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Rooms
Accent Wall Ideas to Try With Wallpaper
A single papered wall is the easiest way to add character. Here is how to choose the right wall and pattern.
Why an Accent Wall Works
An accent wall delivers maximum impact for minimum commitment. You get the drama of pattern and color on one surface while keeping the rest of the room calm, and often spend far less than papering the whole space. It is the perfect entry point for the wallpaper-curious.
Choosing the Right Wall
Not every wall is a good candidate. The best accent wall is one the eye naturally lands on.
- Behind the bed in a bedroom creates an instant headboard effect.
- Behind a sofa anchors a living room.
- The wall you see first when entering a room frames the space.
- A chimney breast or alcove highlights existing architecture.
Pattern and Scale
Because an accent wall is a focal point, you can be bolder than you might be across a whole room. Large-scale prints and murals shine here. A dramatic Cole & Son design, a lush Rebel Walls mural, or a playful Chasing Paper print can each transform a single wall into a statement.
Tying It Into the Room
Pull one or two colors from the wallpaper into the rest of the room through paint, textiles, or accessories. This makes the accent wall feel intentional rather than disconnected. Painting the remaining walls in a coordinating shade is a classic, effective move.
Beyond the Obvious Wall
Accent surfaces do not have to be full walls. Try papering an alcove, the back of a bookcase, or a section above wainscoting. These smaller gestures bring personality with even less commitment, and they are especially renter-friendly when you use removable paper.
FAQs
Which wall should I choose for an accent wall?
Pick the wall the eye naturally lands on, such as behind a bed or sofa, the first wall you see when entering, or a chimney breast. Highlighting existing architecture tends to look most intentional.
Can I be bolder with an accent wall?
Yes. Because it is a single focal point, you can choose larger-scale prints and more dramatic patterns than you might use across an entire room. Just tie its colors into the rest of the space.
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