Key Factors to Consider Before Adding Multiple Accent Walls to Your Space



Accent walls are an excellent method to introduce interest to plain walls and draw attention to specific areas of a room. While the abundance of fantastic accent wall ideas might be tempting to implement extensively throughout your home, caution is advised. Excessive use of accent walls can result in a chaotic and unbalanced appearance. To successfully incorporate multiple accent walls, focus on their strategic placement, size, materials, and color.

Properly placed accent walls can either elongate or cozy up a room, highlighting features like a fireplace or a piece of furniture. They can also introduce texture and dimension or conceal less attractive elements such as a fuse box or mounted television. By thoughtfully considering these elements, you can use more than one accent wall to visually enhance your space.



Multiple Accent Walls to Coordinate and Define Spaces

Utilizing two or more accent walls in a room can effectively create zones with one or two paint colors. This approach is perfect for larger, multi-functional spaces, such as areas with multiple seating arrangements, that benefit from distinction. It’s especially advantageous for adjoining walls that converge at corners or small spaces like under-stair cubbies or corridors. Applying a single color to areas like an undefined entryway, reading nook, dining area, or around a bathroom toilet can make these spaces feel more deliberate.

You can also alter the visual perception of a room by applying a single accent color to opposing or non-adjacent walls. This technique can help unify vast open-concept spaces. While two walls of the same size might compete in a smaller room, using an accent color on half or partial walls can create harmony and cohesion.

Adding Texture and Color with More Than One Accent Wall

If incorporating multiple accent walls, consider diversifying your materials for a dynamic, layered effect. Pair a wood-paneled wall with a playful wallpaper mural on another wall, or create a rustic plank accent wall opposite a solid-colored wall. Alternatively, add slender picture molding to a colored accent wall to contrast with a bold floral wallpaper on another wall. When executed well, these varied textures will complement rather than compete with each other.

Achieve a cohesive look with multiple accent walls by using similar color shades, such as painting a room in dark green with an adjacent wall in lighter sage. Alternatively, use small touches of a repeated shade on walls surrounding furniture, built-ins, or artwork. For neutral spaces, experiment with subtle light or dark variations to avoid a boxy feel, or blend complementary colors on a single wall to unify two accent colors seamlessly.

Reg Miller Award
Reg Miller Award

Reg Miller Award recipient, Lewis Lydon with OA Chairman, Pete Shadbolt and CEO, Lechelle Earl.