Choosing the right accent wall color for your living room can be a daunting task. With so many paint colors and finishes to choose from, how do you decide? The accent wall sets the tone for the whole room, so you’ll want to make sure you pick a shade that complements your existing decor. Follow this guide to determine the best accent wall color for your living room based on the mood you want to create, your current color scheme, how much natural light the room gets, and the size of the space.
Take Stock of Your Existing Color Scheme
Start by taking a look at the colors already present in your living room – on furniture, accessories, artwork, etc. Are there one or two main colors that stand out? Do you have a cohesive color scheme or more eclectic mix of colors? The colors that are already in the space will impact the accent wall color you choose. Here are some tips for choosing an accent wall color based on your current color scheme:
- If your living room has a neutral color scheme – whites, grays, beiges – go bold with the accent wall. Jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue will really pop.
- For a monochromatic color scheme based on shades of one color, choose an accent wall color that is darker or lighter than your current color.
- If you have an eclectic mix of colors, choose an accent wall color that incorporates shades from the range already present in the room.
- For a complementary color scheme (opposites on the color wheel, like blue and orange), choose an accent wall color that fits in the same color family as the dominant scheme.
Consider the Mood You Want to Create
The color you choose for your accent wall will influence the overall mood or ambiance of the living room. Here are some popular accent wall color choices and the vibe they create:
| Accent Wall Color | Mood Created |
|---|---|
| Neutral like gray or beige | Calming, sophisticated |
| Jewel tones like navy or emerald | Dramatic, luxurious |
| Earth tones like ochre or rust | Warm, natural |
| Pastels like light blue or lavender | Airly, refreshing |
Think about the ambiance you want your living room to have. Do you want it to feel energetic or relaxing? Modern or traditional? Choose an accent wall color that aligns with your desired mood.
Factor in Natural Light
The amount of natural light your living room gets will affect how accent wall colors look in the space. Here are some tips for choosing accent wall color based on light exposure:
- North-facing rooms with little natural light can handle deeper, bolder accent colors like charcoal gray or eggplant.
- South- or west-facing rooms awash in natural light take lighter, brighter accent colors best like light blue or sage green.
- For east-facing living rooms with moderate morning light, medium tones like terracotta and sea foam work well.
- If you’ll use artificial lighting more than natural, go for richer, darker accent wall colors.
Test paint swatches on your accent wall at different times of day. A color that looks gorgeous in daylight could appear too dark or intense at night.
Consider the Size of the Space
The size and proportions of your living room should inform your accent wall color choice. Use these guidelines for choosing accent wall color based on room size:
| Room Size | Best Accent Wall Color Choices |
|---|---|
| Small rooms | Lighter, brighter colors like sky blue or lemon yellow |
| Medium rooms | Flexible – can handle medium to deep tones |
| Large, open concept rooms | Deeper, richer colors like emerald or navy |
A dark color like charcoal can feel cozy and intimate on a small accent wall but overwhelming on a large wall. Conversely, lighter colors read as cold in a large room. Choose accent colors with the wall size and room proportions in mind.
Look for Inspiration
Once you’ve considered the existing color scheme, desired mood, natural light, and size of your space, look for inspiration from interior design trends and examples of living rooms with artfully executed accent walls. Some popular accent wall paint ideas include:
- Neutral earth tones like beige, taupe, gray for a calm, grounded look
- Deep shades like navy blue, emerald green and wine red for drama
- Nature-inspired colors like sage green, sky blue and coral for organic vibes
- Rich wood tones like espresso or driftwood for warmth
- Metallic sheens like copper and champagne for glamour
Look for inspiration images with accent walls in rooms similar in size and color scheme to yours. This will help you visualize how potential accent wall colors will look in your actual living room.
Consider Accent Wall Ideas
In addition to color, consider creative accent wall ideas that can add interest, texture, and personality. Some accent wall ideas include:
- Textured paint like Venetian plaster for old-world charm
- Wallpaper with eclectic prints or patterns as an eye-catching focal point
- Wood accent walls using reclaimed barn wood planks for rustic warmth
- Brick or faux brick for an industrial vibe
- Galaxy paint with blues, purples and “star” accents for a dreamy look
- Stenciled designs like geometric shapes or floral prints
- Painted stripes or geometric patterns for modern flair
- Murals like scenic landscapes for artistic ambiance
- Gallery photo display using multiple framed photos
The options are truly endless! Choose an accent wall idea that complements your wall color for maximum visual impact.
Pick Your Sheen
The sheen, or luster, of your accent wall paint also affects the overall look. Determine whether you want a matte, subtle finish or something more eye-catching:
- Matte – flat, velvety finish that absorbs light. Provides a muted, softened look.
- Eggshell – soft sheen, still absorbs some light. Classic, subtle option.
- Satin – low-luster sheen. Lightly reflects light for visual depth.
- Semi-gloss – medium reflectiveness. Brings more drama and contrast.
- High-gloss – intensely reflective surface. Very bold, eye-catching.
In most cases, you’ll want to stick with flat, eggshell, or satin paint. Glossier sheens can look overly slick on large surfaces. Consider finishing your accent wall with a clear polyurethane coat for extra protection.
Don’t Forget the Ceiling and Trim
When painting an accent wall, don’t forget to plan out a color scheme for the ceiling and trim. You have a few options:
- Paint ceiling and trim the same color as the other walls
- Paint ceiling and trim the same color as the accent wall
- Paint ceiling and trim a third, complementary color
Painting the ceiling and trim the accent color makes the boldest statement. But painting them your main wall color helps ground the look. For a subtle accent, use a third coordinating color on ceiling and trim.
Select Coordinating Colors
The accent wall color often inspires choices for new furniture, throw pillows, area rugs and other decor. Select coordinating colors that complement your accent wall for a pulled-together look. Ideas include:
- Accent pillows combining the accent color with neutral solids or patterns
- An area rug with graphic patterns featuring the accent color
- Neutral furniture balanced with pops of the accent color in accessories
- Artwork featuring the accent color
Think about how your accent wall color can inform other new purchases to elevate the whole look of your living room.
Prep Your Accent Wall
No accent wall color will look its best on a wall that’s poorly prepped. Make sure your accent wall is ready to be painted for a professional finish:
- Fill any holes or cracks with spackle; sand smooth
- Remove any wall plates or fixtures
- Clean the wall surface so it’s free of dirt, grease, etc.
- Sand to rough up glossy surfaces (like previously painted walls)
- Tape off trim and adjacent walls
- Apply painter’s tape to create any patterns, designs or stripes
Proper prep leads to better accent wall results. Don’t skip this important step!
Pick Quality Paint
Invest in quality interior wall paint, which leads to a more uniform finish. Consider options like:
- Benjamin Moore: Regal Select or Aura interior paints
- Sherwin Williams: Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel or Cashmere interior paint
- Behr: Marquee interior paint
- Valspar: Reserve interior paint
Apply two coats of paint for best coverage and vibrancy. Use a paint sprayer for large accent walls to get professional results faster.
Accentuate Architectural Details
Use your accent wall color to highlight any interesting architectural details in your living room. For example:
- Painting crown molding the accent color frames the room.
- Painting recessed wall panels or trim the accent color makes them pop.
- Painting inside bookshelves or built-in cabinetry unifies the look.
Use accent colors strategically on architectural elements to enhance the room’s character.
Add Coordinating Accessories
Once your accent wall is painted, incorporate accessories featuring the color to tie the whole room together. Ideas include:
- Pillows or throws in solid versions of the accent color
- Area rugs with dashes of the accent color
- Wall art, frames or prints featuring the accent color
- Flowers in coordinating colors for tabletop vases
- Candles or other decorative objects in the accent color
Let your new accent color inspire coordinating updates throughout the living room for a pulled-together look.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect accent wall color for your living room requires considering the existing color scheme, the mood you want to set, the room’s size and lighting. Use these tips to narrow down your options and select a shade you’ll love. Proper prep work and quality paint will let your new accent wall look its best. Complement it with coordinated furniture, decor and architectural details. The right accent wall color can take your living room decor from bland to bold!