Residential Painting

Accent Wall Color Ideas and Tips

Posted on December 17, 2019

Do you want to make a change in your home without breaking the bank? Paint an accent wall! Accent walls are an easy and fun way to liven up your home and make the space a bit more unique.

Here are tips on how to choose an accent wall and color combinations that are a match made in heaven.

Tips on how to choose an accent wall

  • Choose a solid wall
    When it comes to creating an accent wall, the first step is choosing its location. The best option is a solid wall. When we say solid, we mean a wall without windows and doors. Empty walls create fewer opportunities for competition. For example, the view outside your window won’t be compromised by the bold new wall color. Not only that, but the natural light that comes through windows tends to alter the color of the accent wall depending on the time of day.
  • Find the natural focal point
    The easiest way to choose an accent wall is by picking a wall with an already existing focal point. For example, if you’re painting your bedroom, accent the wall with the headboard. If you are updating a room with a fireplace, paint that wall. If it’s your bathroom, choose the wall with the vanity and mirror. Go where your eye naturally floats, and you won’t have to think twice about which wall to choose.
  • No focal point? No problem
    Your room may not have a focal point, but that’s okay. You can create one! If you are just moving into the space, think about how you plan to decorate and what furniture you will use. After that, you can use those elements to create a focal point in the room. For example, if you are designing your living room, make the wall behind the sofa the accent wall. Or, if you have a really nice piece of artwork hanging (or family photos), use that wall.

Accent Wall Color Ideas

  • Decide between subtlety or a statement
    First, decide whether you want to go bold or subtle. In rooms with neutral walls, you can go bold and add a pop of color with your accent wall. If you have a larger room choosing a deeper or lighter version of the color already on the wall tends to look best.
  • Go darker
    When painting the accent wall in a darker shade than the color already on the walls, a one to two tone difference is best. It will contrast the lighter walls and make sure your eyes get drawn to the focal point of the room. If you are doing a pop of color, still choose one to two shades darker than your already painted color.

Accent Wall Color Combinations

  • Black and White
    A tale as old as time, black and white are the perfect pair. When your room is painted in a crisp white, it’s exciting to make the accent wall black. This color combo is sure to turn heads and make a statement.
  • Orange and Gray (or White)
    If your space is a subtle gray, use orange as your accent wall’s color. Orange is an often overlooked pop of color in the home, but when paired with gray, it is a splash of fun and keeps the rest of the space neutral.
  • Navy and Tan
    A warm tan room looks great with a navy accent wall. Navy adds a cozy feeling to the space, as well as depth. Since the other walls in the room are tan, it creates a striking impression.
  • Yellow and White
    If light and whimsical are what you’re going for, pair your white walls with a pastel yellow. But, if bright and cheery are more your style, pair the white with a canary yellow. Yellow is always an excellent choice for an accent wall because the color is associated with happiness and is sure to make the space feel warm and inviting.
  • Soft Blue and Gray
    The contrast of the colors in the room doesn’t have to be over the top; it can be subtle and still showcase the space. Go for a soft blue accent wall with gray main walls because soft colors are welcoming and make the room very relaxing.
  • Red and White (or Tan)
    If you want to add drama to a white or tan room, choose a shade of red as your accent wall. It is such a powerful color and is associated with love. That’s why painting a red accent wall in your living room ensures the space is loving and warm.

If you want to paint an accent wall but are unsure where to start, contact the professionals at CertaPro Painters® of Central SW FL to schedule a free estimate. Our color consultants can help you choose the perfect accent wall for your room, and our expert painters will get the job done!

License Info: PT12-00621AAA-12-00049