How to Choose Accent Wall Paint Colors

Accent colors

If you want to create a modern look or simply add visual interest to a living room or hallway, an accent wall can do the job. Painting one wall in a slightly lighter or darker shade than the adjoining walls can have surprising visual impact. Deciding on the color is a matter of personal taste and consideration of the existing decor and wall colors. Have some fun changing the look of your home with this simple decorating technique.

Instructions

1. Take color-accurate photos of the room that you'll be painting to a home improvement store or paint store. Be sure the photos include furniture, accessories and draperies. Compare a few paint chips in colors that you like to the photographs. Choose accent colors that match one color in a decorative pillow or another smaller element in the room, such as a painting or trim.

2. Choose colors that will also enhance the room's design. If you have a long wall joining a short wall, paint the short wall in an accent color that's darker than the long wall. This will make the short wall appear closer.

3. Tape various paint chips to the wall that you plan to paint. Observe how each color looks in daylight and compare it with night lighting. Choose the one that looks best in all kinds of lighting.

4. Match the sheen with the adjoining walls when purchasing your accent wall paint. For example, if the other walls in the room are painted in semi-gloss, choose a semi-gloss sheen for your accent wall.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have difficulty choosing an accent color, paint your accent wall the same color as the adjoining wall but two shades darker. Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows and browns) will expand the look of your room, and cool shades (greys, greens, blues) will contract it.

References

• Choosing Accent Wall Colors
• Wall Color

Resources

• Color Choices for Accent Walls