Adding an Accent Wall Can Enhance Your Space

If you’re about to paint the inside of your home, you’re probably going to simply paint all of the walls in the same color. This is all well and good, and is a tried-and-tested method, but if you add an accent or feature wall to certain living spaces, you can really enhance those rooms. So what options do you have and what should you avoid to get the most out of your accent wall?

Bright or Neutral?

It makes sense to paint walls in a neutral shade such as white. This doesn’t draw the eye or cause visual confusion. Lighter colors also tend to open up the visual field more. When it comes to accent or feature walls, though, different rules apply.

Most accent walls are painted in vibrant colors but this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case at all. In fact, lots of people paint three of the walls in a neutral color and then paint an accent wall with a neutral color that harmonizes with the other three walls.

For example, you might paint three of the walls in a warm white color and then paint a feature wall in a slightly darker shade, such as light chestnut. This warm color harmonizes with the warm white but also sets it apart and creates depth within the space.

In this context, neutral colors can be enhancers in a room when you paint one accent wall in a matching but darker tone of similar hue. Therefore, you need to consider the color of the three walls in a room before deciding on an accent wall color.

What About Textures and Patterns?

If the accent wall is without features, adding some texture to it can really enhance the space and create some visual interest. Large spaces especially can really benefit from textured paints such as a roughened surface.

If the accent wall already has features such as a window or door, make sure that you don’t dominate the space with darker accent colors. Stick to neutral, harmonizing tones here in order to frame the wall or door and make it part of the feature or pattern of the wall.

It is also possible to use pinstripe patterns to accent a wall. This may not work in a small room but it can really add dimension to a large space and create more visual depth. You may also want to consider metallic paints for a very different look.

Making it Work for You

An accent wall should be about creating visual depth, working with other colors and décor in the room, and drawing the eye to certain spaces. In the living room, for example, an accent wall can be used behind couches and other furniture to create an inviting living space.

What you should not do, however, is go for very dark accent colors in a small room. You should also check a color wheel first before choosing an accent color. Make sure that what you choose works with the colors in the rest of the room.