How do you choose the perfect accent wall?
The right wall, the right colour, and the right impact.
An accent wall is one of the quickest ways to add character to a room. With a single colour, you can add depth, atmosphere, and personality to your interior without making the entire space feel dark or busy. But how do you choose the right wall and the right shade?
In this blog, we'll guide you through all the steps.
Choose the wall that you automatically look at
The best accent wall is usually the one that first catches your eye when you enter a room. This could be:
- The wall behind the sofa
- The wall behind the bed
- A wall with a beautiful alcove or architectural element
- A longer wall that optically enhances the space
Avoid walls with many windows or doors: they break up the colour plane, causing the effect to be lost. You want your accent wall to catch the most light, so it's best to choose the wall opposite many windows.
Colour: Zonnesteenrood
Consider the function of the room
Not every room requires the same atmosphere. Therefore, first think about what you want to feel in that space:
- Bedroom: tranquility, choose soft, warm tones
- Living room: coziness, deep, rich colours
- Kitchen: energy, fresh or warm accents
- Office: focus, cool or neutral colours
Your emotion forms the basis of your colour choice.
Account for light
Light changes colour more than people think. Both natural and artificial light have a significant impact.
- Plenty of natural light: almost any colour works, including dark shades
- Little natural light: choose warm, softer colours or rich, deep tones
- Cool northern light: warm colours compensate for the coolness
- South-facing light: colours appear warmer → possibly choose a cooler shade
Tip: view colour swatches at different times of the day.
Choose a colour that enhances the space
An accent wall should make the room more beautiful, not smaller or busier. Some guidelines:
Dark colours
Perfect for: creating depth, defining a cozy corner, or adding character.
Light colours
Ideal when: you want to keep the space fresh, there is little light, or if you want a subtle effect.
Warm tones
Provide coziness and a sense of security.
Cool tones
Bring tranquility, focus, and a fresh appearance.
Colours: Cashmere White, Sunstone Red, and Bounty White
Match your furniture and materials
An accent wall works best when it complements the rest of your interior.
- Combine warm tones with wood, terracotta, and beige.
- Combine cool tones with steel, light wood, and grey.
- Also consider art, curtains, and flooring.
The overall effect should be fluid, not forced.
Dare to choose (but test first!)
An accent wall only works if you truly commit. So:
- Test different colour swatches on the wall itself.
- Choose 2-3 possible shades.
- View them in morning light, daylight, and evening light.
- Only then make your decision.
A colour that appears subtle in the store can be much more intense at home, and vice versa.
When does an accent wall work less well?
An accent wall is less suitable when:
- The room is already very busy
- There are many patterns or contrasting colours present
- The wall is interrupted by windows, radiators, or cabinets
- The room is very small or dark (but dark tones can sometimes help!)
In that case, a ton-sur-ton approach is often better.
Still unsure about your colour choices? Book a colour consultation now with Paintfactory!
Ready for a stunning result? We'd love to see it! Don't forget to share your final result with us!
