20 Stunning Accent Wall Ideas for a Dramatic Look

Are you thinking about adding accent walls to your home’s interior design? Look no further! These accent wall design ideas will inspire you to create a dramatic and stunning look in your home.

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Many homeowners may need to make a space feel more cohesive, open up a wall or change their mood.  Luckily accent walls be the easiest way to do it.  

There are many ways to update a wall in your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom to create a wow factor and show off your creativity. Many of the accent walls started off as a monochromatic design style. Now you will see more with a pop of color as they like to be used as the focal point of interior spaces.

Accent walls are trendy and budget-friendly. They can help you decorate small spaces or give added texture and colors to bigger spaces.

Related: Moving to Florida? Here are some of the most popular interior design styles that you’ll find!

Popular Types of Accent Walls

Many types of accent walls are popular, but here are some of the most common:

  • Painted accent walls – This is the most common type of accent wall, where one wall in a room is painted differently than the others.
  • Wallpaper accent walls – Wallpaper can create a bold and unique statement in a room, and can be used to create an accent wall.
  • Textured accent walls – Textured walls can add depth and interest to a room, and can be created using materials like brick, wood, or stone.
  • Mural accent walls – Murals can be used to create a dramatic focal point in a room, and can be customized to fit any style or theme.
  • Tile accent walls – Tiles can be used to create a striking accent wall in a bathroom or kitchen, and can be arranged in various patterns and colors.
  • Gallery accent walls – Gallery walls can be used to create a unique and personalized accent wall, by displaying a collection of art or photographs.

The Best Accent Wall Ideas Room by Room

To give you some accent wall design ideas, here are some photos below for inspiration. As you’ll see, an accent wall can work in any room!

Entryway

Let’s start with the entryway, which is your guests’ first impression when they enter your home. If a full wall might be too much for you to try, use it in the entry.

Stepping into your home can be a showstopper experience with a simple accent wall!

The dark accent wall brings out a fantastic contrast to the surrounding white walls and light-colored flooring.

Accent walls of dark colors are a great way to make a bold statement, even in a small space like an entryway.

Entry Wall Molding Details with rectangular and square shapes
The accent wall in this entryway below uses multiple layers with various shapes of squares and rectangles. The mirrors and wall art line up perfectly with the square shapes.

This one was framed with a contrasting color that really highlighted the wall design. The furniture meshes well well with the lines and textures.

Related: Get inspired by these trendy and friendly exterior paint colors. Perfect for homeowners in Florida, check out this list of the most popular hues and find one that’s perfect for your home!

White Accent Wall with bold, black molding details. There is a mirror, chandelier, and two lamps on top of a console for decor.
This hallway with a cool retro feel is an option to brighten up a boring wall. The large mirror also opens up the space and gives more attention to the dark lines.
Modern Retro Hallway with white paint and black lines

Kitchen

Accent walls are not just limited to living rooms or bedrooms; they can also be used in kitchens to create a focal point and add some personality to the space.

Here are some accent wall ideas for your kitchen:

A tile accent wall can add a pop of color and texture to your kitchen. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look.

You can also create an accent wall in your eat-in kitchen area. This allows you to separate the space and use it for a different purpose so the room does not get overpowered by the kitchen and open concept.

You can go with a bright color or go more subtle with a shade different than the rest of the room.

Dining Room

Accent walls in dining rooms can be simple with wallpaper and floating shelves. Elevate the space with a mirror, bar cart, or wall sconces.

Related: Give your bathroom an upgrade with these modern shower wall ideas! From sleek stone tiles to mosaic, find the perfect finish for your space.

Master Bedroom

We’re starting out with the master bedroom because most of us spend lots of time in our bedrooms. We desire a space that’s cozy and welcoming.

A bedroom wall would be my top choice. You can use the wall where your headboard may go or use the accent wall to act as the headboard is another affordable option.

Blue accent wall with square shaped molding behind bed and two side tables
In this photo, blue paint was used to showcase the molding details. The square shapes make the room look symmetrical.

Related: With so many bedding options there, it can be hard to choose the best bedding for your master bedroom. Look at our layered bedding ideas!

Bedroom Molding Details in Earth Tones
These diagonal lines look so stylish in this master bedroom. The wall is painted a darker cream color, and the molding is a light cream color. The earth tones match all the furniture which creates a cohesive look.

Related: These easy-to-follow houseplant decorating tips give your living room a splash of life! Learn how to add unique style and charm to any space.

Diamond Shaped Accent Wall with Molding Details behind a bed and wall art
A few different shapes can make an accent wall look stylish. These triangles are proof of that!

This bedroom focuses more on the ceiling with the molding detail and beautiful vertically completed millwork.

So many lines, textures, and decorative pieces work together in this master bedroom! I love how the dark blue, grays, and whites complement each other.

Using color to showcase the molding details in blue is one of the most popular colors in the design.

Light Blur Black and White Stripes behind a bed and desk

Living Room

Accent walls are a great way to add depth and personality to your living room. Sometimes a living room wall can easily be elevated with simple wallpaper and wall art.

Related: This article highlights some popular Florida home color schemes, helping you decide on paint colors for the exterior and room by room.

Painting one wall a different color than the others is a classic way to create an accent wall. Choose a color that complements your existing decor or adds a pop of color to the space.
This minimalist design uses shades of black and white to create a classic, yet modern look.

Home Office

An easy way to create an accent wall is with wallpaper. A little pop of color and geometric designs can add character to a home office and make you never want to leave!

The neutral colors in this wallpaper allow you to buy a desk and office chairs with bold colors.

Molding and Accent Wall that is displaying an art gallery with floating shelves
This office space had an open wall for the molding design details.
Sometimes a simple paint color can enhance an office space too. This coastal interior design shows that pastel colors can create a calming atmosphere with beachy vibes.
large mirror that opens up an office space
This green paint color adds a calming effect to this home office space. This particular color is Sherwin Williams Underseas.

Lofts and High Ceilings

A look you may not see often enough is sprucing up the ceilings. Yes, an accent wall can be applied to the ceiling too!

Another option is to layer the wall for a 3D effect with the same neutral color in this loft design.

light blue molding on ceiling on the second floor of a home

Super high ceilings are the best way to try the ceiling details here. Adding color and shapes to the entire ceiling is a bold move.

square Ceiling Details and ceiling fan in a Bedroom

The layers of molding on this ceiling will make the room feel very spacious.

Foyer Molding Ceiling Details that show different levels in the ceiling

Stairway

This stairway landing wall is another area of the home that you can spruce up with some molding and texture! It’s the perfect way to add visual interest to a spot in the home that is usually left bare.

If you prefer neutral paint colors, then you can install a textured wall like this one.

Hallway Molding Details next to a staircase

Accent Walls for Small Spaces

Clients often feel they can’t have an accent room in a small space, which is untrue. Selecting a color palette for a smaller space is more important to create a more cohesive design.

If you like neutrals and prefer a pop of color, I would suggest considering spaces like a powder bath, laundry room, pantry, or open spaces requiring defining spaces.

Accent Wall Ideas FAQs

Which wall should be the accent wall?

Traditionally, the accent wall is the feature wall of a room. For example, in a bedroom, it would be the wall behind the headboard. Or in the living room, it’s the wall behind the TV and entertainment center. It’s best to choose a wall without windows because then you can decorate the wall with floating shelves or create a gallery wall with wall art.

What is the rule for accent walls?

For interior designers, this is referred to as the 60-30-10 rule. 60% should be your dominant color (neutral colors are recommended), while 30% is a secondary color or texture, and the final 10% is an accent color.

What colors or styles are recommended for accent walls?

I recommend neutral decor with monochromatic in cream or white for a bedroom or a family room wall. Keep it simple with a white/cream wall. Add wall art for a multilayer effect. For shapes, I would go with the ones that are symmetric with rectangles or in a geometric style.

Which wall should be the accent wall?

Generally, I choose the wall within the room that doesn’t have any windows. I zone in on the wall that will give you the most flexibility.

Will you have a lot of options for rearranging furniture and moving wall decor around? Will the wall look good with a bold paint color or a neutral color?

Answer these questions first, and it will help you finalize your decision.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, accent walls are an easy and effective way to add personality and interest to any room in your home. Whether you choose to paint, wallpaper, or use a textured material, there are countless options to suit your style and taste.

By creating a focal point on one wall, you can transform the look and feel of your space without breaking the bank. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, patterns, and textures to find the perfect accent wall for your home.

With these ideas and inspiration, you’ll be on your way to creating a beautiful and unique space that reflects your personal style.

Did you enjoy these interior design photos? If you’re looking for me accent wall design ideas, follow me on Pinterest for more home decor inspiration!

Nicole Mickle

Born and raised in Orlando, Nicole is a seasoned real estate agent with over 20 years of experience in the sunny city of Orlando, Florida. Along with her extensive knowledge of the local real estate market, Nicole has a passion for educating others about the Florida lifestyle. Through her blog, Florida Homes and Living, Nicole shares insights on everything from the best neighborhoods to buy a home to the top local attractions and events. Whether you're a longtime resident or a newcomer to the Sunshine State, Nicole is happy to welcome you to Florida.

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