The bedroom is often said to be a safe place to relax, but if you're no longer feeling the joy of a completely neutral room, an accent wall is the perfect first step to something different . Just he can be as simple or complex as your heart desires, from one painted wall to a complete built-in set around the bed. Whether you're a minimalist or an avid DIYer, we've collected 16 of our favorite bedroom accent wall ideas to save for next time.
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Attaching the picture frame molding
Chelsea Brown from CityChicDecor
There's a reason why prewar buildings are so popular. Intricate moldings and carefully laid wood floors are hard to come by (especially in good condition), so many DIYers, like her Chelsey Brown of @citychicdecor, install picture frame moldings in their homes. And we are achieving this with our own hands. Sure, you can do it the traditional way by cutting the wood trim and nailing it to the wall, but you can also buy moldings that you can rent that are just peel and stick.
Frame some wallpaper murals
Madeline Scalzi from TulipsForTheTable
If you're lucky enough to live somewhere that already has picture frame molding (or just want to add a little oomph to your DIY version), check out Madeline Scalzi's New York Bedroom page. She added a black and white mural in a frame behind the bed. This does her double job of mimicking the look of art and creating a focal wall in your bedroom.
Add vertical trim
Carly Fuller of MyCityApartment
If shaping a DIY picture frame seems too difficult, try a similar (but easier) project of installing vertical trim along the wall behind the bed, like Carly Fuller did in her Manhattan bedroom. Please try it. Secure with peel-and-stick strips or small nails, making it a good option for rentals.
Paint the accent wall a soft pink
PeonyandHoney's Erika Ver.
A great example of a dusty pink bedroom is this guest room designed by Erika Ver of @peonyandhoney. Not only did she install her DIY moldings, she also covered the entire room in an intricate, earthy pink that felt like it was hugging guests. You may want to try just one wall or door first before going all-in on pink.
Install boards and battens
Drew Michael Scott of LoneFoxHome
Boards and batten are classic additions to any space, but especially those that don't have much going on architecturally. Drew Michael Scott of @lonefoxhome built this board and batten wall behind his bed in his LA apartment. This both frames the bed and makes the space feel more intentional. He also painted it different colors. This is easy to update without removing all the hard work and trimming.
Install some built-ins
Emily Salmons of ShoeBoxDesigns
If you're short on storage space (or overflowing with knick-knacks), a smart move is to maximize the area by utilizing the walls around your bed frame. Emily Salmons of @shoeboxdesigns drew attention to the star of the show by surrounding her bed with classic white furniture and adding greenery behind the headboard. Built-in allows for open or closed storage and functions as a nightstand on either side of the bed.
Have half and half
Caroline Mullen @caroline_mmullen
There's really no rule that says you can't just paint part of your accent wall. In fact, it gives a faux board and batten effect, making the ceiling appear higher and giving the illusion of architectural interest to the space.
Incorporate grass cloth into the texture
Melissa Cacioppo, Designer: Shamika Lynch of MaximizingTiny
Vinyl peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great option for renters or those who redecorate frequently, but the timeless texture of grasscloth wallpaper makes it a decidedly more luxurious touch for your bedroom. Shamika Lynch instantly upgraded her client's bedroom with this wallpaper, providing just the right amount of visual interest while providing a neutral backdrop.
Install a decorative mantel and mirror
Allie Provost, Designer: Sarah Lyon
Not all accent walls need to be behind the bed, and not all accent walls need to be painted. Take Sarah Lyon's Upper East Side apartment, for example. She introduced a marble mantel to give an otherwise ordinary bedroom an architectural flair, and a vintage mirror above it adds even more drama.
Highlight architecture
Jessie Ruane of JessieFinds
Having trouble figuring out how to create a triangular wall? Try leaning into the shape instead of against it, like Jesse Luan did in his home in upstate New York. There are curtains on either side of the large windows, softening and elevating the space. The custom headboard behind her bed pairs perfectly with the terracotta paint color she chose for the back wall.
wash the walls with lime
Drew Michael Scott of LoneFoxHome
To add a touch of old Europe anywhere, lime wash paint is a highly textured wall finish that mimics the well-worn wall look of classic Parisian, Italian, and other European buildings. To create a Parisian feel in his roommate's room, Drew Michael Scott layered a gray lime wash on intricate moldings to create a moveable space in a standard rental bedroom. Try this trend by choosing one for your walls.
color block the walls
Creativa Studio/Getty Images
Paint the wall behind the bed, painting a section wider than the bed and leaving two sections unpainted (or painted a different color) to create the illusion of an oversized headboard. Create.
go moody
Behr's 2017 Paint Color Trends. © Behr
Moody, dark colors look great even in small bedrooms. Use accent walls to add interest, especially if you already have architectural details to add depth and charm.
pinch bright colors
Behr
Create a fun sandwich of color behind your bed by painting the trim, ceiling, and lower third of your bedroom walls a dark color while leaving the upper two-thirds of your walls a softer tone.
Leave that tree alone!
Photo by Veronica Crawford
If you're lucky enough to live somewhere that has natural wood paneling in your bedroom (and it's in good condition), consider leaving it, preserving it, or staining it. It can be a gorgeous place to display art, and it can become your own accent wall with little effort on your part, as Brady Tolbert did here.
paint the shelves
zara home
Do you have a protruding area that could be tricky and you're not sure what to do with it? Embrace it! A lime-washed wall adds texture and interest, while painting shelves in similar shades creates a calm, serene atmosphere. Lean the shelves against the wall to hold art up, or if they're deep enough, use them to stack books for before-bedtime reading.