Interior Design
How to design an accent wall to make your room look bigger?
Apr
Designing a small space can be a challenging task, but it’s also an opportunity to get creative and experiment with different design techniques. One of the most effective ways to add interest and depth to a small space is by using an accent wall.
An accent wall is a single wall that is painted or decorated in a way that is different from the other walls in the room, and it can be a powerful tool for creating a focal point, adding color and texture, and making a statement in a small space.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to use accent walls in small space design, including tips for choosing the right wall, selecting colors and patterns, and incorporating texture and decor elements. Whether you’re designing a tiny apartment or a cozy guest room, an accent wall can be the key to unlocking the full potential of your small space.
1. Use light colors for accent wall
For small spaces, it’s generally recommended to use light colors on the walls to make the room feel brighter and more spacious. Light colors reflect more natural light, which can make the walls recede visually and create the illusion of more space. On the other hand, dark colors tend to absorb more light and can make a small space feel smaller and more confined.
That being said, if you’re designing a small room and want to use a darker color on the walls, you can still make it work by balancing it with lighter furniture and accessories. For example, you could use a deep navy blue on one wall as an accent and pair it with light-colored furniture and accessories to create contrast and balance.
Ultimately, the decision between light or dark wall colors will depend on your personal style and the overall look you’re trying to achieve. If you’re unsure, it can be helpful to test out different colors with paint swatches or samples to see how they look in the space before committing to a final color.
2. Accent wall placement
The best place for an accent wall in a small room is typically the wall that is the focal point of the room, or the one that draws the eye the most. This could be the wall behind the bed in a bedroom, the wall behind the sofa in a living room, or the wall behind the desk in a home office.
It’s important to choose a wall that is not too cluttered or busy, as this can make the accent wall feel overwhelming and cramped. Look for a wall that has enough space to showcase the accent color or pattern without feeling too crowded.
Another option is to use an accent wall to highlight architectural features in the room, such as a fireplace or built-in shelving. This can create a focal point and draw attention to the unique details of the space.
Overall, the placement of an accent wall in a small room will depend on the layout and design of the space. Consider the function of the room, the flow of natural light, and any existing architectural features when deciding where to place an accent wall.
3. DO NOT use busy pattern wallpaper
Busy wall patterns, such as intricate geometric shapes, bold prints, or busy wallpaper designs, can overwhelm a small space and make it feel cramped and cluttered. When you have a busy pattern on the wall, it can be difficult for the eye to rest and take in the entire room, which can make the space feel visually cluttered and uncomfortable.
In a small space, it’s important to create a sense of openness and flow, and busy wall patterns can detract from that goal. Instead, it’s better to choose simple, clean lines and colors that allow the eye to move smoothly around the room. This can make the space feel more cohesive and open, which can help it to appear larger and more comfortable.
That being said, if you love a particular busy pattern, there are ways to incorporate it into a small space without overwhelming the room. For example, you could use the busy pattern on a single accent wall or in a small area of the room, such as a bathroom or closet. This can create a focal point without overwhelming the entire space.
4. DO use vertical stripe pattern wallpaper
Vertical stripe patterns can be a good idea for small spaces because they can create the illusion of height, making the ceiling appear higher and the room feel more spacious. The vertical lines draw the eye upward, which can make the walls feel taller and give the impression of more space. This can be particularly effective when used on an accent wall, as it can add depth and interest to the room while also making it feel larger.
Another benefit of using vertical stripes in a small space is that they can create a sense of rhythm and flow. The lines draw the eye up and down, which can make the space feel more dynamic and engaging. This can be especially helpful in a small room, where it’s important to make the most of every inch of space.
Overall, vertical stripe patterns can be a great design choice for small spaces, as they can add visual interest, create a sense of height, and make the room feel more spacious and dynamic.
5. DO use texture accent wall
Texture accent walls can be a good idea for small spaces because they add depth and interest to the room without taking up physical space. Here are some reasons why texture accent walls can work well in small spaces:
- Adds visual interest: Texture accent walls can add visual interest to a small space by creating a focal point and adding depth and dimension to the room. This can make the space feel less plain and more engaging.
- Creates the illusion of space: Depending on the type of texture used, a texture accent wall can create the illusion of more space. For example, a wallpaper with a 3D texture can make the wall appear to recede, creating the illusion of more space.
- Adds texture without clutter: Unlike physical objects or decorations, a texture accent wall doesn’t take up any physical space. This means that you can add texture to the room without making it feel cluttered or overcrowded.
- Can be used with any color palette: Texture accent walls can work with any color palette, from bright and bold to neutral and understated. This makes them a versatile option for any small space.
- Can work with any design style: Texture accent walls can be incorporated into any design style, from traditional to modern. This means that you can add texture to the room without sacrificing your personal style.
6. Keep other walls simple
Using simple walls together with an accent wall in a small space can help to create balance and prevent the room from feeling too busy or cluttered. Here are some reasons why it can work well:
- Prevents overwhelming the space: In a small space, it’s important to avoid overwhelming the room with too many elements or too much visual interest. By keeping the other walls simple and understated, you can allow the accent wall to be the star of the show without creating a cluttered or overwhelming effect.
- Creates a sense of cohesion: By using a simple color or pattern on the other walls in the room, you can create a sense of cohesion and balance. This can help to tie the room together and make it feel more intentional and thoughtfully designed.
- Makes the accent wall stand out: When you use a simple color or pattern on the other walls in the room, it allows the accent wall to really stand out and make a statement. This can draw the eye and create a sense of depth and interest in the room.
- Helps to visually expand the space: Simple walls can help to visually expand the space and make it feel larger than it actually is. By using light colors or neutral tones on the other walls in the room, you can create a sense of openness and airiness that can make the space feel more inviting and comfortable.
Summary
- Use light colors: Choose a light color for the accent wall, as it will reflect more light and make the room appear brighter and more spacious.
- Consider the placement: Place the accent wall on the farthest or largest wall in the room, which will draw the eye and create the illusion of more space.
- Avoid busy patterns: Avoid busy or overly complicated patterns for the accent wall, as it can make the room feel smaller and more cluttered.
- Opt for vertical stripes: Vertical stripes can make the room look taller, which can give the illusion of more space.
- Use texture: Use textured wallpaper or paint to add depth and dimension to the accent wall, which can make the room feel more spacious.
- Keep the other walls simple: Keep the other walls in the room simple and unadorned to draw focus to the accent wall.
By incorporating these tips, you can create an accent wall that makes your room feel bigger and more spacious. Yurooms offers home remodeling design service for $99 per room. In addition, we work with real estate professionals – builders, contractors and developers. We provide custom 3D designs from architectural drawings for nail & beauty salons, restaurants, coffee shops and retail spaces.
