When done right, an accent wall can totally transform your space. How do you know which wall to choose and which colors or patterns to use? Read on for all the help you’ll need on how to choose an accent wall.

How to Pick an Accent Wall

So, you’ve decided you want to add an accent wall to your room. The first and most important step is choosing the right wall to transform. Use these tips to help you make the right decision.

1. Choose a Focal Point: Pick a spot that is a natural focal point, such as behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace. Since these objects often catch the eye when you enter a room, it just makes sense that the wall behind it would be an accent wall.

2. Identify Line of Sight: Your line of sight is what you see first when you enter a room and it is often a natural place for a focal point. Consider making this wall your accent wall so it’s the first thing you see when entering the room.

3. Make Use of Existing Architecture: If you’re lucky enough to have an alcove, built-in shelves, or a freestanding wall, consider highlighting them by making that wall the accent wall. These architectural accents stand out anyways, so why not elevate them?

4. Pay Attention to Lighting: Choose a wall that gets ample lighting to do your accent wall justice. Consider natural lighting, artificial lighting, and how the space looks during both night and day to help you make your decision. If you’re really set on a specific wall that doesn’t get great lighting, you can always change your light design to suit it better.

5. Stick to a Single Wall: When you have a gorgeous patterned wallpaper or a paint color you love, it can be tempting to go overboard on your accent wall area. To avoid creating an overwhelming or chaotic feeling in your room, stick to one accent wall. The whole point of an accent wall is to create a focal point, so having more than one is confusing to the eye.

Tips!

Get inspired with these Bedroom Accent Wall Ideas.

How to Choose an Accent Wall Color or Pattern

Once you have the perfect wall picked out, it’s time to decide what color or pattern to use. With all the choices out there, decision fatigue can certainly be a factor. Use these tips to help you make a decision.

1. Choose a Complementary Color : It’s best to avoid clashing with the other colors in your space. Choose a paint or wallpaper color for your accent wall that complements your overall color scheme and especially the other walls in the room. Take into consideration the warmth or coolness of your other colors as well to avoid mixing cool and warm tones from wall to wall.

2. Avoid Accidental Monochrome : While you want to choose a color that meshes well with the rest of your space, avoid overdoing it with the same or similar colors. Too much of your favorite color can lead to an accidental monochrome space. If you’re not looking to create a monochrome space, this can do the opposite of what you were hoping to achieve.

3. Go With a Stunning Pattern : Make a big impact by using a patterned wallpaper to create your accent wall. Choose from popular patterns like plaid, botanicals, stripes, or other geometric patterns. Add even more depth to the room by choosing wallpaper patterns with metallic accents.

4. Consider Adding Texture: You can create a textured accent wall by choosing a 3D embossed wallpaper or installing wood paneling. You can also opt for peel-and-stick tile or false brick to get the same effect with minimum effort. A textured accent wall adds an interesting dimension to your space that goes beyond a different color.

5. Stick With Your Overall Style : If you decide to go with a pattern or textured accent wall, make sure to stick to your established room style. If you have a modern space, geometric or abstract patterns will do the trick, while light florals or toile patterns will lend themselves to traditional farmhouse styles.

Tip!

If you decide to go with wallpaper, check out these helpful guides on Wallpaper Installation and Measuring for Wallpaper.

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