Dreamy Accent Walls to Transform Your Little One's Nursery

When designing your baby's nursery, an accent wall can be the perfect way to add personality, creativity, and style to the space. Accent walls provide a fun focal point while allowing you to keep other nursery walls soothing and neutral for your little one. From vibrant paint colors to charming wallpaper prints, accent walls are an easy DIY way to take your nursery design to the next level.

Whether you want to go bold or neutral, whimsical or modern, accent walls are a great way to reflect your baby's personality and your own style.

Choosing the Perfect Accent Wall Location

When planning an accent wall for your nursery, location and layout are key factors to consider. You'll want to think about nursery furniture placement, windows, and how the accent wall will enhance the overall space.

Often, it looks great to highlight the wall behind the crib with an accent wall, allowing your baby to drift to sleep surrounded by color and texture. Accent walls behind rocking chairs create pleasant focal points for nursing or reading. You can also brighten a reading nook or play area with a vibrant accent wall.

Lighting and Windows

Evaluate the way light hits different walls of the nursery at various times of day. Accent walls look best when showcased with ample natural light. Use darker paint colors or patterns on naturally well-lit walls. For dimmer spaces, choose light, bright colors to add cheer.

Furniture Layouts

Arrange cribs, rockers, and dressers to complement your accent wall design. Anchor furniture like cribs in front of or adjacent to the accent wall. Floating furniture in the center of an opposite accent wall can look pleasant and balanced as well.

Selecting Colors for Nursery Accent Walls

Color choice plays a big role in the look and feel of your accent wall. From eye-catching brights to soothing neutrals, here are some top paint colors to consider:

Vibrant Paint Colors

• Pink, coral, or rose for a feminine touch
• Aqua, teal, or turquoise for an ocean vibe
• Lime green, mint, or sage for freshness
• Purple, violet, or lavender for softness
• Yellow or mustard for brightness

Neutral Paint Colors

• Beige, tan, or sand for warmth
• Light or heather gray for calmness
• Oatmeal, taupe, or greige for coziness
• White for clean simplicity

For a soothing blend, consider using two complementary colors to paint an ombre gradient on your accent wall.

Dark vs. Light Colors

Use caution with very dark colors like navy or black--these can feel overwhelming in a small nursery space. For dark accent walls, add plenty of other light and bright colors, artwork, and accessories to balance the space. Light, bright walls feel cheerful and airy.

Fun Themes and Styles for Nursery Accent Walls

In addition to color, the theme and style of your nursery accent wall helps set the tone. Some creative ideas include:

Woodland Creatures

Charming forest animals like deer, foxes, owls, and rabbits help create a playful, inviting mood. Printed peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable wall decals, or painted woodland murals work well.

Safari Adventure

Lions, giraffes, elephants and more make for daring accent walls. Try removable wall decals or safari-themed wallpaper with bright colors and fun illustrations.

Under the Sea

Use wall decals of fish, whales, coral, and more to bring the magic of the ocean into your little one's space. Cool tones of blue and green complement this watery theme.

Outer Space

Create a stellar space adventure with moon, star, and constellation decals. Add glow-in-the-dark paint or wallpaper for extra interstellar style.

Flowers and Butterflies

A bright and cheerful floral or butterfly print works well for girls and boys. Try removable floral wallpaper or garden-themed murals and decals.

Creative Patterned Accent Wall Ideas

Fun patterns like stripes, dots, and shapes bring energy and whimsy to accent walls. Some top pattern options include:

Polka Dots

Playful polka dots in nursery colors like pink, yellow, blue, or green help keep the room light and fun. Use wall decals or removable wallpaper.

Black and White Stripes

Classic black and white stripes work well with bright pops of color. Painter's tape can help you DIY stripe a wall.

Herringbone

The zigzag herringbone pattern makes a modern statement. Use removable wallpaper or DIY with painter's tape.

Geometric Shapes

Triangles, diamonds, hexagons, and other shapes look bold and sophisticated. Create your own geometric accent wall with masking tape.

Textured Accent Wall Ideas

Add visual and tactile interest with textured accent walls. Some top options include:

• Grasscloth - Natural woven texture
• Faux brick - Rustic and charming
• Shiplap - Rustic horizontal wooden boards
• Faux tin - Industrial vibe
• Fabric - Cozy cushioned texture

Distressed Wood

Reclaimed barnwood planks or distressed wood panels add a timeworn, homey look that's perfect for a nursery. Wood wall tiles also create visual texture and interest.

Incorporating Meaningful Artwork

Accent walls provide the ideal backdrop to display meaningful art, photos, quotes, and more. Some ideas include:

Framed Family Photos

Creating a photo wall showcasing your family, baby photos, and vacation pics conveys love.

Inspirational Quotes

Frame short inspirational quotes or bible verses about childhood on your accent wall for an uplifting touch.

Nature and Travel Maps

Maps of destinations near and far spark dreams of adventure. Display maps above a crib or book nook.

Picture Ledge Shelves

Display framed photos and artwork on wall-mounted ledges for easy viewing and updating.

Creative and Interactive Accent Walls

Accent walls also allow you to add interactive elements for learning and play:

Chalkboard Wall

A black chalkboard wall fosters creativity--kids can color and draw new masterpieces daily. Use chalkboard paint or removable wall decals.

Magnetic Paint

Magnetic paint allows your little one to display their favorite artworks and photos on the accent wall with magnets.

Height Chart

Mark special milestones by tracking growth on a height chart painted or displayed on the accent wall.

Storybook Wall Mural

Share beloved bedtime stories by bringing book scenes to life on your accent wall with colorful wall murals.

Tying It All Together

Once you've selected your accent wall colors, patterns, and design, there are a few final steps to pull the look together:

Cohesive Style

Ensure your accent wall complements the overall nursery style. A bold geometric pattern wall won't look right in a whimsical floral room. Seek harmony and balance.

Accessorizing

Add matching throw pillows, art prints, lamps, or wall shelves to embellish your accent wall with complementary colors and textures.

Working With Existing Decor

Incorporate existing nursery furniture and decor into your accent wall design. For example, match cribding colors to the wall's hue.

Long-Term Use

Select an accent wall theme that can grow with your child from infant to toddler years without quickly feeling babyish or juvenile.

Accent walls are a fun, affordable way to decorate your nursery and reflect the playful spirit of childhood. With so many colors, patterns, textures, and themes available, you're sure to find a look that complements your style.

Whether you go bold and bright, neutral and calming, or interactive and educational, accent walls add that extra dose of love and personality to your little one's space.