25 Accent Wall Ideas for Every Room in Your Home These accent wall ideas demonstrate how to create a bold statement in any space without committing to the look on all four walls. By Mary Cornetta Mary Cornetta Mary Cornetta has been in the professional organizing industry for over 5 years. She knew she had a passion for decluttering and organization upon graduating Marist College in 2007, however, pursued it as a hobby instead of a career. All of that changed when Mary founded Sort and Sweet Inc on Long Island in 2017. Since then, she has worked hands-on and virtually with hundreds of clients to clear their clutter and create functional systems in their homes and offices. Mary runs the Sort and Sweet social media accounts, creating content and writing captions with organizing tips and inspiration for more than 12,000 followers. Recently relocated to Savannah, she continues to own and operate the business with the help of a talented team. Mary has been a weekly contributing writer for House Digest and has been interviewed as an expert by Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, and Health magazines. She is the owner of the blog, Organized Overall, in which she details how she creates organization in her home. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on July 26, 2024 Close Credit: Hector Sanchez An accent wall brings creativity to a space on a digestible scale. If you’re starting a remodel or experimenting with your interior style, this design element is an excellent way to incorporate color, pattern, and texture without overwhelming the room. Accent wall ideas can utilize paint, wallpaper, molding, and more, granting freedom, flexibility, and individuality when designing the focal point in your desired aesthetic. Whether you're kicking off a bathroom renovation or refreshing your bedroom color scheme, these accent wall ideas should help drum up some inspiration. 01 of 25 Molding for Pattern and Texture Credit: Jay Wilde Want to incorporate pattern and texture in your room design but don't like the idea of wallpaper? Consider using molding instead. There are many unique motifs to execute with molding, both large-scale patterns and smaller, more subtle designs, depending on how minimal or intricate you want the accent wall to be. After your molding is tacked to the wall, cover it with a solid coat of paint for a seamless, refined finish. 02 of 25 Tiled Alcove for Small Spaces Credit: Kim Cornelison If you're working with a small-sized room, you may need to get especially creative with your accent wall ideas. To spruce up a spare bedroom with a reach-in closet or a bathroom with an alcove, tile the walls in the recessed space. Here, a bathroom alcove with a standing tub is outfitted with small cork tiles that strikingly contrast the white walls throughout the rest of the bathroom. 20 Bathroom Wall Tile Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation 03 of 25 Modernized Rustic Wood Paneling Credit: John Bessler Wood paneling can look quite modern and sophisticated when paired with sleek, contemporary touches. In this bedroom, the natural material is elevated by the black-and-white color scheme and industrial decor. A matching wood bedframe and nightstands, as well as a cozy fur rug, create cohesion with the rustic accent wall and contrast with the polished metal pieces. 30 Wall Paneling Ideas That Add Instant Character to Any Room 04 of 25 Wood Slats with a Unique Layout Credit: John Granen Whereas the rustic wood accent wall mentioned above utilizes a traditional horizontal layout, this inlaid slat feature comprises refined planks in a modern chevron configuration. The light wood stain and subtle variation in tone create a dimensional look, and the sanded and polished planks lend more of an earthy, organic aesthetic than a rustic one. It's a great example of an accent wall incorporating wood without leaning into a country decor style. How to Stain Wood Trim for a Beautiful Long-Lasting Finish 05 of 25 Patterned Paper to Enhance Textural Elements Credit: Hector Sanchez One of the hallmarks of tropical interior style is texture, and a patterned accent wall is very complementary to textural decor. Here, palm leaf wallpaper enhances a jute rug and wood chest. Additionally, the dark-hued paper contrasts lighter elements in the bedroom, including the pink headboard, neutral bedding, and adjacent soft teal walls, for further visual interest. 52 Wallpaper Ideas for Every Room and Style 06 of 25 Simple Painted Mural Credit: Carson Downing This accent wall idea is sweet and simple. When you think of a mural, you might see a complex, sprawling piece of art in your mind—but a mural can be as basic as a single painted object on a solid colored background. Here, a white living room wall provides a neutral backdrop for an oversized flower motif that'll spark conversation with guests. 12 Genius Uses for Leftover Sample Paint 07 of 25 Frame a Mural with Millwork Credit: Hector Sanchez In contrast to the simple mural above, this living room accent wall idea involves a more intricate, larger-than-life art piece. Install a wallpaper mural in the center of your desired wall, then frame it with detailed wood molding for a museum-esque look. This monochromatic mural takes up almost the entire entryway wall and gives the home a boutique atmosphere. Molding & Trim 08 of 25 Bold Paint with Contrasting Decor Credit: James Nathan Schroeder One of the easiest accent wall ideas to execute is a bold-colored wall outfitted with contrasting decor. In this cozy farmhouse bedroom, the accent wall is painted matte black and hung with predominantly white artwork and beige hats. A white shiplap headboard and terra-cotta accents further contrast the dark paint for a budget-friendly, minimal-effort statement wall. Soft Black Paint Colors with Just the Right Amount of Drama 09 of 25 Two-Tone Paint Scheme Credit: Brie Williams Create a stunning accent wall and make your ceilings appear taller with a two-tone paint scheme. Black and white paint paired with gold decor lends a luxuriously modern feel to this bedroom. The two-tone accent wall is further elevated with box trim, which gives the space an additional sophisticated touch. To make ceilings appear taller, always use the darker paint shade on the lower portion of the wall. Two-Tone Walls Are a Low-Lift, Big-Impact Paint Option 10 of 25 Themed Patterned Paper Credit: Edmund Barr One of the best accent wall ideas is to install a patterned wallpaper that highlights the theme of a room. Here, a nautical-themed kid’s bedroom is enhanced with an ocean motif wallpaper. The blue-and-white patterned wall is the focal point of this shared bedroom, complementing other nautical decor touches and the boat hull-esque ceiling. The 6 Best Removable Wallpaper Brands for a Hassle-Free Room Makeover 11 of 25 Tile and Wainscoting Credit: Jay Wilde Wainscoting is an excellent way to make any room feel more elegant and timeless, and adding a tiled component to the wall above is a fantastic modern touch. In this playful entryway, a slate tile adorned with scattered stars lends a whimsical aesthetic to the otherwise classic space. The grayscale tile compliments the black marble flooring while a star-shaped light fixture pays homage to the solar shapes on the wall. How to Install an Interior Board-and-Batten Wall 12 of 25 Wallpaper Background Built-Ins Credit: Jay Wilde If you have built-ins in your kitchen, dining area, mudroom, or any other space in your home, give them a customized boutique look by wallpapering the back of the units. Here, a delicate floral wallpaper makes the nook an inviting focal point. The color scheme of the paper coordinates with the gray tone of the cabinetry and its rose gold hardware, as well as the blush-colored tile surrounding the built-ins. How to Use IKEA Furniture for Built-In Storage 13 of 25 Chalk Paint for a Faux Wallpaper Look Credit: Jay Wilde Calling all avid DIYers who love an easy project: Of all the accent wall ideas on this list, this is one of the biggest impact concepts with the most minimal effort required. Create a one-of-a-kind accent wall by drawing a pattern on a painted wall with chalk paint. The beauty of this design is that it doesn't have to be perfect—you don't have to be an artist to mimic the wallpapered look. For the most visible chalk paint accent wall, choose a dark colored wall paint and a light toned chalk paint. 31 Creative DIY Paint Projects to Personalize Your Home Decor 14 of 25 Geometric Pop Credit: Edmund Barr Simple yet stylish, a pair of painted geometric shapes above a bed makes for a minimalistic yet enticing accent wall. Here, the abstract art takes the place of a traditional headboard, centering the bed and providing visual interest. The peach and mauve color-blocked scheme adds a splash of color to the largely neutral-toned space, and colorful throw pillows echo the subtle burst of pigment. Two-Tone Walls Are a Low-Lift, Big-Impact Paint Option 15 of 25 Nature-Inspired Accent Wall Credit: Adam Albright There are several ways to bring the outdoors indoors via decor, including nature-themed wallpaper. In this children's bedroom, a colorful forest flower wallpaper compliments wildlife-themed decor, ruffled bedding, and a wooden nightstand. The busy paper pattern is balanced by solid-colored decorative elements and large graphic imagery, and a consistent color scheme further weaves continuity through the whimsical room. The Forestcore Aesthetic Brings Nature Indoors in a Majorly Cozy Way 16 of 25 Wanderlust Wall Credit: Brie Williams If traveling is a core part of your identity, all other accent wall ideas will be put to shame by this wanderlust wall concept. There are several ways to execute this accent wall: Create a cohesive look by installing a map-print wallpaper, or use wall adhesive to hang mismatched thrifted maps for a collaged look. Personalize the accent wall by using pins to mark destinations you hope to visit and fasten photos to the map to display memories from places previously explored. 20 Travel-Inspired Decorating Ideas to Evoke Your Favorite Destination 17 of 25 Shiplap for Coastal Concepts Credit: Jason Donnelly Shiplap is generally considered a farmhouse decor trend, but this accent wall idea gives it a coastal twist. White shiplap planks are mounted to one accent wall while another stands out thanks to its rich cobalt paint. Though the bedroom is relatively small, the two feature walls and accompanying oceanic decor give it a cozy, distinguished feel. Your Shiplap Is Outdated—Here's How to Freshen It Up 18 of 25 Pair Wallpaper with Colorful Paint Credit: David A. Land A bold accent wall doesn't have to pair with plain-colored walls. Here, the statement wall is covered in blue floral wallpaper and the rest of the room (including the ceiling!) is painted a complementary shade of deep blue to match. An orange headboard puts the finishing touch on a tasteful bedroom that's brimming with colorful personality. 24 Complementary Color Schemes That Will Make Any Room Pop 19 of 25 Black Backdrop for Bold Color Credit: Anna D. Schlechter Refine your midcentury modern space with a matte black accent wall. Here, black window casing and trim balance the darkness of the black-painted accent wall while the surrounding white walls lend bright juxtaposition. The wall paint sets the stage for various colorful decor pieces to shine, including multi-hued throw blankets, vibrant turquoise planters, and a blush pink rug. How to Choose the Best Black Paint Colors for Bold, Beautiful Walls 20 of 25 Abstract Mural Credit: Carson Downing Like the patterned chalk paint concept, this is an accent wall idea you can DIY with minimal artistic skills. Sketch some parallel squiggly lines across your wall using a pencil, then paint over the blank space between the lines in a shade that stands out against the primary wall color. This color scheme is particularly captivating—a neutral sand shade compliments the peach undertones of a neon coral, and both colors coordinate superbly with the overall desert decor theme. How to Use the Color Wheel to Pick the Right Palette for Any Room 21 of 25 Woodsy Shiplap Wall Credit: Anne D. Schlechter Mimic summer camp vibes in a kid's bedroom with this woodsy shiplap accent wall. The dark-toned, unrefined planks are reminiscent of a cabin, and the bunk beds and lantern sconces further contribute to the camp aesthetic. Rustic wood furniture ties the shiplap wall into the rest of the room for a statement that subtly echoes throughout the space. 18 Creative Boys' Bedroom Ideas for a Fun and Personalized Space 22 of 25 Color Block Walls Credit: Laura Moss Consider this multi-hued, color-blocked expanse if you're looking for accent wall ideas that make a striking statement. The playful concept combines contrasting pastel shades in a geometric grid with a neutral outline. It's a perfect accent wall idea for a kid's or teen's bedroom. 14 Charming Ways to Decorate with Pastel Colors 23 of 25 Interactive Entryway Credit: PANICHGUL STUDIOS Great for families and those who frequently host guests, a chalk wall in the entryway is an extremely unique, interactive accent wall idea. Rather than use a family command center calendar, jot down important appointments, grocery lists, and loving (or silly) notes for one another on your way in and out of the house. Guests can also sign the wall and pen their own messages to you as a fun way to document memories. Store and display chalk in a glass canister for easy access and a kitschy decorative touch. 20 Entryway Decor Ideas to Greet Guests in Style 24 of 25 Wallpaper for Relaxing Ambiance Credit: David A. Land If you're toying with ideas for a bathroom refresh, consider this accent wall concept for a subtle spa feel. Warm, neutral tones and greenery facilitate a relaxing ambiance, and a driftwood forest wallpaper heightens the sensation of serenity. Organic decorative touches and a green tile floor creatively bring the outdoors inside in this bathroom oasis. 27 Earthy Color Palettes for a Beautiful Home 25 of 25 Geometric Graphic Installation Credit: Helen Elizabeth Norman Add character to a blank wall with this graphic accent installation that uses overlapping hexagons for a geometric, pixilated look. Outline your design using a hexagonal stencil, then fill the shapes with various complementary paint shades. Alternatively, you can get the same look by cutting hexagons from removable wallpaper sheets, which may be ideal for renters. 34 Apartment Decorating Ideas to Make Your Rental Feel Like Home Explore more: Decorating Color Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit