11 Accent Wall Design Ideas for the Living Room

Tired of looking at the same four walls day in and day out? Well, adding a feature wall to your living room will at least give you something new and interesting to look at!

Some homeowners view accent walls as tacky or outdated. If you share that opinion, there’s a good chance you just haven’t come across a well-executed accent wall yet. Check out the accent wall ideas below to learn how to bring some much-needed variety into your own living space.

1. Stone and Brick Accent Wall

Forget about creating a feature wall with little more than a bucket of paint! Some of the most unique and interesting accent wall ideas are made with materials like stone or brick.

Stone accent wall with a built-in fireplace, shelves, and mounted TV creates a cozy and stylish focal point in the living room. — Source: @dwellingsinc via Instagram

Modern living room with a sleek stone accent wall, floating shelves, and wall-mounted TV above a built-in electric fireplace. — Source: @forbesmasters via Instagram

Exposed brick accent wall with a mounted TV, string lights, and cozy decor adds charm to this bright, eclectic living room. — Source: @szelihome via Instagram

Rustic stone accent wall with a mounted TV adds texture and depth to this cozy, open-plan living and dining area. — Source: @the_lilliepad via Instagram

A brick or stone accent wall can be a natural extension of an existing fireplace surround. Use rough-cut brick for a rustic aesthetic or sleek tile for a more contemporary look.

Exposed brick is the perfect complement to industrial architecture and decor. If you’re lucky, your home or condo may already have brick walls. If not, you can easily create a brick accent wall using a thin overlay.

2. Using Deep Colors for Accent Walls

Homeowners are often afraid to use dark colors in their home decor. If that sounds like you, try testing the prismatic water with a dark accent wall.

Sophisticated living room with dark accent walls and a patterned fireplace surround creates a bold, modern focal point. — Source: @apkdesignsllc via Instagram

Cozy living room with a deep green accent wall, neutral sofa, and framed art creates a warm vibe—complete with a cute dog companion. — Source: @first.class.ash via Instagram

Modern living room with a geometric dark accent wall, velvet blue sofa, and gold accents for a chic and stylish atmosphere. — Source: @selhorst_woodworks via Instagram

Sleek black shiplap accent wall with mounted TV and compact desk setup adds function and style to this modern living space. — Source: @thesheelyfamily via Instagram

Deep colors contrast beautifully against white and similarly white hues. Opt for a matte paint color to give your new accent wall a high-end finish. This combination can also prevent your room from feeling too dark or claustrophobic.

There’s a big difference between painting a dark wall and a black wall. Although black can be a gorgeous color choice, don’t paint yourself into a corner! Dark shades of red, blue, grey, and green are all worthwhile options.

3. Create an Accent Wall Around the Fireplace

When decorating a room with a fireplace, there’s no question of which wall should be accented. Turning your fireplace surround into a full-scale feature wall will ensure the hearth is always the focal point of the space.

Elegant living room with a tall marble fireplace feature wall, mounted TV, and modern decor for a luxurious, polished look. — Source: @allisonkeevandesign via Instagram

Rustic living room with a brick fireplace, angled plaster chimney, and wood-paneled accent wall for a warm, cabin-like charm. — Source: @heyhayles7 via Instagram

Contemporary fireplace with a gray herringbone tile accent wall and built-in shelves brings a sleek, minimalist touch to the space. — Source: @shadowcreekhomes via Instagram

Classic red brick fireplace feature wall with a wood mantel, greenery decor, and mounted TV adds warmth to this bright living room. — Source: @spacefordreaming via Instagram

There’s no rule that your accent wall must cover the entire surface. Focusing your accent paint or wall overlay directly above the fireplace will create the illusion of taller ceilings.

One thing you do need to keep in mind when decorating a fireplace feature wall is that your materials must be heat-resistant. (This doesn’t apply to electric inserts that produce little or no heat!)

4. Accent Walls with Lines, Contrast, and Organic Materials

Modern architecture is largely about lines and contrast. Adopt this same philosophy when designing your accent wall.

Cozy living room with a whitewashed wood accent wall, family photo centerpiece, and rustic lighting for a warm, personal touch. — Source: @beetreedesignco via Instagram

Minimalist living room with a tall slatted accent wall and warm wood paneling around the TV for a clean, modern aesthetic. — Source: @indianaoliveirausa via Instagram

Striking dark textured accent wall with a built-in fireplace and mounted TV adds drama and elegance to this modern living room. — Source: @jorisghoos via Instagram

Bold living room accent wall with vertical wood slats and black paneling creates a striking, modern entertainment center design. — Source: @precision_accents via Instagram

Playful living room with bold striped accent wall in teal and green tones, paired with modern furniture and bright decor for a cheerful vibe. — Source: @projectimmo via Instagram

An accent wall is an excellent way to add color and texture to a modern living space without overwhelming the rest of your design. Stick to a neutral color scheme and incorporate organic materials like wood, stone, or concrete.

If you want to give your accent wall a modern aesthetic, look for ways to include contrast in the wall itself. Multi-dimensional panels, integrated lighting, and built-in shelving are all great options.

5. Decorative Wall Paneling and Painted Accent Walls

As in fashion, home decor trends consistently come and go. One such trend that’s made a recent resurgence is decorative wall paneling.

Bright living room with a white geometric panel accent wall, cozy gray sectional, and rustic wood decor for a modern farmhouse feel. — Source: @broookewags via Instagram

Stylish living room with a dark paneled accent wall, floating shelves, and a mix of textures for a cozy yet modern aesthetic. — Source: @loveresideshere via Instagram

Modern living room with a bold black panel accent wall, brown leather sofa, and sleek lighting for a warm, industrial vibe. — Source: @lyndsihawkinsdesigns via Instagram

Sleek living room with dark grid panel accent wall, wood TV console, and natural elements for a modern yet inviting feel. — Source: @thehouseonoxfordstreet via Instagram

Wainscoting or chair railing can be applied to an entire room without becoming overbearing. But if you want to experiment with a floor-to-ceiling geometric pattern or asymmetrical design, a paneled accent wall will give you the most bang for your buck.

You don’t need to choose between paneling or a painted accent wall. Combining these two DIY accent wall ideas is a simple way to give your living or dining room some one-of-a-kind charm.

6. Create Jaw-Dropping Murals for Accent Walls

How do you make guests’ jaws drop when they step foot into your home? With a dramatic wall mural, of course.

Vibrant living room with a watercolor-style mural accent wall and corner fireplace, adding energy and creativity to the modern space. — Source: @fbcremodel via Instagram

Artistic living room with a muted geometric mural accent wall and navy blue furniture for a stylish, gallery-inspired space. — Source: @globalcovering via Instagram

Gaming-inspired living room with a black and gray checkerboard mural accent wall and minimalist white media console. — Source: @practicallybasic via Instagram

Elegant living room with a sleek electric fireplace, wall-mounted TV, and stone-textured side panels for a clean, modern accent wall. — Source: @rustlewisbuilding via Instagram

Contemporary living room with a bold geometric mural accent, combining gray, white, and blue tones for a stylish and artistic focal point. — Source: @trewcolors via Instagram

Stunning accent wall with deep blue, gold, and cream tones in an abstract painted design adds rich texture and drama to the space. — Source: @zaval.decor via Instagram

Bold geometric mural with black and white stripes and teal accents creates a striking focal point in this modern living room. — Source: @trewcolors via Instagram

Modern living room with a bold black-and-white grid stencil accent wall and stone fireplace for a striking, artistic statement. — Source: @zaval.decor via Instagram

Not every room will be an ideal candidate for a large mural. Select a space in your home with minimal clutter and an open wall, such as a dining room, living room, or guest bedroom.

You don’t need an artist’s touch to create a head-turning statement wall. Stencils can be used to recreate geometric patterns or simple motifs. You can also use printed wallpaper for a professional-quality mural without any of the work.

7. Designing a TV-Friendly Living Room Accent Wall

Today’s living rooms often double as family media rooms. So it makes perfect sense to hang your household TV on your living room accent wall.

Modern TV wall with warm wood tones, built-in shelves, ambient lighting, and sleek decor creates a cozy yet stylish focal point. — Source: @a.m.interior via Instagram

Luxurious living room with a gold-trimmed geometric accent wall framing the TV, paired with classic furniture for an elegant statement. — Source: @calebvincentinteriors via Instagram

Contemporary TV wall with horizontal wood paneling, floating shelves, and soft lighting creates a sleek and cozy entertainment space. — Source: @kabcokitchens via Instagram

Cozy boho living room with a slatted wood TV accent wall, mid-century console, and neutral tones for a warm, inviting feel. — Source: @katie_elaine via Instagram

Elegant living room with a gold-accented TV wall, built-in lighted niches, and soft neutral furniture for a luxurious and refined look. — Source: @my_home_deco_design via Instagram

Modern TV wall with 3D textured panels, ambient LED lighting, and sleek floating console creates a clean and upscale entertainment zone. — Source: @poshwillprojects via Instagram

Even if watching TV isn’t a part of your daily routine, you don’t want to overwhelm the space with an over-the-top accent wall. Be sure to use neutral colors that allow your TV to remain the star of the room (no pun intended!).

The right decor choices will ensure your TV feels like a part of your living room design rather than a necessary eyesore. This is also a great opportunity to install a built-in entertainment center or floating shelves around your TV to hold your must-have consoles and streaming gadgets.

8. Textured Accent Walls for Artistic Flair

Yes, some textured walls are full-on art installations. But it’s probably easier to adapt this interesting accent wall design to your own living spaces than you think.

Cozy music corner with a wavy textured wood accent wall, acoustic guitar, and amplifier adds warmth and personality to the space. — Source: @_design_nkubal_ via Instagram

Modern living room with a white textured accent wall, sleek electric fireplace, and abstract art for a clean, sophisticated look. — Source: @allisonkeevandesign via Instagram

Chic living room with a dramatic black 3D textured accent wall and sleek modern furniture creates a bold, contemporary atmosphere. — Source: @habitarteco via Instagram

Bold teal 3D wave-textured accent wall adds movement and contrast to this modern living space with eclectic decor and open kitchen. — Source: @modulararts via Instagram

Textured wallpaper makes recreating this look quick and easy. These textured finishes can range from subtle differences in sheen to three-dimensional shapes and patterns.

You can also give your accent wall texture with tiles or paneling. Using the same paint color for the entire surface will make the whole thing nice and subtle. Meanwhile, incorporating color variations will make the texture stand out even further.

9. Bold and Eccentric Accent Wall Ideas

After years of minimalism dominating the decor world, maximalist designs are finally getting a chance to shine! If you’re a believer that less is NOT more, then an accent wall is the ideal way to let your eccentric personality show in your home’s interior.

Creative living room accent wall with staggered wood panels in natural and dark tones adds depth and personality to the cozy space. — Source: @blendedmetalandwood via Instagram

Striking living room with a hand-carved wood accent wall in warm tones and artistic patterns, adding rich texture and a natural touch. — Source: @blendedmetalandwood via Instagram

Minimalist living room with a creative wood slat accent wall in a stepped pattern adds texture and interest to a neutral corner. — Source: @jesswhite011 via Instagram

Tile is not just for the kitchen and bathroom. Installing a floor-to-ceiling mosaic in your dining room, living room, or another living space is sure to wow future guests. Experiment with unique materials like wood, natural stone, and even glass for your accent wall idea.

Sometimes, an accent wall is just a backdrop to bigger and better things. Feel free to use the space to display your most prized artwork or statement mirror.

10. Transform Your Living Room with Stunning Wallpaper

Wallpaper is yet another cyclical design trend re-entering the popular consciousness. (Don’t worry… the styles available today are much different than the floral wallpaper covering your grandparents’ home.)

Elegant living room with a soft silver textured wallpaper accent wall and minimalist white media unit for a chic and polished look. — Source: @bridie_newhome via Instagram

Eclectic living room with a dreamy watercolor-style wallpaper accent wall, tufted leather sofa, and bold decor for a rich, artistic vibe. — Source: @charliesdesignsllc via Instagram

Bold living room with deep green paneled accent wall and mustard yellow velvet sofa for a dramatic, modern contrast. — Source: @dgstudio_gadalska via Instagram

Glamorous living room with a diamond-patterned wallpaper accent wall, mirrored furniture, and elegant silver and gray tones for a luxe finish. — Source: @homesweethome_at_23 via Instagram

Cozy boho living room with a textured abstract wallpaper accent wall in gold and gray tones, layered textiles, and warm lighting. — Source: @houseatnumber30 via Instagram

Playful living room with a terrazzo-style wallpaper accent wall, cozy neutral sofa, and earthy tones for a fun yet grounded look. — Source: @redbricks_lifestyle via Instagram

Sophisticated living room with a bold black geometric wallpaper accent wall, tufted seating, and velvet chandeliers for a luxurious monochrome look. — Source: @the.home.of.grey via Instagram

Tropical-themed wallpaper accent wall with soft palm patterns and wood slats adds texture and a calming vibe to this stylish living room. — Source: @dgstudio_gadalska via Instagram

Wallpaper can be used to give your accent wall a finish not possible with regular paint. It can also make recreating intricate imagery without the help of a professional muralist.

You’re no longer limited to premade motifs and patterns for your wallpaper accent wall. Custom-printed designs are readily available as both permanent and temporary wallpaper.

11. Natural Wood Accent Walls for Every Decor Style

Very few materials can be incorporated into literally any style of decor. But if there’s even one exception to this rule, natural wood is the best candidate.

Rustic living room with a multitone wood plank accent wall and fireplace adds warmth and texture to the cozy, farmhouse-inspired space. — Source: @the.home.of.grey via Instagram

Modern living room with sleek gray wood plank accent wall, minimal furniture, and warm lighting for a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. — Source: @mylivingdecor via Instagram

Reclaimed wood is perfect for creating a rustic atmosphere. Natural wood grain of any kind will make a room feel warmer and more inviting.

A wood accent wall provides the dimension and variety many homeowners crave without the necessity for loud patterns or bold color schemes. With that said, you can always paint your wooden wall overlay to match your living room’s existing color palette.

Are accent walls going out of style?

It’s true that accent walls have been a big trend for several years now. But while some types of accent walls have started to fall out of favor, the trend is still going strong.

You can prevent your new accent wall from looking instantly outdated by steering clear of flat, solid colors that contrast harshly with the rest of the space. The most contemporary accent wall ideas feature multi-colored patterns, unique textures, and incorporate furniture and decor into the design as a whole.

How do you decide which wall to accent?

The main purpose of an accent wall is to draw the eye. So it’s important to select a wall that’s already the focal point of the room.

Pay attention to where your eyes naturally go when entering the room. Often, the best accent wall location will be where your line of sight falls.

If the room features an architectural element like a fireplace or built-in furniture, picking a different wall to paint an accent color or cover in wallpaper will cause the two to fight for attention. Instead, the wall containing these standout elements should be the accent wall.