Transform Your Space with These 37 Best Accent Wall Colors for an Instant Room Makeover

Are you looking to give your living room, bedroom, kitchen, or any other room in your house a quick and affordable makeover? Painting an accent wall is a simple yet effective DIY project that can transform the look and feel of your space. Interior designers and home decor enthusiasts are constantly reinventing the concept of accent walls, from bold shades to subtle color variations that add depth and personality to any room.

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In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 37 of the best accent wall colors that will instantly elevate your home decor. Whether you prefer dark hues, vibrant colors, or soft pastels, there is an accent wall color and style for everyone. Let’s dive into the world of accent walls and discover how you can use paint to create a stunning focal point in your home.

Matte Black: Ground Your Space with Sophistication

Designer: Alvin Wayne
Description: This NYC bedroom features a matte black accent wall behind the bed that adds a touch of sophistication to the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows and city views keep the room feeling bright and airy, while a vibrant piece of art and mirrored nightstands add visual interest.
Paint Suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black

Terracotta: Infuse Your Space with Earthy Elegance

Designer: Caroline Andreoni Interior Design
Description: This charming Parisian kids’ room showcases a calming terracotta accent wall adorned with white birds for a whimsical touch. The earthy tones of the wall create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the space.
Paint Suggestion: Atelier Ellis Warm Mud Brown

Neon Yellow: Energize Your Space with Vibrant Color

Designer: Vanessa Scoffier
Description: In this compact room at Hotel Henriette, a neon yellow paint border adds a pop of color to the space without overwhelming it. The uneven edge of the accent wall creates a playful and offbeat look that energizes the room.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Bright Yellow

Forest Green: Embrace Nature with Calming Hues

Designer: Cathie Hong Interiors
Description: Matte forest green walls in this minimalist San Francisco bedroom create a tranquil and calming feel. The emerald green velvet headboard and brass sconce add depth and contrast to the space.
Paint Suggestion: Clare Field Trip

Soft Sage Green: Elevate Your Space with Subtle Elegance

Designer: Fantastic Frank
Description: This light and airy Barcelona apartment features a sage green ceiling above the dining area, turning the fifth wall into a modern accent wall. The soft green hue complements the neutral palette of the room.
Paint Suggestion: Farrow & Ball Calke Green

Taupe Gray: Ground Your Space with Timeless Neutrals

Designer: Gray Space Interiors
Description: A dark taupe accent wall in this kids’ room adds depth and grounding to the space. The neutral hue prevents the pastel accents from feeling too sweet.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Hampshire Taupe

Deep Teal: Add Drama with Bold Color Choices

Designer: Erin Williamson Design
Description: A deep teal accent wall in this Austin living room creates a dramatic focal point. Paired with a vibrant pink rug, the bold color choice adds a sense of balance and sophistication.
Paint Suggestion: Annie Sloan Aubusson Blue

Coral Pink: Define Spaces with Bright Accents

Designer: Most Lovely Things
Description: A bright coral pink half accent wall in this NYC apartment defines the dining area with a pop of color. The bold choice can easily be updated with a fresh coat of paint.
Paint Suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef

Charcoal Gray: Create Cozy Spaces with Dark Hues

Designer: Erin Williamson Design
Description: This twin bedroom features a painted charcoal gray accent wall that complements the stone wall and adds a cozy feel to the space. The dark hue adds depth and sophistication.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Evening Dove

Ochre: Add Warmth with Earthy Tones

Designer: Afro Bohemian Living
Description: This dining room accent wall is painted in a deep ochre shade that adds contrast with the white walls. The earthy tone creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Ochre

Navy: Define Spaces with Rich Blue Hues

Designer: Emily Henderson Design
Description: Dark navy paint on the far wall of this dining room adds depth and dimension, defining the space. The rich blue hue creates a sense of sophistication and elegance.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Admiral Blue

Purple: Create Cozy Spaces with Luminous Hues

Designer: Dekay & Tate
Description: The bedroom ceiling is coated in a luminous shade of medium purple, adding a cozy and inviting feel to the space. The soft purple hue creates a sense of warmth and comfort.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Purple Haze CC-980

Robin’s Egg Blue: Add Serenity with Pastel Shades

Designer: Louis Duncan-He Designs
Description: This primary bedroom accent wall is painted in a soothing shade of robin’s egg blue, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. The blue decor accents add a touch of elegance to the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Bird’s Egg

Pistachio Green: Infuse Your Space with Subtle Color

Designer: Brexton Cole Interiors
Description: A soothing pistachio green accent wall covers the built-in cabinetry in this home office, adding subtle color without overwhelming the space. The green hue makes the gilded accents pop.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Pistachio

Midnight Black: Create Drama with Deep Hues

Designer: Desiree Burns Interiors
Description: A deep matte midnight black accent wall in this beach house bedroom highlights the architecture and adds a cozy feel to the space. Paired with white and green accents, the room feels fresh and inviting.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Black Beauty

Tan Beige: Add Warmth with Neutral Tones

Designer: Louis Duncan-He Designs
Description: In this living room, a tan beige accent wall broken up by a central fireplace adds warmth and depth to the space. The neutral hue blends seamlessly with the light palette of the room.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Yorkshire Tan

Medium Gray: Create a Neutral Accent Wall with Shiplap

Designer: Kate Marker Interiors
Description: Medium gray shiplap is used on the wall and cabinetry in this farmhouse laundry room, adding a neutral accent to the space. The gray hue complements the modern farmhouse decor.
Paint Suggestion: Farrow & Ball Plummett

Two-Tone Blue: Add Visual Interest with Graphic Design

Designer: Louis Duncan-He Designs
Description: A graphic two-tone blue accent wall in this dining room adds visual interest and helps to define the space. The contrast between the blue hues creates a dynamic and modern look.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Teal, Benjamin Moore Hydrangea

Pink Ombre: Create Subtle Color Transitions

Designer: Vanessa Scoffier
Description: This room at Hotel Henriette features a pink ombre wall that adds subtle color and creates a soft and inviting atmosphere. The pink tones are complemented by shades of blue throughout the space.
Paint Suggestion: Farrow & Ball Calamine

Royal Blue: Make a Statement with Bold Colors

Designer: Erin Williamson Design
Description: The ceiling turned accent wall in bold royal blue highlights the A-frame shape of this Texas lakehouse. The vibrant blue hue adds drama and personality to the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Deep Ocean

Pearl Gray: Add Subtle Dimension to Your Space

Designer: Caroline Andreoni Interior Design
Description: A pearl gray accent wall in this Paris apartment defines the kitchen and dining area without demanding too much attention. The subtle gray hue adds depth to the neutral tones of the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Pearl

Sky Blue: Create a Serene Retreat with Pale Hues

Designer: Michelle Berwick Design
Description: This neutral bedroom features an icy sky blue wall behind the bed, adding a touch of serenity to the space. The pale blue hue brightens the room and reflects natural light.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Blue Lace

Turquoise: Infuse Your Space with Playful Colors

Designer: Louis Duncan-He Designs
Description: A bright turquoise shiplap accent wall in this coastal bedroom adds a playful touch of color to the space. The vibrant hue makes the sculptural sconces and wall art stand out.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Turquoise Powder

Rainbow Stripes: Add Fun and Cheer to Your Space

Designer: Michelle Berwick Design
Description: In this kids’ playroom, a multicolored rainbow stripe accent wall turns an awkward corner into a bright and cheerful feature. The playful stripes add a sense of fun and energy to the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Purple Haze, Benjamin Moore Splash, Benjamin Moore Margarita, Benjamin Moore Delightful Yellow, Benjamin Moore Springtime Peach, Benjamin Moore Pearly Pink

Deep Sea Blue: Create a Calming Oasis with Rich Hues

Designer: White Sands
Description: Textured deep sea blue walls in this coastal bathroom create a dynamic and calming feel. The blue tones complement the white and wood tones of the room.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Jet Blue

Pastel Pink + Blue: Add Soft Elegance with Pastel Tones

Designer: Vanessa Scoffier
Description: This twin room at Hotel Henriette has a two-toned pastel pink-and-blue accent wall that visually divides the space. The soft pastel hues create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Paint Suggestions: Sherwin-Williams Mint Condition, Farrow & Ball Pink Ground

Medium Blue: Define Spaces with Graphic Accents

Designer: Louis Duncan-He Designs
Description: A simple graphic accent wall in medium blue helps to visually divide the living room home office space. The blue hue adds depth and interest to the wall, creating a focal point in the room.
Paint Suggestion: Clare Blue Ivy

Saffron Yellow: Infuse Your Space with Vibrant Hues

Designer: Vanessa Scoffier
Description: A vibrant saffron yellow accent wall in this compact bedroom suite marks the transition between the bathroom and entry. The vibrant hue adds a pop of color and energy to the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Yellow 2022-10

Peach + Blue: Create a Playful and Family-Friendly Space

Designer: Michelle Berwick Design
Description: This finished basement accent wall features a play of geometric shapes and variations of blue and peach that make the space feel fun and family-friendly. The playful colors add a sense of whimsy to the room.
Paint Suggestions: Benjamin Moore Springtime Peach, Clare Blue Ivy

Blue-Black: Ground Your Space with Dramatic Hues

Designer: Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona
Description: A deep bluish-black accent wall in this built-in unit grounds the space and adds a cozy feel. The blue-black hue complements the flat-screen TV while adding depth and contrast.
Paint Suggestion: Clare Goodnight Moon

Green-Gray: Create a Serene Retreat with Neutral Tones

Designer: Alvin Wayne
Description: Soft green walls with gray undertones create a soothing feel in this bedroom designed by Alvin Wayne. The contrasting shades of green and purple add a high-contrast look to the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Louisburg Green

Candy Pink: Define Spaces with Bold Accents

Designer: Fantastic Frank
Description: Define the kitchen in an open-plan space with a bubblegum pink accent wall that adds a pop of color. The bright pink hue creates a focal point in the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Sweet 16 Pink

Midnight Blue: Add Depth and Texture to Your Space

Designer: Michelle Berwick Design
Description: A shiplap accent wall in midnight blue adds depth and texture to this bathroom with cool white finishes. The blue hue complements the white and wood tones of the space.
Paint Suggestion: Clare Goodnight Moon

Orange-Yellow: Wake Up Your Space with Vibrant Colors

Designer: Dazey Den
Description: A vibrant orange-yellow accent wall in this bathroom creates a bright and energizing atmosphere. The yellow hue adds a pop of color to the space.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Yellow Marigold

Chard Green: Add Texture with Thrifted Picture Frames

Designer: A Beautiful Mess
Description: Thrifted picture frames painted in a dark shade of green create a textured accent wall in this living room. The focal point adds visual interest and personality to the space.
Paint Used: Behr Chard

Mustard: Create a Focal Point with Bold Accents

Designer: Twelve 15 Design Studio
Description: A mustard accent wall in this formal dining room adds a focal point to the space. The warm hue complements earth tones and brass accents, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Fields of Gold

Saturated Black: Make a Statement with Bold Colors

Designer: Alvin Wayne
Description: A saturated black accent wall in a large open-plan space creates a dramatic focal point. The jet black hue defines the wall above a decorative fireplace, making it a standout feature.
Paint Suggestion: Benjamin Moore Jet Black

Accent Wall Color Tips and Tricks

What accent wall colors make a room look bigger?

In a long and narrow space, consider using dark accent wall colors such as charcoal, matte black, or chocolate brown to create the illusion of a larger room.
To make a small room look bigger, opt for luminous shades of yellow, pink, coral, or pale blue that will brighten the space and reflect natural light.

Should an accent wall be brighter or darker than the rest of the room?

An accent wall color should be a couple of shades lighter or darker than the rest of the room to create an impression.
Choose a lower contrast accent wall by going lighter for a subtle look, or go for a high-contrast accent wall that is brighter or darker for a more dramatic effect.
If your accent wall is the ceiling, consider using a dark color to ground the room, sky blue for a dreamy feel, or your favorite shade to personalize the space.

By experimenting with different accent wall colors and styles, you can transform your living spaces and create a personalized haven that reflects your unique style and personality. Whether you prefer bold and dramatic hues or soft and subtle tones, there is an accent wall color out there for you. So grab a paintbrush, pick your favorite color, and start creating a room that inspires and uplifts you every day.