How to Paint an Accent Wall & Elevate Your Home
Image: Undertone Interiors
Painting an accent wall is one of the simplest, most impactful (and cost effective) ways to transform a space without undertaking a full renovation.
Whether you want to add drama, define a room, or inject personality, an accent wall can instantly elevate your home’s design and add an element of visual appeal and interest.
Let’s talk about why accent walls are so impactful as design elements, along with the best practices and steps for creating an accent wall in your home.
Why We Love Accent Walls
An accent wall does more than just add color—it shapes the way a room feels. By creating a focal point, it naturally draws the eye and provides a sense of balance. It can also add depth and dimension, especially when you use darker or contrasting tones that shift the room’s perception of size and space.
Accent walls allow you to experiment with bold color in a safe, manageable way, and they’re perfect for highlighting existing architectural features like a fireplace, built-in shelving, or a dramatic headboard.
Painting an Accent Wall is Fairly Easy
Painting an accent wall is easier than painting an entire room, for sure - even when it involves bold or saturated colors.
1) Factoring Accent Walls into Your Broader Design
The process (naturally) begins with choosing the right wall. Surfaces that work well for accent walls are those that naturally attracts attention, such as the wall behind a bed, sofa, or dining table. Walls with too many windows or doors are less effective because interruptions disrupt the impact of color.
2) Bringing in Color
Once you’ve identified the focal wall, selecting the perfect shade is your next step. Bold jewel tones or moody blues create drama, while earthy neutrals or soft pastels add warmth without overwhelming the space.
Always hold up a sample against your furnishings to ensure the color harmonizes with your room’s existing palette.
3) Preparing to Paint (and Prime)
No matter what surface you’re painting, preparation is key. Clear the space, protect your floors with drop cloths, and tape off trim, baseboards, and adjoining walls for crisp lines. The wall itself should be clean, with holes patched and sanded smooth.
If you’re transitioning between very different shades—say, a dark navy to a creamy white—a coat of primer will help ensure even coverage.
When it’s time to paint, begin by carefully cutting in around the edges with an angled brush before filling in the larger surface with a roller. Work in consistent sections, using smooth, overlapping strokes to avoid streaks. Two coats are typically needed for rich, even color, with adequate drying time in between.
Once the final coat is applied, carefully peel away the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly tacky to prevent peeling, then touch up any small imperfections with a fine brush.
Image: Undertone Interiors
Tips to Ensure a Professional Finish
1) Test Before Committing
Before committing to a full wall, test a swatch of your chosen color and observe it throughout the day—lighting can completely transform how a shade appears.
2) Consider Paint Sheen / Finish
matte finishes hide imperfections
eggshell and satin provide a soft glow
semi-gloss is best for durability in high-traffic areas
3) Balance the Room Design
To tie everything together, repeat your accent color in pillows, rugs, or artwork elsewhere in the room.
4) Don’t Over-Design
Less is more when it comes to accent walls - and often one is usually all you need to make a bold statement without overwhelming the design.
Wallpapering an Accent Wall
An accent wall doesn’t always have to be paint—wallpaper is another versatile option that can completely transform a space.
Whether you opt for traditional paste-applied wallpaper or peel-and-stick styles, it allows you to introduce patterns, textures, or bold designs that paint alone can’t achieve. From geometric prints and botanical motifs to subtle grasscloth textures, wallpaper adds depth and character while making the wall a true focal point.
Peel-and-stick versions are especially popular for renters or anyone looking for a less permanent update, as they’re easy to install and remove without damaging the walls.
Image: Undertone Interiors
Need Some Visual Inspiration?
Check out Apartment Therapy’s take on 15 Creative Accent Wall Ideas for different design styles.
In Summary
A well-executed accent wall elevates your space by making it feel intentional, dynamic, and designed. It’s a budget-friendly project with a high return on visual impact, allowing you to express your personality while transforming the atmosphere of a room.
With the right preparation, color choice, and finishing touches, your accent wall can completely redefine your home’s look and feel.