Decorating + Accessories
33 feature wall ideas to bring a bold accent to any space
A feature wall is a perfect way to give a room a dramatic update without having to repaint the whole space, replace the decor or change out the furniture. By highlighting just one surface with a distinctive wallpaper or paint color that perfectly complements the whole room, you can make a huge impact. Ready to try it in your home? Check out some of our favorite feature wall ideas first!
1. Replace the headboard with a fun print
One of the benefits of a headboard is that it anchors the bed in a room, but some may prefer a less grounded feel. For those who like to feel a little more untethered when they sleep, replacing the headboard with a patterned bedroom accent wall will create a more open, spacious feel.
2. Go wild with animal print
For a more playful touch, you can’t go wrong with animal print. Whether you have a favorite mammal, an appreciation of all things avian or a childhood love of insects, you can find a print to fit your space.
3. Be intentional about your color combos
As you pick your accent wall ideas, consider how your color choices will interact with your furniture, decor or bedding. Try to create a sense of harmony rather than simply matching tones. For example, when combined, neighboring colors on the color wheel (like green and yellow) can be enhanced by a composite color (like brown).
4. Feature a boundary wall
Updating a transition room? Try turning the short wall forming the boundary between spaces into a feature wall. This will create a more distinct contrast between the two rooms.
5. Customize with peel-and-stick wallpaper
Wallpaper is perfect for creating fun, original feature walls, and with peel-and-stick options, it’s easy to apply and change it out. Swap these self-adhesive pieces out on a whim to keep any space fresh.
6. Lighten up with a bold yellow accent
Yellow is almost universally associated with light, making it a great choice for a room that could use a little brightening up. Try a charming, sunny shade for a kitchen or living room accent wall.
7. Set it off with art
If you want to create an even more dynamic look with your feature wall, adorn it with art. Pick pieces with features that reflect the print, or look for colors that complement the wall’s tone.
8. Set the scene with an active print
A print with rich hues and a complex design is a bold choice that could make a huge impact as a feature wall. Creative feature wall ideas like these work especially well in spaces with toned-down palettes and a minimal aesthetic.
9. Maximize a smaller wall
If you live in an apartment or have a small space you’re looking to amplify, try featuring a small wall. Use a distinctive color or striking print to bring big character to a little room.
10. Pick an atypical wall
Decorating a room with a sloping ceiling, quirky layout or atypical construction? Pick an angled or non-square surface for your feature wall. This will turn the funky feature into a distinctive design element.
11. Style a wall with shelves
Want to create an accent without sacrificing storage? Feature walls can also be used to enhance functional spaces. Try updating the paint or adding wallpaper to a wall with shelving in your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom.
12. Take it outside
We dedicate a lot of thought to the way we design and decorate our indoor spaces, but what about our outdoor ones? Freshen up a boundary wall or make your porch pop with a weather-proof feature wall.
13. Shape up the space with geometric print
Looking for wallpaper ideas for a living room feature wall? Consider going with a trendy geometric print. These sharp-lined designs add a layer of complexity to comfy spaces.
14. Brighten up the space with a citrus print
To make it feel like summer year-round, go with a bright, citrusy feature wall. Look for uplifting botanical prints featuring lemons, grapefruit or orange blossoms.
15. Reflect the decor
When it comes to feature walls, ideas should reflect both the space as a whole and the unique taste of the person designing them. If your design style starts with distinctive decor, pick a print or color scheme that meshes with your favorite pieces.
16. Embrace your inner child with a cartoon design
We’re all still kids at heart—and a playful, cartoonish print is a perfect choice for an adult or child’s space. From hand-drawn animals to comic book heroes to whimsical sketches, try one out on a feature wall to add a touch of fun to any room.
17. Dazzle with a celestial print
The best bedroom feature wall ideas promote a sense of calm, helping you unwind when you go to bed at night. Using a celestial accent wall behind your bed will make it feel like you’re falling asleep beneath the stars.
18. Get comfy with a navy bedroom feature wall
Another relaxing bedroom accent wall idea? Deep, dark navy. This versatile color evokes nighttime hues and makes a great accent to brightly colored quilts or duvet covers.
19. Try black and white stripes
There’s something about the stripped-down contrast of black and white stripes that adds complexity to a space. Picking this design for a single feature wall is a good way to add a unique dimension to a living room, kitchen or entryway.
20. Feature a bathroom wall
The humble bathroom is always a good candidate for a feature wall. Whether for an adult or kid’s bathroom, adding a distinctive, colorful pattern to the vanity or bathtub wall will help open up the space.
21. Bring the outdoors inside with a scenic print
Love the great outdoors? Remind yourself of the scenes, landscapes and vistas you adore by adding a striking scenic print as a feature wall in your bedroom or living room.
22. Texturize the space with grasscloth wallpaper
If you’re looking for a distinctive accent wall idea, consider using a grasscloth wallpaper. Made from a cotton weave, this option gives any room a natural yet luxurious feel.
23. Accentuate with peel-and-stick wall accents
If you don’t want to change the paint color or commit to a full wallpaper print for your feature wall, try adding peel-and-stick decals. Decals let you customize your wall and give your space a slightly subtler accent.
24. Create an industrial feel with brick wallpaper
If you’ve ever wanted to replicate the trendy industrial feel of a hip coffee shop, add a temporary brick wallpaper. Using this as a feature wall behind your office desk is a fun way to upgrade your workstation.
25. Go rustic with a faux wood accent wall
Give your space a touch of that classic rustic feel with faux wood wallpaper. The realistic paneling will add a unique look to any room and makes for a striking video meeting background for WFH-ers.
26. Liven up the room with a plant print
We love living room feature wall ideas that liven up the space, and a plant print absolutely ticks that box. Look for a bold option to add a bright, natural touch to the room.
27. Feature your fireplace
Everybody loves the warm, homey feel of a fireplace. Why not take yours up a notch with some fireplace feature wall ideas? Try matching the wall, fireplace and hearth colors to set the space off from the rest of the room.
28. Contrast with dark prints
This approach may seem like a bold choice, but it makes for a gorgeous feature wall in a bright room. Look for an elegant print in a brighter color set against a rich, dark base.
29. Accent a kitchen counter wall
A kitchen accent wall is a great way to enhance the style of your cooking or dining area. In place of a backsplash, try adding a gorgeous print to the wall behind your sink to perfectly accentuate the space.
30. Go for an extra modern feature
A feature wall with a trendy modern print is sure to stand out. Make an impression on your guests by using one to spruce up spaces like a bathroom, living room or even a small entryway.
31. Straighten up with a vertical line scheme
Vertical lines can have a lengthening effect in a room. The lines draw eyes upward, giving the space the appearance of height. When used on a feature wall, this trick can create a more dynamic look in any room.
32. Consider an abstract art feel
For art fans, an abstract color design can make for a stylish accent wall. Whether you go for a bold wallpaper or paint the wall yourself, this is a modern option for your home.
33. Get hip with an ombré wall
Blending gradually from a light hue to a dark one, this trendy color effect creates a gorgeous accent wall. Try it in warm, comfy spaces like a parlor or bedroom.
Feature walls are the perfect way to amp up just about any space, from a guest bathroom to a modern kitchen to a minimalist living room. Ready to get started? Whether you decide to go with a trendy wallpaper print or a thoughtfully selected paint color, these feature wall ideas should get you on your way!
