All Eyes on the Accent Wall

 Rooms come alive when an accent wall commands attention. You can bring the focus to a particular wall with something as simple as a bold paint color or as complex as custom built-in shelving. Whatever your choice, an accent wall will bring character to any room.

What is an accent wall?

An accent wall is one wall in a room that is styled in a dramatic fashion different from the room’s other walls. This unique wall becomes the focal point of the room so that it draws the eye of those who enter. Making an accent wall can be budget-friendly in terms of both material cost and installation and generally can be a do-it-yourself project.

Choosing the accent wall.

As a general rule, the accent wall should be the one the eye sees first upon entering the room. In a room with a fireplace or other large feature on one wall, however, that wall should become the accent, as making a different one the accent wall would create competition for attention. In a bedroom, the accent wall should be the one against which the bed is located.

The color of an accent wall should work together with the rest of the room’s colors, including the flooring and/or carpet.

Related: Study Up on the ABCs of Painting

Great accent wall ideas.

• The simplest accent is to paint the wall a darker, more dramatic color than the rest of the walls. A navy or charcoal color, for example, contrasting with a neutral off-white on the other walls, provides a striking base for furnishings and accessories.
• For similar drama, install a vibrant wallpaper combining a rich color with a gorgeous pattern on the accent wall.
• Fantastic options are available using wood. Television home makeover shows have made installing shiplap all the rage. Covering walls with reclaimed barn wood also is a hot trend. Both lend a warm, rustic appeal.
• Beaded paneling or flat wood sheets with 1 x 2 or 1 x 3 strips look terrific behind a bed or other major furniture piece.
  A fabric-covered wall with a layer of batting behind it adds color and helps dampen sound.
• Built-in custom shelving provides perhaps the ultimate accent wall.

Related: Rolling Out the Options on Today’s Wallpaper Styles

Can you do it yourself?

Most of these ideas are both DIY-friendly and affordable. Only built-in shelves require the fine touch and skills of a professional finish carpenter to produce style and precision.