When designing an office space, choosing the right color for an accent wall can be an important decision. The accent wall serves as a focal point and can set the tone for the whole room. Selecting the perfect color or colors requires consideration of the office’s purpose, the desired mood, and practical factors. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for accent wall colors in office spaces along with the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Soothing Neutrals
Neutral colors like white, gray, beige and tan tend to create a soothing, minimalist look. They act as a subtle backdrop that allows furniture, artwork and other decor to take center stage. Neutrals can make a space feel calm and focused.
| Color | Benefits | Considerations |
| White | Clean, fresh, spacious | Can feel sterile without texture |
| Light gray | Relaxed, subtle | Cool tone could feel chilly |
| Beige | Warm, welcoming | Can look dull if paired poorly |
The light reflective quality of pale neutrals also maximizes natural light in the office. They essentially allow the accent wall to fade into the background. For some offices, this type of subtle look is ideal. The muted colors promote focus and don’t distract the eye.
Uplifting Light Tones
While muted neutrals have their place, sometimes a lighter, more uplifting accent color is preferable. Soft pastels and airy tones like light blue, green, yellow and peach can brighten the space without feeling overwhelming.
| Color | Benefits | Considerations |
| Soft blue | Tranquil, intelligent | Can read as cold |
| Pale green | Fresh, peaceful | Avoid neon bright greens |
| Buttery yellow | Cheerful, sunny | Prone to glare |
| Peach | Friendly, inviting | Can look retro |
These colors add a subtle vibrancy while still maintaining a professional feel. They also coordinate beautifully with white trim, furniture and decor accessories. Just take care not to choose colors that are overly saturated or neon bright – soft pastel or mineral shades will be most versatile.
Bold Primary Colors
For a strong, expressive accent wall, you can’t go wrong with the primary colors – red, blue and yellow. When done right, primary colors command attention and convey confidence. They also represent basic human emotions.
| Color | Impact | Considerations |
| True red | Energy, passion | Can overwhelm |
| Cobalt blue | Professional, engaging | Read as cold, formal |
| Zesty yellow | Creativity, optimism | Prone to glare |
The key is choosing deeper, richer shades of primaries over bright neon versions. A dark maroon, regal blue or burnt orange will pack more design punch than crayon box red, blue or yellow. Anchor bold primaries with plenty of neutral textures and furniture.
Nature-Inspired Hues
Looking to natural landscapes is another go-to source of accent wall inspiration. Organic greens, sky blues, and earthy neutrals connect us to the outdoors and feel innately uplifting. Try lighter versions like a blue-gray blue sky or subtle khaki green for a more flexible, understated look.
| Color | Impact | Considerations |
| Sage green | Balanced, reviving | Avoid darker olive tones |
| Robin’s egg blue | Serene, cheerful | Can read as cold |
| Warm sand | Calm, welcoming | Mix with texture |
No matter which nature-inspired colors you choose, be sure to layer in plenty of natural textures like wood accents, rattan furnishings and woven decor. The blend of organic hues and textures has a very relaxing effect.
Muted Metallics
For a slightly edgier, contemporary look, consider an accent wall in muted metallic paint or wallpaper. Soft pewter, silver, gold and copper tones add subtle glamour and sophistication. Reflective metallics also bounce light around, opening up darker spaces.
| Color | Impact | Considerations |
| Rose gold | Warm, elegant | Avoid overly pink tones |
| Brushed pewter | Sleek, refined | Can read as cold |
| Champagne | Natural glow | Prone to glare |
Metallic accents work best when the colors are softened rather than high-gloss and shiny. Deeper, darker metals can feel sleek yet muted. For a more eclectic look, mix metallic paint with subtle textures like grasscloth wallpaper or faux tin ceiling tiles.
Rich, Saturated Mid-Tones
Beyond light neutrals and bright primaries, the mid-tone family offers a versatile range of moody, saturated accent colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, eggplant purple and mustard yellow. These deeper mid-tones pack a punch yet still feel refined.
| Color | Benefits | Considerations |
| Navy blue | Confident, timeless | Can read as cold, formal |
| Charcoal | Sleek, subtle depth | MODERATELY dark |
| Eggplant | Sophisticated, elegant | Avoid bright purple |
| Mustard | Energetic, warm | Prone to glare |
Saturated mid-tones provide dimension while avoiding stark contrast. For optimum depth, pair two mid-tone colors together like navy and charcoal or eggplant and mustard rather than combining with black or white. Ground them in warm metals, wood tones and neutral furniture.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a serene neutral palette, cheery pastels or bold saturated colors, choose office accent wall hues that enhance your space and promote the desired atmosphere. Steer clear of overly bright, neon shades and instead look for colors with subtle depth. For a foolproof accent wall, stick to timeless classics like navy blue, soft gray and olive green that complement any style. Consider the wall color in relation to flooring, furniture and lighting fixtures for a cohesive look. Most importantly, select colors that inspire you and make you feel energized as you work.
