Spice Up Your Room With 2 Bold Accent Walls

Adding a splash of color and contrast to a room can seem daunting. But painting two accent walls allows you to transform any space with dramatic flair, without the commitment of a whole-room paint job. By limiting your color statement to two key walls, you can add vibrancy and character in a strategic way.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about successfully painting two stunning accent walls that will make your room pop.

What Are Accent Walls?

Accent walls involve painting one or two walls in a room a different color than the other walls. This creates a bold focal point and adds striking visual interest with minimal effort.

Definition & Purpose of Accent Walls

An accent wall is a wall painted a different color than the other walls in a room, serving as a compositional focal point. Accent walls add drama, vibrancy, and character to a space. They allow you to experiment with bolder hues without committing to painting the entire room. Accent walls strategically draw the eye, highlight architectural details, and break up monotonous, all-white walls.

Benefits of Using Accent Walls

There are many advantages to incorporating accent walls into your home's interior design:

• Make a design statement
• Showcase your unique style
• Draw attention to specific wall features
• Visually change wall textures
• Divide open concept rooms
• Add depth and dimension
• Refresh the look of a room without a full renovation

Popular Places to Use Accent Walls

Some of the most popular rooms to add accent walls include:

• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Kitchens
• Dining rooms
• Bathrooms
• Home offices
• Entryways

Choosing Your Accent Wall Colors

With endless paint options available, selecting the perfect accent wall colors can be tricky. Follow these tips when deciding on your bold, beautiful hues.

Accent Wall Color Tips

• Choose a color 2-3 shades darker than your existing wall color
• Select colors within the same general family as current walls
• Bold jewel tones make stunning accents
• Black is ideal for a dramatic effect
• Soft neutrals can also pack a punch

Coordinating Accent Walls with Room Colors

Aim for accent walls that complement but stand out from the room's existing wall color. If your walls are beige, select a deeper tan or taupe accent wall color. For blue-gray walls, go with a bold navy or inky accent. Tie it all together using tones from the same color family.

Best Paint Colors for Accent Walls

Some of the most popular accent wall color choices include:

• Vibrant teal or emerald green
• Rich purple or eggplant
• Sultry red or burnt orange
• Vintage blue or dark charcoal
• Earthy clay or mustard
• Deep wine or olive

Selecting Which Walls to Paint

Choosing the right walls to transform into stunning accent walls is key to maximizing impact. Consider these factors when selecting accent wall placement:

Factors to Consider When Choosing Accent Walls

• Highlight architectural details like fireplaces, built-ins, or ceilings
• Paint opposing walls in open floor plans
• Select walls with minimal windows and doors
• Make the headboard wall an accent in bedrooms
• Use accent walls to define specific spaces within a multipurpose room

Common Accent Wall Placement Mistakes to Avoid

Be strategic when picking accent wall location. Some placement errors to avoid include:

• Placing behind fixed furniture
• Painting every wall a different color
• Selecting a wall with intricate wallpaper
• Choosing a wall that faces north with limited light
• Using accent walls in a cluttered or small room

Preparing the Walls for Painting

Proper prep work ensures your accent walls look smooth, professional, and sleek. Follow these steps when prepping walls for painting:

Cleaning and Prepping the Walls

Thoroughly clean walls by washing off dirt, grease, and grime. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle and sand smooth. Finally, remove any loose paint by sanding or scraping.

Taping Off Edges and Trims

Use painter's tape to mask off edges where accent walls meet ceilings, baseboards, and trim. This keeps your lines crisp. Remove switch plate covers and tape around switches and outlets.

Priming Accent Walls (If Needed)

For a flawless finish, prime walls before painting if changing to a much darker color. Use a tinted primer that matches your chosen accent color.

Painting Your Accent Walls

The fun part--time to apply beautiful coats of accent paint! Use these painting tips and techniques for stunning results:

Painting Tips and Techniques

• Use a mini roller and angled brush for cutting in edges
• Apply paint in a V or W pattern for even coverage
• Work in 3-4 foot sections from top to bottom and side to side
• Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks
• Finish with smooth, parallel strokes all in the same direction

Using Rollers, Brushes, or Sprayers

Choose mini rollers for straightforward accent walls. Angled brushes excel for cutting in edges. For expansive or textured walls, an airless paint sprayer may provide the most flawless finish.

Applying Multiple Coats for Best Results

Applying two or more coats ensures your accent walls look stellar. Allow at least 2-4 hours of drying time between coats.

Accent Wall Ideas and Inspiration

When deciding how to paint your two accent walls, look to these gorgeous designs for inspiration and creativity.

Two-Toned Accent Wall Designs

Paint the upper and lower halves of an accent wall different colors for a stylish, two-toned look. Use painters tape to create clean lines.

Creative Paint Techniques for Accent Walls

Beyond basic paint, consider using sponges, brushes, or rags to create textured accents walls with depth. Or mimic tile, brick, stone or wallpaper with clever faux finishes.

Accent Wall Ideas for Bedrooms, Living Rooms, etc.

Jazz up key walls in every room. Use moody navy in the bedroom, bold red in the dining room, or sage green in the office. The possibilities are endless!

Mistakes to Avoid with Accent Walls

While accent walls make a gorgeous addition to any room, there are a few pitfalls to avoid:

Poor Color Choices

Pick accent colors that complement the room instead of clashing. Avoid neon or overly trendy colors.

Improper Preparation and Painting

Rushing through prep and paint application can lead to imperfections. Take your time and do it right.

Overdoing Accent Walls in a Room

Aim for two accent walls maximum. Too many bold walls can feel visually overwhelming.

Caring for and Touching Up Accent Walls

Keep your accent walls looking like new with proper maintenance and paint touch-ups.

Cleaning Painted Accent Walls

Use a soft microfiber cloth and mild soap and water to gently clean accent walls when needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Touching Up Accent Wall Paint Over Time

Save leftover accent wall paint. Use a small brush to quickly touch up any scuffs or marks as needed to maintain your look.

Accent Wall FAQs

Can you paint just 2 accent walls?

Yes, painting two accent walls is a great way to add pops of color without overdoing it. Place the walls strategically to frame features or complement the room's layout.

What color should accent walls be?

Choose a bold accent wall color that complements the room's main wall color but stands out. Opt for a shade 2-3 tones darker than your existing walls.

How do you paint an accent wall?

Prep the wall, tape off trims, apply 2-3 coats of accent paint using smooth, parallel strokes, let dry completely, then remove tape for crisp edges.

Accent walls are fantastic in living rooms. Paint the wall behind the sofa or highlight architectural details like the fireplace. Just take care not to overdo it.

Painting two accent walls can elevate your space. So grab some paint brushes, break free from boring beige, and get ready to spice up your room with bold, beautiful color!