Accent walls remain popular, and it’s easy to understand why. They can be added to any room to emphasize architectural features, introduce a splash of color, or serve as a central point of interest. They offer a fantastic opportunity to incorporate a bold color or daring pattern in a limited amount — ideal if others in your home prefer subtlety — and can even give the illusion of a larger space. Accent walls can be crafted with wallpaper, textures, paneling, and artwork, but the simplest and most cost-effective method is using paint.
Deciding on the perfect color scheme for a room with an accent wall can feel like a chicken-or-egg dilemma. Should you start with the accent color and select neutral tones for the other walls afterward? Or is it better to decide on the room’s colors first and then choose an accent color from that palette? Once your color scheme is set, should you paint the accent wall at the beginning or the end? The answers depend on various factors, such as whether your space is enclosed or open-plan, and the source of your design inspiration.
When to Choose an Accent Wall Color
In most situations, it’s advisable to select the accent wall color last. When creating a cohesive color scheme for an open-plan area, the accent wall should unify the space, which is easier to achieve if the room is already decorated, even if just mentally. It’s simpler to repaint one wall than three, so the color of the accent wall should complement the other walls, not the other way around. However, if you have a cherished painting, pillow, lamp, rug, or another item you wish to match with your accent wall, you’ll need to decide on that color first. Finding an exact paint match for a decorative item can be challenging, and it’s much easier if you don’t have to coordinate with additional colors.
After selecting your color combinations, it’s time to apply them to the walls. Generally, it’s preferable to paint the accent wall last. Accent walls often feature darker colors, making it simpler to cover any color bleed from lighter walls. It also helps to see the accent wall color next to the completed walls to confirm your choice was correct.
