An accent wall is a classic design technique used to give a room a focal point and a sense of personality. While a bold paint color is a popular choice, using wallpaper for an accent wall offers a much wider range of possibilities, from intricate patterns to large-scale murals.
However, a successful accent wall is more than just picking a wallpaper you like. It’s about choosing the right wall, the right design, and styling the rest of the room to work with it. This guide provides practical steps for styling a beautiful and balanced accent wall with wallpaper.
Choosing the Right Wall
The first step is deciding which wall to feature. An accent wall is meant to draw attention, so it should be the wall that your eyes naturally go to when you enter the room. In a living room, this is often the wall behind the main sofa or the fireplace. In a bedroom, it’s almost always the wall behind the headboard.
Think about the architecture of your room. A solid wall with no windows or doors is the easiest to work with, as it gives you an uninterrupted canvas for your wallpaper. Try to avoid walls that are already busy with lots of openings, as this can make the wallpaper pattern feel chopped up and cluttered. For a shared space, a well-placed wallpaper for living room can set the tone for the entire area.
Selecting the Right Wallpaper
Once you know which wall you’re working with, you can choose a wallpaper design. This choice will have a big impact on the feeling of the room, so it’s worth taking your time.
- For a Bold Statement: If you want your accent wall to be a strong focal point, choose a wallpaper with a large-scale pattern, a vibrant color, or a detailed mural. This works well in a room that has mostly neutral furniture and decor.
- For a Subtle Look: If you prefer a more understated effect, a wallpaper with a small, repeating pattern or a simple texture can work well. This is a good choice if your room already has a lot of color or other interesting features.
- Consider the Room’s Purpose: The right design also depends on the room itself. Fun, playful patterns are great for a child’s room, while elegant, sophisticated designs are more suited for a dining area. There are many great dining room wallpaper ides that can make the space feel special for entertaining.
Coordinating with Your Existing Decor
A successful accent wall feels connected to the rest of the room. The easiest way to achieve this is through color. Pull a color from your wallpaper—it doesn’t have to be the main one—and repeat it in other parts of the room. This could be in your pillows, curtains, rug, or a piece of art on another wall. This simple step makes the design feel intentional and cohesive.
If your wallpaper is very busy, keep the other elements in the room relatively simple. Solid-colored textiles are often the best choice to avoid a visual clash.
Trying a Less Permanent Option
If you’re nervous about committing to a bold pattern or you are currently renting, you don’t have to miss out. There are many options for decorating with temporary wallpaper. Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers the same visual impact but can be removed cleanly when you’re ready for a change. This is a fantastic way to experiment with a new style without the risk of a long-term commitment.
Ultimately, a well-styled accent wall should feel like a natural and balanced part of your home. By choosing the right wall, a suitable design, and coordinating your decor, you can have a focal point that you’ll be happy with for years.
