The Typical Accent Wall Design Choice We're Ready To Leave In The Past

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

An accent wall is all it takes to make a builder-grade home feel custom made. It brings visual intrigue, infuses the space with personality, and best yet, adds depth to an otherwise bland surface. If only that were the case for all types of accent walls. There's one option in particular that, despite its popularity, often falls short of delivering the same design impact. And that, dear reader, is when you simply paint a wall a different color for your focal point.

Sure, this accent wall design is easy to create and cost-effective — but at the end of the day, it's just flat paint. There's nothing tactilely interesting about that, nor does it wow with originality. A painted accent wall really only introduces a contrasting pop of color at best. And while fun at first, the lack of variety will quickly make the bold color feel stale. Yup, your accent wall could be a dramatic black hue, but it'll eventually blend into the background without some texture or patterns drawing the eye in.

You probably already know there are many, many ways to create an accent wall without painting it. But, just to give you a refresher: wallpaper sits at the top of the list. It's low-commitment and renter-friendly, saving you the hassle of repainting every time your style shifts. Plus, the options are endless, from florals to geometrics to abstract murals — each one packing a punch. Picture a wall wrapped in Simon&Siff's Vintage Blue Floral Peel Wallpaper compared to one painted in solid green. One tells a story while the other simply serves as a backdrop.

Wood paneling is another alternative if you're willing to spare a bit more money and labor. This style of accent wall has a way of looking trendy yet timeless at the same time. Meaning, you're less likely to get bored with it. Shiplap, vertical slats, and board-and-batten panels are but a few of the beautiful wood accent wall ideas for a natural design look. The dynamic, three-dimensional texture is a big plus that, again, a typical painted wall can't offer.

Prefer to hack your way to an eye-catching accent wall? Consider hanging a bunch of artwork on the blank surface. This not only gives the space a sense of individuality but also brings the wall to life with color and depth. You don't even have to paint the wall behind if you don't want to. But it's a nice way to remedy a boring accent wall if you've already got one. And the best part: it's easy to customize and change depending on your mood.