How To DIY A Faux Concrete Accent Wall For An Industrial Look

Industrial spaces are often filled with elements that add large amounts of texture and architectural interest, including brick, metal, and concrete. This means that any true industrial-inspired space will sometimes contain entire walls, doors, and furniture in these finishes. While refurbished loft spaces and other industrial-inspired homes may have these elements built in, there are some easy ways you can get a similar look in any home. If you want your home to reflect the industrial aesthetic, there are numerous fun techniques to create faux concrete accent walls with materials like paint and joint compound that look, and sometimes even feel, like the real thing.

Even better, these techniques can turn any wall, including drywall or plaster, into a stunning accent wall that sets the tone for your industrial style space. Most DIYs in this vein can be done in just a couple days and add enormous architectural interest and texture to even the most cookie-cutter space. There are even some accent wall ideas to get a similar look if you are renting your space.

To create a concrete accent wall on any surface, you will need joint compound, a bottle of cement tint, and a trowel for application. For a mottled look, divide the joint compound into buckets and tint each with a different amount of gray. When layered together, the joint compound will have the chalky texture and variation of actual concrete. Apply the darkest color first with the trowel over the surface of the wall, following up with less dense layers of the other lighter shades. Allow each coat to dry overnight before adding the next. You can also use this as a chance to create concrete in other shades as well, like blue or green. If you like the look of concrete block walls, create a grid and carve out gridlines when the joint compound is still wet. 

You can also use a paint that is specifically designed with a thicker texture, like Portola Paints Roman Clay, which comes in over 60 shades. This paint can be applied with a putty knife to create textural variation as you apply. Use a single shade all over the wall or layer shades of Roman Clay on top of one another. For a matte finish, leave as-is, or for a slightly glossy look, apply the Portola Paints Roman Clay Top Coat.

While the above two approaches work best if you can change your walls permanently, there are some other ways to create a more subtle look of concrete that is easy to paint over or remove. Use two to three shades of gray latex paint in various levels of darkness to sponge paint or rag roll your walls. Start with the lightest or the darkest shade, then apply the other colors to create texture with the sponge or rag, allowing the application method to create the variations in color that mimic a real concrete wall.

If you are unable to paint your walls at all, but would still like a concrete accent wall look, use sheets of canvas tacked to the wall to apply one of the paint or plastering techniques above. When you move out, just remove the canvas. You can also purchase concrete faux finish peel-and-stick wallpaper, like this Darker Grey Black Wide Concrete Wallpaper.