An accent wall’s main function is to provide contrast to a space. It’s an easy and affordable way to express yourself and breathe life into a room. It will look great just about anywhere in your home—if you do it right. Here are some general rules to keep in mind if you’re considering adding one.
Do Give Wallpaper or Contact Paper a Try
Wallpaper is durable, easy to maintain and relatively simple to install. And we’re not talking that outdated floral wallpaper in your grandmother’s bedroom—wallpaper these days is much more stylish, and there are endless design options for you to choose from.
Do Add Accessories
If you pick a solid color for your accent wall, you may want to add some artwork to create a gallery wall. This will make the wall stand out and make even more of a statement. A big mirror centered on the accent wall will look nice, too, depending on the purpose of the room.
Don’t Be Afraid of Bold Colors and Patterns
Lively colors and unique patterns are what make accent walls special, so don’t shy away from them. Follow the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of the room is the dominant color, 30% is the secondary color and 10% is an accent color. For the accent color, choose something that’s completely different than the dominant and secondary colors to make it pop.
Don’t Chose the Wrong Wall
If you pick a solid color for your accent, when deciding which wall you’d like to accent the room, it’s important that you choose the right one. You’ll want to go for the wall that naturally catches your attention when you enter the space. It should be mostly uninterrupted and rectangular. You’ll want minimal obstruction from windows and doors, unless they provide symmetry to the wall.