I was twelve when I painted my first accent wall. Wild creativity spurred me to splatter multicolored paint all over the lime-green wall behind my bed.
That zhuzhed-up area was certainly a head-turner, and it introduced me to a single painted wall’s power to influence a room’s look and feel.
I’ve experimented (with more intention and restraint) ever since and now have a list of the best accent wall paint colors to create visually appealing focal points for your home.
The best accent wall paint colors include black, red, blue, green, yellow and black.
An accent wall is a safe place to get adventurous with colors you love but would shy away from in a large area. Bold blacks, yellows, reds, and teals are less intimidating when covering only one wall. Muted colors like light pink are understated yet equally attractive.
I’ve rounded up my favorite accent wall colors from the biggest names in high quality paint to inspire your room refresh.
Top Paint Colors for Accent Walls
You’ll notice that my top picks are all bold except for one light neutral.
You’re likely hoping your accent wall will give your room a strong focal point. Striking dark and vibrant colors do this effortlessly. Plus, why not pick something daring? It’s just one wall. (The neutral is for all you die-hard minimalists.)
You might also consider painting a single wall to create a feeling of spaciousness or to visually separate different areas in one room without breaking the flow.
Whatever your reason, know that all eyes will instantly be on the wall. Here’s my selection of colors that grab attention for the right reasons (unlike my tween rainbow-explosion mural).
Black
You’ve probably seen enough oh-so-mod black interiors by now to stop you from being surprised that this intense color is at the top of my list.
Put it on your list, too.
Its magic is that it’s both dramatic and versatile. Whereas brights and jewel tones have a wow factor, they can be tricky to mix with other colors and design elements. Black makes an impact and looks superb with almost any other color.
It’s timeless and luxurious, and it enhances some of the most popular decor styles, including biophilic designs. Place some lush green leaves in front of a black backdrop and see them pop!
Choose from inky shades for maximum contrast to less intimidating ones with softening undertones.
Best Black Paints from Popular Brands
- Behr Limousine Leather
- Behr Beluga
- Benjamin Moore Black Beauty
- Benjamin Moore Deep Caviar
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
Red
One of the punchiest colors, a red accent wall is a surefire way to energize your decor.
Use this color where you want to encourage lively interaction. So, entertaining spaces might be better than where you hope to catch some z’s. Or delight your guests with a playful pop of red in the powder room.
Best Red Paints from Popular Brands
- Behr Flirt Alert
- Behr Fire Cracker
- Benjamin Moore Million Dollar Red
- Benjamin Moore Caliente
- Sherwin Williams Heartthrob
- Sherwin Williams Radish
Green
Green is my favorite color, and I’m thrilled to see it making a comeback in interior design.
Many people shy away from using it in their homes due to the vast range of shades, which can make coordination challenging. However, there’s a perfect shade for every space.
According to color psychology, green has a refreshing and calming effect on our stressed bodies and minds. It symbolizes life and renewal, reminiscent of new spring leaves or the cool serenity of a forest on a hot day.
Green is a soothing color for any space, making it ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, or dining areas. Let it steal the spotlight among white walls.
Best Green Paints from Popular Brands
- Behr Sparkling Emerald
- Behr Garden View
- Benjamin Moore Avocado
- Benjamin Moore Jade Green
- Sherwin Williams Secret Garden
- Sherwin Williams Greenfield
Blue
The shade of blue you choose for your accent wall will depend on the mood you want to create. For a playful and energetic vibe, opt for bold blues or turquoise.
If you’re aiming for a more sophisticated and timeless look, darker blues like navy work well. For a nautical theme, pairing navy with red can be a fun choice.
Lighter blues, particularly those resembling clouds or mist, provide a calming and serene atmosphere where you can relax and unwind.
Best Blue Paints from Popular Brands
- Behr Peaceful Blue
- Behr Atlantic Blue
- Benjamin Moore Symphony Blue
- Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray
- Sherwin Williams Dark Night
- Sherwin Williams Amalfi
Yellow
I’m convinced that it’s impossible to feel anything other than delighted when looking at bright yellow. However, this joy-sparking color can be overpowering in excess. This is why it’s the perfect choice for painting only a section of a room.
This sunny color works marvelously in the home office, bathroom, or kitchen. But think twice before using it on a bedroom wall. Some believe this color can mess with a good night’s sleep by tricking the brain into thinking it’s always daytime.
Brighten up your living spaces with these cheery yellows.
Best Yellow Paints from Popular Brands
- Behr Neon Light
- Behr Midsummer Gold
- Benjamin Moore Sunbeam
- Benjamin Moore Yellow Marigold
- Sherwin Williams Daisy
- Sherwin Williams Goldenrod
Final Thoughts
When you choose vibrant, punchy, eye-catching colors like inky black, sunny yellow, jewel-like green or blue, and intense red, you can paint only one wall and get a powerful effect. Be brave and splash out on rich, deep colors. You might be so thrilled with the results that you decide to drench the color across every surface for your next room makeover.
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