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It’s exciting to incorporate a wallpaper pattern or unique paint color you’ve fallen in love with into your home. The only downside is that sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming to commit an entire room to a bold style. An accent wall is the perfect solution, you pick one wall where your design is fully on display.
One of the great things about accent walls is they look amazing regardless of your room size. Oftentimes the addition of an accent wall can be just what a small bedroom needs.
We’ve gathered our favorite accent wall ideas from a variety of styles and designers ensuring you’ll find something that catches your eye.
01. Half Wall
Feeling like your design is a bit much for a whole wall? Adding a half wall painted in a color that compliments the rest of the room helps keep your design from feeling overwhelming.
This bedroom uses a vintage-styled wallpaper from Lucie Annabel above a patterned half-wall molding providing a perfect balance of style.
02. Install Vertical Trim
Installing vertical trim behind your bed along the wall can be a simple rental-friendly option. Trim can be installed with just peel-and-stick strips or tiny nails that can be patched if needed.
03. Make Wallpaper Simpler
An easy way to make wallpaper feel less daunting is by choosing a simpler design. While your favorite wallpaper may be a bold pattern or bright colorway, opting for a simpler style can make decorating the rest of your bedroom enjoyable rather than difficult.
04. Match Colors
To ensure your accent wall connects with the rest of your bedroom, draw out a featured color like the light blue in this design, and match it to accessories throughout the room like throw pillows or bedding.
05. Use Wood Molding
Aside from looking amazing, wood molding can follow all sorts of styles and designs. Hang artwork or mirrors to add even more character.
06. Add a Wall Shelf
For a fun two-toned paint with the bonus of a shelf for accessories, installing a wall shelf can be a great option for your bedroom.
Paint the wall directly behind your bed then install a wooden shelf where the color stops. This area is perfect for plants, pictures, or anything you’d like to see every day.
07. Picture Frame Molding
Also known as box trim, picture frame molding has been around for centuries and can give any space a luxurious aesthetic.
You can certainly follow the traditional way of installing picture frame molding by cutting and nailing individual pieces of trim or opt for a renter-friendly version that’s just peel and stick pieces.
08. Get Creative With Lighting
Unique lighting can be an amazing addition to any accent wall. Whether you choose wall-mounted sconces, hanging lights, or LED strips to provide backlighting, any option will add character.
This bedroom by Prèma Yael uses a combination of LED backlighting and hanging lights above each nightstand to bring the bedroom to life.
09. Dark Tones
Try out different dark tones in your accent wall. Darker tones create a dramatic look without overwhelming the space. Deeper tones like the blue in this bedroom are often too dark for the entire bedroom but can be perfect for an accent wall.
10. Add Some Texture
If your looking for another way to add some character aside from a bright color or trendy pattern, try textured wallpaper. This bedroom by Field X Studio uses a neutral colored wallpaper with a bit of fabric texture to add subtle character to the bedroom.
Pro tip: Matching your beds headboard to the color of your accent wall ensures the two pair well together and look great.
11. Go For a Striking Print
If you’re looking to make an accent wall the focal point of your bedroom then choosing a stylish print like the one in this bedroom will definitely do the trick.
12. Choose a Favorite Color
Pick a favorite color that you’ve always enjoyed and showcase it! If you feel like it’s way too much to paint all four walls but still feel the need for some color then an accent wall is definitely the right choice.
13. Embrace Architecture
Instead of trying to work against the shape of your bedroom wall try embracing it like Dee and Darren did in their home renovation. The minty green paint fully scales the bed wall and is complimented by darker-toned furniture.
14. Don't Forget Art
Once you’ve painted your accent wall the color you’d like and added all the details, art can be a great way to make the design shine. This bedroom uses framed black and white prints along with white box trim to add personality.
15. Go Matte Black
Create a dramatic look with a black accent wall. Nicholls design uses a matte black paint as the accent wall in this bedroom, adding a moody aesthetic and adding plenty of contrast making the artwork stand out.
16. Earthy Tones
A relaxing, nature-inspired colorway is a wonderful addition to any bedroom. Paired with a few similarly colored accents like plants or bedding and you’ll have the perfect design.
17. Use a Tape Design
Create a geometric accent wall with just a bit of tape and some paint. With all sorts of designs and tutorials online, creating a custom accent wall with tape is a great option for anyone looking to go the DIY route.
18. Board and Batten
Board and Batten is a classic addition. Especially for rooms that don’t have much going on architecturally already. Board and batten is relatively easy to install and can turn a boring wall into an enjoyable statement piece.
19. Paint a Mural
Murals can either painted or installed as wallpaper. Either choice leaves you with a unique accent wall. Another pro to murals is they come in all sorts of designs ensuring that you’ll find something that matches your style.
20. Framed Wallpaper
Another way to avoid feeling overwhelmed by wallpaper is framing it like artwork. If you’re lucky enough to have a room with framed trim already installed then it’s as simple as adding in the wallpaper.
Sally Carson Interiors
21. Choose Nature Inspired Wallpaper
For this bedroom, Sally Carson used plant-inspired wallpaper to create a calm and light-filled bedroom. Naturally, nature promotes a relaxing environment which makes it a great option for a bedroom accent wall.
22. Wood Paneling
Give any bedroom a cozy feel with wood paneling. This bedroom uses wood paneling sections that come pre-constructed and are installed with just a few screws. Cutting and installing individual wood pieces on your own can be a much more cost-effective option as wood panels can get pricy.
