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Accent Wall Ideas - How To Pick Which Wall To Feature

Updated: Mar 16, 2023


custom accent wall painted half blue in Vancouver
A Custom Accent Wall We Painted In Vancouver

Accent walls have been around since the early 2000s. However, the trend fell out of style over the last few decades. However, recently accent walls are trending again. In fact, our company has painted more accent walls in the last 2 years than I have in the last 10 years of my painting career. But don't just take my word for it click the link here to read what top designers are saying about accent walls making a comeback.


If you're already sold on adding an accent or feature wall to your space, the next question is, how do you choose the right wall? In this article, I'll share the main factors to consider when selecting the perfect wall for your accent wall project.


An accent wall in a living room painted blue
An Accent Wall We Painted in White Rock

Consider the room's layout


When it comes to choosing the right wall to paint as an accent or feature wall, the layout of the room is an important factor to consider. By carefully assessing the placement of the room's features, furniture, and architectural elements, you can determine which wall will create the most impact.


One key consideration is any existing features in the room, such as a fireplace or built-in bookshelf. These elements can serve as natural focal points and make great candidates for an accent wall. Painting the wall around a fireplace or bookshelf can draw attention to these features and enhance their impact on the room.



An accent wall in a kitchen painted blue
An Accent Wall We Painted In White Rock Part 2

Think about the room's purpose


The purpose of a room can influence the decision of which wall to paint. For instance, if the room is a bedroom, painting an accent wall behind the bed can create a sense of drama and make the bed the focal point of the room.


Similarly, in a nursery, a feature wall behind the crib can have the same effect. In the kitchen, you may want to choose an accent wall that complements your cabinetry, and in the dining room, perhaps behind the dinner table. Since every room is unique, it's essential to visualize color options for all your walls and even test colors on different walls to get a better idea of what will look best in each area.



A Custom Accent Wall We Painted In Vancouver Part 2
A Custom Accent Wall We Painted In Vancouver Part 2

Look at the natural light


When choosing an accent wall, it's important to consider the amount of natural light in the room. A wall that receives plenty of natural light can be an excellent choice for a feature wall, as the light can enhance the color and make it appear more vibrant. On the other hand, in small, unlit rooms, brighter colors are generally preferred over darker tones, which can make the space look smaller.


It's important to keep in mind that the color you choose may look different at various times of day, depending on the natural lighting in the room. Therefore, take your time and check the color throughout the day or even over a few days. You don't want to choose a color and paint an accent wall on a bright and sunny day, only to be disappointed with how it looks on a rainy or overcast day. Observing the color at different times and under various lighting conditions can help ensure that you choose the right color for your accent wall, one that looks good no matter the time of day or weather conditions.




An Accent Wall We Painted Green In Downtown Vancouver
An Accent Wall We Painted Green In Downtown Vancouver

Take into account the existing colors


When choosing an accent wall, it's important to consider the existing colors in the room. This is especially true if you're only painting one wall and keeping the others their current color. If the room already has bold colours, a more neutral accent wall may be the best choice. On the other hand, if the room is more neutral, a bold accent wall can add some much-needed color and interest.


After considering these factors, you should have a better idea of which wall would make the best accent wall. Remember that the accent wall should be the focal point of the room, so choose a wall that complements the room's layout, purpose, and existing colors. This will help create a cohesive look in the room and make the accent wall truly stand out.



In conclusion


Choosing an accent wall to paint can be a daunting task, but considering the room's layout, purpose, natural light, existing colors, and style of the room will make the decision process easier. An accent wall can be a great way to add visual interest and make a statement in any room. Furthermore, if you need any further information or would like a second opinion, please feel free to call us at (604) 704-0661. West Point Painters also works alongside many high-end Interior designers that we could recommend for your project for a more in-depth consultation.





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