When decorating a room with an accent wall, homeowners often wonder if they should make the accent wall darker or lighter than the other walls. There are good reasons to go either way, depending on the look you want to achieve. Let’s explore when it’s best to use a darker accent wall versus a lighter one.
Using a Darker Accent Wall
Making the accent wall a darker color than the other walls in the room is a popular choice for several reasons:
- Dark colors are bold and make more of a dramatic statement.
- Dark accent walls can make a room feel cozier and more intimate.
- They bring warmth to modern, stark spaces.
- Dark paint absorbs light, making the room feel less spacious but more grounded.
Some examples where a darker accent wall works well:
| Room | Dark Accent Wall Ideas |
|---|---|
| Living room | Deep red or charcoal gray |
| Bedroom | Navy blue or dark green |
| Dining room | Forest green or black |
| Bathroom | Earthy brown or deep blue |
As you can see, bold dark colors like charcoal, navy and forest green make dramatic accent walls that define spaces in your home. Dark paint absorbs light, creating an intimate feel.
Using a Lighter Accent Wall
On the other hand, a lighter accent wall can also be an excellent choice in many rooms. Here are benefits of lighter accent walls:
- Light colors visually open up and brighten a space.
- They keep rooms feeling airy and spacious.
- Light accent walls highlight and reflect decor and furnishings.
- They make small rooms appear larger.
Some examples where a lighter accent wall works best:
| Room | Light Accent Wall Ideas |
|---|---|
| Living room | Soft gray or light tan |
| Bedroom | Baby blue or lavender |
| Kitchen | Buttery yellow or soft sage |
| Bathroom | Light blue or mint green |
As shown, light neutrals like gray, tan and yellow beautifully brighten rooms and make small spaces appear more open. Pale blues and greens keep bedrooms relaxing.
Best Uses for Darker vs. Lighter Accent Walls
In summary, here are some best practices for choosing dark or light accent wall colors:
- Use darker accents when you want a cozy, intimate feel – bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms.
- Go lighter if your priority is an airy, spacious look – kitchens, bathrooms, small rooms.
- Play with color intensity – soft muted darks or pale neutrals for a subtle look.
- Use brighter, bolder versions of colors for high contrast and drama.
Balancing dark and light, muted and bright accent colors allows you to create precisely the look, mood and spatial effects you want. Carefully choosing where you use darker versus lighter accent walls in your home can make all the difference.
Tips for Accent Wall Color Selection
Here are some top tips for choosing the perfect accent wall color:
- Hold large paint swatches up to the wall and view at different times of day.
- Purchase sample sizes to paint test swatches directly on the wall.
- Choose accent colors first, then coordinate main wall colors.
- Opt for deeper shades of the main wall color for cohesion.
- Use complementary colors for vibrancy – blues with orange, greens with red.
- Pick grayed-down versions of colors for a subtle look.
- Don’t be afraid to be bold – dark navy or bright red make dramatic accents.
Carefully testing out paint colors and shades will ensure you end up with the perfect accent wall to match your decor and style vision.
Accent Wall Paint Finish Ideas
In addition to color choices, the paint finish you use on an accent wall makes a big impact. Here are some top finish options:
| Finish | Description |
|---|---|
| Flat | Matte look, hides imperfections |
| Eggshell | Soft sheen, easy to clean |
| Satin | Silky smooth, slight shine |
| Semi-gloss | Shiny and durable |
Flat paints disguise flaws, while glossy finishes like satin and semi-gloss make colors pop. Combining finishes like flat on main walls and satin on the accent creates visual interest.
Choosing Accent Wall Patterns and Textures
Patterns and textures provide another way to make your accent wall stand out. Options include:
- Wallpaper: Choose bold prints or subtle patterns like grasscloth.
- Wood: Use reclaimed barnwood planks for a rustic accent.
- Tile: Try graphic cement, Moroccan fish scale or subway tiles.
- Stone: Faux stone veneers create a textured look.
- Brick: Paint or whitewash real or faux brick for industrial flair.
- Fabric: Adhere bold printed fabric or wallcovering to the wall.
Natural textures like wood, tile and stone add beautiful visual and tactile interest. Wallpaper and fabric infuse pattern and color.
Accent Wall Ideas by Room
Accent walls work wonderfully in any room of the home. Here are accent wall ideas for popular spaces:
Living Room Accent Walls
- Dark charcoal or navy behind the TV
- Graphic black and white print wallpaper
- Rustic wood planks flanking the fireplace
- Mirrored tiles for an Art Deco flair
Bedroom Accent Wall Ideas
- Moody dark gray or deep blue behind the headboard
- Whimsical wallpaper as a unique backdrop
- Light neutral colors to open up a small room
- Upholstered fabric for softness and sound absorption
Dining Room Accent Wall Inspiration
- Dramatic dark red or emerald green as a bold backdrop
- Natural stone tile for organic texture
- Salvaged wood planks surrounding a glass front hutch
- Faux brick or exposed “beams” for rustic charm
Kitchen Accent Wall Ideas
- Vintage tile backsplash in bold colors or patterns
- Tin backsplash for a retro diner look
- Blackboard paint for scribbling grocery lists and recipes
- Light neutral like soft gray if the cabinets are colorful
Bathroom Accent Walls
- Blue and white ceramic tile behind the tub
- Small mosaic tiles or marble slab surround in the shower
- Weathered wood panelling or shiplap
- Wallpaper with tropical or floral prints
Get inspired by accent walls suited to make each room in your home more stylish. The options are endless!
Do’s and Don’ts of Accent Walls
To recap, here are some accent wall dos and don’ts:
Do:
- Use accent walls sparingly – one per room.
- Choose bold colors or patterns.
- Pick matte finishes if covering flaws.
- Test samples before committing.
- Coordinate accent colors with furnishings.
Don’t:
- Overdo it – too many accent walls causes visual chaos.
- Pick accent colors randomly – plan cohesively.
- Use glossy paint if walls have imperfections – stick with flat or eggshell.
- Rush into accent walls without planning.
- Forget lighting makes colors appear darker or lighter.
Following these simple guidelines will lead to accent walls that enhance your rooms with style.
Conclusion
Accent walls provide wonderful opportunities to infuse color, texture, and personality into your rooms. Thoughtfully choosing darker versus lighter accent wall colors allows you to set the perfect mood and spatial effects. Carefully planning your accent wall paint colors, finishes, patterns and placement will create a stylishly coordinated home you’ll love.
