Accent Wall Paint Colors That Make a Striking Statement
Looking to give a room in your home a quick makeover? Consider painting one wall a bold, dramatic color to create an eye-catching accent wall. With the right paint color and technique, you can easily transform any basic wall into a stunning statement piece. Accent walls are an easy and affordable way to add visual interest, character, and dimension to a space without repainting the entire room.
When it comes to paint colors, the options are endless for creating a striking accent wall that packs a punch. Certain hues and techniques allow you to make a bold declaration. Here are some of our favorite ideas for using paint to create a showstopping accent wall that wows.
Choosing an Impactful Accent Wall Color
The accent wall color you choose can completely change the look and feel of a room. When selecting a shade, consider the existing decor and undertones in the space. Cool-toned colors like blues, greens, and grays complement most color schemes beautifully. Warm hues like reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks make a fiery statement. Dark moody colors add drama while light neutrals open up the space. Some fail-proof accent wall color ideas include:
- Navy blue
- Forest green
- Charcoal gray
- Burnt orange
- Eggplant purple
- Mustard yellow
- Brick red
- Black
- Gold
- Blush pink
- Sage green
Color choice also depends on the mood you want to create. Bold brights feel fun and youthful while deeper jewel tones or dark neutrals lend a luxurious, sophisticated air. Consider the light in the room as well - some hues glow and others fade. Select a color you love looking at and that makes your heart sing!
Paint Techniques for Unforgettable Accent Walls
While a solid punch of color definitely makes an impact, there are easy paint techniques that take accent walls to the next level. With a little planning and painter's tape, you can create stunning designs, patterns, and textures that wow.
Geometric Shapes and Patterns
For a bold, modern statement, paint geometric triangles, diamonds, hexagons, or other shapes directly onto the wall. Use painter's tape to create clean lines and edges. For extra pop, choose a color that contrasts with your wall base color. Navy blue, emerald green, and rich red are perfect choices. Paint the shapes in the same hue or different colors. Also play with scale - small repeated shapes have a different effect than one oversized geo form.
Ombre Color Gradient
The ombre effect is created by gradually blending one color into another for a seamless transition. On your accent wall, start by painting the top portion in a light hue. Slowly incorporate the darker shade as you work down the wall until it's completely the deep color at the bottom. Pastel ombres look dreamy and ethereal while rich jewel tones create a striking effect. Just blend the paint smoothly for best results.
Add Dimension with Textured Paint
Using textured or specialty paint is an easy way to add tactile dimension to your accent wall. Textured paint rolled on with a thick-nap roller creates peaks and valleys, like a stucco finish. Dragging a dry brush over freshly painted walls adds organic striations. You can also add sand or granules to paint for an irregular speckled effect. Dry brushing metallic paint over a dark color base brings in an elegant shimmer. Texture provides depth and makes neutrals more interesting.
Fancy it Up with Damask Stencils
For traditional ornamental flair, use damask stencils to add intricate detail. Metallic gold damask against a black wall reads glam and luxe. Soft pastel damask on a gray wall is romantic and feminine. Use a stencil brush, dab paint lightly over the stencil. Build up layers for solid coverage. Angle the stencil for all-over patterns or center it inside wall molding. The ornate details dress up any plain wall.
A few final tips when planning your striking accent wall: consider wall size, room dimensions, and furniture layout. Accent walls work best on the largest and most visible wall. The color and technique should suit the room's purpose. For intimate bedrooms, light airy pastels or ombres create a soothing sanctuary. Rich tones and textures reinforce the formal elegance of a dining room. When in doubt, classic navy blue works everywhere!
It's easy to transform a ho-hum wall into a stunning accent wall with the right color and paint technique. So pick a hue you love and get creative with paint! Your bold, beautiful accent wall is sure to be the talk of the house.