To Accent Wall, or Not, That is the Question

If you’re debating whether or not to add an accent wall to your home, here are the questions to ask before starting, as well as my general rules of thumb and guidelines. Let’s start with the easiest question to answer: Does this wall have a fireplace, built in bookshelves, a big window, or a stunning view that you want to draw the attention toward? In our home, we’ve used both reclaimed cedar siding and new tongue and groove boards that create a rich, cozy texture you can see and feel. Or, add trim strips to create a grid, board and batten, or other design before painting.

In kitchens or bathrooms, a full wall of tile can make a bold statement, especially in cases where there isn’t a natural cut off point. If the room is a big, boring box with furniture inside it, an accent wall may be a good addition.

In a few cases, a dark accent on the television wall may help take the focus off the big screen by blending the colors together. In this split entry situation, hanging a large piece of art is tricky because it teeters on being upstairs or down. By adding the accent, it nicely fills the space, going floor to ceiling, which allows the longhorns to hang toward the top without looking awkwardly high.

It’s great to accent the wall the largest piece of furniture sits against, such as a sofa or bed. If you have a favorite piece of art, draw attention to it with a subtle accent wall.