Should the accent wall be lighter or darker?

Author: Prof. Greyson Dach  |  Last update: Friday, April 4, 2025

Accent colors are meant to pop, and create visual interest in a space: When choosing an accent wall, select a wall with purpose–your eye will be drawn to it immediately. For rooms with darker color walls, consider going lighter for an accent wall. If the walls are light and airy, consider a deeper, bolder color.

What color is best for an accent wall?

A dramatic accent wall can instantly transform the mood and energy of a space. Painting a wall in a rich, saturated hue like deep red, royal blue, or forest green instantly draws the eye. These bold colors add depth and visual interest, making a room feel more dynamic and alive.

What is the rule for accent walls?

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.

How many shades darker should an accent wall be?

SHOULD AN ACCENT WALL BE LIGHTER OR DARKER? Feature walls are usually darker than their surrounding walls. If you want a subtle contrast, choose a feature color approximately two shades darker than your main color.

Should a TV wall be light or dark?

Wall behind the screen should always be black for best results, anything lighter is a compromise.

Should an accent wall be lighter or darker?

What is the best color for the accent wall behind a TV?

Top Colours for TV Wall Background

Dark Hues: For a cinema-like experience, dark colours like black, navy, or forest green can be excellent choices. They make the screen stand out and can make colours appear more vibrant. Muted Tones: Consider muted blues, olive grey, greens, or lavenders for a gentle hint of colour.

Should a feature wall be light or dark?

There are a few factors you need to think about when painting a colourful feature wall. If you're painting a small space, dark feature wall colours are a wise choice. Darker feature walls give the illusion of a bigger room.

Are accent walls still in style in 2024?

The short answer: Yes! While trends come and go, accent walls have proven to be a timeless design element. In 2024, they continue to be popular for their ability to transform a space without a major overhaul. However, the trends surrounding accent walls have evolved to embrace more creative and personalized approaches.

Does a dark accent wall make a room look bigger or smaller?

Even though dark walls seem closer, they also trick the eye into blurring the edges of the room. This can actually make the room look like it goes on for longer than it does, making it seem larger overall.

Is it okay to have an accent wall in every room?

We recommend sticking to one accent wall per room. Picking two or three will dilute the effect; the room will feel like a collage of colours rather than a carefully designed palette. Having a hard time landing on a colour palette? You can try this online tool called Coolors.

Are accent walls outdated?

The Smaller the Space, the Bolder to Go

"I think accent walls are a hundred percent chic," home designer Dana Lee Calabrese shares. "When they're done with an unexpected material like tile or a wallpaper that complements the space, they can add depth and visual interest."

What color accent wall goes with grey walls?

Navy and teal blues are especially common combinations with gray. This is because blue complements the silvery undertones of gray, creating a steel blue aesthetic. If you want to create a cool room with a timeless look, then a blue accent wall with peel and stick blue wallpaper will work effectively.

What is a complimentary accent color?

The primary complementary color pairs are red and green, blue and orange, yellow and purple. These combinations bring out the best in each other by making their complement more vibrant for noticeable. Complementary colors also work together to elevate the overall visual experience.

Should accent walls be flat or satin?

We recommend using the same sheen as the surrounding wall paint. If a homeowner is using flat paint on the other walls, the accent wall should be flat.

Should all accent walls be the same color?

Accent walls should be unique, but it is easy to go too far and select a color that doesn't work with the color scheme of your space. Avoid choosing a wall color just because it seems fun or exciting. That could make your room unpleasant.

Can an accent wall be lighter?

We recommend choosing a color a few shades lighter or darker to create optimal contrast. If walls are a midtone or deeper hue, try a lighter accent wall color.

Do people paint the ceiling the same color as the walls?

The more natural light a room receives, the more spacious it feels. So when the color is light and you have enough natural illumination, painting the ceiling the same color as the walls makes the room look bigger. Crown molding painted the same color as the ceiling and walls also adds visual space to the room.

Which wall should be darker?

In large bright rooms it lends itself, a wall adjacent to the window side paint dark, so that the color tone comes into its own in natural light. If you want to paint several walls dark, it is best to choose two adjacent walls.

What is the trend in baseboards in 2024?

Straight and unadorned baseboards

Minimalistic baseboards with straight, simple lines will be a hallmark of modern interiors this year.

What is the best color for an accent wall?

37 Best Accent Wall Colors for an Instant Room Makeover
  • 01 of 37. Matte Black. Alvin Wayne. ...
  • 02 of 37. Terracotta. Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd. ...
  • 03 of 37. Neon Yellow. ...
  • 04 of 37. Forest Green. ...
  • 05 of 37. Soft Sage Green. ...
  • 06 of 37. Taupe. ...
  • 07 of 37. Deep Teal. ...
  • 08 of 37. Coral Pink.

Is Shiplap out of style in 2024?

Shiplap has long been celebrated for its rustic charm and farmhouse appeal, but in 2024, it's taking on a fresh, modern twist. As a versatile and stylish design element, shiplap is being reimagined in innovative ways that bring a touch of elegance and warmth to any space.

What does a dark accent wall do to a room?

While dark colors can make a room feel cozier, they can also cramp small spaces if not used correctly. If your room is smaller, consider painting a single wall rather than an entire room. This approach adds depth without overwhelming the space.

What is the difference between an accent wall and a feature wall?

Feature walls make a bolder statement by using colour, texture, materials, or decorative treatments to turn a wall into a focal point. Accent walls take a subtler approach by using colour or wallpaper to make a wall pop without overpowering the room.

Should walls be lighter or darker than trim?

Paint the trim the same color as or a lighter shade than the wall color to make the walls feel like they are receding. Shorten a room. To make a long room appear shorter, install wood panels on the end wall.

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