Choosing Which Wall Should Be Painted As An Accent Wall

Accent walls are a fantastic way to add character, visual interest, and a touch of flair to the rooms in your home. How do you decide which wall should be the accent wall? There are a variety of factors to consider, including the room’s size, layout, and design. Here’s a closer look at choosing which wall should be painted as an accent wall. 

What is an Accent Wall?

An accent wall is a single wall in a room that has a different color, texture, or pattern than the other walls in the room, making it stand out. It serves as a focal point and draws your attention, as well adds a creative touch to the room. The use of accent walls in interior home design is highly versatile, allowing you to experiment with various styles and themes to suit your taste.

How to Choose the Ideal Accent Wall

When identifying the perfect accent walls in your house, there are a few factors to consider.

First, choose an interior room you’d like to paint, such as the living room. Then, pinpoint the room’s dominant wall. Typically, this is the one that draws the most attention, like the one directly opposite the entrance. Painting this as your accent wall will create a stunning first impression and set the tone for the rest of the space.

You can also choose a wall with architectural interest, such as unique molding, an exposed brick surface, a fireplace, or interesting texture. Adding an accent color will highlight these features and elevate the room’s overall appearance.

Another option is to select the wall that serves as a backdrop for key furniture pieces, such as the wall behind a bed or a sofa. By doing so, you’ll naturally draw attention to the furniture and create a cohesive look.

Evaluate Characteristics of the Living Room or Other Interior Space

When choosing an accent wall, it’s important to consider the unique characteristics of the room, such as its size and layout. A smaller room will benefit from an accent wall with a lighter paint color, which can make the space feel more open. A larger room can handle bolder and darker hues without making the room feel cramped. Additionally, take note of the natural light and artificial lighting in the room. Well-lit rooms can handle more intense colors, while rooms with limited lighting may require a lighter color. 

Accent walls make great additions to a variety of interior rooms in your home, including the living room, dining room, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other living spaces. You can even paint the ceiling! Add an accent wall to one room or several rooms or living spaces to achieve the desired look for your home’s interior. 

Design with Balance and Flow in Mind

While the accent wall is meant to stand out, it should also complement the room’s overall design. Strive to achieve a sense of balance with the accent wall, ensuring that it doesn’t overpower the rest of the space. The goal is to strike a visual harmony between the accent wall and the other walls, furniture, and decor.

One way to do this is by choosing a wall color that is already present in the room’s decor. Look at the colors in your furniture, rugs, artwork, and other decorations to find a color that would work well for the accent wall. This creates a sense of continuity and ensures that the accent wall blends seamlessly with the existing items in the space.

Pick the Right Accent Color

When designing your accent wall, color is key. The color of paint you choose can make or break the overall look and feel of the room. When selecting a color for your accent wall, keep two primary objectives in mind – complementing the existing color scheme and creating contrast with the other walls.

To complement the room’s current color palette, choose a shade that works well with the dominant colors in the space. If your room has neutral color, consider adding a pop of color with a vibrant accent wall. On the other hand, if the room already has bold colors, opt for a more subdued color to maintain balance.

Consider Patterns and Textures

While painting accent features a solid color is a common choice, you can also use patterns and textures to add an extra layer of visual interest. Patterns like stripes, chevron stripes, or geometric shapes can inject energy and personality into the room. Texture can be added to accent walls through techniques like stenciling, rag rolling, faux finishing, or wallpapering, which add depth and warmth to the space. For a truly unique effect, consider combining colors, patterns, and textures. 

Testing Wall Color Samples

Once you’ve chosen the accent wall, it’s time to pick a color of paint! When choosing a color, it’s important to always test paint samples on the wall before committing to the final color. Different lighting can change how a color appears in the house, so look at the paint in both natural light and artificial light. Comparing multiple samples side by side can also help you make a decision. Be sure not to rush this process, as taking the time to look at different paint samples in different lighting can help ensure you choose the color that looks best in your home.

Preparing the Walls for Paint

Before you start painting, prepare the accent wall to ensure a smooth and flawless finish. Start by cleaning the surface to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. This helps the paint stick to the surface. Repair any imperfections, such as cracks or holes, and sand down the surface to create a uniform canvas. Applying a coat of primer is essential, as it helps the paint adhere to the wall and enhances the richness and depth of the color.

Wall and Ceiling Painting Techniques

When it comes to painting, precision is key. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or the ceiling, use painter’s tape to create clean and sharp edges. Choose the right brushes and rollers based on the texture of your walls and the type of paint you’re using. Depending on the intensity of the color and the coverage you desire, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.

Adding Final Touches

Once your accent wall is painted and dry, it’s time to add the finishing touches to complete the look. Accessorize the room with decorative elements that complement the accent wall. This could include throw pillows, curtains, rugs, or artwork that echo the wall’s color or theme. Consider arranging furniture in a way that highlights the accent wall. Position key pieces of furniture against or near the accent wall to draw attention to it and enhance its impact on your space.

Find Professional Painters

Adding an accent wall to your interior home decor can completely transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary. By carefully selecting the right wall, color, and design, you can create a captivating space that reflects your personality and style. Remember to consider the room’s characteristics, experiment with colors and patterns, and take the time to test and prepare before painting.

Don’t want to do it all yourself? Hire professional painters to paint the rooms for you. At Classic Papering & Painting, Inc., we offer interior painting services to help make your home look its best. We use high-quality paint products known for being durable, and our team is skilled at professional painting techniques to achieve outstanding results. We can even share paint ideas and help you choose paint colors for your accent walls and the rooms in your home. Contact us to get a free estimate.