You have unlimited paint options for your accent wall, as well as other surfaces and materials.

Here’s how to choose an accent wall that’ll shine in your space.

What Is an Accent Wall?

maite granda accent wall bedroom

Maite Granda

Common Pitfalls

Avoid creating an accent wall in a small room.

An accent wall in a limited space can visually break up the room, making it feel even smaller.

It’s best to put an accent wall in a bright, open space.

small bedroom with wood accent wall

Arbor & Co.

Wallpapers andpeel-and-stick muralsare great if you want a more intricate design.

Don’t Forget About Texture

Arbor & Co.

In addition to changing the color of an accent wall, you might also change the texture.

house of harvee accent wall

HouseofHarvee / Instagram

Consider using stone or tile to add a new dimension.

Your accent wall could be a densely packed gallery of photos and artwork or even a fabric-draped wall.

Add a wall-mountedelectric fireplaceon an accent wall for a texture and color addition.

Vibrant yellow accent wall

Dazey Den

Accent walls can work just as well in neutral colors as they do in bright hues.

Counterbalance the bold color on the wall by adding that same color or similar shades elsewhere in the room.

Complement Other Wall Colors

Home By Polly

Take into account the color of your other walls.

Home by Polly living room

Home By Polly

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 againstwhite wallscan look very modern and even stark.

A dark kitchen with black ceilings and accents

Ashley Montgomery Design

Balance your strong accent wall color with neutral wall colors on the other walls.

Accent the Ceiling

Ashley Montgomery Design

The ceiling can be your accent wall.

Accent ceilings can be created with soft colors or even vivid colors, either byadding paintor wallpaper.

A dining room with a colorful floral accent wall

HOUSE OF CHAIS

White crown molding helps separate the wall color from the ceiling and creates a stylish look.

Use Wallpaper

HOUSE OF CHAIS

Common wallpaper is a gorgeous choice for accent walls.

The latesttemporary wallpaperscan give you a designer look without a long-term commitment.

sage accent wall in a living room

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Look for wallpaper with pretty designs and colors for a chic style.

For renters, temporary wallpaper is a clever way to personalize your home.

Light colors open spaces up, while dark colors are more likely to draw your attention.

Multiple walls accent walls will compete for your attention.

However, you could change the feel of your space with multiple accent walls.

Two accent walls sharing a corner or three walls create a zone.

The main design rule for accent walls is to prioritize cohesion.