Give Your Living Room a Dramatic Makeover with an Accent Wall

Is your living room looking a little dull and lackluster? Do you feel like the space is missing a certain wow-factor that makes it feel cozy yet put together? If so, it may be time to give your living room a dramatic makeover using one simple design trick--an accent wall.

Accent walls can instantly elevate the look and feel of a living room. By painting or wallpapering one wall a different color or using a unique material, texture or pattern, you can add visual interest to an otherwise plain room. The contrast created by the accent wall draws the eye in, creates depth and makes the space more dynamic. Read on to learn how to give your living room a showstopping makeover with the strategic use of an accent wall.

How to Choose the Perfect Accent Wall

When deciding which wall to designate as your living room accent wall, there are several factors to consider:

• Room Layout - Look at the layout and furniture arrangement of your living room. Accent walls work best on the wall where your eye naturally falls, often behind the sofa or TV.
• Architectural Details - Use an accent wall to highlight built-ins like the fireplace or shelving. This creates a focal point in the room.
• Flaws - Strategically place the accent wall to hide imperfections like mismatched paint or openings and direct the eye elsewhere.
• Balance - Create symmetry in the room with an accent wall placed opposite your TV or furnishings.
• Visual Path - Guide the viewer's eye to a specific wall or architectural feature.

By keeping these elements in mind, you can select the wall that will have the biggest impact when transformed into the accent wall.

Choosing the Perfect Accent Wall Color

The color you choose for your accent wall is one of the most impactful decisions you'll make. Consider the following when selecting a hue:

• Existing Color Scheme - Choose a color that complements the colors already present in your living room. Accent walls look best when the palette feels cohesive.
• Contrast - Pick a color that pops against the other neutral walls. Deeper tones like navy, charcoal and emerald green create drama.
• Mood - Think about the vibe you want to cultivate. Warm reds and oranges promote an inviting, cozy feel while cool blues create a relaxing oasis.
• Bold vs Neutral - While deep, dramatic colors have maximum impact, don't overlook sophisticated neutrals like gray, taupe and beige for an understated accent wall.

Most importantly, select a color that excites you and makes your heart beat faster. This accent wall is meant to be a showstopper, so go bold with your color choice.

Textured Accent Walls for a Cozy Feel

In addition to adding color, texture is another excellent accent wall option to give your living room a dramatic facelift. Textured walls add visual interest, hide minor wall imperfections and give a space a cozy, inviting vibe. Consider grasscloth, cork, shiplap or decorative 3D wall panels to add tactile interest.

Balancing Color and Texture

When selecting an accent wall color and texture, consider the existing decor. If your living room already has lots of bold patterns and colors, choose a more muted wall color and let the textures shine. For a subtle color scheme, make the accent wall texture more understated and use the wall color to create contrast.

Picking the Right Accent Wall Material

Beyond just paint, there are endless material possibilities for living room accent walls. Consider the following unique options:

• Wallpaper - From graphic prints to flocked velvet, wallpaper instantly transforms. Go bold or neutral.
• Wood - Real or faux wood planks add natural texture. Try shiplap or reclaimed boards.
• Tiles - Handmade ceramic or porcelain tiles lend an artisanal vibe. Mix colors or shapes.
• Stone - Stacked stone or a textured slate wall makes a stunning natural backdrop.

Look for materials that complement your existing decor. For a modern living room, sleek glass tiles could work beautifully, while a cozy cottage space might shine with reclaimed wood planks. Don't be afraid to mix and match materials like wood beams, brick and wallpaper for truly unique accent walls.

Creative Accent Wall Pattern Ideas

Patterns lend fabulous texture, visual interest and personality to accent walls. From graphic prints to textured treatments, here are enchanting pattern ideas:

• Florals - Vintage botanical prints or modern oversized blooms make a statement.
• Geometric - Diamonds, triangles, chevron stripes - angular designs feel fresh.
• Herringbone - This zigzag pattern adds great texture in wood, tile or wallpaper.
• Grasscloth - Natural woven texture provides a cozy, organic look.
• Faux Finishes - Shiplap, tin tiles, exposed brick - rustic yet contemporary.
• Damask - Traditional interlocking shapes work in formal living rooms.
• Moroccan - Intricate tile mosaics inspire an exotic global vibe.

Go bold or subtle with your accent wall pattern. Keep scale in mind - small patterns suit narrow accent walls best. Make sure any busy prints don't overwhelm a tiny living room.

Balancing Light and Dark

When selecting an accent wall color and pattern, consider the light and dark contrast. A dark moody accent wall can make a light airy space feel grounded and elegant. For a small dark living room, a light neutral accent wall opens up the space.

How to Decorate a Room with an Accent Wall

Once your fabulous accent wall is complete, incorporate accent colors throughout the living room with decorative details:

• Float furniture in front of the accent wall or cluster seating around it.
• Add pendant lights or sconces to illuminate and spotlight the wall.
• Echo accent colors in pillows, throws and accessories.
• Paint or replace molding or trim in the accent color.
• Display high-contrast art and decor to make the accent wall pop.

The goal is to make the accent wall the star while keeping the whole room looking cohesive. Allow the wall to be the focal point and arrange furnishings to complement it.

Incorporating Lighting

Consider using lighting strategically to draw attention to your accent wall. Wall sconces mounted on either side of the wall spotlight it, as do track lights pointed toward the wall. Chain or pendant lights hanging in front also illuminate the accent wall beautifully.

Accent Wall Ideas for Small Living Rooms

Just because a living room is small doesn't mean it can't handle a bold accent wall. In fact, accent walls are ideal for making a tiny living room feel larger and more expansive. A few tips:

• Visually expand the room with light, bright accent wall colors.
• Use mirrors or mirrored tiles to reflect light around the room.
• Draw the eye upward with a tall vertical pattern like grasscloth.
• Anchor the room with a dramatic dark accent wall color.
• Include subtle patterns and textures so the space doesn't feel chaotic.

With strategic use of color, pattern and scale, small living rooms can handle stylish accent walls with panache.

Accent Wall Inspiration

Need a little design inspo before getting started on your living room accent wall? Here are some gorgeous spaces showing off accent walls:

Warm Tones

This rustic living room features a textured shiplap wood accent wall in warm tan and brown tones. Touches of crimson and amber bring out the accent wall warmth.

Dark and Moody

A deep charcoal gray accent wall anchors this living room, contrasting beautifully with the white trim and moldings. The dark wall grounds the airy space.

Natural Materials

The stone accent wall and exposed beams of this light and bright living room add organic texture. Jute rugs and linen sofas complement the look.

The strategic use of an accent wall is one of the most effective ways to give your living room a dramatic, showstopping makeover. With creativity and confidence in choosing materials, textures, colors and patterns, your formerly plain living room can be transformed into a gorgeous, captivating space. Follow the tips above and soon you'll have an accent wall that wows.