In this article, we discuss 25 accent wall ideas that are easy for you to do yourself or hire someone else to do for you. Tired of that dull agreeable grey paint in your home? We think it’s time to consider adding an accent wall to your home. Whether you are considering one wall or an entire room, we’ve listed the perfect way to style your space.
What Are the Best Accent Wall Ideas?
There are so many options out there to choose from that it can be overwhelming. For example, the idea of installing something to a living room wall that is somewhat permanent can seem stressful to some but don’t worry.
Down below, we’ve listed 25 accent wall ideas that are still relevant in 2024 and to be honest, will probably be suitable for the next decade. So whether you are looking for a bold accent wall, wall decor, or just looking to paint a plain wall, we have it listed below.
Feel free to watch the videos linked in this article if you’d like to understand the process behind doing an accent wall yourself. You may think you don’t have the experience to do it yourself but trust me, the videos linked below are straightforward to follow and full of essential details.
Now let’s begin!
1. Board and Batten
We’ve done this so many times for our clients, and one thing I can say about this look is that it’ll never go out of style. So whether you put this feature wall in your foyer or bedroom, it’ll look good anywhere you install it. This is also an easy DIY project if you would like to consider doing it yourself.
2. Picture Framing Moulding
Now we’re not talking about your grandmother’s dining room walls here. Instead, we’re talking about the modern picture frame molding feature wall with double box trim and sconces to set the mood.
The cool thing about this design is that you can easily change the mood of your room by changing the color. This is a great accent wall idea for an office or dining room.
3. Thin Brick Accent Wall
Thin brick is my favorite! We had a client do this in their informal family room. This is the way to go if you are looking for a feature wall with an industrial feel. There are so many thin brick options; you’ll find something that fits your personality. If you’re into brick walls definitely visit the floor and decor to see what’s available for you.
4. Geometric Wood Trim Accent Wall
A Geometric wood trim accent wall is significant because many options are available. You can go simple or complex, add diagonal lines or geometric shapes, but what makes this option appealing is that you can do something in your home that no one will ever be able to recreate.
This is a great accent wall idea for a 9×9 or 10×10 wall due to the square shape it makes the design even and symmetrical. 
H3: 5. Hexagon Wood Trim Accent Wall
I’ve only seen this in magazines, but this design looks great! Inspired by the honeycomb pattern, this detailed accent wall will have your friends and family asking questions! The key to this design is not over to do it; less is more.
6. Colored Beadboard
Beadboard is an outdated look that most homeowners pull from their walls if they see it but not so fast. So give that beadboard a fresh look by painting over it with a neutral tone or modern color. Doing this will provide that beadboard with a whole new look.
7. Walnut Slat Wall Accent Wall
This design can get expensive, but it’s worth every single penny. Walnut is one of those wood species that stay in style no matter the trend. Now, adding walnut to slat walls gives your space a modern look anyone could appreciate.
8. Rustic Reclaimed Wood Accent Wall
If you are looking for a design to add character to your man cave or your son’s bedroom this one is for you. The rustic look goes well with dark colors or metal. From our experience, make sure you cut each board to the same width; otherwise, you’ll have much trouble installing these pieces.
This accent wall idea is great for a man cave or a sports room.
9. Ombre Effect Accent Wall
The Ombre effect is an excellent aesthetic for the bathroom wall or breakfast area nook. Be sure not to overdo this look, as it is easy to mess up when blending colors. Check out this Ombre effect geometric accent wall we did in our daughter’s room. She hasn’t asked to change it yet, and it’s been four years.
10. Geometric Painted Accent Wall
A geometric painted accent wall is an easy design you can do over the weekend that does not require any power tools. You will need frog tape and your imagination to complete this project. Just make sure you take your time laying everything out, and here’s a little tip for you wait 30 minutes for the frog tape to adhere before painting.
11. Stained Select Pine Slat Wall
Here is a cost-effective option if you plan on installing a slat wall in your home. Visit Home Depot and purchase select pine 1×2 pieces; make sure they are straight. Find a stain color and apply as many coats as necessary.
Click here to learn how to do this project yourself. 
12. Chalkboard Accent Wall for Writing
A Chalkboard accent wall is an excellent design for an event space; this allows customers to write messages or share social media. If you plan on doing this in your home, limit the size you choose, as it can get busy very quickly.
13. Ceiling Wainscotting
We’ve done this once for a client, and to this day, we haven’t seen anything like it. Picture a geometric wood trim accent wall on the ceiling of your living room. An accent wall of this nature is costly to your pockets if you pay someone to do it or expensive on your body if you do it yourself, but I guarantee none of your family/friends will ever see this twice in person.
We haven’t seen this in many homes so you have full power to add this to whatever room you’d like!
14. Textured Wallpaper Accent Wall
Wallpaper used to be dated and disturbing, but companies are now making modern-style wallpaper that looks good. Whether you go with a floral look or contemporary, something is out there for you. Check out this design below.
15. Upholstered Fabric Accent Wall
We haven’t seen this in person, but it looks impressive from what we see in magazines. This looks good as a headboard in your bedroom. You can get custom panels made that offer great sound-trapping features. But if you plan on doing this, go for a dark velvet look.
16. Shiplap Wall
Shiplap accent walls have been around longer than the accent wall craze, but the traditional white shiplap is long gone. The key to an eye-catching shiplap wall is to customize it with color. If you are big into details, try a herringbone-styled shiplap wall. You’ll love the final results.
17. White Oak Slat Wall
Nothing screams more modern than a white oak slat wall. If you are looking for a stunning accent wall idea this is the way to go. White oak has recently become my favorite wood because it smells fantastic when you cut into it, and the final product looks timeless, depending on the finish you apply on top. The key here is to contrast the surrounding areas with the wood wall. Instead, try dark colors alongside the White Oak.
This accent wall idea works best in bright rooms.
18. Grid of Framed Mirrors in Different shapes or sizes
A Grid of framed mirrors or pictures works well on taller walls or rooms with high ceilings. Since there is so much working space, you can spread your design out. In this case, you can frame 2’x3’ mirrors or portraits with 1×4 wood trim and create a fantastic-looking board and batten design.
19. Marble Accent Wall
Marble can be costly, but if you have the stomach or budget, definitely do it! Don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with a wall you cringe at every time you stare at it. Less is more; if you have marble in your kitchen, add it to your foyer or bathroom.
20. Mural Accent Wall
Murals have become popular more recently as DIY’ers are becoming more creative and looking for innovative ways to style their home. This type of accent wall will always be one of a kind because someone is drawing out a design onto your wall. So keep it simple or go extreme; you can never go wrong with either.
21. Bright Paint Accent Wall
This accent wall may or may not sit well with some readers, but look at the example below. If your space gets a ton of sunlight and aesthetically, your area is welcoming and has a funky vibe, take advantage of this opportunity. Unfortunately, only a few people furnish their homes to paint bright colors on their walls. If you can do it, try it; the worst that can happen is you don’t like it, and now you have to paint over it. 
22. Floral Accent Wall
Floral accent walls tie into wallpaper and murals. Some homeowners will paint flowers on their walls, while others will order wallpaper and have it professionally done. Either way, you have fun with this idea and own it once it is complete. Take a look at this inspired piece down below.
23. Gallery Wall With Framed Photos or Art
A Gallery wall is a great way to showcase your family or loved ones. You can do so much with a gallery wall, like show pictures from places you’ve traveled. Collect other countries’ currencies and showcase them on your wall. Smaller walls work better for this type of design since it would take forever and look too busy to fill a massive living room wall. 
24. Horizontal or Vertical Stripes Accent Wall
Most DIYers typically start by creating a vertical/horizontal stripe accent wall. If you plan on tackling this project alone, this would be a great starting point. You don’t have too many angles to cut, nor do you have to commit time and money to one big project. Measuring is easy, and the final results always look good!
25. Oversized Map Accent Wall
Do you have a lounge area or a secret hideaway? Don’t know what to put there? Why not an oversized map accent wall? This way, you can pin all the cool places you’ve been and brainstorm the following five countries you plan on visiting in the next two weeks. Do some research on the options for this as I’ve only seen this as wallpaper, but I’m sure you can buy a large poster you can hang on your wall.
What Is An Accent Wall?
An accent wall is a wall in a room that would be considered the focal point of a room, typically the wall that draws your guest’s attention from the remaining walls. Let’s face it no one likes the agreeable gray or alpaca colors builders splash on our walls, people want bold colors, and texture with neutral colors, they want something that stands out.
For example, an accent wall can be any wall in the room, but we found that the wall you view first the moment your eyes enter a room should be the focal point.
You can create an accent wall using various materials, including paint, wallpaper, wood paneling, stone veneer, or tile. The key is to contrast with other walls in your room by expressing your style and creativity.
Quick Tip: Always consider the other elements in your room, such as furniture, artwork, and accessories, to ensure the accent wall enhances the overall aesthetic of the space. Are Accent Walls Outdated?
Accent walls are still relevant; accent walls will remain in style for another decade. The options you have to customize your space are endless, and people continue to find innovative ways to change how they accent a room.
The rule of thumb when creating your accent wall is to be original and be yourself; this is your time to express yourself however that may look. If you remember this rule, your room will never look outdated because it represents yourself.
What Accent Wall Makes My Room Look Bigger?
After completing over 80 accent walls over the past two years, we found that accent walls do not make your space look bigger; it’s the color. The brighter a room is, the larger it may perceive to look.
It’s an optical illusion, and we agree. We found darker colors look best in bedrooms, but they also make the space look tight; this is ok because you want to trick the mind into believing it’s time to fall asleep.
If you want to make your room look larger, try adding brighter colors; colors like white, orange, yellow, tan, blue, and green create a positive mood and reflect light.
What Tools Will You Need To Build An Accent Wall on Your Own?
Several companies around the USA focus on turning your home into a masterpiece with accent walls, but if you are in an area where no one does this, that’s fine. I will list products you can purchase from your local Home Depot, Lowes, or our favorite Amazon.
Remember that these tools will help you complete this project, but once you’ve learned how to use these tools, you can do so much more! Your home becomes a canvas with endless opportunities!
Tools Needed:
- Wireless Nail Gun
- 1 ½” Bradnails
- Measuring Tape
- Level
- Stud Finder
- Table Saw
- Circular Saw
- Jig Saw
- Hammer
- Nail Punch
- Coping Saw
- Speed Square
- Miter Saw
- Caulk Gun
- Wood Glue
- Sand Paper
- Paint or Stain
- Paint Brushes and Rollers
- Airless Sprayer
Some accent wall projects will only require some of these tools, but this is a baseline for the equipment needed to complete your project.
Conclusion/Wrapping Up
In conclusion, adding an accent wall to your living space is a great way to give it personality and charm. With so many alternatives, there is an accent wall idea for everyone, from solid patterns and vivid colors to textured materials and original designs.
The options are unlimited, whether you want to design a warm and inviting environment or a lively and energizing one. You may find inspiration to make any room in your house into a beautiful and unique atmosphere that genuinely expresses your taste and style by perusing the top 25 accent wall ideas.
Hence, feel free to experiment with various textures, hues, and patterns to create the accent wall of your dreams and fully personalize your living area.