Let’s talk accents
There are certain paint trends that will stand the test of time, and accent walls are one of them. The world of colour can be a daunting place at times, and an accent wall can mean added pressure to pick the perfect shade – which is why we’ve made it our mission to make accent walls accessible to everyone.
What they are
An accent wall is best described as the one wall in a room that stands out most. It’s the bright blue wall behind a bed, or the decadent wallpaper on a room’s main wall. Essentially, it’s the star of the show – and the perfect opportunity for homeowners or renters to make their space feel colourful and stylish (on a small budget). Accent walls can be used pretty much anywhere, from bedrooms to bathrooms, offices to entrance halls – you name it, an accent wall can work there.
“They’re a very impactful yet unbelievably simple way to make a room feel stylized without doing a complete overhaul of that space.” – Simply Colour Founder Meg Shave
Why we love them
They’re quick, easy and cost effective – the perfect opportunity to make a bolder colour choice without doing a whole room revamp. If done right, an accent wall can become the talking (and focal) point in a room or create a centrepiece that ties a space together. Accent walls are also the perfect opportunity to make bold colour choices that you wouldn’t necessarily apply to all four walls and define spaces that can feel empty or a little too airy at times. They even have the sneaky ability to make a room feel larger or smaller (depending on the colour and design chosen). And for an elongating effect in your space, complete the accent wall by painting your trims in the exact same colour.
Where to use them
Accent walls work beautifully in spaces that have neutral or white adjacent walls, helping to section out the space and break what may become monotonous. Ultimately where you choose to place your accent wall is totally up to you. In bedrooms, the wall behind the bed is usually used as the accent wall, but others may choose a wall that stands out, the largest wall, a recessed wall or even a small enclave.
“If you’re doing an accent wall in a bedroom, choose a colour that will emphasise tranquillity and make your bedroom feel like a sanctuary. If it’s a dining room or entertainment area, choose a colour that is welcoming and energising.” – Simply Colour Founder Meg Shave
If you’re going big and bold with showstopping colours, remember that cool colours are known to recede from the eye, making a space feel larger, while warm colours move towards the eye, doing the opposite. An effective accent wall is one that isn’t obstructed by excessively large furniture pieces, built-in cupboards or awkwardly situated windows. Remember: You want the accent wall to do all the talking.
How to choose them
Contrary to popular belief, not every accent wall needs to be achieved using bright and bold colours (although we’re all for this if you’re feeling daring!). If you’re looking for something a little more subtle, it’s as easy as using a slightly richer or darker shade to that on your adjacent walls. Not sure where to start? Take our colour expert quiz to find three potential paint colours for your next accent wall. Happy painting!