Forget what you might have heard about accent walls being out of style. This wall treatment is actually an amazing design tool for creating a focal point in a room, and it can absolutely be done in a way that doesn’t scream “dated ‘90s style.” Pro designers, in particular, seem to be all about the bedroom accent wall. That’s because a bedroom statement wall is a budget-friendly way to anchor a bed and introduce visual oomph without overwhelming a space. With the right color or finish, a bedroom accent wall can also create a soothing, cocooning effect, which is perfect for a sleep space.
To get a bedroom accent wall right, though, you have to be intentional about it, from the material you choose to the wall you pick. If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s okay. This guide will bring you up to speed on a bunch of bedroom accent wall ideas you should consider — and how to properly pull one off in your home, starting with where to put yours and finishing with a foolproof way to know you’re going to love your new statement wall.
Which Wall Should Be the Accent Wall in a Bedroom?
Though you could theoretically choose any bedroom wall to be your accent, designers will tell you the bed wall is the best option. That’s because where you decide to place your bed becomes the natural focal point in a bedroom. Choosing to call attention to a different wall in the room with a contrasting paint color, material, or wallpaper will only compete with your bed setup. This can make a bedroom look busy or off-balance, two qualities that can fight against creating a restful, relaxing place for sleep.
The only exceptions to this rule? If your room has a strange layout with competing focal areas. In that case, you should choose the wall with more prominence. That said, you always want your bedroom accent wall to be a symmetrical wall. And if a room is really small, it’s best to skip this idea entirely. Tiny spaces can look even more cramped and disjointed when one wall has a different look than the rest.
Should an Accent Wall Be Darker or Lighter?
When it comes to picking a bedroom accent wall color, you essentially have total freedom. But understanding how much sunlight your room gets — and what vibe you want for your space — can help you hone in on what will be your most successful shade.
If you get a lot of sun, you can absolutely go deeper with your accent wall color. Consider trying navy, aubergine, or even a deep teal green. Doing so will create a bit of drama in what otherwise could become a very vanilla space. On the other side of the coin, dim rooms can benefit from a light and airy accent shade, since these spaces often feel small and dark when you walk into them. Think powder blue, a soft pink, or even butter yellow to visually open up the bedroom.
In general, darker colors will command attention, while softer ones whisper. If you want your accent wall to really make a statement, you’ll want a deeper shade. To quietly go after this trend, pick something that’s not super saturated.
5 Stunning Bedroom Accent Wall Ideas
If you’re looking for bedroom statement wall inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. These five suggestions speak to different design styles and accent materials, but they’re all guaranteed to make any sleep space feel special.
1. Rich, Earthy, and Calming Accent Wall Colors
Terracotta, sage green, and warm brown — these earth-inspired neutrals are a great place to start your accent wall color search. Each of these shades can set a warm, welcoming tone in a bedroom and would work well with anything from a simple wooden bed to a cozy, slightly more glamorous upholstered design. Even though these hues are a bit more pigmented than pastels or off-whites/creams, they still give off a calm aura because they’re pulled directly from nature.
Don’t forget about blue, either, especially if you gravitate towards cooler colors. Shades of sky and sea also have an earthy feel to them, especially when paired with neutral furnishings.
2. Textured or Patterned Wallpaper for a Statement Wall
Paint isn’t your only option for a bedroom accent wall — it’s just the start! Patterned or textured wallpaper can set off a statement wall the same way that a contrasting color can. The trick here is deciding just how bold you want your wallpaper to be. For a soothing look, you may want to find a pattern that isn’t overly geometric or busy. Murals can be a great wallpaper selection for a bed wall since they are often scenic and typically don’t have a repeat if installed just on one wall.
If you’re a minimalist at heart, a tonal textured wallpaper could be your best bet. You can even color match the paper to your wall paint for a quiet luxury look. Let the subtle texture do the talking for your accent wall.
3. Wood Paneling & Slatted Walls for Architectural Depth
If you want even more tactility and depth than wallpaper for your bedroom accent wall, wood paneling is your design BFF. The best part about paneling is that it really runs the gamut aesthetically. If you favor a more historic or traditional look, then you might want to try an accent wall of box paneling or a full-wall of coffers in a grid. Love a rustic farmhouse style? Consider shiplap. Want something more modern? Slatted or fluted walls bring graphic punch to a space, especially behind a bed wall. For an even more custom look, paint or stain these wooden wall treatments to your desired shade.
4. Stone or Stone-Look Accent Walls for a Luxe Bedroom
Stone provides yet another option for those who favor a nature-inspired luxe retreat — or an almost Wabi-Sabi, perfectly imperfectly aesthetic. It all comes down to budget here. Faux stone is going to be cheaper than cladding your walls in real marble or an assortment of single rocks. While there may be some stone-look products on the market that are DIY-friendly, real stone accent wall installation is often best left to the pros.
5. Mixed-Material Accent Walls
A mixed-material bedroom accent wall is exactly what it sounds like: an accent wall that’s an interplay of textures and finishes, thanks to a combination of materials that can range from glass, metal, and stone to wood, fabric/wallpaper, and tile. They’re great for adding depth and tactility to a bed wall. Some possible combinations to consider include wood slats and tile, wood wainscoting and wallpaper, or even brick and wood paneling.
How to Choose the Right Bedroom Accent Wall Material
To select the right material for your bedroom accent wall, you’ll want to take a few different things into account. First, you have your budget to consider. Paint will always be the most affordable way to pull off a statement wall, since it’s very DIYable and generally inexpensive. Wallpaper and wooden wall treatments are definitely more costly. In some cases, you can save on wood paneling installation by using pieces of trim on flat drywall to “fake” picture frame molding or coffers. Stone and mixed-material accent walls could set you back the most, even when the application is just to one wall.
The design aesthetic you are going for matters, too. Paint and wallpaper can work with any home style, depending on what you choose. Wood paneling can run the gamut from classic to modern as well. It’s a good idea to research interior images of the materials you’re considering; that way, you can see if a certain option jibes with the rest of your room’s decor.
Test Before You Commit: Why Samples Matter
If you leave your decision about your bedroom accent wall color or material to chance, you could make a big design mistake. The good news, though, is ordering samples for your statement wall can save you time, energy, and money.
DesignShop stocks samples of paint colors, surfaces, wall treatments, and wallpapers. So no matter what kind of bedroom statement wall you’re trying to create, the site will have options for you. Seeing materials in real life — and up close — helps you understand exactly how that element will look in your room, with its unique layout and level of natural lighting. Sampling is hands-down the best way to feel confident about your bedroom accent wall project, whether you want to go more subtle or extra bold.