Accent wall room


15 Stylish Bedroom Accent Wall Ideas

Committing to a room full of patterned wallpaper or an energetic paint color isn't for everyone, but the good news is that the next best thing is opting for an accent wall, where you pick one spot to put your style on full display. The perfect place to introduce an accent wall is in your bedroom, according to interior designer Taniya Nayak, who currently stars on HGTV's Battle on the Beach.

The best approach is to focus on the wall behind your bed. However, if that doesn't appeal to you, settle on the one directly across from you when you walk into the room, Nayak advises. And don't fret if deciding on the right accent wall color for your space has been a struggle. "The easiest and best way to pick a bedroom accent wall color is to work off of an existing inspiration piece like a throw pillow or bedspread," she says. "If it has a print or a pattern on it, pull a color that is the most minimal from that inspiration piece."

Keeping Nayak's pointers and your design style in mind, click through for 15 stylish bedroom accent wall ideas to take your home to the next level.

1

Daring Hue

Adam Macchia

Subdued neutrals aren't the only paint colors that can be used to create a relaxing atmosphere. Take a cue from this Dan Mazzarini- designed bedroom, featuring a striking orange-red backdrop.

RELATED: The Best Paint Colors for 2021

2

Nature-Inspired Wallpaper

Tessa Neustadt

For this kids' bedroom, designer Emily Henderson carved out a comfortable spot for Mom and Dad to nap whenever there's an opportunity. The accent wall sheathed in a tree wallpaper defines the space and makes it a main focal point of the room.

3

Rustic Touch

Monica Buck

Give any bedroom a cabin-like feel with wood paneling. Introduce function by incorporating a floating shelf above a short headboard—a useful spot to display everything from artwork to lighting.

4

Two-Tone Effect

Good Housekeeping

For a trendy effect, experiment with different color weights like this room's soft and rich sage green hues.

5

Moody Black Paneling

Joel Hornbarger

6

Geometric Print

Mike Garten

7

Dose of Toile

Matthew Williams

Embrace a verdant theme with a toile accent wall along with shades of lime and pale green for visual interest.

8

Textured Neutrals

Mike Garten

Layering various textures, like this bedroom's grasscloth wall covering and shiplap ceiling, is a no-fail way to make a neutral room stand out.

9

Dramatic Green

Kristine Brandenberger

White walls temper this cozy bedroom's forest green accent wall in a matte finish. A floral rug adds personality to the look.

10

Bright Aqua

Mike Garten

An aqua wall, complemented by a striped rug and accessories in the same color family, pulls this bedroom together.

11

Mixed Woods

David Brown. Courtesy of HGTV.

There's no shortage of warmth in this bedroom due to its varied wood tones, including a blonde accent wall.

12

Chalkboard Detail

Lisa Romerein

Let your kid's imagination run wild with a chalkboard wall that's just begging for their latest masterpiece.

13

Map Wall

© Mike Daines

Fuel your children's interest in travel with a bedroom wall covered in a world map. Just think of all the fun they'll having making their travel bucket list.

14

Scenic Mural

Mark Scott

Perfect for a maximalist, this floral mural commands attention and plays off of the pink bedding and accent chair.

15

Delicate Flowers

Björn Wallander/OTTO

A neutral green wall is made extra special with the addition of stencil flowers.

Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital.

12 bedroom accent wall ideas for an on-trend focal point

(Image credit: Billy Bolton. Design: Red Deer)

There's a good reason bedroom accent wall ideas are so popular. The wall behind the headboard is an ideal canvas for showcasing the most creative aspects of your home. And, from photo walls, macramé tapestries, neon signs, and wallpapers to paints, there are a lot of different ways you can go. 

While it's true that accent walls aren't as popular as they once were, they represent a  bedroom idea that makes it easy to inject personality into your space. Accent walls can be bold for a bedroom, especially for the wall behind your bed, as it's out of sight when laying in bed, but they don't have to be OTT.

If you're looking for fresh ideas, we have the 10 best ones to help you uplift this room. Take a look and bookmark the ones you love. 

'Think about what you're trying to achieve with your accent wall. Do you want it to be the statement in the room or a quiet backdrop that enhances the room?' says Kirsten Blazek, principal designer of A1000XBetter. Use these 10 accent wall ideas as a starting point for your space. 

1. Use a marble backdrop

(Image credit: Studio Wodehouse)

There's nothing more beautiful than natural stone when it comes to adding color, texture, and detail to a space. This centuries-old material, known for its durability can help transform modern bedrooms into vibrant, timeless spaces. 

Usually, stone, be it marble, terracotta, or slate is thought of as the ideal material for flooring or counters. Flip this trend on its head and utilize its aesthetics for an accent wall feature. Decorate the wall behind the bed with a stone feature, add long, hanging pendants in gold and create a dynamic appearance. 

'We chose a stone because it's easier to clean and maintain, and we really liked the colours in the stone, the abstract water colour aesthetic and it is with the color of this marble that we built the palette of this bedroom,' says Shonali Mahajan, principal designer at Studio Wodehouse .  

2. Try wallpaper behind the bed

(Image credit: Little Greene)

With people's growing interest in mid-century modern design, the popularity of patterned and textured wall coverings has exploded. Plain white walls are vanilla – now is the time for giving way to birch forests, rambling trellis patterns, and op art designs in shimmering Mylar.

In the master bedroom, designs don’t have to be strictly modern; even traditional and classical wallpapers can find relevance. In terms of experimentations, instead of covering a wall in flat wallpaper, consider adding them between panels, framed by molding like a work of art. This can give rise to a decorative composition.

'Wallpaper is seeing another renaissance,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene . 'As people are spending more time at home they are seeking out color and pattern that creates atmosphere, either by injecting joy and energy into an interior or by creating a calming, cozy, and cocooning sanctuary. The beauty of wallpaper is that there are so many different colors, designs, and style options available. Bolder designs can be used in combination with vibrant coordinating colors or can be paired down with complementary neutrals to suit different tastes or spaces. Using patterns in the home creates additional interest to any interior scheme and consumers are certainly happy to experiment with color.'

'A feature or accent wall behind the bed is the perfect place to be adventurous with color and pattern, as once you’re in bed the room will still feel calm and relaxing,' says Ruth.

3. Add a calming vibe with chalk paint

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Limewash was traditionally used as an exterior finish, to decorate and protect porous stone and lime-rendered surfaces. Due to its organic and timeless look, this paint is now a popular interiors finish.

For a serene, minimalist bedroom, create an accent wall using limewash paint; a breathable finish that is mottled and matte, and has a chalky texture, much like suede.

Just be sure about the type of wall you want to use this paint on. While most paints form a layer on top of walls, limewash sinks in, so it works best on porous surfaces, such as plaster, stone, and brick. When painting your wall in this finish, consider a mineral-based primer, such as an acrylic primer so that the paint bonds better with the wall's surface.

4. Make a feature wall with photographs

(Image credit: SML Architect)

Nothing looks more personal than photographs, right? And the bedroom is the best place to showcase them. Use the wall behind the best as the perfect memory wall with family portraits, and relive the best moments of your life just before you sleep. 

Other than pictures, your gallery wall can also be an eclectic mix of modern art, small prints, and wall plates. Use this wall as a reflection of everything you like, and believe in. To enhance the wall decor, use wall paint as a wonderful backdrop to lift the images. Choose black frames that will create a contrast and highlight the wall even further.  

'For this accent wall, we chose this particular color to resemble the fresh green hues of lush vegetation, something that was visible from the windows of this space,' says Mahek Lalan, principal architect at SML Architects .

5. Use timber cladding

(Image credit: Blaine Architects + Marshall Interiors. Photo by Jean Bai )

Wooden accent walls are one of the most versatile details that look good in all colors and grains. The look of wood is strong, and it adds texture to a space. It can help create a wonderfully rustic bedroom or add warmth to an overly glam room.

Consider an inset wood wall against the bright white walls for an eye-catching scene. Use the natural patina of wood to create a calming and perfect interior. You could also use reclaimed wood with a touch of color to lift the bedroom's color scheme. 

Walnut too is a great choice for a modern accent wall; you could choose a smoky rustic wood for the perfect vibe. If you aren't in the mood to spend big bucks on your bedroom's redesign, then a cheaper alternative is either veneer or even peel-and-stick strips that look like wood.

6. Go for wall decals

(Image credit: Emma Folds)

Everyone wants to make a space their own, but it can be difficult for renters.

Enter wall decals. Also loosely known as stickers, these can be easily pasted and removed from the wall and are the perfect solution to express yourself and add to the home in a beautiful but temporary way.

You could create wall murals with these to lift a bedroom's vibe. 'These can act as a focal point for celebrating and reflecting your personality,' says Anupriya Sahu, founder and design head, Alankaram . 'There are many ways to experiment with murals to enhance any space. For instance, opting for a design with an assorted pattern is a great way to add color, depth, and texture to a space. To make a prominent statement, one can have a large-scale design on walls.' 

Another really fun idea with wall decals is that it lets you create three-dimensional shapes for a unique look.

7. Give your bedroom a subtle touch with macramé wall hanging

(Image credit: LOAK)

During the '70s, macramé was a huge trend that's come back around again, and now  macramé plant hangers, wall hangings, curtains, and more are hugely en vogue. It has an inherently boho-chic vibe to it and looks great inside homes that are slightly pared back and indulge in natural materials. If you're crafty, you can stitch your macramé wall hanging and add a natural allure to your boho bedroom.

In this bedroom by LOAK , the rough walls and the wooden beams create an earthy background. The single wall hanging of macramé looks restrained yet adds a layer of texture to the somber room.

8. Go rustic with a brick wall

(Image credit: Modscape. Photo by John Madden)

A bold brick certainly draws a lot of attention and its beauty lies in how perfectly imperfect it is. An exposed brick wall can add warmth to an interior and even add another layer of texture to an earth tone bedroom. 

To make sure your brick stays stunning, ensure you seal and protect it to reduce the risk of disintegration over time. Perhaps add a slight gloss finish to make the brick look lustrous. A matte sealant will help keep mites and dust away, ensuring a longer life.

'The restrained yet rich and textured material palette takes cues from mid-century modern trends with terracotta tiles, exposed-brick walls, and timber ceilings,' says Jan Gyrn, CEO at Modscape . 'The result is a comfortable and appealing family home that respects, celebrates, and expands upon its original qualities while providing every amenity for modern family living and ensuring it will be around for many more decades to come.'

9. A tall headboard can double as an accent wall too

(Image credit: Noa Santos)

If there was one right place for design drama, it would be the bedroom. The bed being the most important piece of furniture in the room deserves the most attention. One way to make a statement, and in the process create a fun accent wall, is to choose a tall headboard. 

A tall, long, or wide headboard can make a low ceiling seem higher, and keep your bed from looking lost in a large space. It also provides a backdrop for your bedscape. You could choose from tufted panels, leather designs, or suede, to silk headboards for a luxury bedroom design. If you're going in for a wide headboard, add a patterned wallpaper behind it to give the wall a strong presence.

A large headboard can serve more functions. If you're choosing a tall wooden one, hide a small storage unit inside it to keep reading glasses, books, or fresh mints. You can even border the headboard with lights and create a dramatic modern canopy.

10. Add paint effect to highlight a wall

(Image credit: Carla Elliman)

To truly make a statement, consider paint effects. From color blocking, and color drenching to creating vignettes, look to the modern paint trends to uplift the wall behind the bed.

'I wanted to add a pop of color to this small wall space between our two-bedroom windows,' says digital creator, Carla Elliman . 'My idea was to create a sunshine color block to wake up to every morning and start the day on a positive note. I drew the outline of the circle and chose one of the brightest yellows I could find – this is Dulux Banana Dream 2 . Color blocking is one of my favorite ways to add a splash of hue to any space; it’s simple to do and can be done easily within the hour.'

11. Go for a brick wall

(Image credit: Quirk Studio. Photo credit Kuber Shah)

Brick has an inherent charm to it, but if the rustic look is a little over the top for you, don't shy from painting it white. It will also double as a wonderful bedroom wall decor idea.

'The master bedroom radiates a sense of comfort and relaxation with its familiar, homely yet luxurious aesthetic,' say Disha Bhavsar and Shivani Ajmera, principal designers and co-founders, Quirk Studio . 'A minimal grey bed offsets the white interiors of the room, flanked by the simplistic bedside lights, which add a refined sense of luxury to the space. The aesthetic quality of the space is reinforced by the white-brick back-wall, which adds to the congenial feel of the space.'

12. Choose an earthy material palette for the wall

(Image credit: Quirk Studio. Photo credit Kuber Shah)

'The parent’s bedroom is a gracious and congenial space, as driven by the brief of a welcoming design feel,' says Shivani and Disha. 'The panelling behind the bed offsets the white rattan furniture sitting on oak flooring, making the bedroom a comfortable and restful environment.'

Which wall should be the accent wall in the bedroom?

Ideally, there is no set rule as to which wall should be the accent wall in the bedroom. When it comes to bedroom wall decor or accent wall, any of the four can stand in as the ideal candidate.

However, the wall behind the bed is usually the most 'seen' wall in the room as the bed is the most important furniture piece. This is the wall you lay down against, and this is the first wall you notice as you enter the room. Then, it makes for the ideal wall to double as an accent piece. 

How do I create an accent wall?

There are ideas galore when it comes to bedroom accent walls. The easiest of course is with paint. Adding a bright tone on one wall while leaving the others neutral is a fool-proof way to design an accent wall. You could also add paneling to induce architectural interest.

To add texture to a room, consider a brick, concrete, or wooden accent wall. Even a textural paint finish like limewash can induce interest in the room.

Using a mural is a bold move, giving the bedroom an adventurous touch. If a fully-painted mural is not for you, experiment with decals that can be pasted and peeled at will. Larger-than-life artworks can create the same effect.

An accent wall doesn't have to be purely decorative; even a series of crafted, wooden windows can do all the talking. So can macramé wall hangings or porcelain wall plates. Tall headboards or long tapestries can create drama. 

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari is an architecture and design journalist with over 10 years of experience. She's worked at some of the leading media houses in India such as Elle Decor, Houzz and Architectural Digest (Condé Nast).  Till recently, she was a freelance writer for publications such as Architectural Digest US, House Beautiful, Stir World, Beautiful Homes India among others. In her spare time, she volunteers at animal shelters and other rescue organizations. 

Accent Wall: Decorating Tips

House in Tangier, designed by Cassandra Karinsky. In tourist booklets, Moroccan Tangier is called the "white city". It is in this color that the locals have been painting the walls of their houses for centuries. Without disturbing the harmony, the designer diluted it with dark blue — one of the walls in the living room is painted in this color. A blue sofa is matched to her tone.

Photo
Gaelle le Boulicaut

Ideal for small spaces

Wall painted in a contrasting color, perfect for small spaces. This technique will allow you to beat a cramped room, especially if you use a deep saturated shade. Painting one of the walls in a small room a rich dark color (or black) will create visual depth in the interior, making the space appear larger.

Room dedicated to Madeleine Castaing in the Saint James Hotel in Paris, designed in turquoise tones. A contrasting navy blue hue adds depth to the space.

Photo
Antoine Baralhe

Lots of styles

You have several options for this fashion trend. In addition to paint and wallpaper, there are ways to play not only with color, but also with texture. For example, using panels that mimic brickwork or wood. You can drape the wall with a cloth or lay it out with tiles or mosaics. For a children's room, an interesting option would be a wall painted with slate paint. A child can boldly paint and paint such a wall with colored crayons, without fear of incurring the wrath of their parents.

Trianon decorative panel, design by Carlo dal Bianco, Bisazza, www.bisazza.com

A way to divide space

Apartment of Patrick and Laurence Chavannes in Lyon. Its interior is built on panoramic wallpaper, including the interior of the owner's eldest daughter's room. Now it is decorated with wallpapers with the image of New York. What will be on this wall in a couple of years is unknown. The interior of the room changes as often as the tastes of the maturing hostess.

Photo
Anne-Catherine Scoffoni

Contrasting one or more walls in a room is a great way to divide up a space. For example, an open living room can be easily divided into zones (living room, dining room, study, etc.) if you use different wallpapers or paint colors for wall decor. At your request, one space will turn into two, or even more.

Apartment in Madrid. Designed by Gonzalo Pardo and Ana Torres.

Photo
ImagenSubliminal.com

The main accent of the interior

When planning your interior, keep in mind that the accent wall is the very first thing everyone entering the room will see. This is the focal point that will stand out and distract attention from everything else. To make the interior look more harmonious and balanced, it should have two or more accents. Therefore, to “support” the accent wall, it is better to choose pieces of furniture or accessories that match in color.

Decorator Milla Rezanova used wallpapers with a bright zigzag print, made according to her own sketches, to decorate one of the walls of the living room in a Moscow apartment.

Photo
Kirill Ovchinnikov

The right choice of color

An ineptly chosen accent wall color can spoil the space. To avoid this, give up random shades, even if the color itself is bright and you really like it. A red wall in a pastel interior is too much! The color palette of your home should be unified and clearly planned. Therefore, choose a color for a contrasting wall based on the overall range of the interior, including furniture, finishing materials and textiles.

Designed by Julia Sheipunas.

Change the accents

A bedroom in a Parisian apartment designed by decorator Pierre Jovanovich. One of the walls is sheathed with cork panels from top to bottom. This technique made it possible to hide the door leading to the dressing room.

Photo
Catherine Scotto

It is not necessary to build an interior around an accent wall. Art objects will give originality to the interior. Instead of papering or painting one wall, choose art pieces that match the style and mood of your home decor. Framed photos or paintings that you like and are in tune with the overall style of the interior are what will give your home a personality, creating a memorable image.

Moscow apartment of collectors Natalia Semyonova and Dmitry Gurzhy. Brickwork has been preserved on one of the walls in the office. It focuses on the art canvas, which is the central element of the interior.

Photo
Richard Powers

Legendary villa on the Li Galli archipelago, once owned by Leonid Myasin and Rudolf Nureyev. In the design of the guest bedroom, the accent wall at the head, painted in yellow and white stripes, sets the tone.

Photo
Massimo Listri

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Accent wall in the interior, photo: inspirational examples of an accent wall in the living room, bedroom, nursery and kitchen

How to decorate

Want to make your interior brighter, but don't know how exactly? An accent wall can be the best solution.

An accent wall that differs in color or texture from the rest of the walls in a room is a virtually guaranteed way to highlight a specific area in a living space. Together with Danish brand - Flugger paint manufacturer, we have collected successful examples of using this technique in the interior and found out what to consider when designing an accent wall.

Why do you need an accent wall in the interior?

With the help of an accent wall, you can solve several problems at once: adjust the geometry of the space, highlight a certain area in the room, divert attention from the shortcomings of the room and set the mood for the entire interior. So, for example, in an elongated room, the far wall can be painted in a dark warm shade - this way you visually bring it closer.

Living room accent wall

Living room accent wall is usually placed in the area that the guest sees when they enter the room. The accent wall (or part of the wall) behind the sofa looks good: this piece of furniture is traditionally considered the main one in the living room, and the bright background behind it helps to draw attention to it.

Bedroom accent wall

Quite often the bedroom accent wall is the wall behind the headboard. For an accent wall in this room, choose relatively calm, deep colors - such as a rich blue-green shade P1705 Solitude by Flugger.

Accent wall in a nursery

A child learns the world through colors too, so a bright accent wall in a nursery may be quite appropriate (it can be used, for example, to highlight a play area). If the child is already old enough, try to discuss with him what color he especially likes, and paint the wall in it: this will definitely become a small contribution to creating a really comfortable space for your son or daughter. Wallpaper with an unobtrusive pattern that contrasts with the calm color of the walls can also be a good solution.

Kitchen accent wall

If your kitchen is combined with a dining area, you can paint just a part of the wall behind the table with an accent color. In kitchens with open storage systems, an accent wall above the work area can look good (provided that the shelves are always kept in order). In this case, it is worth choosing a washable paint: for example, Flugger Dekso 5 . Grease stains are easily washed off surfaces painted with it - and the color, even after cleaning with a stiff brush, remains as bright as immediately after coating.

What materials can be used to decorate an accent wall?

Paint

Perhaps, most often the accent wall is decorated with paint - fortunately today we have plenty to choose from. Thus, the Flugger tinting palette contains more than 3,000 shades of interior paints, both familiar to the eye and complex original shades. It is worth noting separately Flugger Flutex 5 matte acrylic paint - it is easy to apply, leaving no streaks or stains on the surface, so even a non-professional can update the interior with it.

Wallpaper

Not everyone is ready to cover the whole room with wallpaper - for many people they are still associated with late Soviet life. And yet, modern wallpapers should not be underestimated, because today they are produced in a huge number of colors. You can understand whether the wallpaper suits you just when decorating an accent wall: it will not be so pitiful and laborious to part with them if you suddenly get tired of this type of coating or do not like it.

Textured coatings

An accent wall can differ from the rest of the walls in the room not only in color, but also in texture: this effect is achieved by using special coatings. Danish company DETALE CPH, part of the Flugger Group, has developed Kabric, a thick paint that visually resembles textured plaster. A wall painted with this paint looks like thick suede or velvet.

Tiles

If earlier wall tiles were associated only with a bathroom and an apron in the kitchen, today we can also present them in living rooms. The main advantages of tiles are a large number of unusual textures and the ability to imitate different materials.

How to choose a color for an accent wall?

When choosing a shade, you should take into account the overall color scheme in the room and, of course, your own preferences: not everyone likes bright walls in the interior, and this is normal.


Learn more