Decorating Ideas for Painting an Accent Wall

Wall Selection

• A wall that features an architectural element, such as a fireplace or built-in shelves, is an ideal wall for an accent wall. The largest wall in a room or the wall that is first seen upon entering a room is another candidate for an accent wall. Another candidate is a wall that features a key piece of furniture, such as a bed or sofa, or, as mentioned previously, a collection.

Paint Selection

• An accent wall may feature a solid color of paint. For example, while hot pink may be too bright to use in an entire room, but displaying it on an accent wall adds a brilliant pop of color to the space and immediately draws the eye to the wall. Alternatively, the accent wall be painted with a mural or feature a special painting technique, such as sponge painting or glazing.

Remaining Walls

• While they aren't a part of the accent wall, the room's remaining walls add to the visual interest of the accent wall and to the room as a whole. Neutral or muted paint colors are appropriate for the space's remaining walls. White, eggshell or a lighter shade of the color you feature on the accent wall are all ideal options to use on the rest of the walls in the room. Avoid using a color that competes with the accent wall's color or its painting technique because it will detract from the accent wall's appearance.

Arrangement of Items

• Arranging items on the accent wall completes its look. If the accent wall features an architectural element, such as a fireplace, then add items that help make that element pop, such as a mantle topped with decorative accessories and a mirror or painting hung on the wall above the mantle. Shelves showcase collections and other meaningful items effectively on an accent wall. Hanging the items directly on the accent wall in an attractive arrangement is another effective option.