Easy DIY Accent Wall Ideas to Liven Up Any Space

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An accent wall can completely transform the look and feel of a room. With a small investment of time and money, you can create a stylish focal point that makes your space look pulled together. The best part is that accent walls are easy DIY projects, even for those without much experience.

We’ll walk you through some of our favorite easy DIY accent wall ideas, from painting techniques to removable wallpaper. With a little creativity, you can liven up your bedroom, living room, dining room or any other space in your home.

Paint Techniques for Easy Accent Walls

Paint is the most budget-friendly option for DIY accent walls. With a few tools and some painter’s tape, you can create all sorts of painted effects. Here are some of our favorite paint technique ideas:

Ombre or Gradient Walls

Ombre creates a gradual change in color, typically starting darker at the top and lightening towards the bottom. To get this effect:

• Start by painting the top portion of your wall a dark shade.
• As you work your way down, gradually add more white paint to lighten the tone.
• Use a paint roller and blend the sections together so they fade seamlessly into each other.

Two-Tone Geometric Walls

For a modern, graphic look, use painter’s tape to section off geometric shapes. Paint each section a different color. Black and white is a classic combo, but you can use any color pairing you like.

Stenciled Accent Walls

Reusable wall stencils let you create all sorts of patterns, from geometric shapes to floral designs. Some tips for stenciling:

• Use a low-tack painter’s tape to secure the stencil edges. This prevents bleeding.
• Use a stiff stencil brush, dabbing up and down to apply the paint.
• Maintain an even coat and apply enough pressure to get into the stencil openings.
• Consider doing a monochromatic palette, like shades of blue or green.

Freehand Mural

If you’re artistically inclined, consider painting a freehand mural. This could be abstract shapes or a landscape scene. Sketch it out lightly in pencil then paint the design. Paint pens are great for outlining and adding finer details.

Textured Accent Walls

Adding texture creates visual interest and depth on your accent wall. Here are some ways to get a textured look with paint:

• With a sponge, dab on multiple colors for a mottled finish.
• Brush or roll on paint unevenly so some areas are thicker for a plaster effect.
• Use a wood grain tool to mimic a distressed wood accent wall.

Wallpaper Accent Walls

Wallpaper is another fabulous option for easy DIY accent walls. Today’s wallpaper offers tons of colors, prints, textures and materials to suit any design aesthetic. Here are some wallpaper ideas:

Removable Wallpaper

Removable, peel-and-stick wallpapers make the installation process easy. They typically adhere to walls without needing paste. Options include:

• Self-adhesive wallpaper – These come in rolls, featuring designs like faux exposed brick or nature themes.
• Peel-and-stick tiles – These removable vinyl tiles mimic subway tiles, marble, travertine and other looks.
• WallPops – These decorative dot wall stickers add subtle or bold patterns.

Tip: Always thoroughly clean the wall surface so the self-adhesive wallpaper sticks properly.

Temporary Wallpaper

Sometimes called wall decals or stickers, these temporary wallpapers apply to your wall the same way you would apply a giant sticker. They easily peel off later, making them ideal renter-friendly options.

Grasscloth

Grasscloth adds lovely texture to a room. Made from natural fibers, it has a rough, organic feel. Modern grasscloth wallpapers are durable and easy to install using wheat or cellulose paste. For added visual interest, opt for woven bamboo or jute cloth.

[H2]DIY Faux Finishes

Faux finishes make accent walls look like real wood, brick, marble or other expensive materials. Here are some easy faux finish ideas:

Faux Brick

Using a brick wall stencil and red and grey paint, you can mimic a realistic exposed brick wall. Sponging on the paint gives a weathered look. For a 3D effect, attach embossed brick panels.

Faux Concrete

Concrete wallpaper or textured paint makes drywall look like real concrete. For painted concrete, use a trowel or dry brush technique, painting in the color in layers to build up texture and depth.

Faux Wood Planks

You can use actual wood for a shiplap accent wall. For a lower cost faux wood look, use paint techniques or embossed wallpaper that mimics wood grain. Distress kits add realism with knicks and worn edges.

Fabric Accent Walls

Don’t overlook fabric for your DIY accent wall. Some pretty options include:

• Removable wallpaper – These peel-and-stick options have fabric-like finishes, including linen, tweed and burlap.
• Fabric panels – Cover a wall with square fabric panels. Use washi tape to outline each square.
• Tapestry art – Hang large, colorful tapestries for a bohemian-chic look.

Easy 3D Accent Walls

Three-dimensional elements add extra depth and interest on accent walls. Easy DIY options include:

Floating Shelves

Painted or stained wood floating shelves create perfect ledges to display photos, art and decor. Attach with brackets and hang at various heights and widths.

Wall Paneling

3D planks, shingles, tiles and other wall paneling materials add neat dimension. Some popular options:

• Wooden shiplap or beadboard
• 3D wall panels and tiles with various textures
• Faux brick, stone or stacked stone panels
• Faux metal or tin tiles

Wainscoting

Running decorative molding horizontally partway up the wall adds a classic touch. Paint the lower portion of the wall a contrasting color from the upper portion for the wainscoting look.

Accent Wall Ideas by Room

Now let’s look at some easy DIY accent wall ideas specific to different rooms.

Living Room Accent Walls

The living room is a great place for a statement accent wall. Try:

• A bold wallpaper print or mural over the sofa
• Picture ledges for displaying framed photos and art
• Floating shelves to hold plants, decor objects and books
• Paint an entire accent wall in a deep hue like navy blue, emerald green or berry

Bedroom Accent Walls

In the bedroom, use accent walls to create a soothing oasis. Ideas include:

• Upholstered fabric headboard wall behind the bed
• Peel-and-stick wallpaper or mirrors over the bedside tables
• Paint an abstract mural for visual interest

Dining Room Accent Walls

Make your dining room sophisticated with:

• Faux brick or shiplap planks behind a rustic wood dining table
• A wallpaper mural depicting food, wine or nature
• Wainscoting paired with candle sconces for traditional charm

Home Office Accent Walls

Encourage creativity in your home office with:

• Chalkboard paint for notes, doodling and organization
• A library ladder on rails to reach floating shelves
• A textured grasscloth wallpaper for natural flair

Bathroom Accent Walls

Humidity resistant materials are best for bathrooms. Ideas:

• Peel-and-stick floor tile on a shower or tub wall
• Beadboard paneling for a cottage feel
• Wallpaper above the toilet as a decorative focal point

Kitchen Accent Walls

The kitchen is a great place to create an eye-catching accent wall:

• Faux exposed brick wallpaper in a breakfast nook
• Open shelving using pipes or barnwood planks
• Painted wood shiplap surrounding a rustic dining area

Nursery Accent Walls

Use accent walls to make your nursery extra dreamy:

• Whimsical tree decals above the crib
• Ombre painted rainbows over the changing table
• A soft fabric accent wall in the reading nook

Budget-Friendly Accent Wall Ideas

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a gorgeous accent wall. Here are some wallet-friendly ideas:

• Simple paint techniques like ombre or stenciling
• Use decorative washi tape to create fun patterns
• Cover wood panels with colorful fabric for an artsy look
• Use paint or markers to draw a hand-painted mural
• Arrange photo ledges in creative shapes like hearts or letters

Renter-Friendly Accent Wall Ideas

If you rent your home, look for accent wall materials that are removable or won’t damage walls, such as:

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper rolls and tiles
• Temporary wall decals and stickers
• Fabric panels applied with double-sided tape or binder clips
• Painters tape geometric designs

Tips for Easy Installation of DIY Accent Walls

To ensure your project goes smoothly:

• Clean walls so paint and wallpaper adhere properly. Fill any holes.
• Use painters tape for clean edges and to protect trim. Remove tape immediately after painting.
• Read wallpaper instructions carefully. Many are designed to just stick on wall for easy application.
• Work top to bottom and side-to-side when painting for the neatest results.

Let Your Creativity Shine!

Accent walls make a bold statement and show off your personal style. The possibilities are endless. Not feeling artsy? Many wallpapers have full mural designs or patterns where you just need to hang each strip.

With so many easy DIY options for achieving fabulous accent walls, you can stylishly transform any space. Get creative with paint techniques, wallpaper, tiles, shelving and more. Your home’s personality will shine through.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Accent Walls

Accent walls make a powerful design statement and show off your personal style without a huge commitment. With so many easy, budget-friendly DIY options available, you can create a gorgeous focal point in any room. Get creative with paint techniques, removable wallpapers, fabic panels, wall tiles and 3D elements. An accent wall adds character and visual interest to your living space.