Are Accent Walls Going Out of Style?

Accent walls make a statement by drenching one surface in a vibrant color or pattern; for many years, they were widely used by designers and DIYers. However, not even these splashy features are immune to the inevitable trend cycle of interior design.

Today, people seem to be veering away from accent walls and are looking for more cohesive, creative ways to add interest to their spaces. But have accent walls really fallen out of style? We tapped interior designers to find out.

What Is an Accent Wall?

At its core, an accent wall—also known as a feature wall—is a surface that stands out from its surroundings.

“It typically features a different color, pattern, material, or texture, creating a visual focal point,” says interior designer Beth Diana Smith. “The accent wall can be achieved through paint, wallpaper, wood paneling, or other finishes.”

It can also be architecturally unique. “It could be angled, higher, or bumped out or in,” adds Karen Wolf, creative principal of k+co Living.

Why They Became Popular

Accent walls rose in popularity because they offered a simple yet impactful way to bring drama to a space—without overwhelming it.

“They’re especially effective in rooms where architectural features—such as open floor plans, large windows, or multiple doorways—limit the amount of usable wall space,” Smith says.

Accent walls were also coveted as a more budget-friendly way to experiment with bold colors and patterns. “You need less material and time or labor, versus a uniform application throughout a whole room,” says Madelaine Mayer, principal designer and founder of AD:ROIT.

Why They’re Losing Their Appeal

Designers are split on whether accent walls are truly out of style. However, Wolf is finding that many of her clients are less drawn to the look. “Popping a color on a wall to make it stand out or highlighting [it] with wallpaper is most definitely not trending,” she says.

Instead, she finds that people are gravitating toward other features, like using the ceiling as a fifth wall, coating an entire room in maximalist wallpaper, or even creating hidden doors.

Part of the reduced appeal for accent walls is simply that they were once everywhere—and many are tired of seeing them.

“Some people love them for the drama and visual interest they bring to a space. Others feel they’ve become overdone,” Smith says. “The reality is, like many design elements, the popularity of accent walls ebbs and flows based on how they’re used.”

How to Make an Accent Wall Work

Accent walls are less trendy, but that doesn’t have to dictate your design choices. “If [it] helps you express your style and creates a moment that you love in your home, then it’s the right choice—trend or not,” Smith says.

The key to doing one that’s original? Thinking out of the box, rather than just slapping on some paint. “Go big and really make a statement,” Mayer says. “A chic accent wall needs to feel of the space, but with the volume turned up to 11.”

It’s a great place to experiment. A good rule of thumb: If the color or pattern you’re using were applied to every wall in the space, then it would feel overwhelming—but when delegated to one wall, it should feel balanced.

“I’ve done everything from painted stencils to bold wallpaper to massive gallery walls,” adds Mayer. “I’ve even created my own large-scale murals with washi tape.”

Style the area as you would the rest of the room. “Don’t just hang a fabulous wallpaper and walk away—it needs to be grounded with furnishings, like a beautiful credenza with some sculptural objects on the surface,” she says. Lighting and décor are equally important.

Alternatives

If you’re ready to let go of accent walls once and for all, then you can always create alternative focal points. Millwork, for instance, is a great opportunity to introduce interest and dimension. “The ceiling can also serve as a fifth accent wall without throwing the room into asymmetry,” Wolf adds.