Take your prettiest plates out of the cupboard and display them on the wall instead, as Alexandra Kaehler did in this Winnetka, Illinois, home. “I love having all different mediums of art throughout a home—paintings, photography, and plates offer another special way to do that,” says the founder of Alexandra Kaehler Design, also in Winnetka. Best of all, she adds, oftentimes a client already has an existing collection of plates on hand just waiting to be showcased.
23. Go graphic with tile
Why not bring an accent wall into the bathroom, as seen in this San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, home? “We floated the copper bath tub in front of a wall tiled in a classic Moorish pattern that we recolored to feel contemporary,” says Jeffry Weisman, cofounder of the San Francisco–based firm Fisher Weisman Brugioni. “We love the graphic pop in a room with tile floors, beamed and thatched ceilings, and white plaster walls.”
Can you DIY an accent wall?
As these accent wall ideas prove, it is entirely possible to design a DIY accent wall, whether you chose to do so with paint, by hanging a gallery wall of art pieces, by installing a peel-and-stick geometric wallpaper mural, applying paneling, or taking another route.
Can you incorporate an accent wall into a small space?
As you can tell by the array of accent wall ideas above, you can certainly include an accent wall in a small space or room for an eye-catching surprise. Accent walls will add instant personality to a powder room, petite apartment living room, and many other spaces short on square footage. A small space is an excellent opportunity to try a bedroom accent wall that mimics the effects of a headboard, for example.
Do accent walls complement all aesthetics?
Accent walls will shine in any type of home, regardless of one’s home decor style. That said, they are more often seen in vibrant, eclectic spaces and appear less often in minimalist homes. Accent walls generally serve to provide a pop of color within a room, according to interior design experts, so don’t shy away from paint colors that make a bold statement.
What rules do designers swear by for accent walls?
Home design pros say that when incorporating an accent wall, “Do it with intention or don’t do it at all,” Gilmore says. This means really focusing on amping up a room’s visual interest. “When it comes to creating an accent wall, my rule is to make a statement,” Chiprut adds. “I recommend going big and bold. It’s your opportunity to express your personality in your home and create a stunning focal point.”
Are accent walls trending?
Accent walls are still having a moment, per our designer sources. The key is to keep your personal interior design preferences top of mind. “Accent walls will always be in style as long as it feels authentic to you and your design style,” Chiprut says. “It’s about how you incorporate them into your home.”
What color paint is most popular for accent walls?
Whether you’d like to go bold or stick with neutrals is entirely up to you. Designers are seeing a mix of both categories. “Deep, saturated colors create a striking impact when they envelop a space from floor to ceiling, seamlessly tying everything together,” Beitler says. “However, layered whites on textured surfaces offer a beautiful, tone-on-tone effect, adding depth and subtle sophistication.”
What are the trending accent wall colors for 2025?
Again, both subtle colors as well as their bolder counterparts are trending for 2025. “Warm neutrals like camel, soft beige, taupe, and rich sandy tones are taking center stage,” Chiprut says. “These hues feel timeless and grounding, wrapping a room in a quiet elegance that pairs beautifully with everything from organic textures to modern silhouettes.” For those looking for a greater pop of color, “a bold and optimistic blue works best” when it comes to trending accent wall colors, Gage says. “Try Santa Monica Blue by Benjamin Moore—it’s a timeless shade, but also has a punchy appeal for 2025!”
Earth tones are another excellent option if you’re looking for a bit of color but steering away from anything too intense. “The year 2025 is welcoming back color in a way that feels a little more muted,” Papier says. “Sun-baked earth tones and rich plums and browns are becoming more and more prominent.”
Should accent walls be darker or lighter?
When in doubt, make your accent wall darker than the walls around it, designers say. “A darker accent wall with lighter walls makes the accent wall a focal point, immediately drawing your eye to it,” Papier explains.
How can you create an accent wall on a budget?
If you’re looking to design an accent wall on a budget, using paint is the most affordable solution, Gilmore notes. That said, she offers a few more elaborate accent wall ideas that won’t break the bank. “If you want to add some interest, painting a design—something as simple as a stripe or a checkerboard—is a great way to add a pop while on a budget,” the designer says.