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There’s no question about it; adding an accent wall to your home is a great way to draw the eye. But choosing the right wall material can be overwhelming.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some of the best tips for creating accent walls, and how to install them safely and easily. We’ll also discuss some of the different types of feature walls and their various benefits, so you can find the perfect option for your home.
So whether you’re looking to add a splash of colour or simply want to spruce up your home, these tips will help you get started.
What is an Accent Wall?
Think of it as a decorative wall that’s used to add extra visual interest and depth to a room. You can apply it in any space but is particularly popular in the living room, kitchen and bedroom.
You can create them using different materials or different colour paint on one wall than the rest of the room. They can be used to add personality to an area, or simply to create a statement.
There are many different ways to create a feature wall, and there is no wrong way to go about it. You just need to take into account your particular needs and preferences when designing yours.
Are Accent Walls Outdated?
There’s no doubt – accent walls add a touch more glamour and personality to any room than any old boring white wall. However, are our feature walls outdated?
As long as you’re using the right type of panelling or wall colour, there’s no reason why your design can’t be a modern and stylish addition to any room. Many people are now choosing bold colours as their main focal point in rooms instead of traditional paintings or framed photos.
How to Choose an Accent Wall?
You are spoiled for choice when you want to create a stunning accent. You can choose one that matches the theme of your room or one that’s unique and eye-catching.
Whatever option you choose, make sure that it’s going to complement the rest of the decor in your room and add some visual interest. Also, be sure to measure the space where your new wall is going to be before deciding so that you know exactly how much material you’ll need. It is also advised to consult with professional painters in Dublin – like Painting in Colour – for expert advice on what could work best for you.
Consider the Natural Focal Point of the Room
Before you start slathering on paint, it’s important to consider the room’s natural focal point. This will help you choose the right kind of wallpaper or paint accent colours that will create the desired look.
Every room has a different natural eye-catcher – for example, a living room with a large TV might have a different focal point than a bedroom with fewer objects. Once you’ve determined your room’s natural point of interest, you can look for accents that align with that focus.
If your focal is in the centre of the room, you might want to choose a wall that is wide and bold in colour. If your focus is on the edges of the room, you might prefer smaller, more delicate designs. As long as they complement and enhance your room, any type of accent can be a great addition to your home!
Consider the Rooms Dimensions
Before we get started, the size of the room is a major factor to consider.
One thing to keep in mind is that most accent walls are designed to be either full-length or half-length.
Full-length walls are usually wider than they are tall, while half-length walls are usually taller than they are wide. This is because they look best when they’re placed against a wall in a central location and used as part of the overall design scheme.
When it comes to choosing wallpaper, for instance, it’s important to think about the look you to achieve. Some popular choices include natural fabrics, raw wood textures, and earthy tones. You can also choose something more elaborate and dramatic if you’d prefer, like a geometric pattern or an abstract design.
Finally, remember that a border around your accent can add some extra complexity to your design. There are many different styles available, so you’re sure to find something that suits your unique personality and home décor perfectly!
Consider the Rooms Function
Another important point to ponder is the room’s function. Some of the most common places where you’d consider a feature wall include:
- A bedroom accent wall – Wall hangings or accessories can help set the tone and mood for your bedroom, and they can also help you to organize and decorate it more easily.
- As a hallway or entryway – Add a touch of drama and flair with colourful accents that will draw attention inward.
- In a living room – The best accent walls can add life and character to a drab space. The right paint colour can draw the eye to where you want it, and highlight precious heirlooms and decorative pieces.
- In any other room in the house – We know this doesn’t narrow it down, but use your imagination!
Consider the Room’s Architectural Details
Before you add a splash of colour to your accent walls, it’s important to consider all the architectural features. This will help you decide which type of accent is best for your room.
Some of the most important factors to consider are the size and shape of the room, as well as its ceiling and flooring. You’ll also want to factor in how you plan on using the wall – whether it’s for decoration, insulation or both.
Consider the Room’s Architectural Details
Before you add a splash of colour to your accent walls, it’s important to consider all the architectural features. This will help you decide which type of accent is best for your room.
Some of the most important factors to consider are the size and shape of the room, as well as its ceiling and flooring. You’ll also want to factor in how you plan on using the wall – whether it’s for decoration, insulation or both.
Consider Furniture Arrangement
Before you choose an accent wall design, it’s important to consider the furniture arrangement. You don’t want things clashing or looking cluttered, so you’ll need to find a way to fit everything in while still keeping the look cohesive.
Some ideas for arranging furniture around an accent wall include:
- Putting large pieces of furniture on one side and smaller pieces on the other side. This will create a balance and division of space, while still keeping everything within view.
- Arranging furniture around a central point (like a painting or sculpture). This will give the wall some personality and make it pop,
- Use storage shelves or baskets to hold accessories and decor. This will minimize clutter and make it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Accent Wall Ideas
Now that you understand all the most important factors you need to consider, let’s have a look at the different types of wall materials and styles to choose from.
The Painted Accent Wall
Dark accents (or at least a shade darker than your current wall) are a great way to add a bit of personality to any room. Indeed, the right colour can brighten any room and make the space feel more inviting.
Here are a few ideas on how to make your wall pop:
- Opt for vibrant colours to create a fun and exciting atmosphere.
- Go for a more subtle approach and opt for darker colours to give the wall a sense of sophistication.
- Choose patterns or geometric designs to add interest.
The Patterned Option
This is a bold choice, so before you choose a patterned wall, be sure to consider the overall look of the room. If the wall clashes with the other furniture or decorations, it will look out of place and unprofessional. Additionally, make sure that the pattern is large enough so that it’s easy to see from far away but not too overwhelming or distracting.
The Material Option
Other materials often used for accent walls are plasterboard, tile, metal, stone, and wood panelling. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages:
- Plasterboard is affordable but can be difficult to install and needs protection from moisture.
- Tile is easy to install but may require extra maintenance (like cleaning).
- Metal is strong and durable but can be heavy and noisy when installed.
- Stone is expensive but very long-lasting (if installed correctly).
The Wood Panel Option
The most popular material for this purpose is wood. Wood is affordable, easy to work with, and looks beautiful when painted or stained in the right hue. However, it’s not the best choice if you want your wall to last for years – moisture damage can cause it to rot. Wood is though an excellent choice for architectural freedom and for creating an artful natural look.
Statement Pieces
If you’re looking to make the design personal or want to go for a statement piece that will instantly inject some personality into the room, then a stunning accent wall is the perfect solution. There are a variety of different ways to go about creating an accent wall, and it can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.
One popular option is to use painted wood panels or tiles as your foundation. Then, you can choose from a range of different paint colours and designs to create a unique look for your room. You could also choose to use decorative items like mirrors, art pieces, or statues to add even more visual appeal.
Gallery Accents
The gallery accent is a great way to personalise to any room. It’s easy to put together and can be customised in several ways to match your specific needs. A gallery wall will require you to invest in multiple frames, paintings, or photos to stick to the overall ‘’Gallery” look.
Mural Accent Wall
There are a variety of ways you can go about creating an accent mural. You could choose to paint it yourself if you fancy yourself an artist, or have a professional do it for you. You could also buy premade murals or create your own using custom wallpaper and adhesives.
Whatever route you decide on, make sure that you select the right size and style for your wall. Too small of a mural will be lost in the background, while too large of one will dominate the space and look sloppy. Also, pay attention to the surrounding furniture and flooring so that your mural doesn’t clash with them.
Accent Colour Ideas
There’s no one right way to decorate your accent wall, as it can be customized to fit the style and personality of your home. However, some popular choices for wall colours include neutrals like white or grey, bright colours like red or orange, and patterns.
When deciding on your accent wall colour, it’s important to keep in mind the overall style of your room. For example, if your room is neutral in tone, then a light-coloured accessory like wallpaper or paint might work best. If your room is more colourful or ornate, then a darker colour may be better suited. And finally, if you’re looking for a patterned wall, you’ll likely want to go with something that isn’t too loud or busy.
The Dark-Coloured Accent Wall
Some people think that dark-coloured accents look more luxurious and sophisticated than lighter-coloured ones. Though this is a personal preference, there are some good reasons why darker accent walls might be a better choice.
First of all, dark colours absorb more light than other colours, which means they create a shadow effect in a room. This can make the room appear denser and more upscale. In addition, darker accents also tend to harmonize better with other elements in the room, such as furniture and flooring. This makes them look more integrated and natural.
If you’re looking for a subtle way to add sophistication and glamour to your home, then dark-coloured accent walls might be the way to go.
The Boldly- Coloured Accent Wall
If you’re looking for a bold and colourful accent wall to add some personality to your home, then you might want to consider walls in shades of blue or green. These colours create a calm and welcoming atmosphere, which is perfect for any room in your home.
To get the best results, make sure that you choose high-quality materials that won’t fade or need constant care. You can also choose to have your accent wall installed by a professional contractor who will know how to deal with difficult surfaces like laminate or tiles. And finally, don’t forget to choose an appropriate frame that will fit the style of your home and complement the colours of your wall.
The Soft-Hue Accent Wall
Soft-hue accent walls are designed to provide a soft and elegant look. They come in various colours that mimic the natural hues found in nature. They are often used as an addition to other types of walls, such as brick or wood, to give them a more refined look.
Though accent walls can be an initial expense, they are a great way to add personality and elegance to any room. They also make a great backdrop for photos or artwork and can help create a cohesive design scheme throughout your home. So if you’re looking for an affordable way to add some dimension and style to your home, then an accent wall is worth considering!
For the Best Results
The most important takeaway is to plan in advance if you want to take the DIY accent wall approach. However, if you are in doubt, get in contact with experienced professionals in Dublin – Painting in Colour. By consulting with a professional you can get the perfect accent wall for your home with no compromise on quality.
Get the best advice for what will work best with your particular space and what colour, pattern, or style would suit your environment better with your free consultation. We will work closely with you to bring your vision alive. As Kathryn Irelenad quipped;
“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.”
Robert Martinak is a Painting Technology Specialist with over 30 years of experience in the field. He is based in Dublin, Ireland and has extensive knowledge and expertise in the application and management of painting projects.
