Wall Accents For Living Rooms | DIY Wall Accents

Creating an accent wall in your living room is an easy and transformative way to inject personality into your space. Accent walls, or feature walls, allow you to highlight a specific area in your room, turning it into the focal point of the space. By incorporating bold wall accents, you can dramatically alter the ambiance and character of your living room without the need for a complete overhaul. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to create a stunning accent wall, along with accent wall ideas, feature wall ideas, and inspiration to make your living room truly unique.

Understanding Accent Walls

An accent wall is a single wall within a room that stands out due to its different colour, texture, or design, compared to the other walls. In living rooms, accent walls can serve multiple purposes: they can make a space feel larger, add depth, or simply provide a striking visual element that enhances the room’s overall design.

Benefits of Accent Walls in Living Rooms:

Visual Interest: An accent wall draws the eye, creating a focal point in the room.
Dimension and Depth: By choosing the right colour or texture, you can make your living room appear more spacious.
Easy Makeover: Changing just one wall is a quick and cost-effective way to refresh your living space.

Choosing the Right Wall for Accents

Selecting the right wall for your accent is crucial for maximising it’s impact. Ideally, the wall you choose should be one that naturally draws attention when you enter the room, such as the wall behind a fireplace, a large window, or where your TV is mounted.

Factors to Consider:

Visibility: Choose a wall that is immediately visible as you enter the room.
Light: Natural and artificial light can affect how colours and textures appear.

Examples of Suitable Walls:

The wall behind your sofa or entertainment center.
A wall with architectural features like a fireplace or built-in shelving.

Popular Accent Wall Ideas

Accent walls offer a variety of design possibilities, from bold colours to intricate textures. Here are some trending accent wall ideas and feature wall ideas:

Bold colours

A rich, deep colour can create a dramatic effect. Consider hues like navy, emerald green, or charcoal gray. Explore our colours here. Paint a small section of the wall to see how the colour looks in different lighting before committing. You can order a Test Pot of your selected colour or a A5 colour swatch.

Patterns and Textures

Geometric patterns or textured finishes like shiplap or plaster can add depth and interest.

Wood Paneling

Reclaimed wood or sleek, modern panels can give your room a warm, rustic vibe.

Wallpaper Designs

Opt for a striking wallpaper with a unique pattern or texture to create a one-of-a-kind feature wall.

For further inspiration on the latest trends see our latest Wattyl Colour Forcast or online inspiration gallery.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting a DIY Accent Wall

Gather Materials
Paint, painter’s tape, drop cloths, brushes, rollers, ladder, measuring tape, level. Find everything you need at a Wattyl Paint Centre near you.
Prepare the Space
Cover your furniture and floors with drop cloths to protect them from paint splatters.
Choose the Right Paint
Choose a finish that suits your design, such as matte for a subtle look or satin for a bit of sheen.
Measure and Mark
Use a measuring tape and level to outline the area where you’ll apply the paint.
Start Painting
Apply painter’s tape along the edges for clean lines, then use a roller to apply the paint evenly. Start from the top and work your way down.
Finishing Touches
Before the paint dries, carefully remove the painter’s tape and touch up any areas if needed. Consider adding decor that complements the new accent wall.

For more tips & tricks watch our video on how to paint a wall or visit our video hub .

DIY Wall Accent Techniques

There are several techniques to create unique wall accents beyond just painting:

Stencils and Tapes: Use stencils or painter’s tape to create patterns or designs.
Faux Finishes: Techniques like sponging or rag rolling can add texture and depth to your wall.
Integrating Shelving or Artwork: Incorporate floating shelves or a gallery of artwork to enhance the accent wall.

Coordinating Decor with Accent Walls

Once your accent wall is complete, it’s important to balance the rest of your room’s decor to complement it.

Decor Elements: Choose furniture, cushions, and artwork that pick up the colours or themes of your accent wall.
Colour Balance: Ensure that the colours in the rest of the room don’t clash with your accent wall. Neutral tones are often a safe choice to keep the focus on the feature wall.

For a wide variety of decore idea to suit any living room visit Temple & Webster or Pottery Barn.

Cost Considerations

Creating an accent wall can be affordable, especially if you’re doing it yourself.

Estimated Costs: Depending on the materials and size, you might spend anywhere from $50 to $600.
Budgeting Tips: To save money, consider repurposing materials, such as using leftover paint or reclaimed wood.

Adding a DIY accent wall to your living room is a simple yet powerful way to bring personality and style to your space. Whether you’re working with bold colours, textures, or patterns, the possibilities are endless. Remember, the key to a successful accent wall is planning and creativity. Explore your options, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Click Here for more inspiration and to find the best products for your project,

We’d love to see your accent wall creations! Share your DIY projects on social media with us, and don’t forget to check out more feature wall ideas and accent wall ideas on our inspiration page.

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