An accent wall is a powerful way to give a room a bold new look without a full redesign. It’s the perfect way to highlight a focal point, add personality, or experiment with color and texture. Even better, creating an accent wall is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in a weekend and customized to your style.
Whether you’re aiming for a modern, rustic, or eclectic vibe, these DIY accent wall ideas will help you completely transform your space.
1. Paint a Bold Statement Wall
Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to create an accent wall. A fresh coat of color can completely change the mood of a room.
Steps to Paint a Statement Wall
- Choose a Color: Select a bold, contrasting hue that complements the rest of the room.
- Examples: Deep navy, emerald green, mustard yellow, or charcoal gray.
- Prep the Wall: Clean the wall and tape off edges to protect adjoining walls and trim.
- Paint: Apply at least two coats for full coverage, letting each coat dry completely.
- Optional Finishing Touches: Add decorative elements like stenciled patterns, geometric shapes, or ombre effects.
Painted accent walls are perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or dining areas and can highlight furniture like a bed, sofa, or dining table.
2. Install a Shiplap Wall for Rustic Charm
Shiplap adds a cozy, farmhouse vibe to any room. This wooden paneling is simple to install and creates a classic, textured look.
How to Create a Shiplap Wall
- Gather Materials: Use wooden planks, plywood strips, or peel-and-stick shiplap panels for convenience.
- Prepare the Wall: Clean the surface and locate the studs using a stud finder.
- Attach the Planks: Start from the bottom and work your way up, nailing or screwing each plank into the studs. Use a spacer (like a nickel) between planks for even gaps.
- Finish: Sand and paint or stain the planks for your desired look.
Shiplap walls work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms for a cozy, rustic feel.
3. Try a Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Accent Wall
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a renter-friendly and hassle-free way to create an accent wall. It’s available in a wide variety of patterns, colors, and textures.
How to Apply Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
- Choose a Pattern: Opt for designs like floral, geometric, brick, or marble that fit your style.
- Prep the Wall: Clean the wall and ensure it’s smooth and dry.
- Apply the Wallpaper: Start at the top corner, carefully aligning the edges. Smooth out air bubbles with a squeegee or credit card.
- Trim Excess Paper: Use a utility knife to cleanly trim the edges around outlets, baseboards, or ceilings.
This is a perfect solution for those who want a dramatic change without a long-term commitment.
4. Create a Wood Accent Wall
Wood panels or planks add warmth and texture to any room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
How to Build a Wood Accent Wall
- Choose Your Wood: Use reclaimed wood, new planks, or even faux wood panels.
- Cut and Sand: Trim the planks to size and sand the edges for a smooth finish.
- Attach the Wood: Use nails, screws, or adhesive to attach the wood to the wall. Arrange the planks horizontally, vertically, or even in a herringbone pattern for added flair.
- Stain or Seal: Apply a stain or clear finish to enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
Wood accent walls work well in bedrooms, dining rooms, or entryways for a rustic, modern, or industrial look.
5. Use Molding to Add Depth
Molding is an elegant way to add dimension and visual interest to your walls. You can create a grid, board-and-batten, or wainscoting design.
Steps for a Molding Accent Wall
- Plan Your Design: Sketch out a layout for the molding. Popular patterns include geometric grids, rectangles, or vertical battens.
- Cut the Molding: Use a miter saw to cut the molding pieces to size.
- Attach the Molding: Nail or glue the molding to the wall. Use a level to ensure straight lines.
- Paint: Paint the entire wall (molding and all) in a single color for a seamless look.
This technique adds elegance to living rooms, dining rooms, or offices.
6. Add Texture with a Faux Brick Wall
A faux brick wall brings an industrial or vintage vibe to your space.
How to Create a Faux Brick Wall
- Choose Your Materials: Use faux brick panels, brick-patterned wallpaper, or paint to mimic the look of brick.
- Install the Panels: Nail or glue the faux brick panels to the wall. For wallpaper, align the pattern carefully for a seamless look.
- Paint or Whitewash (Optional): Add a coat of white paint or a distressed finish for a weathered appearance.
Faux brick walls are ideal for loft-style living rooms, home offices, or kitchens.
7. Try a Painted Geometric Design
For a bold and modern look, paint a geometric design directly onto your wall.
How to Create It
- Tape Your Design: Use painter’s tape to outline shapes like triangles, diamonds, or abstract patterns on the wall.
- Paint the Shapes: Use contrasting or complementary colors to fill in the shapes.
- Remove the Tape: Carefully peel off the tape while the paint is still slightly wet for clean edges.
This type of accent wall adds energy and personality, especially to bedrooms, playrooms, or creative spaces.
8. Hang a Gallery Wall as an Accent
If you’re not ready to commit to a permanent accent wall, a gallery wall is a great alternative.
How to Create a Gallery Wall
- Choose Your Theme: Stick to a consistent color palette, frame style, or subject matter (e.g., family photos, art prints, or travel souvenirs).
- Arrange Before Hanging: Lay out your frames on the floor to plan the arrangement.
- Hang the Frames: Use a level and picture-hanging hardware to secure the pieces to the wall.
- Add Extras: Incorporate mirrors, clocks, or small shelves to add variety.
A gallery wall works beautifully in living rooms, hallways, or staircases.
9. Use Fabric or Tapestry for a Boho Look
Hanging fabric or a tapestry is a quick and inexpensive way to create a soft, bohemian-style accent wall.
Steps
- Choose Your Fabric: Pick a bold tapestry or patterned fabric that complements your room.
- Mount the Fabric: Use curtain rods, tacks, or adhesive strips to secure the fabric to the wall.
- Add Layers (Optional): Pair the fabric with string lights, garlands, or macramé for added texture.
This option is great for renters or those who want a temporary accent wall.
10. Install a Cork or Chalkboard Wall
A functional cork or chalkboard wall is perfect for creative and busy spaces.
How to Create It
- Cork Wall: Use adhesive cork panels or sheets to cover the wall. Pin up photos, notes, or inspiration boards for a functional display.
- Chalkboard Wall: Apply chalkboard paint to the wall and use it for writing lists, doodling, or brainstorming.
These walls work well in offices, kitchens, or kids’ rooms for a practical yet stylish accent.
FAQs
1. What is the easiest accent wall to create?
A painted accent wall is the easiest and fastest to create, requiring only a few tools and a couple of hours.
2. How do I choose the right wall for an accent?
Choose a wall that naturally draws attention, such as the one behind a bed, sofa, or dining table.
3. Can I combine multiple accent wall ideas?
Yes! For example, you can combine shiplap with painted geometric designs for a unique look.
4. Are accent walls still trendy?
Absolutely! Accent walls are timeless and can be updated to match evolving decor trends.
5. Can renters create accent walls?
Yes! Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, fabric, or temporary wall decals for a renter-friendly option.
6. How much does an accent wall cost?
The cost varies depending on materials. A painted wall may cost $30–$50, while wood or shiplap walls can range from $50–$200.
7. Do accent walls make a room look bigger?
Yes, darker or textured accent walls can add depth, making a room feel larger.
8. Can I use an accent wall in a small room?
Yes! A light-colored or subtle textured wall can create interest without overwhelming the space.
9. What colors work best for accent walls?
Bold hues like navy, emerald, and mustard work well. Neutral tones like gray, beige, or white also add subtle elegance.
10. How long does it take to create an accent wall?
Most accent walls can be completed in 1–2 days, depending on the complexity of the design.
With these DIY accent wall ideas, you can give your room a stunning makeover that reflects your personal style and adds character to your home. Whether you prefer bold patterns, rustic textures, or minimalist designs, there’s an option here for every taste and space!