
Go with a color that is darker than the other walls in the room. A darker hue will contrast with the lighter walls and pull eyes straight to it, which is what you want. A good rule of thumb is to paint the accent wall the same color as the other walls, but 2 shades darker.
Which wall is right for an accent wall?
Solid walls without openings, such as windows and doors, are ideal for accent walls. You may not want to accent a wall that has large, open windows that overlook beautiful scenery, as the accent color may distract rather than accentuate.
What are the "rules" for accent walls?
Which Wall Should Be The Accent Wall?
- Select a wall without windows. Windows will add backlight and make the color difficult to see. ...
- Start and end the wall on an inside corner. This makes the transitions more harmonious. ...
- Limit your accents to one per area or room, and consider the whole-house palette. ...
- Pull the accent color from an interesting feature in the room. ...
How to choose an accent wall?
Read on for inspiration and how-to guidance for a DIY accent wall you’ll love!
- Adding dimension to a room that has minimal architectural detail.
- Breaking up open floor plans, bright rooms, and rooms with high ceilings.
- Creating a specific mood, since color impacts how a space makes you feel.
What are the rules for painting accent walls?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Painting the Accent Wall
- Calculate how much paint you’ll need. Multiply the total width of the accent wall by the height of your ceiling.
- Remove the fixtures on the wall and put down protective tarp. Take off the outlet covers, fixtures, switch plates, and window coverings before you get started.
- Use painter's tape to create clean lines on the adjoining walls. ...

Is an accent wall darker or lighter?
Before you ask, let's get it out of the way: an accent wall is just one wall in a room that's painted a different color. Usually a much lighter, much darker, or more saturated color, but not always. An accent wall defines the room much more clearly than any one color applied to all four walls can.
Should an accent wall be darker or lighter than the other walls?
Go with a color that is darker than the other walls in the room. A darker hue will contrast with the lighter walls and pull eyes straight to it, which is what you want. A good rule of thumb is to paint the accent wall the same color as the other walls, but 2 shades darker.
Can an accent wall be lighter than the rest of the room?
Painting one accent wall a few shades lighter than the other walls of a small room can make your space seem larger and create much-needed depth. You are painting your finished basement. If you're painting an accent wall in your basement a lighter color, don't overlook the low ceiling.
When painting a room two colors which wall should be darker?
Paint walls opposite windows a cool, dark color to absorb light in too-bright rooms. If you want a brighter room, paint a dark color on the window wall with lighter colors opposite to reflect light back into the room.
What is the rule for accent walls?
Typically its best to follow the 60-30-10 rule which states that 60% of the room should be the dominant color, 30% should be the secondary color, and 10% should be an accent color. So when choosing a color you'll want something that's different from the 60% and 30% colors to make it pop.
What is the best color for an accent wall?
Blue is a great choice for an accent wall because it adds a soothing element to the room. Sherwin-Williams Searching Blue is a bold medium blue with cool undertones and is the perfect boost of color for your feature wall.
Should an accent wall be a darker color?
Most accent walls look best when they adjoin walls in a light to medium shade. Accent walls in an all-white room are stunning but tricky. The contrast of a bright accent wall against white walls can look very modern and even stark. Balance your strong accent wall color with neutral wall colors on the other walls.
Are accent walls in or out in 2021?
3. Out: Accent walls: Looking too distracting, easy to get bored with or even childish, accent walls are going to slowly be OUT in 2021, making room for monochromatic interiors. Try: Easy to take off wallpaper: Wallpaper is back with tons of prints you can choose from.
Are two tone walls outdated?
While we can expect this trend to lessen during the next few years, there's another painting style making its presence known again: The two-tone wall. The style has evolved from the traditional bottom wainscoting and contrasting wall top designs of yore, and this trend is coming into style once again with new twists.
Does painting one wall darker make a room look bigger?
Warm, dark colors advance towards us. For long narrow spaces, paint the opposing shorter walls a slightly darker (one or two shades) color than the two longer walls. That will make them feel closer, giving the image of a square shape.
Does a dark accent wall make a room look bigger?
Because they add extra details, accent walls break up the space, making it feel bigger the same way an area rug does to a floor. Even darker colors that would otherwise make a room feel smaller will make a room feel bigger when you use them for an accent wall.
Is it OK to paint 2 accent walls?
When it comes to accent walls, only one wall gets to be the accent wall. If you were to pick more than one, then it wouldn't have the same effect and you may as well paint the entire room. Because only one wall gets to be the accent wall, you must choose wisely.
Does painting one wall darker make a room look bigger?
Warm, dark colors advance towards us. For long narrow spaces, paint the opposing shorter walls a slightly darker (one or two shades) color than the two longer walls. That will make them feel closer, giving the image of a square shape.
Does a dark accent wall make a room look bigger?
Because they add extra details, accent walls break up the space, making it feel bigger the same way an area rug does to a floor. Even darker colors that would otherwise make a room feel smaller will make a room feel bigger when you use them for an accent wall.
Can you have 2 accent walls?
When it comes to accent walls, only one wall gets to be the accent wall. If you were to pick more than one, then it wouldn't have the same effect and you may as well paint the entire room. Because only one wall gets to be the accent wall, you must choose wisely.
What does a dark accent wall do to a room?
Dark colors read as receding from the viewer, so the accent wall visually enlarges the space (and sets up a nice contrast that can make the rest of the space seem brighter by comparison).
What is the best way to highlight an accent wall?
Paint is not the only way to highlight an accent wall. Wallpaper, stripes, metallic paint colors, or a specialty paint finish can be great ways to enhance your wall and make a powerful statement. Wallpaper is a terrific selection for any accent wall – especially in a smaller room.
Why do interior designers put accent walls in their rooms?
Accent walls are the only way to create a distinct and dramatic color difference so that the room will come alive to those who enter it.
What is an accent wall?
Accent walls are easy to create and can be quite stylish, with the accent color you choose. There are an unlimited amount of colors and hues to choose from for your accent wall. There’s even the option to add texture and dimension with special paint treatments or techniques.
Can you use a wall as an accent wall?
Using a wall of windows could also serve as an accent wall, but whatever color surrounds windows should not be darker, because it can create a bright light effect in the room and be distracting. RULE #3: Choose abstract and creative ways to cover the accent wall. Paint is not the only way to highlight an accent wall.
