Should accent wall be lighter or darker

Before you ask, let’s get it out of the way: an accent wall is just one wall in a room that’s painted a different color. Usually a much lighter, much darker, or more saturated color, but not always. An accent wall defines the room much more clearly than any one color applied to all four walls can. In fact, accent walls are a lot more like décor accessories than like interior paint. A painted accent wall can also highlight something like a treasured piece of furniture or your favorite artwork. It may also help create a seamless color flow from room to room. In either case, painted accent walls are a striking design element that can transform any room from ordinary to extraordinary.

Can an accent wall be a lighter color than the other walls?

Painting one accent wall a few shades lighter than the other walls of a small room can make your space seem larger and create much-needed depth. You are painting your finished basement. If you’re painting an accent wall in your basement a lighter color, don’t overlook the low ceiling.

Paint walls opposite windows a cool, dark color to absorb light in too-bright rooms. If you want a brighter room, paint a dark color on the window wall with lighter colors opposite to reflect light back into the room.

Add Some Texture To A Light-Colored Accent Wall

Think beyond paint by exploring some fun textures. Texture gives an extra dimension to a light accent wall, and there are countless ways to do it, such as;

• Flat Plaster Paddle – Applying paint to your walls with a flat plaster paddle instead of painting it with a brush to create a three-dimensional look.
• Pattern Wallpaper – Light wallpaper with a pattern in a different light shade adds a touch to your style and makes the wall stand out.
• Neutral Tiles – adds an extra dimension to the wall.
• Embossed Wallpaper – Applying light white, light grey or soft metallic embossed wallpaper screams sophistication, and the light color won’t fade into the background.
• Textured Paint – Make your own textured paint by adding powdered texture additives to your paint before applying it to the wall.
• Exposed Brick Wall – Painting an exposed brick wall light grey or white gives a room an urban-industrial vibe.

Painting Accent Walls in Bright Colors

An accent wall doesn’t have to be muted in color. If you love brighter colors, you can get away with painting just one wall in your favorite hue without dominating the entire room. Reds, blues, greens, and yellows can really tie a room together when used properly. Painting accent walls in bright colors may be right for you if:

• Your accents and decor don’t overpower the room with color. Make sure your bold accent wall color remains your focal point and complements your furniture fabric, throw pillows, or other decorative elements.
• The other walls of the room are neutral in color. A brightly-colored accent wall can look great when the adjoining walls of the room are painted in a lighter neutral color such as white, beige, or light gray. The contrast of the bright color against light-neutral walls can bring a modern look to any room.
• Your furniture is white. White furniture against a teal, yellow, or other brightly-colored wall can create a sense of playfulness and look especially inviting.