Can You Have 2 Accent Walls in a Room?
Having an accent wall can be a great way to add visual interest and personality to a room. An accent wall usually consists of a wall painted a different color or with a different finish than the other walls in the room. This draws the eye to that particular wall and creates a focal point. Some common ways to create an accent wall include using a bold color, installing wallpaper, adding texture with stenciling or paneling, or framing out the wall in a contrasting color.
The Benefits of Accent Walls
There are several benefits to incorporating an accent wall in a room:
– Draws attention: An accent wall immediately catches the eye and creates a focal point in the room. This helps add visual appeal.
– Adds character: Accent walls allow you to showcase your personality and design style. It’s an opportunity to use a fun wallpaper print or bold color that you may not choose for an entire room.
– Breaks up monotony: Especially in rooms with neutral wall colors, an accent wall can help break up the monotony and prevent a boring, all-one-color look.
– Easy update: Painting or wallpapering one wall is an affordable and achievable DIY project for many homeowners. It provides a big impact without a major renovation.
– Versatility: Accent walls work in virtually any room – bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Can You Have Two Accent Walls?
The short answer is yes! Having two accent walls in one room is absolutely an option. Here are some tips on successfully executing this design choice:
– Choose contrasting colors or patterns. Using two accent walls in complementary hues (e.g. blue and green) or distinctly different patterns (e.g. stripes and floral) helps them stand apart from each other. Stay away from two walls that are too similar.
– Use accent walls to define different zones or focal points. For example, in a living room, you may do a bold color on the wall behind the sofa to highlight that sitting area and a different color/finish on the wall with the fireplace.
– Make sure the other walls (non-accent) are cohesive. If you have busier accent walls, keep the other walls simple to prevent clashing. Neutral, light hues are ideal for the non-accent walls.
– Place the accent walls apart from each other. Putting them on adjacent walls may be too competing. Separating them helps create balance and allows you to see each one.
– Anchor them with decor. Use furniture, lighting, rugs, etc. to help ground each accent wall and turn it into a thoughtful vignette.
Color Combination Ideas
When selecting two colors or patterns for accent walls, it helps to consider basic color theory for attractive, complementary combinations. Here are some potential pairings:
| Accent Wall Color 1 | Accent Wall Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Navy blue | Mustard yellow |
| Forest green | Terracotta orange |
| Charcoal gray | Light blue |
| Rich burgundy | Light taupe |
| Deep purple | Lime green |
In addition to using color, you can also choose two different patterns or textures:
| Accent Wall 1 | Accent Wall 2 |
|---|---|
| Botanical print wallpaper | Herringbone wood paneling |
| Striped paint technique | Faux brick finish |
| Grasscloth covering | Geometric stencil design |
Get creative and choose patterns and textures that reflect your personality!
How to Decorate a Room with 2 Accent Walls
When implementing two accent walls in one space, consider these decorating strategies:
– Choose a color palette: As mentioned, select accent wall colors that complement each other. Tie them together using those hues in your furnishings, bedding, artwork etc.
– Repeat patterns: If your accent walls feature patterns (like stripes or florals), echo them in the decorative objects. This creates a cohesive look.
– Use texture: Layer in fabrics like velvet, linen, or nubby weaves to complement the tactile accent walls.
– Anchor the walls: Place furniture and lighting to accentuate and ground each wall. For example, an armchair or floor lamp can “frame” an accent wall.
– Add metal accents: Sleek metallic accents in silver, gold, or bronze provide contrast to patterned or colorful walls.
– Light appropriately: Make sure the room is well-lit so both accent walls shine. Wall sconces are one great option.
– Repeat shapes: If the patterns on the accent walls feature geometric shapes or botanical silhouettes, echo those forms in mirrors, wall art, cushions etc.
Accent Wall Ideas
Here are 10 striking examples of rooms with two accent walls:
1. Floral print + herringbone panels
This lounge uses a bold green floral print on one wall for a feminine vibe paired with organic wood herringbone panels on another wall for rustic texture.
2. Brick fireplace wall + blue painted wall
For this living room, the brick fireplace provides natural contrast to the moody navy accent wall on an adjacent side. The blue color ties back to accent pillows.
3. Striped wall + stenciled damask wall
This bedroom incorporates classic stripes on the headboard wall for visual impact. It’s balanced by an elegant damask stencil on the opposite wall.
4. Grasscloth wall + painted chevron wall
The light textural grasscloth creates an organic nature-inspired accent in this space, complemented by bold black and white chevrons on another wall.
5. Faux concrete wall + terrazzo plaster wall
Going with two statement textured accent walls, this modern dining room pairs a faux concrete finish with a multi-colored terrazzo effect plaster.
6. Wallpaper accent wall + painted tiles accent wall
This eclectic kitchen features a retro-inspired floral wallpaper on one wall and hand-painted blue and white tile detailing on an adjacent wall.
7. Stenciled damask wall + painted wood wall
The graphic black damask pattern stands out against the soft blush walls in this bedroom. It’s balanced by the textural wood accent wall at the headboard.
8. Geometric tiles + exposed brick wall
This bathroom uses blue geometric tiles as an update on traditional wainscoting paired with original brick wall for visual contrast.
9. Painted medallion wall + textured grasscloth wall
In this dining room, a Moroccan-inspired medallion wall contrasts beautifully with the natural grasscloth wall on the adjacent side.
10. Faux ostrich feathers wall + antiqued mirror wall
The striking faux ostrich feather wall in this eclectic bedroom is balanced by an antiqued mirrored wall on the opposite side, which reflects light beautifully.
Choosing the Right Colors
One of the keys to effectively using two accent walls is choosing wall colors that work well together. Here are some tips:
– Complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel like blue and orange) provide strong contrast when used together.
– Analogous colors (next to each other on the color wheel like blue, green and yellow) blend beautifully for accent walls.
– Neutral walls (greige, tan, gray) allow colorful accents walls to pop and prevent clashing.
– Contrasting shades like light and dark can create striking drama. Think deep navy and white.
– Different saturations of one hue also complement each other. Pair a vivid purple with a pale lilac.
– In general, colors with similar undertones match best. Cool with cool and warm with warm usually work harmoniously.
– Use colorschemes.com, Design Seeds, or Pinterest to get professional accent wall color combos.
Accent Wall Layouts to Consider
In addition to choosing colors and patterns that work together, the layout and placement of the two accent walls is also important for the overall cohesive design. Here are some configurations to consider:
– Parallel accent walls: Placing the accent walls parallel to each other across the room creates symmetry and balance.
– Perpendicular accent walls: Having the walls meet at a corner can provide dynamic contrast and make the accents feel well-anchored.
– Same wall, split design: Dividing one longer wall into two different accent treatments defines separate zones.
– focal points: Using accent walls to highlight focal points like the headboard, fireplace, or sofa area draws attention to those key furniture pieces.
– entryway wall + opposite wall: Flank the entry with one accent and another across the room allows visitors to immediately notice both.
– Adjacent walls: For a bold, immersive approach, accent walls in adjoining corners surrounds you with dramatic color.
Play around with placement to see what works best with your existing furniture placement and room dimensions. Scale is also important – smaller rooms may feel busy with this look.
Accent Wall Design Inspiration
To spark additional accent wall ideas, here is some inspiration from elegant interior design projects:
– Salon walls: The salon-style gallery wall features eclectic frames and artwork clustered creatively across the wall. It offers plenty of visual interest.
– Wallpaper accent wall: From geometric patterns to floral prints, wallpaper offers unlimited possibilities to create a striking accent.
– Textured paint techniques: Beyond flat paint, try Venetian plaster, mottled staining, lazure painting or other special techniques for texture.
– Removable wallpaper: If renting, removable wallpaper like Tempaper allows you to easily install an accent wall and take it with you when you move.
– Fabric accent wall: For a luxurious look, fabric like faux silk or velvet can cover an entire wall as a dramatic yet elegant accent.
– Collections display: Gather framed photos, plates, artwork or another collection and arrange artfully on your accent wall.
– Bold mirror wall: A wall covered in dramatic mirror tiles has both pattern and light-reflecting shine.
Get inspired by interior design magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, or home decor stores to find an accent wall style you love.
Accent Wall Size
In a room with two accent walls, each one does not necessarily need to be the same size.Creative use of scale and proportion is another way to add interest. Consider these size options:
– Full wall for maximal drama and visual impact.
– Half wall to define a specific zone, like behind a bed or sofa.
– Narrow vertical stripe for column-like effect. Creates illusion of height.
– Floating panels that cover part of a wall, leaving some original wall exposed.
– Wallspace over a bed or furniture as implied headboard or canopy.
– Entire wall with a framed-out smaller accent within it, like framing out the area around a window.
– Wall behind a shelving or console unit to accentuate that area specifically.
Mixing up the scale of your accent walls can add another layer of personalized flair to your space!
Conclusion
The versatility of accent walls makes using two of them in a single room a creative possibility for adding vibrancy, texture, and your unique stamp to the space. By choosing colors and patterns with contrast, considering layout and placement carefully, and implementing scale and proportion playfully, you can create a beautifully balanced room with two statement-making accent walls. Don’t be afraid to get creative and express yourself!