How to Paint the Accent Wall of Your Dreams
Sometimes you just want to switch things up a little, ya know? And whether you own your home or are a renter, an accent wall is one of my favorite, cost-effective ways to bring new life into an old space. It’s the ultimate way to add personality without committing to a full-room transformation. It’s bold, it’s stylish, and it screams, “I know what I’m doing!” (Even if you don’t—don’t worry, I got you.)
The thing I love about paint is that it’s so low stakes. If you try a color out and don’t like it, or your lease is coming to an end and you want your security deposit back - just paint it back to how it was!
Easy, cost-effective, and - with the right prep work - honestly pretty hard to “mess-up,” this is your how-to guide on how to execute the accent wall of your dreams.
An ombré accent wall for Hearten Salon in Walnut Creek, CA.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Wall
While any wall can technically become an accent wall, my humble opinion is that not every wall is worthy of the spotlight. I think that the most logical places to put an accent wall are natural focal points in a room. Think:
Behind your bed in place of a standard headboard.
Behind a crib to add some whimsy to a nursery.
Behind your sofa to frame your seating area.
A hallway or entryway wall to make a great first impression.
A wall with architectural details, like a fireplace or built-in shelves.
Avoid choosing a random wall just because it’s there or you don’t know what to do with it—make sure it’s a wall that actually enhances the space. For instance, if you have slanted ceilings or walls that aren’t symmetrical, I recommend avoiding an accent wall in that space because you might end up inadvertently highlighting a less visually appealing part of the room.
Aim to avoid:
Walls with too much texture (stucco, popcorn, old lathe and plaster) - the texture can result in the paint job looking sloppy, and an accent wall is meant to be chic!
Walls with excessive light - over time the sun will likely dull the colors.
High traffic areas or walls prone to scuffing. (With that in mind, scuffs could be a good reason to paint over and over and try different things!)
Walls with a lot of windows - particularly if using a dark color. The contrast of the bright light next to a darker paint or accent wall can be visually overstimulating.
High moisture walls, which can lead to cracking/ peeling paint if the right prep work and paint quality isn’t there.
A sunny oyster mural to brighten up my back yard!
Step 2: Picking the Perfect Color + Design
Color is everything, babe. It sets the mood, defines the vibe, and makes your space feel intentional. There is a huge psychological connection between color and emotion, and, specifically in your home, you are going to want to choose colors that affect your brain in a positive way. This will be different for every personality type! Depending on the use of the room you choose to put an accent wall in, you might consider choosing a color palette that corresponds with how you spend your time there - i.e. a color to calm you in your bedroom, and a color to energize you in your home office.
Pandr tip: Light colors will make your room feel bigger and brighter, while dark colors will make your room feel smaller and cozier.
An energizing red wall in my home office.
Warm Colors
Red: Passionate and fiery, red can stimulate energy and increase heart rate.
Orange: Can increase enthusiasm and creativity.
Yellow: Sunny and cheery, yellow can elevate energy levels and increase feelings of optimism.
Cool Colors
Blue: Known for its calming effect, blue can reduce stress and promote relaxation (potentially lowering heart rates).
Green: Associated with nature and tranquility, can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Purple: The color of luxury, lighter shades like lavender can have a calming effect, while deeper tones may stimulate creativity.
Neutral Colors
Brown: Associated with seriousness, stability, and wisdom, brown can represents reliability and support.
Black: While black can convey sophistication, it may also absorb light and make spaces feel smaller, potentially leading to feelings of confinement.
Here’s a cheat sheet:
Bold & Dramatic: Deep blues, emerald greens, charcoal, or even black.
Calm & Serene: Soft sage, muted blush, or warm neutrals.
Energetic & Fun: Bright terracotta, mustard yellow, or rich jewel tones.
Trendy & Chic: Color-blocking, ombré, or even a textured finish.
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed with color choice (we aren’t all interior designers!) keep this easy moniker to keep in mind: The 60-30-10 color rule. 60% of the room should be the primary shade (my advice is to keep this neutral so as to let the accent pop), 30% a secondary color, and 10% the accent color. Sticking to these proportions will go a long way in making the final product just “work.”
Now, I mentioned the importance of prep work. While sometimes you get lucky and buy one paint color and the final product is exactly what you envisioned, paints will most often look slightly different on the wall, depending on how the light fills the room.
Pandr tip: Don’t forget to patch test! Grab some sample pots, paint swatches next to each other on your chosen wall, wait for it to dry for 24 hours, and see how the color looks in different lighting before committing. Sample pots are typically around $5 each, and can save you time and money in the long run. I'm a fan of matte/flat finish paint so that it shows fewer brushstrokes and isn't shiny. Also, don't forget to check the "oops section" of the hardware store- you can often find awesome colors at a discount.
Prepped and primed to add a pop of color behind my dresser.
Step 3: Prepping Like a Pro
Good prep work is as important as the actual painting. You want a clean, smooth surface free of holes, bumps and scuffs before anything happens. Set aside a few hours to thoroughly wipe down your wall, patch any holes, and prepare your work space before you get painting. This part isn’t very fun, but trust me when I say it will make everything go (and look) so much smoother.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Paint (obviously)
I’m often asked what kind of paint to use. You can use exterior paint indoors and outdoors. The one caveat is that you just don't want to use interior paint outside as it doesn’t have UV protection and may fade faster. That said, don’t overthink it. The acrylic paint from the hardware store is all you need!
Paint rollers and brushes (I love these ones)
Painter’s tape (Frog Tape is the most reliable friend I have)
A drop cloth
A stir stick (because uneven paint is a no-go)
A level and pencil (if you’re going for patterns)
Clothing you don’t mind getting stained
Step stool
Water bucket and drying cloths to easily switch between colors without bleed
As long as the wall itself is clean and dry, you really don’t need to spend the extra time or money priming the wall first - unless you are going to be painting a wall that is already a very dark color. Example: orange over black. You're going to hate your life unless you prime it with a light grey first (trust me on this). If your wall is light colored, you’re likely fine just using a high quality paint in the color(s) of your choice.
Check out my DIY Mural Supply List, curated with specific links to the painting supplies I think are the most reliable bang for your buck (and believe me when I say I’ve tried every product on the market).
An accent wall in my entryway in San Diego.
Step 4: Painting With Confidence
Once your wall is sufficiently prepped, (again, do use a primer if going from dark to light), begin by using a roller to apply the paint in even strokes - a W or M motion works best. Let it dry completely before adding a second coat for a rich, pro-level finish. If the first coat dries with texture in some areas, lightly sand it with 120-grit sandpaper before applying the final coat. As you are applying the paint, it will quickly start to dry and the paint colors will look different - don’t worry, just keep painting and it will all look more cohesive after a few minutes.
Once you have sufficiently coated your walls, remove any painter’s tape immediately -if you wait too long and the paint dries, the tape could end up taking some of the paint off the wall with it. Wait at least 24 hours (but 48 is preferable) before hanging any art or pushing furniture against it to ensure that neither the paint or the things that touch the wall are disrupted.
Step 5: Taking your Accent Wall to the Next Level
There is a lot to be said about an accent wall that is one solid color - this small change can add so much to a space! If you want to add a little bit more personality to your wall, however, things can get really fun.
Like colors themselves, the design you choose for your wall can have a big effect on how the space makes you feel. Consider the mood you want to evoke: looking for something calm and serene? Try soft, organic shapes or nature inspired murals. Itching for something a little more bold? Think geometric patterns, high-contrast colors, or an abstract design.
You also want to consider the aesthetic you already have in place with regards to the furniture and art that is already in a room. The right accent wall should do just that - accent what is already going on in the space. By choosing a design that makes logical sense with the existing decor, everything will feel cohesive and elevated.
Modern Spaces: Clean lines, neutral tones, and minimalist geometric patterns.
Bohemian Vibes: Free-flowing shapes, limewash, or a soft ombré effect.
Industrial Style: Textured paint, exposed brick effects, or monochrome designs.
Art Deco Influence: Metallics, bold symmetry, and intricate patterns.
Cottage Core: Hand-painted florals, soft intricate patterns, pastels.
Once you’ve decided on your design, you may benefit from having a few additional tools on hand to get everything looking perfect:
A projector
I love this one, and unless you are really good at free styling, projecting the image(s) you want on your wall to act as a guide for the paint can make things a lot easier (and more fun!).
Chalk
If I don’t have a projector, am working in broad daylight, or the design I’m painting just isn’t very intricate, I like to use white or blue chalk to mark out the silhouette of what I am painting. The paint will easily hide the chalk marks, and they are easy to cleanly remove if you make a mistake.
If you’re working with an intricate design and want to use chalk, check out my Doodle Grid Method blog for a detailed guide on how to get your design just right without having to project it onto the wall first.
Testing light and dark hues of a dusty pink for an accent wall situation in my San Diego home.
Other Tips & Tricks to Consider:
If your accent wall uses a very deep color, like black, dark brown, or a deeply hued purple, try using a paint with a matte finish. A matte finish will catch less light and help the accent wall remain an accent. I love the look of matte paint and this is my personal go-to for any accent wall!
The ceiling is technically a wall too, right?! Painting a ceiling can add something a little bit different to a space - just make sure you are choosing a color that lends itself to the vibe you are going for in the space.
If you aren’t ready to commit to a whole wall, try accenting a window frame or molding with a pop of color.
If you are painting an accent wall in a small space like a half bath, hallways or a closet, consider steering away from really bold or intricate designs so as not to overwhelm the small space (unless, of course, that’s your thing!).
An sunset inspired fireplace adds a whole new vibe to an otherwise plain living room.
You 🤝 Your Accent Wall
An accent wall is a simple yet powerful way to bring personality, depth, and style into any space. Whether you're drawn to bold hues, soft neutrals, or intricate patterns, the key to a successful accent wall comes down to three things: choosing the right wall, selecting a color or design that complements your space, and prepping properly for a flawless finish.
If you're looking for even more inspiration and guidance on adding color to your home, check out my book, Wonder Walls. It's packed with ideas, tips, and confidence-boosting advice to help you transform your space with paint—whether you're a DIY pro or just getting started.
Helpful Resources on The Blog
How to Paint a Perfectly Straight Line