Consider your decorating objectives when choosing an accent wall.
Whether you'd like to add a subtle hint of color or create major drama in your room, painting an accent wall is an effective way to add color without the time, effort and expense of painting the entire room. The term "accent wall" refers to a wall that is painted, wallpapered or otherwise colored so that it is differentiated from the other walls in the room. If you're adding an accent wall to your room, choose the wall carefully and thoughtfully so that it effectively achieves the design statement you want to make.
Instructions
1. Take stock of your decorating objectives, and ask yourself what type of mood you are trying to create. If you are after a subtle look, choose the wall with the smallest surface area. On the other hand, a quiet color may need a larger wall in order for the color to be noticed. Likewise, depending upon how much drama you're after, use a loud, bright color sparingly on a smaller wall, or, if you are fearless and bold, choose your largest wall for a bright shade.
2. Walk through your house, view your room from as many vantage points as possible and determine which walls have the highest and lowest visibility. If you're painting a wall in the family room, view it from the kitchen or the front hallway. If the room you're adding an accent wall to is a basic bedroom off a hallway, choose the wall that faces the hallway, so it can be seen from outside the bedroom door.
3. Evaluate the lighting in your room, noting where sunlight floods a wall. Take some time to notice the various light patterns throughout the day. Once you've decided on a color for your accent wall, think about how light in the room affects each wall and how light could play upon the color you've chosen.
4. Consider the furniture and artwork placement in the room. If your sofa is red and it sits against a red accent wall, the sofa will seem to disappear. In most other circumstances, an accent wall will call attention to any furniture or artwork placed on it. For example, if you'd like to turn a too-small fireplace and mantle into a prominent focal point, an accent wall can help you accomplish that. If you'd like a new painting to be noticed by guests, hang it on the accent wall. Placing interesting furniture and artwork on a boldly colored accent wall can help make your TV less of a focal point, especially if the wall faces your sofa and other seating.
5. Examine the room's shape and architectural features. An accent wall can showcase a beautiful set of French doors or call attention to a niche or built-in shelving. Painting the zigzag-shaped wall under a staircase can add interest to a room that otherwise lacks architectural features. If your room is long and narrow, it's best to make one of the shorter walls your accent wall, as painting the longer wall will only emphasize the room's length.
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