How to Break Up a Long Wall

Select two colors for the wall. Make sure that one shade is darker than the other, such as rich cream and light mocha.

Measure the length of the wall then split it into equal-size sections. For example, if the wall is 50 feet long, split it into five sections that measure 10 feet each. If you have an uneven number of sections on the wall, decide whether you want three dark and two light sections, or vice versa. Mark the dividing lines onto the wall with a pencil and apply masking tape around the alternate sections.

Paint the lighter color onto the wall first as this makes brush cleaning much easier. Remove the masking tape and allow the paint to dry. Apply masking tape onto the newly painted sections and paint the remaining areas with the darker paint. To create extra texture on the wall, combine paint and wallpaper, or faux paint finishes.

Hang wall art on either the darker or lighter sections of the wall. This could be one large painting on each alternate section or a group of smaller paintings or photographs. Alternatively, use floating shelves on alternating sections of the wall to display items appropriate for the decor of the room. If the long wall is in a large space, rather than a narrow corridor, hang artwork on the lighter sections and attach floating shelves to the darker sections, or vice versa.

Use accent murals, such as decorative niches or a faux window looking out over a country garden or Mediterranean villa. These can be used either as an alternative to hanging wall art or alongside it. Install a curtain pole above a faux window mural and drape it with a soft fabric, such as tulle or gossamer, to create "window" dressings.

Position furniture along the wall. For a lounge area, place a sofa against the wall and create a seating area around it by positioning secondary seating at right angles to the sofa. Alternatively, hang a flat-screen television on the wall. In a long hallway, use furniture, such as bookcases, display cabinets, tall potted plants and floor lamps, to help break up a long wall.