Which wall to accent in bedroom

A Guide to the Best Bedroom Accent Wall Ideas

Whether you’re looking to spice up a small bedroom or completely redo the design aesthetic of a master bedroom, adding an accent wall is the perfect solution.

Accent walls are a mainstay in the interior decorating world for a reason. They can help switch up the design and personality of your bedroom instantly — without the hassle of a full bedroom makeover. They’re also extremely versatile with a wide range of options for any home decorator. From unlimited paint colors to new materials, your accent wall can be as one-of-a-kind as you are.

Excited to explore potential bedroom accent wall design options? Read on and get inspired.

What is an accent wall?

An accent wall, also known as a feature wall, is an interior or exterior wall that is aesthetically different from its surrounding walls. Whether by color, design and/or material, an accent wall stands out from the crowd to create a focal point in any room.

Depending on your personality and style, an accent wall can highlight exactly what you want people to first notice when they enter a room. Additionally, since a bedroom is mainly for your own eyes, an accent wall can be an exciting opportunity to try out new decor ideas or experiment with your interior design style.

Your bedroom is supposed to be your go-to space for relaxation and comfort, so why not guarantee that it matches your ideal home decor?

Which wall should be your accent wall?

Before you roll your sleeves up and get to work, it’s important to have a clear idea of which wall is going to be your accent wall. As the room’s feature wall, a good indicator of an ideal accent wall is whether it’s already got a focal point. For example, in your bedroom, the main accent wall is most likely the wall behind your bed’s headboard.

That’s not always the case, though! If your bedroom has a wall of windows, that can also be a great place to design an accent wall that will highlight this architectural feature. If that doesn’t sound like a perfect match for your dream bedroom, don’t worry, just look up — literally! Your bedroom ceiling counts as a wall and can be designed to make the space cozier. (For example, if your bedroom ceilings are tall and make the room seem emptier than it should, you can paint it a dark color to make it appear smaller and homier.)

Whatever wall you choose, remember it’s your bedroom, so have fun with it!

5 bedroom accent wall ideas to get inspired

Unsure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top 5 bedroom accent wall decor ideas to help get you started:

1. Go bold with a dark accent wall

Most homes usually stick with neutral, light walls in shades of white, off-white or cream to brighten the space. But with an accent wall, you can take your design to the next level and add a fun contrast to your space with a bold, dark wall. Blues, blacks, reds and greens are all great colors with deep shades that will add that romantic touch to your bedroom.

They can also create a great base for additional decor ideas, like a gallery wall. If you have a lot of artwork, a dark wall can make bright, neutral frames stand out. Remember, a dark wall is a great base to highlight other design pieces such as art, shelves, mirrors and more.

2. Embrace patterns for a dynamic look

Love a geometric pattern? Add it to your bedroom wall to create a one-of-a-kind art wall. Take any pattern or color combination that sparks joy and create the vibe you want. For example, do you want an ethereal accent wall? Choose a blue shade base and then sponge white paint on to create a cloud texture. Soon you’ll not only feel like you’re sleeping in clouds – it’ll look like it too.

If you want to make sure that your chosen paint colors go together, take a look at a color wheel for inspiration. If you want your colors to be bright and stand out from each other, choose complementary colors that are on opposite sides of the wheel. For cohesive colors that pair similarly, choose analogous colors which are side by side.

A geometric pattern can be the perfect addition to your bedroom design.

3. Experiment with wallpaper

If you’re not sold on painting your accent wall, take a look at local and online wallpaper options. Wallpaper can come in a broad range of colors, styles and patterns that can be added to complete your bedroom’s interior design. If you want a feature wall that truly stands out, explore unique wallpapers created by artists and designers that will elevate your space with little to no work on your end.

Although patterned wallpaper can overwhelm a room, an accent bedroom wall is a perfect location for this decor staple.

4. Play with texture and textiles

Your accent wall doesn’t have to be a flat surface. Bricks, wood and stone are all fantastic options when it comes to building an accent wall. For example, you can use slats of similarly-toned wood to create a herringbone-patterned wall — perfect for a California or bohemian-style bedroom. If you’re more into cottagecore, opt for white-painted bricks to emphasize a cozy, but neutral style. Want an industrial look? Consider a mirror or stone wall.

5. Make your accent wall an oversized art piece

Murals don’t just belong to the art centers of your nearest city. Make your bedroom a work of art by adding a large mural to your accent wall. Choose colors that complement or match your dream bedroom’s color palette to tie the look altogether.

Whether the mural is expansive and detailed or minimalist and geometric, it’s sure to be a conversation starter — and probably your favorite place in the house.

Should you mix or match your accent wall with existing decor?

The best design choice is to match your accent wall either with your existing or anticipated home decor. If you’re in the middle of a complete style rehaul, you may not want to design an accent wall that matches your current home design as it’s in the midst of changing.

However, for those who love to play with color and pattern-mixing, then choosing an accent wall that clashes with your current scheme can work out — but only if you choose complementary colors.

For those who love to match, take inspiration from your existing favorite pieces. Love your gray metal headboard? Accent your wall with cool hues, such as soft blues or grays to complete the look. If your favorite pieces are bright yellow throw pillows, take a look at warm accent walls with yellow, tan or gold accents.

Match your accent wall with existing art and decor pieces to tie together a cohesive look.

Complement your accent wall with Decorating Den Interiors

Once you’re done completing your accent wall, you may want to also spruce up the rest of your bedroom (or home!). Decorating Den Interiors can relieve that design pressure with some simple additions that tie the entire room together.

Simply reach out to one of our personal decorators for expert assistance. Once contacted, your personal decorator will come to your home to provide a complimentary consultation for your bedroom and/or home makeover. From this meeting, they will get to know both you, your space and your personal style preferences to help you capture your ideal home design. After you both agree on the game plan, the decorators will get to work!

Excited to start your home style journey? Contact Decorating Den Interiors today!

How to Choose a Bedroom Accent Wall and Color

Kimberly Sayers Bartosch

Kimberly Sayers Bartosch is an interior design expert who helps clients with bathroom, bedroom, and living room remodels and design. For over nine years, she has been covering advice on room design and home remodels. She achieved her bachelor's degree in Interior Design. Her work is also featured in HomeSteady.com, SFGate.com, Hunker, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 03/19/21

Fact checked by

Nandini Balial

Fact checked by Nandini Balial

Nandini Balial is a writer and copy editor who specializes in lifestyle, food, mental health, immigration, film/TV, literature, politics, and feminism. She has worked in a variety of fields, including television, film, book-selling, and publishing; she also spent over two years as a TaskRabbit maid, housekeeper, and personal assistant.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

If you wake up in a blah bedroom, it might be time for a change. Decluttering and new bedding can only go so far. What's next? Create an accent wall.

What Is an Accent Wall?

An accent wall is typically an interior wall (though some exterior walls can be considered accent walls) the design of which is different from the others around it. The accent wall may feature a different color, material, or pattern than the others.

Besides giving your bedroom a big dose of design, an accent wall can fool the eye into making the room appear smaller or larger. To get started, you'll need to choose which wall you want to accent. Once you decide which wall to use, then comes the creative part of choosing a color.

Choose a Wall

There are a few ways to choose the ideal accent wall in a bedroom. Oftentimes, the wall behind your headboard creates the focal point in your bedroom. But you're free to use another wall in your room as your focal point, too. Here are three tips that will help you choose a wall to work on in your bedroom.

Find a wall that stands out. Which wall is your eye naturally drawn to when you first enter your bedroom? Or, you might choose a wall that draws your attention when you first wake up.
Use an unobstructed wall. Choose a wall that's free of extra-large pieces of furniture, such as wardrobes or bureaus. An accent wall should be able to stand alone enough to create a degree of impact and drama.
Choose a balanced wall. A balanced wall isn't going to be too bare or too busy after you've added color. If it's too bare, it'll pop too much and may make the room feel unbalanced. Make sure you can put something in front of the wall that won't cause visual clutter, such as a small table and chair. In addition, if your dominant wall has off-center and asymmetrical elements, such as an unusual configuration of windows, it may cause your room to look too busy or off-balance.

If you can't find the right accent wall, consider the fifth wall, your bedroom ceiling. A white ceiling heightens a room while a darker color makes a large bedroom appear cozier.

Choose a Color

Now that you've found the perfect wall, it's time to pick a color. Choosing a color is a little easier when you know a couple of time-tested tricks. First, learn a few basic tips about how different colors make you feel, which is especially important in a bedroom. Second, learn how to mix, match, or blend the right colors for your bedroom accent wall.

Learn about warm colors. Warm colors, such as orange, yellow, and red, make a space appear smaller because the wall is pulled towards the eye. A warm color would be ideal on a wall at the end of a long, narrow bedroom, for example.
Brush up on cool colors. Cool colors—such as green, blue, and purple—make a small bedroom appear larger because it pulls the wall away from the eye. A cool color on the side of a bedroom can help a narrow room seem wider.
Understand monochromatic versus bright colors. An accent wall doesn't have to be a vivid color. You might want a calming color on an accent wall in your bedroom. A monochromatic accent wall will have a subtle effect in a bedroom. If your room's walls are painted a neutral color, go a shade or two deeper for a saturated tone of the same color for your accent wall. To add a pop of color in a room with neutral walls, choose a color from your bedding to tie it all together.

You can use these tips for any space, from creating a primary bedroom accent wall to one in a nursery or guest room. Painting an accent wall is a simple project, and you can always enhance it by adding various finishes, architectural elements, or artwork.

About This Term: Primary Bedroom

Many real estate associations, including the National Association of Home Builders, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" as discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.

Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.

Accent wall in the bedroom, finishing options

Today we will talk with you about the accent wall in the interior of the room. And for starters, let's define the concept of "accent wall". What is it and what is it eaten with?

In general, the concept of "accent in the interior" is rather intuitive. When you enter any room, then pay attention - what attracts your eyes in the first 15 seconds? Here, it is this object that is the main focus in the interior. Thanks to the impression that has developed in these first seconds, we have a general opinion about the room itself, and even about its owner. This is because then we already perceive everything, as a rule, through the prism of the first impression. And such an accent in the room can be distinguished quite consciously and thoughtfully. Moreover, it is best to do just that!

"Accent wall" in the room

One of the most effective ways of accenting is to highlight the walls in the room (one or more). After all, an accent wall, in addition to being decorative, can also carry quite a practical load. With its help, you can visually adjust the space in the room (expand, narrow, zone, etc.). And also with the help of a dedicated wall, you can emphasize the “pluses” in the room and distract from the possible “minuses”. Well, among other things, the “accent wall” is a fashion trend today.

This method of attracting the visual attention of a guest entering the room can be used in any room. Well, today we will talk about the accent wall in the bedroom. We will learn how, with the help of a brighter (in color, texture, pattern) wall surface finish, you can transform your bedroom, make it more interesting and unique.

If the main walls in the bedroom are decorated in a bright color, then the shade of the accent wall can be, and vice versa, paler, but then it is best to add additional decorative elements to this wall. After all, it is important that the accent stands out against the general background.

Finishing can be very different - wallpaper, painting, decorative plaster, various panels, photo wallpapers, artificial stone, etc. And if you chose as an accent wall above the head of the bed, then even this headboard itself may well be the most outstanding element of the interior - its accent. Of course, the headboard for this should be unique and interesting.

Rules for choosing and designing an "accent wall" in the bedroom

The bedroom is an intimate space - "not for prying eyes", so here you can realize all your desires and ideas, give free rein to all your imagination! Just do not forget about some of the nuances, in order to avoid getting too pretentious and flashy atmosphere in the room, not comfortable to stay in it. But the bedroom is a place for relaxation, for mental and physical relaxation. Although, of course, everything is "taste and color."

A few rules:

it is best to accentuate the wall that first "strikes" you when you enter the room;
it is enough to focus on one wall, maximum two, and three walls is already too much;
it is not necessary to select the entire wall, sometimes it is enough (or even more appropriate) to use only its fragments, protrusions, piers;
to create a calm atmosphere in the room, the emphasis in shade should be close to the main color of the walls;
if you want a bright and dynamic interior, then to achieve the desired effect, the accent should be chosen in a contrasting color;
if the main color of the walls is neutral, then the accent can be any color;
warm shades (red, orange, yellow, brown) are able to visually bring the object closer. That is, if a short wall of a rectangular room is decorated in a warm shade, then its shape will approach a “square”, and if a long wall, the room will become visually even more elongated. Don't forget about it!
Cold shades (blue, green, violet) on the contrary, the object is visually removed. Accordingly, long walls in a rectangular room are best designed in cold colors. Thus, you can slightly expand the space.

"Accent wall" finishes in the bedroom

If you want to make your bedroom more spectacular and attractive with the help of an accent wall (add more color, texture, shape to the interior), then it will not be out of place for you to get acquainted with the ways of decorating it .

In fact, there are a lot of ways to decorate an accent wall. We will stop here only on some of them - the most popular:

wallpapers;
painting;
decorative plaster;
photo wallpaper;
decorative panel;
natural material;
with headboard.

Wallpaper

A huge variety of colors, patterns, textures, as well as a wide price range and ease of use make this option for decorating an accent wall in the bedroom the most popular.

Most often, the wall behind the head of the bed is chosen as an accent wall. Highlighting this wall, they thereby try to visually highlight the entire sleeping area in the room - a bed with bedside tables or tables near the headboard.

Wallpaper with a natural background color and a floral pattern is a great option for decorating an accent wall in a bedroom of almost any style.

The wallpaper used to decorate the accent wall in the bedroom can also be plain, contrasting in color with the rest of the walls in the room.

Bright patterned wallpaper or wallpaper with a strict geometric pattern - it all depends on your taste and the general atmosphere that prevails in the bedroom. Just do not forget that you should choose a complex pattern and color of wallpaper for an accent wall in the bedroom only if the rest of the walls in the room are simple and calm. Otherwise, you can get a vinaigrette that can only cause discomfort.

Various geometric shapes and ornaments, floral and plant prints, plain canvases and canvases with picturesque images - wallpaper for an accent wall in the bedroom can be very different! It is important that they successfully "coexist" with the decoration of the remaining walls and harmoniously fit into the interior of the bedroom.

Stripes are a great option for an accent wall, able to transform any, even the most primitive environment. In addition, with the help of stripes, you can visually adjust the space in the bedroom. Horizontal stripes contribute to the visual expansion of the walls, and vertical stripes “raise” the ceilings. The ideal option is when the color of the stripes on the accent wall is exactly the same color as the main walls, but its darker shade.

Painting

Another option for decorating an accent wall is painting it. The wall can be painted the same color as the rest of the walls in the room, just a darker shade.

Or you can choose a contrasting base color. Only in this case, additional decorative elements of the same color as the accent wall must be present in the interior of the bedroom. Paint for an accent wall is better to use matte.

The painted wall can be additionally decorated with various photos, posters, framed paintings, mirrors, panels, etc.

Decorative plaster

Decorative plaster can also be a wonderful accent element in the bedroom interior. There are many types of this finishing material with a variety of effects that imitate natural surfaces - bark beetle, graffito, fur coat, antique, terrazzo, etc. And any of the types used as accent wall decoration in the bedroom can make this room unique and unforgettable.

In addition, decorative plaster has many advantages - the uniqueness of the resulting pattern on the wall surface, resistance to damage, unpretentious care, a huge range, reasonable prices.

Wall mural

Wall mural on the accent wall in the bedroom is a win-win option! Wall murals today are not those huge photos of forest and mountain landscapes that many of us remember from childhood - pictures consisting of elements that often do not even coincide with each other. Today it is a huge assortment of the most unique high quality images. Moreover, you can not only choose the image for the accent wall in your bedroom from the store catalog, but also order it from a specialized company. The image can be absolutely anything - your choice!

Even today, many people will like a high-quality image of nature, endless sea expanses or heavenly harmony. Such views lull, create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, which is very necessary in the bedroom. Don't forget, we spend a third of our lives here!

Well, if dullness and routine are boring, then you can use bright pictures with saturated colors. Some may even like abstract images.

Decorative panel

This option for finishing the accent wall in the bedroom is more laborious and expensive, but it is a very worthy option. Decorative panels can be made from a variety of materials. This can be, for example, a fabric finished using the capitonné technique (carriage stitch).

Or they can be 3D plaster images. The voluminous surface of a contrasting wall, and even if with the right lighting, can enliven the atmosphere of a bedroom decorated in any style.

Natural materials

To finish the accent wall in the bedroom, you can use natural materials - wood, bamboo, cork, decorative brick, etc. Of course, this method of decoration can also cost a pretty penny, but the result is excellent!

The use of natural, eco-friendly material in the bedroom is a huge plus in any case. But here it is still obvious - originality, quality factor, soft and natural color palette.

Headboard

An accent wall can also be created with a headboard if it is tall and interestingly decorated. To design the head of the bed, the most unimaginable materials are used and a variety of techniques are used!

If the head of the bed cannot be used as an accent wall decor, then various designs can be used for this - screens, panels placed against the wall behind the head of the bed, or special decorative elements attached to the accent wall behind the bed.

Combined finishes and lighting

All options described above can be combined with each other. And sometimes even their combination will be the most successful solution, since the effect in this case will turn out to be more interesting and unique. For the combined design of the accent wall in the bedroom, you can also use various decorative elements - slats, moldings, parts made of wood, plaster, etc.

The right lighting also enhances the effect of accentuating a single wall in the bedroom. For this, it is best to use more than two lamps. For example, you can take spots or sconces to illuminate the upper part of the wall, and floor lamps and table lamps to illuminate its lower part. With the help of correctly directed light fluxes, it is possible to specifically highlight individual areas on the accent wall, and where necessary, evenly scatter the rays of light, creating a light, cozy, intimate atmosphere in the bedroom.

Ring cut wood, antique posters, world maps, fabric panels, graffiti, etc. - there are still a lot of design options for an accent wall in the bedroom! Which option is best for your bedroom? Use your imagination and taste, connect your inner censor and create! And I wish you good luck in this!

Text author: Anna Shanygina

Photo selection on the theme: “Accent wall in the bedroom”

45 ways to decorate an accent wall in your bedroom

We continue to explore classic techniques and new trends in interior design. The use of accents is not just a fashion trend, but one of the most effective ways to emphasize the pluses of the situation and distract from the minuses (of course, forced and, of course, temporary).

However, as they say, before using any weapon, you must first learn how to use it. So, in order not to turn the room into bad taste, you should know the main canons and be sure to observe the measure! So, first things first.

Accent wall in the bedroom, or how to get rid of boredom

Such a method as creating an accent wall has long established itself as the main favorite of designers when working on decorating a room. An advantageous combination of neutral colors and a modern energetic pattern is the optimal solution for decorating vertical surfaces.

It is the bedroom, as a rule, that becomes the starting point, from where creative searches and all kinds of experiments begin. The intimacy and privacy of this room completely untie the hands, which means that they provide the freedom to choose any, even the most daring style, playful pattern and spicy shades.

Let's take a look at some fabulous projects that can serve as a powerful source of inspiration. Plain walls look rather dull and monotonous, so we offer you several options for color contrasts that go beyond the usual idea of \u200b\u200bwall decoration in a room.

Add some color!

The design technique that we are talking about now is used in cases where it is necessary to bring a little color into the interior, as well as some additional textures, shapes and lines. Just one accent surface can make a calm bedroom, made in pastel colors, more spectacular and attractive.

And if you complement it with several pillows or a bedspread of a similar design, you will have an integral composition. The advantages of such a wall are most obvious in small bedrooms. With its help, you can create a so-called focal point in order to draw attention to a certain area of the room.

In 2014, the discreet gray-lilac range is still relevant and trendy. Despite the fact that gray is traditionally associated with a neutral background, modern designers are increasingly choosing warmer and bolder shades for an accent wall, while the main decoration of the room is white and plain.

It gives the space a certain sophistication and style that is difficult to achieve with other colors. And sparkling purple confidently retains its leadership position and the status of “the color of luxury”.

Taunting textures and chic patterns

You can highlight a particular surface not only with color, but also with texture and pattern. An indelible impression is made by a wall with a contrasting texture, which, moreover, has the effect of a three-dimensional 3D image. An additional dimension seems to enliven the room.

It is impossible not to notice how this changes the atmosphere and sensations in the room. And for more cautious people who are not prone to design adventures, we can offer elegant and proven alternatives, such as brickwork or wallpaper with amazing paisley patterns (aka “Indian cucumber”).

In this article we are discussing bedroom interiors, so let's look at examples of accent walls that are especially appropriate in these rooms. The whole wall or its separate fragment with various bulges and irregularities exudes luxury and gives a feeling of incredible comfort.

And the huge headboard, which repeats the pattern on the wall, will certainly appeal to fans of the style of "Old Hollywood" (Hollywood Regency), whose characteristic features are chic and entourage.

Let's unleash the full potential of accent wallpaper

Have you decided to diversify the room with an accent wall, but you are not sure that the paint will cope with this important task? In this case, you should pay attention to both. They come in a fantastic variety of colors as well as floral and patterned prints.

This excellent, affordable option opens up just a huge scope for creativity, allows you to quickly implement any idea.

Accent wallpaper in the bedroom is often used to enhance the impression of some designer features in the area of the bed. And again, pillows and a bedspread with a similar pattern will help complete the composition. As a result, the bedroom is transformed and takes on a more organized look.

And do not forget the main rule: if you choose wallpaper with a bold and complex pattern, make sure that the design of the rest of the walls is as simple and calm as possible. Otherwise, the room will look untidy, overloaded and cause discomfort.

Wooden accent wall brings coziness and comfort to the room

What do we associate wood texture with? The majority, probably, with firewood, which crackle measuredly in the stove or fireplace and, embraced by the heat of the fire, help people warm up on cold winter evenings. The stunning wood surface of the accent wall has its own unique charm.

Of course, creating such splendor will take more time and effort than traditional painting, but believe me, it's worth it! If you're the proud owner of a modern or minimalist home built primarily from concrete, glass, and stone, then a wood-paneled accent wall is just the thing for you.

It will give the atmosphere softness, tenderness and make it more inviting.