5 Steps to Create the Perfect Accent Wall for Your Living Room
An eye-catching accent wall adds character to any living room. Strategically highlighting one wall transforms the entire space visually. An exceptional accent wall requires thoughtfulness in selecting optimal location, mesmerizing materials from stone veneer to wallpaper, dramatic colors, strategic lighting, and decor accentuating the impactful design.
Follow these key steps for selecting the ideal accent wall location, material, color, lighting, and décor to showcase your style. Soon you’ll be welcoming guests into a living room featuring a stunning focal point unlike any other room.
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Step 1: Choose the Accent Wall Location
The first step is identifying which living room wall merits the spotlight treatment. Often the wall behind the main seating area works well as an accent since that wall is prominently in view.
If your living room has an asymmetric or open layout, consider either the longest unbroken wall or the wall behind where your television sits. Avoid selecting a wall with windows, doors or the fireplace if applicable, as you don’t want architectural elements competing with the bold accent design.
Don’t be afraid to go bold with an unexpected accent wall location either. Side walls and even ceilings make dramatic design statements in the right setting. Decide what you want your eye drawn to when entering the space.
Step 2: Select a Material That Stands Out
Now for the fun part – choosing a material that immediately captures attention for your statement wall. From eye-catching papers and patterns to tactile tiles and textiles, options abound based on the aesthetic you wish to achieve.
For organic allure, wood planks, bamboo or reclaimed barn siding add striking vertical lines. Metallic tin tiles or embossed wallpaper shimmer elegantly. Faux fur or velvet fabrics provide cozy, luxurious texture.
If aiming for an industrial edge, choose glossy brick, oxidized metals, or concrete finishes. Paint a geometric mural for retro flair. Bold styles of stone veneer bricks or stacked ledgestone bring organic drama.
The material possibilities for mesmerizing accent walls are endless. Sample options to select the perfect fit for your living room vision.
Step 3: Pick an Impactful Accent Color
Color selection plays a starring role in your accent wall design. Choose hues that create the mood and look you envision.
Deeper dramatic colors like navy, emerald and magenta envelop a room in an intimate, lounge-like effect. Softer neutral earth tones like beige and gray provide subtle sophistication.
Don’t overlook punchy paint colors like vibrant orange, lime green or intense teal to really make the wall pop. Or combine bold and neutral colors in a graphic wallpaper pattern.
Select colors reflective of your personality and decor style. The accent wall is your chance to go daring or subtle based on your color preferences.
Step 4: Incorporate Strategic Lighting
Proper lighting ensures your accent wall grabs attention and looks its best. Use a mix of general and accent lighting aimed at the statement wall.
Pot lights in the ceiling above bathe the wall in flattering illumination, while attractive wall sconces provide decorative accent lighting. Position floor lamps or install track lighting to direct glare-free downlighting on the wall.
Bouncing the light off surrounding white ceilings brightens the room naturally. Dim other lighting to make the accent wall the prominent bright spot. Light it for maximum impact.
Step 5: Decor and Furnish Around the Focal Point
With your striking accent wall complete, incorporate decor and furniture that highlights rather than hides your design centerpiece.
Choose furniture in solid colors or transparent materials like acrylic. Angling furniture enables both enjoying and seeing through it to the special wall. Avoid visually overwhelming prints or patterns on surrounding soft goods.
This allows the accent wall to take the starring role. Limit competing artwork so all eyes are drawn to your creative new focal feature. Let your special wall shine.
Conclusion
By focusing on creating a statement-making focal point with these considerations in mind, your living room is guaranteed to go from bland to grand. The transformative power of an accent wall comes to life through intentional and creative design steps.
Soon you’ll have the most captivating centerpiece living room around. Let your spectacular new accent wall reflect your personal style and inspire you daily.
