Identifying a bold design feature to turn a space into a stunning one is a challenge for any living room redesign, and statement walls are one of the best ideas out there. Accent walls can revitalise and personalise a plain living room design and this article explores how to make them work with a selection of accent wall ideas for living rooms.

Understanding Accent Walls

An accent wall (or feature wall,  statement wall) is where only one wall in a room is made to stand out compared to the rest of the room through its color,  surface or decoration. The beauty of an accent wall is that it wants to add a feature to the room without flashy boldness that can sometimes be achieved by decorating individual furnishings. The creation of an accent wall provides a dramatic statement within your home.

What Is an Accent Wall?

An accent wall is essentially a specific type of surface in a living room that is intended to stand out from the traditional style of the walls in a living room.  This is a decision made by designers and homeowners to produce a significant impact and function to add a level of personality to the living room.  The use of a bright paint color,  varied wall treatment or even an elaborate gallery wall would all be managed as the focal point of the visual impact of the room.

Benefits of Creating an Accent Wall

There are a lot of reasons why you should create an accent wall for your decorating projects. Aside from the fact that is has a number of advantages, an accent wall is also something pretty that is easy to fix up your living room or any other rooms with.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Statement Wall

Living Room Accent Wall Ideas

Choosing the right wall in the living room for your statement wall is key. Look at the structure of the room and try to find wall space that could be emphasized and enhanced. For example,  you wouldn’t want to put an accent wall in front of large windows, because the view out of the windows would conflict with your accent wall. Conversely, a wall that‘s the perfect background for a major piece of furniture or work of art could make a great statement wall. 

Usually the wall that immediately catches the eye once you enter the room makes a great candidate.  Some typical choices are:

Using Bold Paint Colors

One of the most simple but most effective living room accent wall ideas is using bold paint colors.  If you pick an energizing color to work with,  then paint it on one wall of your living room, then you are going to easily turn your room into something lively. Bold paint colors are a great solution because they are noticeable but still work well with the other color schemes of a working room to create the energy that you want. Colors like purple, yellow, and red, are all going to brighten up a room and make it more interesting, so try work with these and you will be surprised at what you can come up with.

Incorporating Wallpaper for Texture

Beyond just color, wallpaper provides the perfect opportunity to add texture as well as complex patterns,  which makes for a very statement worthy wall.  Today’s wallpapers encompass fairly textured options that give a natural linen or grasscloth effect, fun geometrical designs or even large scale wall murals.  Whether you add a delicate wall paper to your living room accent wall or choose a textured wall covering, bookshelves can be filled within the wall.  The attempt with wallpaper is absolutely endless – it can work well with many décor styles,  give a shiplap wall a finished look, add a contemporary metallic sheen or fun pattern,  or create a new textured focal point wall.

Designing a Gallery Wall

Another equally terrific accent wall concept for family rooms is the gallery wall. This option will provide a very personal and artistic feature in your living room.  Whether it is a cohesive grouping of artwork and photos, or an eclectic mix you have carefully selected, it makes the wall an engaging focal point and conversation starter.  When doing this, simply arrange your items in a way which pleases your eye,  mixing in different wall art frame styles, shapes and sizes, as well as incorporating three dimensional objects, such as ornaments or decorative objects. You can have a fun time trying all sorts of variations on this and it can be entirely your own creation. When done well it creates instant character for the entire room.

Materials and Techniques for Statement Walls

Wood Paneling and Shiplap Accent Walls

Wood paneling and shiplap accent walls are a classic and flexible design solution to provide warmth and texture to your living rooms while making a striking impression.  They will turn a single, bland wall into a stunning feature wall,  bringing heightened visual interest to your interior. Whether you choose the simple,  flat lines of shiplap accent panels for a coastal or rustic style, or the more detailed wood paneling for a refined, traditional aesthetic,  this wood accent wall concept will help set the mood of a welcoming living room.

Stone Accent Walls: Bringing Nature Indoors

A stone accent wall is a wonderful way to bring a touch of the outdoor world into the digs and creating a statement wall in your living rooms.  Using natural stone or even a high quality faux stone wall tiles can add wonderful texture and depth to any space.  Whether you want to add a truly rustic feel to your entire home or just an ultra contemporary uplifted feel, one of these stone accent wall ideas can work beautifully in either context and gives color and texture to the room.

Creating a Mural: A Unique Artistic Approach

If your after a one of a kind statement wall that is really artistic then painting a mural is a great way of expressing personality and flair in your living rooms.  Your individual wall mural could be a highly detailed hand painted design or it could be a mammoth wall hanging wall printed on state-of-the-art wall paper. Your custom wall mural is a guaranteed talking point and really will be the talking point of the entire room.  It is an excellent idea for an accent wall because of its limitless creative potential. You could have a mural as brightly colored or as stylized as you‘d like.  Maybe it is a tranquil scene,  a safe style geometric pattern or perhaps it is a crazy and whimsical image. Whatever it is, a wall mural is certainly going to be a talking point.

Decor Ideas to Elevate Your Accent Wall

Adding Wall Decor: Art and Accessories

From there,  you can easily take your accent wall to the next level with some wall decor, art, and accessories.  If you have a textured accent wall,  using a well-placed gallery wall can add interest and build on the texture of your wall. Summon your inner interior decorator and combine wall art pieces such as abstract pieces, printed photographs,  and other wall art to complement the design style you already chose for the space and emphasize the statement your wall has made.  You may also include accessories such as mounted custom mirrors or oddly-placed wall shelves filled with eclectic items to give additional texture and dimension to your accent wall in your living rooms.

Mixing Textures for Visual Interest

Mixing textures is a more upscale decor idea that can really make your accent wall pop. You can make this wall even more of an experience by adding a variety of textures (something to touch and feel) to your living rooms.  For a paint accent wall,  you can bring in the texture with a plush rug, velvet pillows,  and a woven wall hanging on another wall.  To complement an accent wall made of wood,  or a shiplap accent wall,  add glittering wall art or smooth ceramics. Mixing textures will add depth to your accent wall, and make your living rooms look more sophisticated.

Integrating Lighting to Highlight Features

Strategic lightingis a must-have decor idea that can greatly accentuate and bring out your accent wall,  truly making your statement wall the main attraction of your living rooms.  Use track lighting or recessed spotlights that light up your entire accent wall area to further showcase your choice of either a bold paint colour or an elaborate wallpaper.  Use picture lights to highlight your wall art or mural on your statement wall. For an added edge,  add backlighting onto your wall panels or shelves for an overall dramatic effect to your modern design.  The right lighting does not only illuminate your statement wall but also makes one hell of a statement!

Design Styles for Statement Walls

Geometric Patterns for a Modern Look

Geometric Patterns are a great accent wall idea for those wanting to attain a contemporary and sleek statement living room décor geometric shapes exude simple yet bold concepts using clean lines, clever angles, or a combination of both. Geometric patterns can be achieved with bold modern wallpaper,  unique taping patterns, or by installing a design of wood panels (designed for.) Make your geometric accent wall a playful partnership of interesting concepts,  best utilized in a contemporary home decor scheme.  This accent wall concept can quickly make any living room feel more energetic and modern.

Rustic Charm with Exposed Brick

For a living room that is little more rustic and has character, and an instant sense of age and well-loved, the exposed brick wall makes an ideal accent wall idea.  The immense colour variations and raw texture of an exposed brick wall or good quality brick veneer can instantly bring an aged,  robust and firm aesthetic to your interior.  Showcasing well along with industrial themes, farmhouse schemes and eclectic styles,  this feature wall is a brilliant focal point for the room that is both imposing and welcoming.

Classic Elegance with Paneling

For a living room that you want to evoke a sense of luxurious refinement and timeless elegance, a great accent wall idea would be to add some paneling to your accent wall design. Wall paneling can be done as traditional wainscotting,  detailed raised panels, or sleek modern vertical slats with clean lines; all would create instant architectural interest and texture, making a grand statement in the space without overwhelming your decor. This design style can provide a timeless yet accommodating focal point that can complement various interior design décor styles from traditional to transitional. A paneled wall can complement your décor while also providing visual interest and a feeling of a custom finished piece.