Want to give your space a stylish upgrade without a full makeover? An accent wall might be just what you need. In this guide, I’ll show you how to choose the perfect wall, colour, and finish to create a space that feels instantly more designed.
Why You Should Consider an Accent Wall
An accent wall is like adding a statement necklace to your outfit—it instantly lifts the whole look without overpowering the space.
You might notice accent walls pop up most in living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens, because these are the rooms where you spend the most time and want to create a focal point.
Adding an accent wall can:
- Draw the eye to a feature like a fireplace or bed
- Add depth and interest to plain rooms
- Let you play with colour or texture without committing to a full room makeover
Best Rooms for Accent Walls (and My Top Tips)
If you’re wondering where to start, these rooms are accent wall winners:
- Living Room: Frame your sofa or fireplace with a bold colour or textured wall.
Top tip: Go for the wall you naturally face when sitting down—that’s where the drama happens.
Use your fireplace alcoves as a media wall – bring in nature with wooden slats for a rustic feel
- Bedroom: Behind the bed is the classic choice, making your headboard feel grander.
Top tip: Keep the rest of the walls calm to let the feature wall shine.
- Kitchen: Try behind open shelving or the dining nook to add personality.
Top tip: Tiles or wipeable paint make a stylish yet practical choice.
Make a bold statement in your kitchen with marble shelving against your cabinets
- Hallway: Get playful with your entrance with bold walls. Whether it’s panelling up the stairs, or wallpapering part of your space to add texture into this space that gets lots of traffic. Top tip: Use materials that will last a long time as this space is used often. Consider wood flooring and wipeable paint choices for a long-lasting space.
If you have quirky features in your hall, like alcoves or indents, make them stand out as accent features by using wallpaper!
Top Materials and Finishes for Accent Walls
Accent walls aren’t just about paint. You can get creative with:
- Bold or moody paint colours
- Patterned, graphic or textured wallpaper
- Wood panelling or slatted walls
- Stone, brick, or tile for extra texture
- Murals or large-scale wall art, including fluted scallop designs (like below)
Choose a finish that complements the style of your home and adds the wow factor you’re after.
It all comes down to mood and space:
- Go dark if you want a cosy, dramatic vibe or if your room gets lots of natural light.
- Go light or bold pastel if the room is small or north-facing—it’ll brighten up the space while still making an impact.
Quick designer tip: Always test the colour on the actual wall, as light changes everything!
How to Pick the Right Wall (and Mistakes to Avoid)
Not every wall is made to be an accent wall. Here’s how to pick the right one:
- Choose the wall your eye naturally falls on—often the one with a fireplace, bed, or main piece of furniture.
- Avoid walls cluttered with windows or doors; they break up the effect.
- Don’t overdo it—one feature wall is enough. Two or more can confuse the eye and make the space feel busy.
Common mistake to avoid? Choosing a random wall just because it’s the biggest. Always think about balance and flow.
