30 Accent Wall Ideas to Transform Every Room

By Interior Designer Tracy Svendsen | Published on December 14, 2024 | 

Accent Wall Ideas: Are you looking to add elegance and curated style to your home? Transforming your walls with an accent wall is an impactful way to revitalize any room.

One of the primary advantages of accent or feature walls is that they create a focal point, drawing the eye and providing a natural anchor for the space. By strategically selecting a wall to accentuate, you can guide attention to key areas, whether it be a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or a stunning piece of furniture. The result is a more cohesive and visually appealing room that feels organized and inviting.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just looking for a fresh change, discover how to create a captivating accent wall that will effortlessly breathe new life into your space. From bold color and vibrant patterns to subtle and textured finishes, we will delve into a range of options to suit every taste and design style. Feature image courtesy of Brittany Hakimfar Design.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Accent Wall Ideas for Every Room
Image courtesy of Brittany Hakimfar Design

1. Textured Wallpaper

Textured wallpaper adds depth and dimension to walls, making them visually engaging. In the modern living room below, interior designer Buthaina Humaidy incorporated neutral-toned grasscloth wallpaper with a textured surface that adds organic beauty and a tactile element. An Arteriors Trapeze Wall Sconce in aged bronze paired with organic wall art accentuates and elevates the eclectic design style.

Accent Wall with Textured Wallpaper
Image courtesy of Buthaina Humaidy Design

2. Paneled Moulding & Painted Walls

Paneled moulded walls add a classic and sophisticated touch to any room. They can elevate the overall look, making spaces more upscale and refined. Panel molding is a wood trim that goes over preexisting walls. It is usually raised and decorative to accentuate flat walls. It’s designed in different profiles and styles and is commonly used on doors, walls, mantels, and cornices.

In the gorgeous modern dining room below, located in Edo Mozzi’s London townhouse, paneled moulded walls were swathed in Paint & Paper Library’s sultry Masai. The dining room has a Dirk van der Kooij dining table surrounded by elegant chairs handmade in Brazil.

Paneled & Painted Walls
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest (Banda Design Studio/David Yarrow Photography)

3. Paint an Accent Wall in a Bold Hue

Dark and moody colors, such as deep blues, vibrant reds, or striking blacks, can create a dramatic effect, adding energy and depth to the space. These colors often work well in living rooms or dining areas, where social interactions occur and an inviting atmosphere is desired. Pairing bold colors with neutral furnishings can help balance the visual weight, allowing the accent wall to shine without overwhelming the room.

Interior designer Brittany Hakimfar accentuated a small seating area with an accent wall painted in a deep, rich blue tone and a contemporary art piece. The dark tone of the wall contrasts beautifully with warm wood flooring and golden leather chairs.

Painting an Accent Wall in Bold Colors
Image courtesy of Brittany Hakimfar Design

4. Glass Doors in Built-In Cabinets

Glass doors in built-in cabinets create a sense of openness and lightness. Unlike solid cabinets, they allow light to pass through, making the space feel larger and less cluttered. These shelves enable you to display your favorite decor items, books, and collectibles, turning your shelving into a personal gallery.

Interior designer Buthaina Humaidy designed this striking feature wall that exudes quiet luxury by flanking a large antique glass mirror with two built-in cabinets and glass doors. The black trim on the cabinet pairs perfectly with the dining table and chairs.

Modern Accent Wall
Image courtesy of Buthaina Humaidy Design

5. Vivid Shades of Green in the Bathroom

Since powder rooms are typically smaller, using a distinctive accent wall color like sage green allows you to make a bold design statement. It transforms the space into a stylish focal point. The texture adds depth and dimension to the walls, making a small space, like a powder room, feel more dynamic and inviting. You can easily incorporate different accents, such as gold fixtures, white trim, or natural wood elements, making it a versatile choice for decor.

Interior Designer Jenn Feldman incorporated a lovely color palette in a powder room with soft greens, warm plum hues, white countertops, and brass accents. Two art prints create a lovely focal point while bringing in warm and vibrant colors.

Vivid Greens in the Powder Room
Image courtesy of Jenn Feldman Design

6. Wallpaper Behind Built-In Cabinets

Wallpaper introduces patterns, colors, and textures, making open shelving more dynamic. It creates a backdrop highlighting the items displayed on the shelves, drawing attention to them and making the overall arrangement more inviting.

Interior designer Donna Mondi incorporated elegant symmetry in this sophisticated and modern living room by flanking a fluted fireplace wall with built-in cabinetry and open shelving. Wallpaper with a geometric print adds texture, color, and pattern while balancing the warm wood flooring.

Feature Wall Ideas
Image courtesy of Donna Mondi Design

7. Mirrored Accent Wall

Mirrors reflect light, making even small rooms appear larger and more open. This can be particularly beneficial in tight areas like living rooms or hallways, where a sense of spaciousness is desirable. A mirrored wall can brighten a room by reflecting natural light from windows or fixtures.

EM Design Studio incorporated a large mirror accent wall as a focal point that bounces light throughout the space while making the room feel spacious. Linear black lines on the mirrors add a contemporary look that coordinates with modern furniture, clean lines, and warm textures.

Mirrored Accent Wall
Image courtesy of EM Design Studio

8. Create a Gallery Wall

A well-curated gallery wall adds depth and dimension to a room. Various frames, artwork, and sizes create a dynamic visual experience that engages the eye. A gallery wall allows you to showcase your personality, interests, and memories through art and photographs.

Interior designer Jenn Feldman designed the gallery wall in the images below with antique gold frames and contemporary artwork. Gold end table lamps and coffee table decor tie the look together.

Gallery Wall
Image courtesy of Jenn Feldman Design

9. Layer Artwork on Open Shelving

Layered artwork draws the eye and can become a focal point in a room, making the shelving a stylish display area. Mixing different sizes and types of artwork can create a dynamic composition that feels alive and engaging.

In the living room below, Interior Designer Jenn Feldman incorporated 3 extended open shelves layered with black and white photography and art prints in black frames with white matting. A rule of thumb when adding open shelving is to stick with odd numbers.

Open Shelving with Artwork
Image courtesy of Jenn Feldman Design

10. Accent Wall With Custom Shelving Framing The TV

Custom shelving provides an excellent opportunity to organize and display media equipment, books, and decorative items. With custom shelving, you can tailor the design to fit your exact needs and style preferences. Whether you prefer open shelves for displaying treasures or closed compartments for storing items out of sight, you can create a solution that works for you.

Interior Designer Brittany Hakimfar framed a TV with light wood built-in cabinetry that provides the opportunity to showcase artwork, photographs, plants, or collectibles. This creates a gallery-like effect that draws attention to the TV and the entire configuration.

Custom Cabinetry
Image courtesy of Brittany Hakimfar Design

11. Natural Stone Accent Walls

Stone brings an organic and timeless beauty that can transform any room into a more sophisticated and cozy space. Stone has a classic look that never goes out of style. Whether your decor is modern, rustic, or traditional, a stone accent wall can complement various design aesthetics.

In a modern farmhouse living room, Intimate Living Interiors incorporated a stone accent wall in neutral hues. The stone makes a perfect backdrop to a living room that combines warm wood textures, earth-tone accents, and a stunning backyard view.

Stone Accent Walls
Image courtesy of Intimate Living Interiors

12. Textured Wall Treatment

Textured walls add depth and dimension to a room, transforming a flat surface into something more engaging. Patterns, grooves, or other textures can create a striking focal point that draws the eye and adds character to the space. Many types of textured treatments are available, including wallpaper, paneling, stucco, and plaster, allowing you to choose a style that fits your aesthetic.

Humbert & Poyet designed stunning black accent walls in a modern apartment that add upscale texture while contrasting with the white walls and ceiling. Contemporary artwork in gold frames gives the room a high-end quality.

Textured Walls
Image courtesy of  Humbert & Poyet

13. Large-Scale Artwork

Large artwork serves as a striking centerpiece that draws the eye and anchors the living room. Surprisingly, large artwork can create an illusion of space. In smaller rooms, a significant piece can draw the eye upward, making the ceilings feel taller and the room more expansive.

As shown in the image below, bright, vibrant pieces can infuse energy, while serene landscapes can create a calming effect. A well-chosen piece of art can tie together various design elements in your room, such as color schemes and furniture styles.

Large-Scale Artwork
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest

14. Tiled Accent Wall

Tiles come in an endless array of colors, patterns, shapes, and textures, allowing you to create a unique look that complements your existing decor or sets a new design direction. Whether you choose a sleek subway tile or a textured stone, it can transform a space by adding a tactile element.

Interior Designer Brittany Hakimfar elevated a modern rustic dining space with black tiles, making it feel upscale and polished. The glossy tiles perfectly contrast the warm wood dining furniture and mirror frame.

Tile Accent Wall
Image courtesy of Brittany Hakimfar Design

15. Black & White Prints in a Powder Room

Black and white artwork offers a classic, timeless appeal that can elevate the aesthetic of any room, including a modern powder room. The stark contrast of black and white creates visual interest and can draw the eye, making the artwork a focal point in a small space. In smaller areas like powder rooms, using art with a strong visual impact without being too colorful can make the room feel stylish and spacious.

Interior Designer Donna Mondi provided high contrast with an eclectic and curated selection of eclectic black and white photography. White matting with black frames keeps the design cohesive.

Black & White Prints in a Powder Room
Image courtesy of Donna Mondi Design

16. Display Rustic Pottery & Sculptures on Open Shelving

Rustic pottery often features unique textures, earthy colors, and handcrafted details that can enhance the visual interest of an accent wall with open shelving. Incorporating rustic pottery into your open shelving can also balance more modern or sleek design elements in your home.

Interior Designer Brittany Hakimfar created an open shelf display in a modern rustic space using weathered pottery, wood bowls, and eclectic sculptures to add warm textures. A large pot with leafy branches is positioned beside the shelves – adding further dimension.

Rustic Pottery Displayed on Open Shelving
Image courtesy of Brittany Hakimfar Design

17. Brick Accent Wall

Solid or brick veneer has a classic, timeless look that can enhance any interior design style, from industrial and rustic to modern and eclectic. The earthy tones and textures of brick can evoke a sense of warmth and coziness, making a home feel more inviting. This can be especially valuable in communal areas where you entertain guests.

In a modern farmhouse kitchen designed by Intimate Living Interiors, a brick wall in neutral tones adds the perfect amount of texture. The brick provides contrast to the white quartz countertops and warm wood cabinetry.

Brick Accent Wall
Image courtesy of Intimate Living Interiors

18. Wood Paneling

Wood adds warmth and character to any space. Its natural texture creates a comfortable and lived-in feel. Wood paneling comes in various styles, finishes, and colors, allowing you to customize the look to match your design aesthetic—be it rustic, modern, or traditional.

Intimate Living Interiors used wood paneling as a feature wall in a casual living room and a backdrop behind built-in shelving. Wood panels can easily be added behind built-in cabinetry and free-standing to add dimension and texture.

Wood Paneling
Image courtesy of Intimate Living Interiors

19. Create an Eye-Catching Accent Wall With A Mural

Wallpaper murals come in various styles, colors, and designs, allowing you to choose a scene that resonates with your taste and complements your existing decor. They can bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, helping to create a sense of connection to nature.

This can be particularly appealing in urban settings where access to natural landscapes may be limited. In the dining room below, Brittany Hakimfar incorporated a forest mural that adds depth and dimension to the room, making it more expansive.

Wallpaper Mural
Image courtesy of Brittany Hakimfar Design

20. Accent Mirrors & Wall Sconces

Mirrors are a powerful design tool that can transform any space, and when strategically placed, mirrors enhance the sense of light. Maximize natural light by positioning a mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light, creating the illusion of a larger space. 63 London Design created an elegant feature wall by flanking either side of a mirror with matching wall sconces and built-in cabinetry with open shelving.

Accent Wall with a Mirror
Image courtesy of 63 London Design

21. Entryway Accent Walls

The entryway is the first space guests see, so a well-designed feature wall can create a striking initial impression. It sets the tone for the rest of your home, making it feel welcoming and stylish.

A feature wall can help delineate the entryway from adjacent spaces, especially in open-concept homes. This can create a sense of intimacy and enhance the overall flow of the home.

If you choose light colors or glossy finishes, a feature wall can reflect light, making the entryway brighter and more welcoming. M. Lahr Homes created this gorgeous entryway with two rectangular mirrors, an elegant console table, metallic accents, and a statement chandelier.

Entryway Accent Wall
Image courtesy of M. Lahr Homes

22. Living Room Accent Wall Ideas

Living rooms are often the heart of the home, making them prime candidates for accent walls that capture attention and set the mood. The Lifestyled Co. designed the modern farmhouse living room below, with an accent wall that boasts two curved built-in cabinets on either side of a white marble fireplace.  

Accent Walls in the Living Room
Image courtesy of The Lifestyled Co. 

23. Dining Room Accent Walls

In dining rooms, consider a feature wall painted or wallpapered in a warm hue, such as terracotta or a warm neutral tone. Enhance this wall with decorative plates, mirrors, or artwork that reflects your personal taste. This combination can establish an inviting dining experience, transforming your dining area into a cherished space for gatherings and celebrations.

Wallpaper in the Dining Room
Image courtesy of Jenn Feldman Design

24. Kitchen Accent Wall Ideas

Consider creating a gallery accent wall in a kitchen design. In a modern kitchen designed by Donna Mondi, the style intention was to enhance vintage deco glamour with modern, elevated finishes. 

A dramatic combination of statement quartzite countertops, lacquered cabinetry, and European details were added throughout. A curated shelf was layered using different time periods showing reverence to history while maintaining a cohesive feeling.

Accent Walls in the Kitchen
Image courtesy of Donna Mondi Interior Design

25. Cohesive Accent Wall in the Primary Bedroom & Bathroom

In the bedroom, an accent wall should evoke a sense of comfort and tranquility. A popular idea is to utilize soft, calming colors like pale blue, green, or lavender to create a serene ambiance.

West of Main added mouldings on all walls in the primary bedroom and ensuite and painted all walls in Tin Lizzie by Sherwin Williams, a rich, warm blue/grey color. To add cozy contrast against the beautiful wall color, they chose a California king bed that has a tall linen headboard. White lacquered nightstands add a touch of glam and tie in with the white Chandelier in the plaster white finish.

They designed the ensuite to feel like a boutique hotel. They continued the wall moldings and paint color from the bedroom into this space, emphasizing the rich veining in the mosaic tiled floors.

Primary Bedroom & Bathroom
Image courtesy of West of Main Design

26. Create a Spa-Like Bathroom with Wood Paneling

Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to accent walls, yet they present a unique opportunity for creative expression. In the spa-like bathroom below, wood paneling on the walls creates an upscale and luxurious feel to the space. Fluffy white towels and bathrobes, a cozy white chaise, and warm wood flooring are the perfect finishing details.

Spa-Like Bathroom with Wood Paneling
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest

27. Floral Wall Paper in a Home Office

Floral wallpaper adds a vibrant and lively element to a room, including in a home office. The range of colors and patterns available can easily complement different design styles, from traditional to modern. Floral wallpaper adds depth to the room when used with complementary materials and textures. Pairing it with wood elements, soft furnishings, or metallic accents can create a layered and more inviting aesthetic.

Floral Wallpaper in the Home Office
Image courtesy of  Jenn Feldman Design

28. Wall Of Large Windows

If your windows look out onto a beautiful landscape or garden, they can serve as a living piece of art. Framing these views as an accent wall draws attention to the outdoors, bringing nature inside and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home.

Large windows create a three-dimensional look, adding depth to a room. Their frames can accentuate lines and shapes, giving character to the space.

Wall of Accent Windows
Image courtesy of Jenn Feldman Design

29. Tonal Hues as An Accent Wall in the Bedroom

Tonal hues involve using varying shades of the same color or closely related colors. This approach creates a cohesive and unified look, making the space feel well thought out and intentionally designed.

With a tonal color palette, it’s easier to coordinate furnishings, bedding, and decor. You can mix and match elements within the same color family without worrying about clashing colors. Different shades and textures can add visual interest and depth to the room, even when using a single color.

Tonal Wallpaper in the Bedroom
Image courtesy of Jenn Feldman Design

30. Wallpaper

Patterns play a critical role in accent wall design. Geometric shapes can bring a modern flair to a contemporary space, while floral or vintage patterns can add charm and character to more traditional settings.

Stripes, polka dots, or chevron patterns can create visual movement, making the room feel more dynamic. The key is to ensure that the patterned accent wall complements the overall design theme of the room and resonates with your personal style, creating a harmonious balance that enhances the space.

Accent Wall Ideas
Image courtesy of Jenn Feldman Design

Accent Wall Ideas Conclusion

In conclusion, accent walls offer a remarkable way to transform any space within your home. They provide a canvas for personal expression, allowing you to showcase your unique style while enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic. With the myriad of options available, from colors and materials to patterns and textures, the possibilities for creating an amazing accent wall are virtually limitless.

By carefully considering the benefits of accent walls, selecting the right wall, and choosing the appropriate materials and finishes, you can make a bold statement that revitalizes your interior space. Whether in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, or bathroom, an accent wall can breathe new life into your home, making it more inviting and reflective of your personality.

From incorporating natural wood tones, to bright colors, horizontal stripes and adding unique texture, I hope you have enjoyed discovering some of the best wall accent ideas from top interior designers!