Doing an accent wall in a kids room can be a fun way to add personality and visual interest to the space. An accent wall draws the eye, breaks up all the sameness, and really makes the decor pop. When choosing an accent wall for a child’s room, it’s important to pick a color or pattern that reflects their unique style and personality.
Choosing a Color
Color is one of the most impactful ways to do an accent wall in a kid’s bedroom. When selecting a color, keep in mind the age and personality of the child. Here are some popular accent wall color ideas for kids rooms:
- Soft pastels – Pastel colors like mint, peach, or lavender create a calm, soothing atmosphere perfect for a baby or toddler room.
- Bold primaries – Primary colors like red, yellow, and blue are vibrant options that stimulate active kids.
- Soothing greens – Shades like sage or lime green bring the outdoors in and promote relaxation.
- Night sky blues – From pale sky blue to deep navy, blue offers a comforting, sleep-inducing effect.
- Energizing orange – For active, social kids, orange adds a friendly, upbeat vibe.
- Regal purple – Sophisticated purple exudes nobility and inspires creativity.
Beyond basic hues, consider layering multiple colors with an ombre or geometric paint technique for a more elevated, custom look.
Choosing a Pattern
Patterns like stripes, polka dots, shapes, or freehand murals offer another way to personalize an accent wall. When selecting a pattern, opt for something age-appropriate and coordinate the scale and colors with the room’s existing decor. Here are some accent wall pattern ideas suited for different ages:
- Babies & Toddlers – Subtle, soothing patterns like clouds or raindrops in soft neutrals or pastels.
- Kids Ages 3-5 – Whimsical nature motifs like leaves, trees, butterflies or freehand paintings of animals or shapes.
- Ages 6-12 – Bold repeating geometric patterns, stripes, plaids or wall decals/murals with themes from their favorite movies, sports teams, etc.
- Teens – Funky graphics, song lyrics or vision boards collaging meaningful pictures.
It’s best to stick to one pattern. Choose placement carefully so the motif works well within the existing layout. For DIY patterns, use painter’s tape for clean lines.
Selecting a Wall
Determining which wall to paint is an important decision that impacts the overall effect. Here are some tips for selecting the accent wall location:
- Focal point wall – Paint the wall where the eye naturally focuses when entering the room. This is typically where the bed, desk or dresser is.
- Behind bed – The wall behind the headboard makes a dramatic backdrop and frames the bed.
- Longest wall – Cover a large expanse by painting the longest wall from corner to corner.
- Short wall – Sometimes, less is more. Just painting one short wall can provide enough of an accent.
In a small room, just painting one chunky stripe on one wall adds impact while still keeping the palette relaxed. For a room with windows, consider the effect the light has on the color as the brightness and warmth shifts throughout the day.
Preparing the Wall
To achieve the best accent wall results, start with proper wall preparation:
- Clean – Wipe away any dust or grime so the paint adheres well.
- Patch – Fill any holes or cracks with spackle for a smooth finish.
- Sand – Lightly sand patches after they dry to smooth rough areas.
- Prime – Apply a primer/sealer so the paint goes on evenly.
Use painter’s tape to trim the edges along baseboards, ceilings, doors and trim for super sharp lines. For a natural blended effect, avoid taping. Cut in the edges by hand-painting with a brush.
Choosing Paint
The options at the paint store can seem endless, but here are a few tips for choosing the right kids accent wall paint:
- Finish – Opt for a durable eggshell or satin finish that stands up to being wiped clean yet still has a subtle sheen.
- Quality – Invest in premium quality paints that provide better coverage.
- Tinting – For bold colors, use a tinted primer first so less coats are needed.
- Sheen – Match the sheen to the existing paint so the accent blends in seamlessly.
Swatch out samples of the top color choices until you land on “the one” – the shade that makes you smile each time you look at it!
Painting Tips
Follow these tips as you apply the paint for pro accent wall results:
- Use a mini foam roller for large smooth areas and an angled brush for trim
- Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks and uneven coverage
- Work in sections starting at the top and working your way down
- Use a painters pole for cutting in high edges
- Apply in a V or W pattern and finish with vertical strokes
- Work methodically and carefully from one end to the other
- Apply two thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats
Take your time with the application for a seamless finish. Top with a colorful border using painter’s tape for extra pop.
Tying It All Together
Once your accent wall is painted, it’s time to tie the whole room together. Add coordinating bedding, throw pillows, art and accessories in the accent color or pattern. Some simple ways to visually integrate the accent wall include:
- Display a framed print or gallery wall featuring the accent hue
- Bring in area rugs, pillows or storage bins that pick up the color
- Layer room decor like lamps, mobiles or books in complementary tones
- Add patterned window treatments that incorporate the accent motif
- Paint or decoupage storage furniture like dressers to match
An accent wall immediately lifts a lackluster room. Have fun making it reflect your child’s personality and style!
Accent Wall Ideas
| Age | Recommended Accent Wall Colors | Recommended Accent Wall Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| Babies & Toddlers | Pastels like mint, peach, lavender | Subtle patterns like clouds, raindrops |
| Kids Ages 3-5 | Primaries like red, yellow, blue | Nature motifs like leaves, trees, butterflies |
| Ages 6-12 | Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire | Bold geometric shapes, stripes, plaids |
| Teens | Moody hues like navy, charcoal, eggplant | Trendy graphics, vision boards |
Conclusion
Doing an accent wall is one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to transform a child’s room. Choose a color or pattern that matches their personality and interests to create a fun backdrop full of self-expression. Use high-quality paint and prep properly for long-lasting results. Tie everything together decor-wise to create a cohesive, stylish space your kid will love coming home to!