Accent Wall Rules of Thumb

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accent wall rules of thumb

An accent wall is an ideal method for acquainting a new look to a room without focusing on the whole room’s worth of color.

Accent walls are very stylish and will look astounding pretty much in any room.

In a flash, they cause a room to “pop” and ultimately help express you as a homeowner. Accent walls can be an incredible extension to a home makeover. They are very easy to do, don’t require a lot of money, nor do professionals cost too much if you want/need help. Yet, they should be executed the correct way or risk feeling like they stick out like a sore thumb.

When approaching the task of painting an accent wall, there is a good amount of consideration you will need to put into place; what wall to put it on, selecting the best colors, etc.

So, if you are pondering whether to paint an accent wall but don’t know how or what to do, here are some accent wall rules of thumb to get you started.

what is an accent wall

What is an Accent Wall?

An accent wall is a solitary wall in a room that is deliberately painted in a different color variety compared to the rest of the space, to separate itself. To set the room apart for the rest.

An accent wall will typically become the ultimate focal point of the room. They can also cause a space to seem bigger and more extensive than it really is. This can be a tremendous advantage when the measured area’s size is a worry of yours.

Accent walls can be utilized in any space in your home. They are used in kitchens, living rooms, offices, bathrooms, etc.

How to Choose an Accent Wall

One of the first accent wall rules of thumb is to pick the accent wall.

Picking the right wall as your accent wall is the initial step to an attention-getting accent wall.

Try to avoid using the smaller rooms in your home. Accent walls tend to look their absolute best in well-lit, open spaces.

An unfortunate accent wall decision could mean the difference between a room that is professional and a room that simply looks like it doesn’t belong.

Whichever wall you pick, be certain there’s motivation to draw someone’s attention to the accent. But how will you know where to put an accent wall? Where is the best placement?

Consider the Focal Point of the Room

When deciding your accent wall location, one thing you should consider is the natural focal point of the room. Where do your eyes naturally fall upon entering?

The right wall to accent is usually the first one that you see when you enter a room.

Focal points for accent walls include:

  • The shorter walls in a rectangular room.
  • The wall facing the entrance.
  • A wall with natural light.
  • The wall with the headboard of your bed.
  • Walls with interesting architectural designs like certain trims and fireplaces.
  • Walls behind unique artwork or furniture.

If your room lacks any substantial focal point, try to create one. This is where you can let your imagination shine and creativity flow. Allow the furniture and decor of your home to help you create a natural focal point for your room.

how to choose an accent wall

Creating a Focal Point

Think about things that stand out or help make a room stand out. That should help you create focal points for an accent wall – things like:

  • Indoor house plants
  • Framed family pictures
  • Unique furniture
  • Lamps/track lighting

When considering a wall for painting, make sure that you avoid walls with large furniture or windows. This will take away from the point of your accent wall and can end up with your room looking smaller. Make sure to utilize the ceiling as well.

If colors don’t seem to be coming together, adding some ceiling color can shake the look up.

Choosing The Right Color for Your Accent Wall

When choosing the best color for your accent take a look at your current color scheme. Choosing shades of that color for ease in picking. Also, using the little accent colors from throw pillows, furniture, artwork, and other items in your space.

You can use color to your advantage. Certain colors will make a short wall seem long or a long wall seem short.

The right color may even come from considering the function of the room you’re decorating. Different colors evoke different emotions. The color blue is seen as more relaxing/calming whereas red is energetic.

To maintain a more neutral tone, using tans and browns keeps the space looking natural in color.

In order to not overpower your room’s color scheme, professionals use a little rule called the 60-30-10 wall color rule to maintain the space’s color balance.

Simply put, 60% of your room will have the dominant color, 30% should primarily be the secondary color, and 10% the accent color.

Think About The Other Wall Colors

Lastly, think about the other wall colors when considering your accent wall. A color clashing accent wall is a big bummer you don’t want to run into.

Accent walls tend to look their best when they connect the walls color in a scale from light to medium in shade.

Blend your bold accent wall color with more neutral colors like brown, gray, or beige.

choosing the right color for your accent wall

Colorado Painting: Interior Painting Professionals

Having an accent wall can be very transformative for the way your house looks and can give your home new life. Though, as you probably know, painting can be one heck of a process (and mess).

Having a clean, dependable, and legitimate painting company will grant you peace of mind in a timely manner, allowing you to know that the painting will be done appropriately and with utmost meticulousness.

We can reduce your expenses by wiping out errors that frequently go with Do-It-Yourself paint projects.

At Colorado Painting, our knowledge in various paint styles, varieties, etc. makes us the specialists you’ll want for any interior painting job.

Schedule a free estimate, where our Denver-based painting contractors can also give you painting tips – just like these accent wall rules of thumb.

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Trevor Z Marshall

Owner & Managing Member at Colorado Painting

Originally from Texas, I’m now thrilled to call Colorado home! Life at our house is full of energy, with four kids, a dog, a cat, and a rotating cast of fish (turns out they’re not the easiest pets to keep alive). Thankfully, my wife Erin and I somehow manage to stay afloat. I’m a proud graduate of Vanderbilt University and have been fortunate to live and work across the country, gaining valuable experiences along the way. When I’m not working, I enjoy making the most of Colorado’s beautiful outdoors, catching up with friends and family, following sports, especially European football, and exploring Boulder’s fantastic craft beer scene. I’m passionate about supporting our team members, whom we proudly refer to as Partners, in delivering top-tier customer service and achieving outstanding results. Looking forward to the opportunity to work together!

Murad G.
20 hours ago
We had a great experience getting the exterior of our house painted! The work was excellent, the attention to detail was impressive, and the finished result looks amazing. I especially want to thank Trevor for being professional, responsive, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. He made everything smooth and stress-free from start to finish. We’re very happy with the results and would definitely recommend Trevor and his team to anyone looking for quality exterior painting. 5 stars all the way!
Danielle R.
3 weeks ago
If I could give Trevor and his team 10 stars I would. We were quoted by 3 companies and this company was honest, trustworthy, priced well and beyond professional. The attention to detail and commitment to making sure the job was done to our satisfaction, was evident every step of the way. We will definitely be repeat customers!
Fredrick B.
1 month ago
Colorado Painters did a great job with very clean and professional detailed look. They were very responsive to our timing needs, requirements and scheduling . Stephen, Ben, the paint teams and Jordan came together and provided a very nice paint job to finish out our sizable garage at a very very reasonable and effective price. Well Done, highly recommended!
Kenny
1 month ago
I had a great experience with this company. From getting a quote, to scheduling, to working with the crew they made the process easy. Also, the quality of the work and professionalism from the crew was top notch. Highly recommend this company.
Shelby C.
1 month ago
The team did an incredible job. The painting was done quickly, they protected our floors, cleaned up each day, and the final result looks amazing. I was kept informed on their progress every day and whole process was seamless. Highly recommend!
Joseph F.
1 month ago
I am absolutely thrilled with the exterior painting job recently completed on my home! From start to finish, the crew demonstrated unparalleled professionalism. They arrived on time every day, worked diligently, and treated my property with the utmost respect. Their attention to detail during the preparation phase was particularly impressive. They thoroughly power washed, scraped, and caulked every surface, ensuring a flawless foundation for the new paint. The final result is stunning—the colors are vibrant, the lines are crisp, and the finish is completely even. It has drastically transformed the curb appeal of my house. Furthermore, they maintained a clean workspace and did a fantastic job packing up all materials at the end of each day. Communication was seamless, and the project manager made sure I was 100% satisfied before considering the job done. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and beautiful exterior paint job!
Kari A.
1 month ago
Trevor and the team did a fantastic job painting the exterior of my house in Superior. The process was really easy, from paint selection to scheduling and the onsite work. I’d highly recommend them!
Kristin M.
2 months ago
Our crew for our job was outstanding! They were professional, efficient and attentive. Our house was a challenge with steep peaks and multiple finishes but they didn’t hesitate and the final product looks amazing.
Cindy R.
2 months ago
Colorado Painting staff were professional, friendly, timely and efficient in painting the exterior of my house. They cleaned up well after themselves. Very helpful as well.
Jeanne F.
2 months ago
We were extremely impressed with the entire experience with Colorado Painti! They communicated well with what was included, when they would be coming and were organized, efficient and the work crew was great. We could not have been more pleased!
Jessica W.
2 months ago
We are very happy with the work done by Colorado Commercial Painting. Crew showed up on time and the work was completed quickly and cleaned up perfectly.
Constance M.
2 months ago
Colorado Painting did an excellent job on our interior painting project. We had the majority of our home painted and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome! Ben did an excellent job of checking in with me and the crew several times a day to see if we needed anything and to ensure things were running smoothly. Leo did a fantastic job managing his crew and making sure everyone was providing the best workmanship. They paid attention to every little detail and even did some amazing work on some drywall damage we needed to repair. The work was excellent quality!
Alyssa V.
2 months ago
The Erics we're all amazing with their help from the beginning to the end of our project. Their assistance with questions and concerns were quickly answered and taken care of professionally. Thank you for all of your hard work!
Jim T.
2 months ago
Did a great job.
Allison P.
2 months ago
Colorado Painting was great to work with. Their team was professional and fast. Their caulking and siding repair before painting stopped a leak we had around a sliding glass door. And the whole house paint job looks great! Also, our deck paint was peeling and the wood was chipping. They replaced a floor board in our deck and patched up holes and then painted and our deck looks brand new again!
Meghan G.
2 months ago
We couldn't be happier with our experience with Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting. From start to finish, the communication was outstanding. Ben, Joel, Joel Sr., and the entire crew were professional, responsive, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the project. What stood out most was their attention to detail and commitment to getting everything right. They took the time to address every question and concern, and they never made us feel rushed. The crew consistently showed up, followed through on their promises, and continued working with us until we were 100% satisfied with the final result. It's clear they take pride in their work and genuinely care about their customers. The finished product exceeded our expectations, and we would absolutely recommend Colorado Painting to anyone looking for a company that values quality, communication, and customer satisfaction.
janell44
2 months ago
I appreciated the great communication, from beginning to the end of the project. Good workmanship and attention to detail. I would highly recommend.
Constance M.
2 months ago
We had an amazing experience with Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting! We had a pretty big interior painting project with some drywall repair that we needed done. Ben, oversaw the project and did a great job checking in with me and the crew several times a day to see if things were going smoothly or if we needed anything. Leo led his painting crew and we couldn't be more pleased with his attention to detail! He did an excellent job with the drywall repairs, we can barely notice there was even a problem to begin with. He and his crew did a great job protecting our newly carpeted floors as well as all our furniture. Thanks for taking your time and doing such a great job! We will certainly call again for future projects!
Michael J.
3 months ago
Extremely satisfied with my experience! Eric, Jordan, Ben all kept in communication throughout the process phenomenally, and answered any questions i had as we went along in the process. Leo and his crew showed up daily at 8am. Did several siding, trim and soffit repairs that needed to be done and the prep work was detailed. The painting job itself i couldn’t be happier with. We love looking at our home and the excellent job the crew did to make sure it was done right. My property was left neat and clean each night that they left and trash was bagged and removed daily. Highly recommend this company. They went out of their way to make sure we were happy before taking payment. Would use again without hesitation!
Lori G.
3 months ago
Great company. Did a fantastic job and great communication the entire process.
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