How to Choose an Accent Wall

An accent wall is a single wall designed to stand out, instantly elevating a space with bold color, eye-catching pattern, or rich texture. Unlike a room that’s fully wrapped in wallpaper, an accent wall highlights a specific area, creating a stunning focal point without overwhelming the whole room. It’s a fun way to add some personality and depth, as you can make a big design statement while keeping the rest of the room feeling balanced and harmonious.

Maybe it's a striking geometric print that brings energy to your space, a soft floral that brings in a touch of elegance, or an immersive landscape mural that transports you somewhere entirely new. Whatever your style, a feature wall is your chance to have fun, experiment, and make your space feel uniquely yours.

With thoughtful design and the right placement, an accent wall can completely transform the feel of a room. It can make a cozy space feel more open, bring balance to a wide room, or add warmth and depth to a larger one and it’s a simple yet impactful way to refresh your home without the hassle or expense of a full renovation. In open-concept homes, an accent wall can also help define different areas, naturally creating a sense of structure and giving each space its own identity while maintaining an open, airy flow.

Beyond its visual impact, an accent wall is a chance to bring personality into your space in a way that feels effortless and natural. Whether you’re drawn to something minimalist and understated or bold and expressive, an accent wall allows you to showcase your personal style with intention and confidence.

The key to choosing an accent wall is highlighting a natural focal point, something that already commands attention within the room. This could be a structural feature like a fireplace, a headboard, or a large window, or simply the wall your eye is naturally drawn to when you enter the space. And don’t forget about the 5th wall! A wallpapered ceiling can add a surprising design twist, creating depth and drawing your gaze upward, which can make a room feel either more spacious or cozier, depending on the style you choose.

Lighting also plays a role in how your accent wall will look and feel. Walls with lots of natural light can enhance the depth of wallpaper, making patterns appear more vibrant. In spaces with limited light, opting for a wallpaper with a lighter color palette can help reflect light and keep the room feeling bright and inviting.

No matter which room you're decorating, adding an accent wall is a simple but effective way to bring character, depth, and a touch of your personality into your home. The best placement for an accent wall depends on the function and layout of each space:

Bedrooms – The wall behind the bed naturally serves as a stunning backdrop, whether you choose a calming wallpaper or something that makes a maximalist statement

Living Rooms – Framing a fireplace or TV with a bold wallpaper design such as our Groove mural adds visual interest while keeping the space balanced and inviting

Dining Rooms – An immersive mural or dramatic wallpaper can elevate the room, adding depth and sophistication, perfect for creating a memorable dining experience

Hallways & Entryways – Even small spaces can make a big impact. An inviting botanical design such as our heritage inspired Twist Green wallpaper or a striking line art mural such as Freeflow in a hallway will make a great first impression

Accent walls work well with existing and emerging design trends, solidifying its position as a timeless design feature. One popular trend that pairs perfectly with an accent wall is color drenching, where a single color covers walls, ceilings, and even the trim to create a rich, immersive space. Adding a wallpapered accent wall to a color drenched space introduces texture and visual interest while keeping the room’s overall vibe cohesive.

For those who love traditional architectural details, combining wallpaper with paneling, wainscoting, or dado rails will create a built-in appearance, making the accent wall feel like a natural part of the room rather than just an afterthought.

If your style leans more playful, trends such as scalloped or bobbin moldings can add a unique finish to your accent wall. Acting as an eye-catching frame for your accent wall, these details can bring charm and personality to your accent wall, especially when paired with a playful print such as our Rowan Multi wallpaper.

Deciding on a wallpaper print is about more than just finding a pattern you love, it’s about ensuring you create a space that feels intentional, cohesive, and personal. There are a few key factors that can help guide your decision:

Your accent wall can define the atmosphere of the room, so think about how you want the space to feel. Do you envision a calming retreat, an energizing space, or something bold and dramatic? Soft, organic patterns can create a relaxing vibe, while structured geometrics add movement and a modern touch. Dark, moody wallpapers bring richness and depth, while light and airy designs will open up a space.

Lighting can completely transform how a wallpaper looks. Natural light can enhance color vibrancy and texture, while artificial lighting can cast warm or cool tones that change the wallpaper’s appearance throughout the day. Ordering wallpaper samples is the best way to ensure the color and pattern will work well in your space and seeing it in your home’s lighting can reveal subtle shifts in tone and texture that might not be noticeable online.

An accent wall should feel like a natural extension of your space, not an afterthought. Consider the existing furniture, decor, and color palette to find a wallpaper that complements what’s already there or you can also use an accent wall as an opportunity to introduce a complementary shade that ties the whole space together.

Accent walls are meant to stand out, so don’t be afraid to have a little fun. Whether it’s a large-scale floral mural or a tropical inspired pattern, this is your chance to make a statement. A daring design choice can elevate your space in ways you never imagined.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect wallpaper design and which wall to make an accent wall, it’s time to bring your vision to life and knowing how to wallpaper an accent wall will ensure a perfect finish. Our wallpaper installation guides provide step-by-step instructions to help you achieve a professional finish.

We also have helpful guides that discuss how to wallpaper around sockets or switches, how to wallpaper around corners and even how to wallpaper a ceiling, so no matter what challenges your chosen accent wall may feature, we have the expertise to help you install your wallpaper with confidence.