How to Paint an Accent Wall

Choose bold colors for an accent wall.

Painting accent walls is easy once you determine the colors you are going to use. However, figuring out just what kind of color is right for you room is a bit of work. Choose colors that go with the decor of your room and bring the room together while grabbing attention. Accent walls are meant to be the focal point of the room, or to draw attention to another focal point. Keep this in mind when you choose a wall to accentuate.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Wall decals
• Drywall compound
• Sandpaper
• Wall cleaner
• Primer
• Paint

1. Select which wall to paint for the accent wall. Accent walls are often smaller walls, so the color doesn't overwhelm the room. Walls without windows and doors work well because they don't have anything to break up the color. However, if the room already has a focal point, such as a beautiful piece of art or a fireplace, paint the wall behind it a bright, complementary color to enforce the focal point.

2. Determine the color scheme you want for the wall. Paint in a monochromatic scheme by choosing one color and painting all the walls within this color range. For example, a blue monochromatic color scheme would have three light-colored blue walls and the accent wall as a bolder blue. For a analogous color scheme, choose two colors that are neighbors on the color wheel. For example, try three soft yellow walls and a bold orange one. Complementary color schemes have a bolder effect and involve choosing colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, soft yellow walls and one purple accent wall.

3. Choose a painting sheen and technique for the accent wall. A shinier sheen makes the wall stand out more when the remaining three walls are matte. Also consider making the accent wall textured or patterned with stripes, images or decals. An accent wall that has a bold color and designs, such as a purple wall with gray bird decals on it, will really draw the eye.

4. Paint the wall by fixing any flaws with a drywall compound and sandpaper. Wash the wall and let it dry thoroughly. Apply a tinted primer first and allow it to dry for 36 hours. Follow with the paint color. Add a second coat if desired. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• The best day to paint is warm and dry. Try not to paint if it is very humid or if there's a storm coming.

• Wash hands and brushes with warm water immediately after using.

• Do not pour excess paint down the drain. Look into paint recycling in your area. You might also be able to reuse the paint for other projects or donate it to your child's school for drama or other projects.

• Open windows and doors to help the paint dry quicker. The ventilation will also keep you safe when painting.

References

• Elle Decor: The Savviest Modern Kitchens
• Elle Decor; Surface Appeal; Tim McKeough
• House Beautiful; Colors Perfect for One Wall; Christine Pittel
• Style at Home; Cool and Colorful Dorm Decor; Marissa Liu
• Encore Home Staging Design; Making Your Home Sing; August 2011