How to Pick an Accent Wall for Painting Your Living Room

If you are in the market to change up your living room, there are several wall painting ideas that can help you out. While there are fun and cool colours out there to paint, one creative idea that can really make a difference is painting an accent wall.

Accent walls are an easy and stylish way to paint various rooms throughout your home. There are unlimited options when it comes to colours, patterns, or designs. It really comes down to coordination and making sure you pick the right wall to accent your space.

Look at Your Space

Accent 1

If you are planning on painting an accent wall in your living room, it is important to make the right choice about which wall should be the accent wall in the living room. Some things to consider:

  1. DO look for one with architectural features. This can be a point of interest to highlight.
  2. DON’T pick the first room you see.
  3. DO choose a solid wall that doesn’t have doors or windows. They can be a distraction and compete with the statement you are trying to make.
  4. If you have a long room, DO paint the shortest wall farthest away. It will draw attention and make the shorter wall appear closer. Painting the longest will make the room seem even longer.
  5. If you have a living room that shares a wall with another room, like a kitchen or dining room, DON’T use that one. It will make the space seem disjointed and unbalanced.
  6. DO consider making your ceiling the accent wall. This is especially so when separated by white trim and moulding. It can make the room feel stylish.

Accent Wall Painting Ideas for Your Living Room

Accent 2
Accent 3

Think outside of the box. Look for inspiration in your space to help you find a colour or pattern that will work for your accent wall. Here are some accent wall ideas:

  1. You can work with bolder colours or more saturated colours to enhance the décor and accessories in your space.
  2. Bright colours found in a favourite pattern can really pop and highlight the pattern or object.
  3. Faux finishes can work wonders at evoking a different period or capturing a mood.
  4. Metallic hues can bring out a contemporary vibe in your living room.
  5. If you are painting a neutral colour, try a darker shade of the same colour.
  6. Avoid painting a pure white wall. It can make the room feel stark and bare. If you want to go for a lighter choice, try a mid-tone with hints of grey to warm up the space.
  7. While it is best to avoid using a wall with windows, it can still work if you avoid going too dark, as you don’t want it to affect the light and brightness of the space.

The Wrong Wall Can Impact the Comfort of Your Living Room

An accent wall can be a conversation piece when done properly and in the right spot. It is great for entertaining for that reason. In a small or boxy room, it can create a sense of architecture and shape. It is a fantastic way to strategically control the focal point in the room.

If you already have a focal point in your living room, you can use an accent wall to highlight an already existing point of interest.

  1. Do you have a fireplace? Work with it to make it the point of interest.
  2. A statement piece of furniture, like a couch, can be highlighted with the right colour choice.
  3. A favourite piece of art or multiple pieces of art can work as a feature or focal point with the right paint colour underneath to make them stand out.
  4. Architectural features can add texture and a sense of depth to your space.

There are many painting ideas that can be a great way to highlight your personality without being overwhelming. Think of it as a way to bring texture and depth to your room, but also add a feeling of relaxation and calm. Now that you know the right wall to choose, enjoy bringing out your creative side when painting an accent wall in your living room.

Navigating Your Next Steps: Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?

Congratulations on getting to one of the most crucial crossroads in your living room revamp journey: deciding who will take the paintbrush reigns. Do you dive in and tackle the project with a valiant DIY spirit, or do you call in the cavalry of professional painters? This choice can sway based on time, cost, equipment, and your comfort level. Let’s peel back the layers of this decision together, providing you with the knowledge to move forward confidently.

The DIY Route - Rolling Up Your Sleeves

Time Investment: Personal time is your most valuable asset. A DIY project will require a significant chunk of yours. Depending on the size of the wall and the complexity of the job (think preparation, multiple coats, and detailing), it could stretch over several days. Ask yourself if you have the time to commit and whether you find joy and pride in the process of creating.

Cost Considerations: When you opt for the DIY path, you’re looking at the cost of materials alone. Paint, brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and possibly ladders. Comparatively, when you subtract labour costs, going DIY can bring substantial savings.

The Right Equipment: Doing it yourself means having the right tools at your disposal. High-quality brushes and rollers can make a difference in finish and ease of use. You will need to research and potentially invest in these tools if you don’t already have them.

Skill Level: Are you versed in painting techniques? Do edges as straight as a ruler come naturally to you? If you’re a novice, there’s a learning curve to ensuring a professional look. There are plentiful resources to guide you, should you choose to develop these skills.

Enlisting Professional Help - The Expert Touch

Accent Wall in Living Room

Time Investment: Hiring pros means you’re often just responsible for the initial consultation and final approval. Professionals tackle the labour-intensive parts, typically finishing faster due to their experience and team size. Your time can remain your own, to be spent elsewhere, perhaps on growing your business or designing other aspects of your living space.

Cost Considerations: The significant spike in cost when hiring professionals is labour. You are paying for expertise, speed, and efficiency. While this is a higher initial investment, the saying “time is money” finds its relevance here – and the job will likely stand the test of time in quality and durability.

The Right Equipment: One of the beauties of hiring pros is that they come prepared with high-end equipment designed for a seamless finish. This includes professional-grade paint sprayers, sturdy ladders, and an array of brushes for every nook and cranny.

Skill Level: Professional painters are skilled artisans. Their expertise means they are adept at surface preparation, intricate trim work, and clean-ups. They know how to handle unexpected issues, ensuring a consistently high-quality finish.

Bottom Line

Selecting the perfect accent wall for your living room may require some prior planning. Whether you choose the intimate path of a DIY project or the streamlined route of professional services, your living room accent wall is bound to be a stunner. Either way, be heartened that you have the power to make this choice, and your living space will transform accordingly. Now, as you gather your thoughts, remember that this transformation is not just about paint on a wall; it’s about sculpting your environment to reflect your journey and spirit. With a brush or a phone call, you’re paving the way to a more colourful tomorrow.

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