Before you even think about paint colors, consider the room’s purpose and existing decor. Is the wall you’re considering the first thing you see when you enter? Does it frame a fireplace, a bed, or a piece of art? These are prime candidates for an accent wall. The goal is to draw attention, so choose a wall that naturally commands it or one that could benefit from a focal point. For a living room, this might be the wall behind the sofa or the one with the entertainment center. In a bedroom, it’s often the wall behind the headboard.
Choosing the right paint color
The best accent wall colors depend on the mood you want to create and the existing palette of your room. Think about the primary colors in your furniture, rugs, and artwork. You can go in a few directions:
- Complementary colors: These are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, if your room has a lot of blue, a warm orange or peach accent wall can add vibrancy and energy. This creates a bold, high-contrast look.
- Analogous colors: These are next to each other on the color wheel. If your room is dominated by greens and blues, a deeper teal or a rich forest green accent wall can create a harmonious and calming atmosphere without being jarring.
- Monochromatic shades: Using a darker or lighter shade of your dominant wall color can add depth without introducing a new color. For instance, if your walls are a light gray, a charcoal gray accent wall adds sophistication.
- Neutral contrasts: Sometimes, a deep, moody neutral like charcoal, deep navy, or even a rich chocolate brown can provide a dramatic counterpoint to lighter, neutral walls. This offers a sophisticated and grounded feel.
- Bold statements: Don’t shy away from vibrant colors if they match your personality and the room’s style. A deep emerald green, a rich sapphire blue, or even a sunny yellow can make a significant impact, especially in spaces where you want to encourage creativity or excitement.
Consider the light in the room. Colors can appear drastically different under natural versus artificial light, and in rooms with little natural light, a dark color might feel oppressive. Always test paint samples on the wall itself, observing them at different times of the day.
Best accent wall colors for different rooms
Living Room: For a welcoming yet sophisticated feel, consider deep blues (like navy or slate), warm grays, or even a rich terracotta. If you have artwork you want to highlight, a neutral like charcoal can make colors pop. For a bolder statement, a deep emerald green works wonders.
Bedroom: This is your sanctuary, so calming colors are often best. Think muted blues, soft grays, deep lavenders, or warm, earthy tones. A dark, moody color like deep plum or charcoal can create a cozy, enveloping atmosphere, especially behind the headboard. For a more serene look, consider a lighter, airy shade.
Dining Room: This is a space for gathering and conversation. Jewel tones like sapphire blue, ruby red, or emerald green can add a touch of drama and elegance. Alternatively, a deep charcoal or a sophisticated dark gray can provide a dramatic backdrop for artwork or a buffet table.
Home Office: Productivity and focus are key. Blues and greens are often recommended for their calming and concentration-boosting properties. A deep teal, a forest green, or a sophisticated navy can work well. If you need to project a strong, confident image on video calls, consider a neutral that offers good contrast with your usual attire. You can learn more about accent walls for a home office that hold up on camera.
Kitchen: While less common, an accent wall in a kitchen can be striking. Consider a bold color that complements your cabinetry, or use a dark, dramatic hue behind a breakfast nook. A deep navy or a rich, earthy tone could work well.
Entryway/Hallway: This is the first impression. A bold color like a deep red, a vibrant teal, or even a dramatic black can make a statement. If your hallway is narrow, consider lighter, brighter colors to make it feel more expansive.
20 accent walls for every room
Beyond solid paint colors, consider textures and finishes:
- Matte finish behind the bed: Creates a soft, sophisticated look that absorbs light.
- Satin finish on a living room focal wall: Offers a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean.
- Deep navy in a study: Evokes a sense of calm and concentration.
- Charcoal gray behind a white fireplace: Creates a dramatic contrast.
- Emerald green in a dining room: Adds a touch of luxury and depth.
- Terracotta in a bohemian living room: Brings warmth and earthy vibes.
- Muted blue in a nursery: Promotes a tranquil atmosphere.
- Bold geometric pattern: Use painter’s tape for sharp lines in contrasting colors.
- Ombre effect: Gradually blend two or three colors from light to dark.
- Faux wood plank accent wall: Paint wood planks in a dark, rich color for a rustic feel.
- Shiplap accent wall painted a bold color: Adds texture and character.
- Accent wall behind a TV: Use a color that contrasts with the screen for visual interest, or a dark color to help it blend in.
- Accent wall behind a bookshelf: Paint the wall a contrasting color to make books and decor stand out.
- Accent wall in a walk-in closet: Surprisingly, a bold color here can make the space feel more intentional.
- Accent wall in a laundry room: Inject personality into a utilitarian space with a cheerful color.
- Accent wall behind a freestanding tub: A deep, dramatic color can enhance the spa-like feel.
- Accent wall in a small powder room: Don’t be afraid of dark colors; they can make a small space feel cozier and more dramatic.
- Accent wall with a subtle metallic finish: Adds a hint of glamour and reflects light.
- Accent wall with a chalkboard or magnetic paint: Functional and fun for kids’ rooms or kitchens.
- Accent wall with a deep, rich color like burgundy or oxblood: Adds a sense of opulence and warmth.
When thinking about accent walls for small bedrooms to maximize space, lighter, cooler colors often work best, or a strategic dark color behind the bed can create a cozy nook. See more ideas for accent wall ideas for small bedrooms to maximize space.
Finding the perfect color for your accent wall
The process of finding the perfect color involves more than just picking a shade you like. It’s about understanding how that color will interact with the rest of your room and how it will make you feel.
Consider the undertones
Every color has undertones. A gray might have blue, green, or purple undertones. A beige can lean pink, yellow, or green. These undertones become more apparent in different lighting conditions and can clash with your existing decor if not considered. For example, a beige with pink undertones might look strange next to a sofa with yellow undertones. Understanding undertones is crucial for creating a cohesive look. If you’re drawn to beige, explore the nuances in Beige Accent Walls: Undertones, Texture, and What Makes One Look Delib.
Test, test, test
Never commit to a color based solely on a paint chip. Buy sample pots and paint large swatches (at least 1 ft x 1 ft or 30 cm x 30 cm) on the wall you intend to paint. Observe these swatches at different times of the day and under both natural and artificial light. Colors shift dramatically throughout the day.
Think about the finish
Paint finishes range from ultra-matte to high-gloss. For accent walls, matte or eggshell finishes are usually preferred. Matte finishes hide imperfections well and provide a velvety look, but they can be harder to clean. Eggshell and satin finishes offer a slight sheen, are more durable, and easier to wipe down, making them practical for high-traffic areas. High-gloss finishes are very durable and reflective but highlight every flaw, so they are best used sparingly or on very smooth surfaces.
Get inspired by existing elements
Look at the colors in your favorite rug, a piece of art, or even the landscape outside your window. These can be excellent starting points for selecting an accent wall color that will tie the room together. If you’re considering wallpaper as an alternative or complement to paint, explore options like master bedroom wallpaper accent wall: your guide or the intricate beauty of hand painted chinoiserie wallpaper: what you must know.
How to paint an accent wall
Painting an accent wall is a manageable DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation is key
Clean the wall thoroughly to remove any dust, grease, or cobwebs. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle and sand them smooth once dry. If you’re painting over a dark color with a lighter one, or vice-versa, consider applying a primer. A good quality primer will ensure better adhesion and a more uniform color, especially if you’re covering a dark or glossy finish. If you are changing drastically from dark to light, a tinted primer might be necessary.
2. Tape the edges
Use painter’s tape to protect adjacent walls, ceilings, trim, and any outlets or light switches you can’t remove. Press the tape down firmly to create a clean seal and prevent paint bleed. For a truly crisp line, you can run a thin bead of your accent wall color along the edge of the tape, let it dry, and then apply your main color. This seals the tape edge with the wall color, so any bleed-through will be the same color as the wall, making it invisible.
3. Apply the paint
Start by cutting in along the edges and corners with a brush. This means painting a 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) border where the roller can’t reach. Then, use a roller to apply the main coats of paint to the rest of the wall. Work in a systematic pattern, like W or M shapes, to ensure even coverage and avoid roller marks. Apply thin, even coats rather than one thick coat. Allow each coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the next. Two coats are usually standard for good coverage, but three may be necessary for drastic color changes or certain finishes.
4. Remove the tape
Remove the painter’s tape while the last coat of paint is still slightly wet. Pull the tape off slowly at a 45-degree angle. If the paint has dried completely, you might need to score the edge of the tape with a utility knife to prevent the paint from peeling off with the tape. Clean up any drips or smudges immediately.
5. Clean up
Dispose of used tape, brushes, and rollers properly. Clean your brushes and rollers with water if you used latex paint, or with mineral spirits if you used oil-based paint. Store leftover paint in airtight containers, properly labeled.
Common mistakes to avoid
Choosing the wrong wall: Not every wall is a good candidate for an accent. If a wall is too busy with windows or doors, or if it’s a wall that the eye naturally skips over, it won’t have the intended impact.
Ignoring lighting: Colors look different in different lights. A color that looks fantastic in the store might appear muddy or garish in your room’s specific lighting conditions.
Skipping primer: Especially when going from dark to light or over glossy paint, primer is essential for good adhesion and coverage. It saves you from having to apply extra coats of paint.
Poor taping: Sloppy taping leads to paint bleeding onto adjacent surfaces, creating messy lines that detract from the finished look.
Uneven application: Rushing the process or applying paint too thickly can result in visible roller marks or an uneven finish.
Not testing samples: This is perhaps the most common and costly mistake. Always test colors on the wall before committing.
Find a paint store near you
Once you’ve decided on your color and finish, you’ll need to purchase your paint. There are many places to find high-quality paints for your accent wall project. Major home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot carry a wide range of brands and colors. For more specialized or premium paint options, consider visiting dedicated paint stores. Brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Behr have their own retail locations or authorized dealers where you can get expert advice and a vast selection of colors. To find a store close to you, simply search online for “paint store near me” or “Benjamin Moore store” (or your preferred brand) and use the store locator on their website. Many stores offer “buy online, pick up in store” options for added convenience.