

Alana Linen Grey White Fabric 126" Modular 3 Piece Sofa with Ottoman | Reversible | Track Arms

$1,695

What Accent Wall Color Goes with Brown Furniture?

Brown furniture brings warmth and elegance to a space, and the right accent wall color can enhance these qualities. Whether you prefer a harmonious look or a bold statement, consider the following options:

Earthy Tones
Colors like moss green, terracotta, or warm beige complement the natural richness of brown. These shades create a cozy, cohesive feel, perfect for living rooms or bedrooms with a rustic or traditional touch.
Contrasting Shades
If you want to make your brown furniture stand out, try a pop of contrast. Rich blues, deep teals, or mustard yellows provide a striking backdrop while balancing the warmth of brown with a cooler or brighter tone.
Neutral Accents
For a timeless look, stick to neutrals. Soft whites, light grays, or even charcoal shades add subtle elegance, allowing the furniture to remain the focal point without overwhelming the space.

Accent Wall Tip: Tie the room together by incorporating the accent wall color into the decor. Add throw pillows, rugs, or artwork with complementary shades to create a cohesive and polished look.

Brown Furniture

Ranier Brown Wood 37" 6 Drawer Dresser

$295

Ranier II 27" Brown 2-Drawer Nightstand

$120

Alton Cherry II Brown Wood 36" 6 Drawer Dresser

$595

Willow Creek II Brown Wood 6-Drawer Dresser

$295

3. Wood Panel Accent Walls

An accent wall usually means a painted wall, but wood panels can also fit the definition. Overlay panels are an easy and affordable purchase and can truly transform the look of a room. As opposed to paint, they’re more rustic, warm and natural, so if that’s your vibe, go with panels!

4. Simple Blue Accent Wall

Finally, painting just one simple wall in a shade you love is the perfect antidote to a tired room. Take home paint samples before buying a can and paint just a small area as a test before beginning. When you’re done, match accessories to the new paint color. Try a complementing bedspread, throw blanket, throw pillow or window curtains.

Accent Wall Tip: Go Darker. An accent wall is often not going to be the only painted wall in your room. If all your walls are already painted (albeit in a neutral, subtle wall color), work this to your advantage by painting one of them over – in a darker shade from the rest. A popular example in modern homes? Three light grey walls + one charcoal wall.

Painting an Accent Wall

Painting is the most popular way to make a wall as accent, but it also requires a few prior steps. Make sure the wall you choose is in good condition – without evidence of forming cracks. (If a crack is starting to form, fill it or patch it before painting.) Make sure the wall is clean; run a clean rag over it to trap attached dirt or grease. Light sanding may also be a good idea, to ensure you’re getting the stubborn particles and that you’ll have a clean, flat surface to work with come paint time. Finally, mark all edges of the wall with painter’s tape; line each edge carefully so that the tape is straight and covers the molding. Then, throw on a shirt you don’t mind getting “artsy,” and let the painting begin!

Accent Wall Tip: Add Lighting. After all the hard work you’ll have put into a new accent wall, you’ll want to showcase it! Install wall sconces on either side of the wall. At night, turn them on – and enjoy how the light splays across the color to make it more prominent. Other lighting designs to complement an accent wall can include hanging pendants, chandeliers, floor lamps and string lights. And during the day, remember to throw back the shades!