Accent walls are alive and well in the decor world. They became really popular in the early 2000s because of their flexibility and ability to add visual intrigue to a blank wall without much effort. Most of the time, an accent wall is just one wall painted a different color than the rest of the room.
That being said, there are a myriad of eye-catching one-of-a-kind accent walls ideas to choose from. Throw out your old beliefs about what you think when you hear the phrase “accent wall,” and instead let’s get creative and talk about a few ways that accent walls can make a huge difference in your living room, bedroom, dining room, home office, or whatever room you choose. Dabbling in accent wall ideas is a great way to get your feet wet with a low-budget, beginner-level DIY project. You’ll be surprised at how much impact a little wallpaper or wall mural, new paint color, or some texture can have on your home's interior.

Five Unique Accent Wall Ideas.

1. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is back in a big way, and it’s not anything like what you knew growing up. There are endless options for patterns and colors out there, and a wallpaper accent wall can be such a great way to add some life to a boring space. You can choose peel-and-stick wallpaper if you change your mind a lot (or if you’re a renter!), but even traditional pasted wallpaper can be a DIY project, and you’ll love the finished result the feature wall adds to your space.

2. Board & Batten

Board and batten is a go-to for many DIYers because it’s such a classic look and is really easy to achieve on a budget. You can go with a faux board-and-batten and simply install the boards directly on your existing accent wall (yes, even if it's textured), or you can add in a thin sheet of engineered wood prior to installing the trim for a more authentic board-and-batten look. Either way, this is an accent wall project that can be completed in an afternoon. As for the accent color, paint it white for a farmhouse-style aesthetic, or paint it a bold color for a more modern look. Either way, it’s sure to make an impact in your living space.

3. Grid Accent Wall

A grid accent all offers a slightly more complicated geometric pattern, but it is exactly the same application process as the board-and-batten. This can also be installed in about a day with the correct step-by-step instructions. Apply three wood pieces in a grid pattern on your accent wall, then paint it all one dark color to create a really beautiful and high-end focal point that is completely budget-friendly.

4. Picture Molding

If you want a more traditional, formal look, this DIY picture molding may be the right accent option for you. It’s a more advanced technique but is still manageable by the average DIYer, with a little bit of patience and determination. Add a chair rail about one-third of the way up the accent wall, then use trim to create squares above and below it. It’s guaranteed to make your ceilings feel taller and completely change the way the room looks!

5. Beadboard

And finally, if you love the idea of trim but want something a little easier to install, beadboard may be a great accent option for you. You can install it halfway up the accent wall for a more classic look, or you can go even higher with it for a more modern style that’s definitely going to make a big difference in your space. Paint it a bold color for a really fun change (and remember, you can always choose a different paint color if you change your mind).

Have you been convinced yet? If you haven’t tried one of these unique and impactful accent walls ideas in your house yet, now may be the time. And the best part is, if you decide you love the look, you can carry any of these options throughout an entire room for an even bigger change.

Amanda Hendrix is the blogger behind Love & Renovations, a site all about how to make your house a home, even if you don't have any DIY experience. Amanda shares real life, accessible projects with all of the messes, mishaps, and fun along the way!