FAQ
Which wall makes the best accent wall?
Select the wall that naturally draws your attention the moment you walk into the room. This is typically the wall anchoring your bed, the wall housing your fireplace, or the furthest solid wall in a long rectangular room. Avoid painting walls with multiple doors or large windows, as the heavy breaks in the color severely disrupt the visual impact.
What paint finish is best for dark accent colors?
Designers strongly recommend flat or matte finishes for deep, saturated colors like navy blue and forest green. Darker paints reflect more light, and higher-gloss finishes tend to highlight every single drywall imperfection. A premium matte finish absorbs light, creating a velvety, luxurious appearance. If you are painting high-traffic areas like mudrooms, opt for a washable matte or an eggshell finish for enhanced durability.
Do accent colors make a room look smaller?
When applied correctly, accent walls actually alter depth perception in a highly positive way. A dark color applied to a single back wall makes that wall visually recede, effectively elongating the room. However, painting multiple adjoining walls in a dark, high-contrast shade without adequate natural light can enclose a space and make the ceiling feel lower.
Should my trim match the accent wall?
You have two excellent styling options. Keeping your trim crisp white creates a sharp, traditional contrast that beautifully highlights the new accent color. Alternatively, painting the baseboards and crown molding the exact same color as the wall—a popular technique known as color drenching—delivers a highly modern, seamless look that eliminates visual boundaries and makes ceilings appear significantly taller.
