Just One Wall: When the Accent Wall Works
Kit Pollard
November 5, 2010
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and... More
Ah, the accent wall. In most cases, I’m a huge fan. Accent walls can liven up an otherwise dull space without too much commitment.
Like anything else in decorating, there are good and bad examples of accent walls. Sometimes I just think: COMMIT! If you want to do it, do it to all the walls!
But that’s the rare occasion. Most of the time, accent walls offer a cool contrast to the rest of the space: just enough texture and pattern and color to make a room more interesting without overpowering.
The pictures below all work for me: They’re the good kind of accent walls, that provide balance and interest. What do you think?
Like anything else in decorating, there are good and bad examples of accent walls. Sometimes I just think: COMMIT! If you want to do it, do it to all the walls!
But that’s the rare occasion. Most of the time, accent walls offer a cool contrast to the rest of the space: just enough texture and pattern and color to make a room more interesting without overpowering.
The pictures below all work for me: They’re the good kind of accent walls, that provide balance and interest. What do you think?
Exposed brick is the original, built-in accent wall. I love it in urban spaces—it gives just the right touch of rough authenticity to otherwise modern rooms.
A little wallpaper can go a long way. In this room, four walls full of wallpaper might cause a headache. I like it behind the bed, though, where it frames the sleeping space and keeps the room from looking too beige and dull.
Accent walls are perfect for black and white rooms. All black or all white is a dangerous gamble: it can be awfully stark. But one glossy black wall? Perfect.
This room offers a slightly softened approach to the black accent wall, with one wall papered in a brocade-like pattern in black.
Complement a black accent wall with white furniture
Complement a black accent wall with white furniture
Again, behind-the-bed wallpaper creates a ton of interest. This busy damask could feel over the top, but because it has a purpose (framing the bed) it works. Plus, I love it with the pink.
There’s no rule that an accent wall has to be covered in paint or paper, either. In this case, the windows are the wall.
Install a window wall
Install a window wall
And here, books are the accent. (By the way, I can’t stay away from this photo—ever since I discovered it, I’ve been coming back for more. I just love it.)
Decorate with literature using these bookshelves
Decorate with literature using these bookshelves
Sometimes accent walls feel made for stripes. Cover a room in this black and white pattern, and it would feel like a circus tent. But on just one wall (especially a wall accessorized this way)? I love it.
Todd Oldham obviously knows a thing or two about accents, as well. These bright stripes would really be circus-like around a whole room, but they are so much fun on just one wall.
Including this space is a bit of a stretch, but I think it makes a good point: covering one wall in fabric can look fantastic. Yes, you have to be careful not to venture into dorm-room-tapestry territory, but with a little restraint, a wall of fabric can look sophisticated, worldly, and casual all at once.
Search for sophisticated tapestries
Search for sophisticated tapestries
Related Stories
New This Week
4 New Kitchens With Wonderful Wood Cabinets
Pros share how they used various wood species, styles, stains and details to create warm and welcoming kitchens
Full Story
Bathroom Design
5 Secrets to a Smooth-Running Family Bathroom
Pros say these are the must-have features for creating an efficient shared bathroom
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Beer, Shuffleboard and Pizza Bring the Fun
Entertaining features and a warm industrial style create a lively atmosphere in this revamped Craftsman bungalow space
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Bedrooms So Far in 2024
By Becky Harris
Feather your nest in style with inspiration from Houzz readers’ most-saved bedroom photos
Full Story
Working With Pros
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
Find out whether you need a contractor, an architect, an interior designer or another professional for the job
Full Story
Bathroom Makeovers
Bathroom of the Week: Accessibility and a Relaxing Vibe
By Becky Harris
A design-build firm uses universal design principles when expanding a family bath
Full Story
Housekeeping
How to Clean Your Windows and Keep Them Streak-Free
Try these tips, tricks and tools to wash your windows so they’re crystal clear
Full Story
Entryways
The 10 Most Popular Entries and Mudrooms So Far in 2024
Get ideas for storage setups, color schemes and special details from the most-saved entry photos so far this year
Full Story
Kitchen Design
30 Bold and Beautiful Range Backsplashes
Get ideas for eye-catching tile and stone backsplashes inside stove alcoves and behind cooktops
Full Story
Porches
Porch of the Week: Catching a Breeze in Austin, Texas
By Becky Harris
The new screened-in space has a beautiful fireplace as a focal point and includes lounging and dining spaces
Full Story
OK - am I nuts? I always paint my living room sherwin williams guava jam - deep orange color. In my new house, I am adding wall to wall shelves on the one solid wall (no door or window), and am considering leaving that one wall white, to highlight the mid century console and set of three 8 foot wide shelves for photos above. Thoughts???
Alison, how'd it go?
A suitable wall tile will give people a different feeling