When looking for decor to make a big impression without burning a hole through your pocket, an accent wall is the answer. This seemingly simple tweak to one of your walls will add flair to even the most overlooked rooms in your home.
There are various affordable accent wall ideas, from paint colors and wall tiles to painted murals and wallpapers. You can always accent walls to suit your style and preferences, even match them with existing decor.
In this article, we’ve prepared some of the most exciting accent wall ideas you can try in your space. These cost-friendly designs can easily be achieved as part of your family’s DIY project.
Let’s take a look!
1. Try Temporary Wallpaper
Unlike the permanent type, “renters” wallpaper is budget-friendly, easy to install, and requires no expertise in handling. This affordable accent wall idea allows you to experiment or install exciting designs without fully committing to them—you can switch it up or revert changes anytime.
If you want to make your ceiling look taller or create a sense of grandeur, try bold and horizontal patterns to make the space look bigger. Opt for a wallpaper that matches or contrasts with the other walls.
2. Wood Panel Accent Wall
Wood has been making a comeback in many interior spaces, adding a touch of naturalness and authenticity to a room.
This type of accent wall can be used in various settings, from family rooms to bedrooms. Having a panel isn’t necessarily compulsory; you can use reclaimed wood planks to create your panel as I did. Recycled wood costs less and will take less than five hours to install.
3. Try a Small Subtle Accent Wall
There’s a misconception that an accent wall must always be the largest wall in your space to create a visual impact, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even small walls can make a statement, especially when dealing with awkward spaces or small nooks.
Try bold colors to draw attention to the space if working with small walls. Add some character by styling around the accent wall so it isn’t just the wall creating visual interest. I used a few houseplants in a small apartment accent wall, instantly elevating the look by making the space less monotonous.
4. Mirror Accent Wall
Mirrors aren’t just valuable for your bathroom or bedroom—they make excellent affordable accent walls. I prefer using them in small spaces to create the illusion of an expansive space. Reflections add more depth and may make your space feel airy and welcoming by maximizing the light.
While high-end mirrors may be a little expensive, there are always budget-friendly alternatives that can create the aesthetic you want.
5. Wall Decals
Wall decals are my go-to solution for creating visual interest with minimal investment of time and resources. You can experiment with various shapes, from abstract geometric patterns in primary living spaces to established contemporary sophistication like safari motifs in kids’ rooms.
This design’s accessibility makes it attractive, democratizing interior customization with neither specialized tools nor artistic proficiency. Simply select, position, and apply for immediate environmental enhancement.
6. Try Board and Batten
If you want an affordable accent wall with a bit of subtlety, board and batten will work perfectly for your space. All you need to do is decide on the pattern you’ll use for your accent wall. Rectangular and square patterns are usually standard, but you can combine both for an adventurous look.
What I like most about the board and batten is that you don’t need to change the wall color for it to stand out; the materials are already enough to make an impression. You can always use a different color for the accent wall if you like, though.
7. Add Some Shelving
Shelving is a great way to increase your storage space. They’re easy to install and won’t necessarily impact your space’s aesthetic, making them perfect for accent walls. Pair your shelves with an eclectic wallpaper on the backdrop to create the ultimate visual impact.
Alternatively, add some shelf decor to create an impactful but subtle accent wall design. If you are doing this as a DIY project (which I recommend), play around with the shelves’ shape rather than going the traditional way.
8. Paint a Mural
Painting a mural is the way to go if you prefer an artistic flair. Besides being relatively inexpensive, creating a mural is an activity all family members can participate in for the ideal DIY bonding project. They suit hallways, kids’ rooms, or even entertainment rooms.
Decide on the artwork you want to create, then find the paint colors to actualize it. You can even create a structured mural design such that each family member completes a different part of the mural, allowing everyone to make an impression on the space.
9. Try Two-Toned Design
Split your wall’s personality with a two-tone affordable accent wall. This striking design trick visually segments your space while defining different functional zones. I’m particularly fond of how this approach creates architectural interest without structural changes.
You don’t need specialized skills to make this accent wall: some paint colors and brushes, and you’re good to go. Whether separating work from relaxation or dining from lounging, this afternoon project delivers maximum impact with minimal effort!
10. Go Bold with Colors
When making an affordable accent wall for a gathering space like the living or dining room, bold colors and design create a wall that’s an instant conversation starter. The trick is using interesting color combinations or unique wallpaper prints that instantly attract the guest’s attention.
One key factor you must consider when working with bold tones is the mood they evoke. Generally, it’s advisable to go for warm and inviting tones that beckon guests to a space.
11. Add Some Geometry
I love the ability to experiment with modern interior design concepts—they aren’t fixated on one way of doing things, you can work with bold colors and unconventional designs and materials. Geometric accent walls add symmetry and balance while giving your room a unique look.
These designs’ minimalism includes paint that doesn’t completely cover the walls, making it one of the most economical accent wall options. Geometric shapes create a focal point, and while they’re widely used for bedroom headboards, they can also be applied to other rooms.
12. Use Book Pages
Why limit your books to shelves? Transform your space by plastering vintage book pages across an entire wall! This delightfully unconventional approach breathes personality into any room while showcasing your literary appreciation.
I love how this design creates both visual interest and conversation starters. Each page is like a tiny artwork with its own story. You don’t need to use your book collection for the pages; you can find plenty of books from your local bookstore.
13. Try a Layered Accent Wall
Sometimes, it can be challenging to choose from the options available. However, no one says you can’t mix and match affordable accent wall designs to create a balanced and coordinated look.
First, start with wallpaper and add different items to the concept, such as artwork, family photos or shelves, where you can display visual pieces. The trick is going for inexpensive accent wall items that won’t blow your budget.
14. Employ a Stenciled Accent
If you don’t have the expertise to paint an accent wall, create a mural, or the zeal to install boards, you can always work with stenciled art. This option is the perfect counterpart to wallpaper and is highly affordable and easy to apply.
Simply find a stencil you like, select the color you want, then paint the cutout onto your wall. When installing an accent wall for my kid’s bedroom, I found it easier to create the stencil, not to mention make the exact shapes I wanted, creating a highly personalized accent wall.
15. Try a Brick Wall
Exposed brick walls add an industrial vibe to a room, introducing a rustic charm that’s hard to beat. While they were mainly used for loft spaces and older homes, you can still try this look in modern spaces. If you uncover an original brick wall in your space, paint it over rather than plastering to allow the color and patina to add a unique look.
Installing a brick accent wall out of the blue isn’t easy, but there are wallpaper designs that achieve the same aesthetic. Ensure the brick wall wallpaper design complements your space for a cohesive look.
16. Create a Personal Gallery Wall
A stylish but straightforward affordable accent wall idea is adding a gallery wall. It’s a way to display precious memories and add a personal touch to your space. Display personal photographs, artwork or a combination of both for your accent wall.
I find photographs to be more engaging as far as gallery walls go. To install them, simply find frames for your pictures or use tape for a DIY solution. Keep evolving the gallery wall to reflect your most cherished memories.
17. Combine Textures
One way to make your space feel mature and cohesive is to combine various textures for your affordable accent wall, making it a mirror of your space rather than emphasizing a single element.
For example, combine warm brown tones of a wooden shelf with earthy tones of small houseplants or even light cream or white tones. Incorporating different materials is a great idea too; try glass mirrors matched by metal accents to give your space a luxurious feel.
18. Wall Art Exhibit Accent Wall
Other than a gallery wall, another artistic idea you may try for your accent wall is a wall art exhibit. Unlike the gallery wall, an art accent wall is dedicated to displaying an extensive collection of artwork, acting as a centrepiece to your room’s decor.
Incorporate various paintings, prints, or decorative objects to capture an exhibit that showcases your styles and interests.
