A wallpaper accent wall — one wallpapered wall with the remaining walls painted — is the most popular and most practical way to use wallpaper. It adds drama, character, and a focal point to any room without the commitment or cost of wallpapering all four walls. Done well, a wallpaper accent wall is one of the most impactful single design moves available. This guide covers everything you need to know: which wall to choose, what paint color to use, and how to style the finished result.
Why Choose an Accent Wall?
A wallpaper accent wall offers the best of both worlds: the impact and character of wallpaper, with the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of paint on the remaining walls. It's also the most practical approach for bold, large-scale patterns — a pattern that might feel overwhelming on all four walls looks perfectly balanced on a single accent wall. And it's the most renter-friendly approach: one wall is quicker to apply and quicker to remove.
How to Choose Which Wall to Wallpaper
The most important accent wall decision is which wall to choose. The general rule: wallpaper the wall that is the natural focal point of the room.
The Focal Wall
Every room has a natural focal point — the wall your eye is drawn to first when you enter. This is almost always the best wall to wallpaper:
- Bedroom: The headboard wall — the wall behind the bed.
- Living room: The fireplace wall, the wall behind the sofa, or the wall facing the entrance.
- Dining room: The wall at the head of the table, or the wall facing the entrance.
- Home office: The wall you face when sitting at your desk.
- Hallway: The end wall at the far end of the hallway.
See our full How to Choose Which Wall to Wallpaper guide.
What Paint Color to Use on the Remaining Walls
The paint color on the remaining walls is as important as the wallpaper itself. The most successful approaches:
Pick a Color from the Wallpaper
The most foolproof approach: choose a paint color that matches one of the colors in the wallpaper. If your wallpaper has a deep forest green botanical on a cream background, paint the remaining walls in the cream background color. This creates a cohesive, considered look.
Go Lighter
Paint the remaining walls in a lighter version of the wallpaper's dominant color. If the wallpaper is deep navy, paint the remaining walls in a soft powder blue. This creates depth and visual interest while maintaining harmony.
Use a Warm Neutral
A warm white, cream, or warm grey on the remaining walls works with virtually any wallpaper. It lets the wallpaper take center stage without competing.
Accent Wall by Room
Bedroom Accent Wall
The headboard wall is the most popular bedroom accent wall. A bold botanical or rich floral on the headboard wall creates a dramatic, considered bedroom. Browse our Bedroom Wallpaper collection.
Living Room Accent Wall
The fireplace wall or sofa wall creates a characterful living room focal point. Browse our Living Room Wallpaper collection.
Home Office Accent Wall
The desk-facing wall creates an inspiring, professional workspace and video call backdrop. Browse our Home Office Wallpaper collection.
Accent Wall Styling Tips
- Anchor the wall with furniture: Place a key piece of furniture — a bed, sofa, console table — against the wallpapered wall to anchor it and create a considered vignette.
- Add art and mirrors: Framed art and mirrors on the wallpapered wall add depth and personality. Choose frames that complement the wallpaper colors.
- Use lighting to highlight the wall: A picture light, wall sconce, or directional spotlight draws attention to the wallpapered wall and creates atmosphere.
- Keep the other walls simple: Let the wallpapered wall be the star. Keep the remaining walls in a simple, complementary paint color without competing pattern or decoration.
How Much Wallpaper Do I Need for an Accent Wall?
A standard accent wall (3.5m wide × 2.4m high) typically requires 2–3 rolls depending on the pattern repeat. See our How to Calculate How Much Wallpaper You Need guide for precise calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the accent wall be the darkest or lightest wall in the room?
Either works — but the most dramatic effect comes from a darker or bolder wallpaper on the accent wall with lighter paint on the remaining walls. This creates contrast and makes the accent wall stand out.
Can I have more than one accent wall?
You can wallpaper two walls — typically two opposite walls — but this is less common and requires more careful planning to avoid the room feeling busy. The most impactful approach is usually a single accent wall.
Shop Accent Wall Wallpaper at Peel & Pattern
Browse our full wallpaper collection and order samples before committing. Botanical, Geometric, and Floral patterns are the most popular accent wall choices.