Unique Accent Wall Ideas For Your Home
Discover 10 creative accent wall ideas to add style and personality to every room in your home. Whether you love bold colors, unique textures, or classic designs, these ideas will help you create a stunning focal point that reflects your taste.
Want to upgrade your home? Adding an accent wall is one of the easiest ways to transform a room.
Transforming a space in your home can be as simple as adding an accent wall.
Accent walls can create a stunning focal point, add depth and interest, and reflect your personal style.
Whether you prefer bold colors, unique textures, or traditional designs, there are tons of ways to make an accent wall the highlight of any room.
Adding an accent wall can make any room stand out without a complete makeover.
Here are 10 creative accent wall ideas that will inspire you to get started on your next home decor project.
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10 Best Accent Wall Ideas
1. Bold Paint Colors
A bold paint color can instantly change the mood of a room.
Whether you want to create a cozy, dramatic, or cheerful atmosphere, choosing a striking color for one wall can make a big impact without overwhelming the space.
Try painting just one wall to create an accent wall. Or, create an accent ceiling by painting just the ceiling a different, unexpected color.
Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Color
Match the Room’s Purpose: Choose colors that complement the function or feel you want for the room. I love the stick with neutral colors for an entire room and then accent with more colorful tones.
Test Samples: Always test paint samples on the wall before committing. Different shades and paint colors can look different depending on the room’s lighting and other decor elements.
Related: How to Test Paint Colors For Your Home
2. Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a fantastic way to add depth and interest to an accent wall. From grasscloth to beautiful patterns, there are endless options to choose from.
Popular Wallpaper Choices
- Grasscloth: Made from natural fibers, grasscloth wallpaper adds a textured, organic look to your walls. It’s perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Peel and Stick: This temporary wallpaper is perfect for renters or those who like to change their decor frequently. It’s easy to apply and remove without damaging the walls.
I used peel-and-stick wallpaper as an accent for the back wall of my built-in desk in our townhome. I love the detail that a wallpaper accent wall can bring to a small space.
Shop: Affordable Wallpaper from Amazon
3. Board and Batten Accent Walls
Board and batten is a timeless architectural feature that can add depth and texture to any room. This look can be achieved with wood or MDF panels.
Types of Board and Batten
Regular 3/4 High Board and Batten
This traditional style features vertical boards that cover three-quarters of the wall’s height, leaving the top portion open for paint or wallpaper. It’s perfect for adding height and elegance to any room.
The first board and batten project we did was in our townhome dining room. This space was perfect for adding wall molding 3/4 of the way up the wall. It helped to define the space in our open floorplan.
Read: DIY Accent Wall Board and Batten
Grid Board and Batten or Square Board and Batten
This style creates a grid pattern with horizontal and vertical battens forming square or rectangular sections. It adds a modern, geometric element to your walls and works well in contemporary and transitional spaces.
I love the look of traditional square board and batten wall details. In our townhome, we had white board and batten squares in our owner’s bedroom.
In our new home, we did a neutral gray board and batten in our owner’s bedroom again. This time, the squares ended up being much larger.
Read: DIY Grid Board and Batten Accent Wall
Board and Batten with Cove Detail
Adding a cove detail to your board and batten provides a refined, decorative touch. The cove molding runs along the edges of the battens, creating a more sophisticated and polished look that’s perfect for formal dining rooms or entryways.
To create a stunning entry I decided to add board and batten with a cove detail all the way up our staircase wall in the new home.
I love how this design turned out and it really makes a huge statement in the space.
4. Wainscoting Accent Walls
Wainscoting adds elegance and sophistication to any room. This classic look is perfect for dining rooms, living rooms, or entryways.
Types of Wainscoting
- Raised Panel: Adds a formal, traditional look.
- Flat Panel: Sleek and modern.
- Beadboard: Casual and cottage-like.
- Picture Frame: Traditional and minimal look
5. Vertical V-Groove Accent Walls
Vertical V-groove paneling is a stylish way to add texture and interest to your walls. This look works well in modern and traditional spaces alike. I love adding this type of accent wall to a smaller room in your home.
In our new home, we added vertical v-groove to both our downstairs bathroom and our mudroom. This accent wall adds some texture and wood paneling to these smaller spaces.
6. Wood Accent Walls
Wood accent walls bring warmth and character to any space. They are perfect for creating a rustic or farmhouse look, but can also be adapted for modern and eclectic styles.
Types of Wood Accent Walls
- Reclaimed Wood: Eco-friendly and full of character.
- Shiplap: Classic and versatile.
In our townhome powder bathroom, we added shiplap to the lower section of the walls to create an accent detail. This was the perfect way to add interest to the space.
Read: DIY Shiplap Accent Wall
7. Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns can make a bold statement on an accent wall. They add a modern touch and can be customized in endless ways.
In our daughter’s nursery, we created a feature wall by making a geometric pattern using small wood strips. I still love how this entire wall turned out and it was one of my favorite projects in that home.
Read: DIY Geometric Accent Wall
8. Artistic Murals
Murals can turn an accent wall into a piece of art. Whether you hire a professional artist or create your own design, a mural can reflect your personality and interests.
Ideas for Murals
- Nature Scenes: Trees, mountains, and florals.
- Abstract Art: Bold colors and shapes.
- Cityscapes: Your favorite city’s skyline or a cute whimsical city scene for a kid’s space.
While hand-painted murals can be beautiful, they aren’t always budget-friendly.
Try looking for murals that can be applied to a wall as peel-and-stick wallpaper. These are a popular trend right now and can be replaced down the line if your style changes.
9. Brick or Stone
Brick and stone accent walls add an industrial and timeless appeal. They work well in living rooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms.
Types of Brick and Stone Walls
- Exposed Brick: An exposed brick wall is great for lofts and industrial spaces.
- Painted Brick: Adds color while retaining texture.
- Stone Veneer: Lightweight and easier to install than real stone.
In our new home living room, we have a stone veneer fireplace. This acts as an accent wall in this space and creates a beautiful focal point for the entire room.
10. Tile Accent Walls
Tiles are a durable and decorative option for accent walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Tile adds so much visual interest to a space. It’s a great way to add both texture and interest to a space.
Types of Tile Accent Walls
- Subway Tiles: Classic and versatile.
- Mosaic Tiles: Add color and pattern.
- Ceramic Tiles: Durable and available in many styles.
In our new home, I created a tile accent wall in our kitchen on the wall above our sink. I decided to take the tile from the countertop all the way to the ceiling to create a ton of visual appeal.
Conclusion
Creating an accent wall is an easy way to add personality and style to any room in your home.
From bold paint colors to unique textures and wall paneling, there are so many options to make an accent wall the highlight of your room.
Whether you are looking to make a dramatic statement or add some character to your home, these ideas will help you create a space that feels uniquely yours.
Happy decorating!
FAQ
What is an accent wall?
An accent wall is a single wall within a room that is designed to stand out and attract attention, usually through color, texture, or pattern.
Where should I place an accent wall?
Accent walls work best on walls that are naturally focal points, such as behind a bed, sofa, or dining table.
Can I have more than one accent wall in a room?
While it’s possible, it’s usually best to stick with one accent wall per room to avoid overwhelming the space. You can add other interior design details instead to create even more interest in a space. For example, a gallery wall or a large art piece.
What colors work best for accent walls?
Bold, contrasting colors work well for accent walls, but it ultimately depends on your personal style and the room’s existing decor. Bright colors can also be beautiful accent colors against plain white walls.
Can I create an accent wall in a rental home?
Yes, options like removable wallpaper, wall decals, or even fabric panels are great for rentals since they can be easily removed without damaging the walls.
I’m looking on doing a board and batten wall in an entryway 15 foot wall. Do you recommend painting it the same as the wall color city left or the trim color which is a white??
hi! If you want to paint it a different color, I would also paint the trim to match.
>> Christene