ACCENT WALL IDEAS

A couple of years ago we reviewed hundreds of accent wall design trends that resulted in our new product line of  reclaimed wood tiles . We turned all that research into this blog post that we have been updating ever since. Below are a ton of accent wall ideas using paint, wood, glass tiles, fabric, mirrors, and wallpaper. Enjoy the fruits of our research and get inspired to update that boring wall that’s been nagging you for an update.

A perennial favorite for accent wall materials is wood because it adds so much texture and warmth to a room. You can use one single type of wood for your wall or mix and match different finishes, colors, and textures. Another common technique is to use different width planks on the same wall to add some visual interest. Use the articles below for inspiration to create a stunning wood accent wall that reflects your personal taste and style. Use our wood wall installation instructions when you're ready put up your new wall. If you're uncomfortable with DIY projects or woodworking we suggest hiring a professional contractor.

Paint is an excellent and relatively easy way to add some color and interest to a room. An accent wall creates a focal point and adds depth and dimension to any space. In the links below are some awesome tips for creating a beautiful painted accent wall in your home. From bold, statement-making colors to more subtle, neutral tones, there are a myriad of options for any room. A painted accent wall is a quick and budget-friendly way to transform your space.

If you want to add some pattern, texture, and interest to your walls, wallpaper and wall coverings are the way to go. These days wallpaper has a wide range of styles, patterns, and materials that suits most every taste and design aesthetic. Below are tips for how to add modern, graphic prints or traditional, textured designs to your space. Wallpaper and wall coverings are a stylish and relatively easy way to update any room.

Before you embark on a mirrored accent wall project consider the following:

Placement: Mirrored accent walls are best used in smaller spaces since they create the illusion of more space and light. Hallways, bathrooms, or small living areas are common spaces where mirrors are used.

Style: Mirrored accent walls literally reflect what they face so this will reinforce whichever style your space is currently decorated in. Often mirrored accent walls are placed opposite windows to reflect the landscape, bringing the outdoors inside your space.

Maintenance: Mirrored accent walls will require the occasional cleaning to keep them looking their best. Be prepared to keep your mirror free of dust, fingerprints, and smudges.

Safety: We recommend having a contractor affix your mirror(s) to your wall. If it’s a DIY project be sure to use the proper safety equipment and follow all instructions carefully. The article below uses a number of small mirrors as opposed to one large mirror which is much more conducive to a DIY project.

Advice on creating an accent wall using photographs:

Choosing which photographs to use: What is the overall theme or aesthetic you want to create with your accent wall? Will it be family photos, landscapes, wildlife, or some other theme? A common technique to follow is to choose a single, large photograph as the focal point of the wall and then gather other photographs that fits around that main photo.

Choose a layout: Decide which layout type you prefer. Will it be an evenly spaced grid or a more organic, asymmetrical arrangement?

Arrange: Use a sketch or digital design tool to plan out the arrangement of your photos. Measure the wall and the photographs to ensure that everything will fit on the wall as planned.

Mosaic accent walls are the most involved type of accent wall to install yourself, be sure to consider the following:

Level of Difficulty: Creating a mosaic accent wall can be an extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive process, so be sure to set aside enough time to plan, gather the tiles, and complete the project.

Cost: high-end materials like glass or stone tiles can be expensive. Choose materials that fit within your budget or look for budget, broken, or repurposed tile to save money.

Design: Decide on the design, theme, and color scheme of your mosaic accent wall. Sketch out a detailed design or use a digital design tool.

Surface Preparation:S Make sure the wall surface is clean, smooth, and relatively flat. If the wall is wavy at all fix it before starting so the mortar/grout will hold your tiles properly.

Grout Color: Choose a grout color that works with the colors and overall design of the wall. Note that darker grout makes tiles appear smaller and lighter grout makes them appear larger.

Steps for creating a feature wall using fabric:

Selection: Choose a fabric with an overall theme and color(s) that suits your room. Consider the weight and thickness as well as texture.

Size: Measure the wall and cut the fabric so that it will extend past all edges of the wall. Once the fabric is affixed to the wall it can be trimmed flush to the edges of the wall.

Attaching: Use fabric glue, staple guns, or a combination of both. When using fabric glue, be sure to apply it evenly to the back of the fabric and that it is smoothed out as you go. When using a staple gun start at the center of the fabric and work your way outwards. With each successive stage of staples be sure to pull the fabric taut to avoid wrinkling.

Trimming: Once the fabric is taut and installed on the wall it is time for trimming. You may need to add some more staples along the very end of all edges of the wall to neatly trim flush using a razor blade. If the edges don’t turn out as you had hoped you can add wood trim over the edges of the fabric to hide uneven cut lines.

The pros and cons of a fabric accent wall:

Pros:

Fabric is an affordable material

Fabric accent walls add texture and vibrance to a room

Fabric absorbs sound, making it a great choice for TV rooms or home offices

Cons:

Fabric is not a good choice for rooms with high moisture levels like bathrooms

Fabric accent walls can be time-consuming and frustrating to install

Fabric requires time-intensive cleaning and maintenance

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• 12 Best Places to Try Trendy Colors in Your Home
• 30 Accent Wall Ideas for Those Who Dare to Be Different
• No More Boring Walls

Check out some of our other blog posts: Wood Accents On House Exterior, or 15 Reclaimed Wood Design Ideas.

See our reclaimed wood featured on HGTV and Netflix's Instant Dream Home.