Accent Wall Inspiration for Your Living Room

Looking to liven up your living room? Consider incorporating an accent wall to add visual interest and showcase your personal style. Accent walls provide an opportunity to experiment with color, texture, and patterns without overpowering the space. When used thoughtfully, an accent wall can become a stunning focal point and completely transform the feel of your living room.

From bold paint colors to textured tiles, you'll find plenty of ways to highlight one wall and make it a captivating design feature.

Benefits of Accent Walls in Living Rooms

What makes an accent wall such a popular design choice for living rooms? Here are some of the top benefits:

• Draws the eye and creates a focal point - Accent walls naturally attract attention, giving your living room a visual anchor.
• Adds visual interest and personality - An accent wall allows you to infuse creativity, color, and texture in your space.
• Makes the room feel larger or highlights architectural features - Strategic accent walls can enhance the sense of spaciousness or direct eyes towards pretty architectural details in your living room.
• Provides contrast with the other walls - The splash of color or texture on one wall contrasts beautifully with the more neutral backdrops of the other walls.
• Allows you to showcase your style - Accent walls let your personality shine through in the design of your living room.

Whether you want to create a moody atmosphere, energize a neutral space, or display eye-catching wallpaper, an accent wall gives you the freedom to realize your design dreams.

Popular Places for a Living Room Accent Wall

Not sure where to put an accent wall in your living room? Some strategic spots include:

• Behind the sofa or seating area - This allows the accent wall to serve as a beautiful backdrop when entertaining guests or relaxing on the couch.
• Behind the TV or entertainment center - Anchor your media setup on a bold patterned or colored accent wall for a cohesive look.
• On the wall with the fireplace - Highlight this focal feature with color blocks, shiplap, or textured tiles.
• Behind an architectural feature like windows or arches - Let these pretty elements "pop" by contrasting them with an eye-catching paint color or wall mural.
• As the wall you see when you first enter the room - Make a stellar first impression by welcoming guests with a vibrant accent wall.

Look at the layout and architecture of your living room to determine the best positioning. Frequently used spaces and conversation areas also benefit from an accent wall's visual appeal.

Creative Accent Wall Ideas for Living Rooms

Looking for inspiration on which types of accent walls work well in living rooms? Here are some gorgeous design options to consider:

• Bold, colorful paint - Make a daring style statement with a vivid hue like navy blue, forest green, brick red or mustard yellow. Paint is budget-friendly and easy to switch up.
• Elegant wallpaper print - From floral and damask prints to stripes and geometric patterns, wallpaper offers a chic accent wall option.
• Textured design - Think shiplap planks, embossed wallpaper, exposed brick, concrete, beadboard or tile for added visual dimension.
• Reclaimed wood - Rustic, eco-friendly barnwood planks add warmth and a natural touch. Distressed wood hides flaws beautifully.
• Brick or faux brick - Give your living room contemporary loft vibes with a sleek exposed brick accent wall.
• 3D tiles - Geometric tiles in glossy finishes catch the light. Use them sparingly on an accent wall for maximum impact.
• Wall decals/stencils - Metallic botanical decals, artistic murals and pretty patterned stencils let you customize with removable options.
• Picture wall - Showcase your favorite art prints, photos and mementos with a gallery-style arrangement of frames.
• Shelving - Floating shelves stained or painted in an accent color both store and display cherished items.
• Faux greenery - Lush painted palm fronds, vines or floral arrangements bring the outdoors inside.

Go bold or neutral, intricate or simple - the options for eye-catching accent walls are endless. Consider the existing style of your living room as you select an accent wall that enhances your space.

Design Considerations for Accent Walls

To pull off a striking accent wall that works cohesively, keep these design tips in mind:

• Choose accent wall colors and patterns that complement your existing decor. A fiery red may overwhelm a neutral boho living room, while it could be striking against an earthy color scheme.
• Balance very bold colors and prints with neutral furniture and accessories so the room doesn't feel too busy or mismatching.
• Consider the size and scale of the wall. Large rooms can handle bolder graphics and darker colors. Small living rooms are better served with lighter accent colors and smaller prints.
• Factor in the room lighting and amount of natural light. Bold dark hues and reflective metallics work best in brightly lit spaces. Softer neutrals suit dimly lit living rooms.
• Distressed textures like shiplap, aged brick, reclaimed wood add visual interest while also hiding any flaws in the walls.
• When installing shelves, space them evenly so they don't sag over time. Leave breathing room between items to prevent a cluttered look.

Planning your accent wall with the whole room in mind will help you pull off a cohesive, polished look.

How to Paint Your Accent Wall

Painting your accent wall? Follow these tips for a pristine finished look:

• Properly prep the wall. Clean thoroughly, fill any holes with spackle, then sand smooth. This helps the paint adhere properly.
• Use painter's tape around trim for clean edges if desired. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
• Apply primer first if needed, then 2 coats of accent wall paint. Allow proper dry time between coats.
• Use a mini roller and angled trim brush to coat the edges and corners.
• Carefully remove outlet covers before painting. Replace immediately after the paint dries.

With meticulous prep and technique, your accent wall paint will look sharp and professional.

Accent Wall Ideas on a Budget

Want to try out an accent wall without breaking the bank? These budget-friendly options add wow without spending a lot:

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper or reusable contact paper - Affordable and easy to install yourself.
• Stencil patterns with paint or wall decals - Reuse stencils again on the wall or a different room.
• Removable wall tattoos - Fun, artsy way to temporarily decorate.
• Frame poster prints, pages from books or music sheets - Use existing frames or buy inexpensive ones.
• Paint an existing piece of furniture the accent color - Upcycle what you already own.
• Use paint samples to create a patchwork accent wall - Ask for free samples and get creative placing them.
• Create an artsy gallery wall with thrifted or handmade frames - Mix and match shapes, colors and sizes.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from trying out a living room accent wall. Take advantage of DIY-friendly options to test out your design skills.