Accent walls can provide a wonderful splash of color to any room in the house without being gaudy or overwhelming. Typically, an accent wall is a brightly painted wall in a room painted either white or neutral colors. Not only is it a quick and cheap way to spruce up a drab room, but it can create a specific mood, break up space, and/or highlight particular features, such as a fireplace or wall hanging. When preparing to paint an accent wall, ask yourself, “where do I want people to look first when they enter a room?” Are there windows you want to highlight with canary yellow? Or a bookcase that would look fabulous against P’Zazz purple?
There are several techniques to use in choosing a paint color. For starters, you could always go to a local home improvement store and choose your favorite one. Be aware, however, that lighting can affect a paint’s appearance and the color might not look the same once it’s dried. Also, you run the risk of discovering that what looks good on a tiny swatch is a nightmare on a giant wall (luckily you can re-paint, right?). One good technique is to use the traditional color wheel and choose a color that compliments the other three walls and furnishings within a room. Or you can choose to paint a color that is several shades lighter or darker than the other three walls. Whatever you choose, always ask your local home improvement store if they have sample cans, that way you can make an educated decision before committing yourself to a color.
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Photo courtesy of Master Workmen
Of course, an accent wall can consist of more than a differing color. You can use wallpaper, stenciling and so on to set one wall apart from the rest.
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Have an accent wall you want to brag about? Leave a comment in the box below.
Great advice! I’m loving these two accent walls using ecocoat’s rhubarb red colour =)
Bedroom: http://ow.ly/529AB
Storage room: http://ow.ly/529Cj
An accent wall should not be a dark color, as it attracts to much. I’ve done carpentry work for many years. An accent wall wants to be different enough so as not to grab all the attention. but will spark some interest.
If an accent wall is too dark it will get boring. and the color will be changed before the paint gets dry. Stick to lighter colors and have proper lighting , very important.