Giving your bedroom a makeover can be an exciting project, but completely redecorating the space can also be quite daunting and expensive. If you’re looking for a simple and budget-friendly way to give your bedroom a fresh new look, consider painting one accent wall in a bold, beautiful color. This small change can have a dramatic effect on the feel of your bedroom. Read on to learn more about how to transform your space by making over one wall with a splash of vibrant color.
Choosing the Perfect Color for Your Accent Wall
The first step is selecting the right hue for your bold accent wall. The color you choose can shift the entire vibe of your bedroom. Here are some popular paint color options to consider for your statement wall:
Soothing Blue
Painting one wall in a serene blue can create a relaxing retreat in your bedroom. It evokes feelings of tranquility and can even make a small bedroom feel more spacious. Try a light powder blue for a soft look or go bolder with a jewel tone like navy. Blue is versatile enough to work with any existing decor.
Vibrant Orange
Orange is inherently cheerful and energetic. Painting one wall in a bright orange shade will infuse your bedroom with positivity and creativity. Amber orange hues feel warm and welcoming, while neon orange pops with fun. This color is perfect if you want to cultivate an optimistic mood in your sleeping space.
Bold Red
Red makes a dramatic accent wall color that energizes your decor. It’s an elegant option for bedrooms with neutral bedding and existing furniture pieces. Deeper reds like maroon or burgundy can feel cozy and luxe, while brighter reds add excitement. Use this stimulating shade sparingly to keep the mood relaxing.
Soothing Green
From light minty hues to deep emerald tones, green can offer a sense of renewal and harmony. It works in all bedroom styles and provides a lush, nature-inspired vibe. Green is said to be one of the most restful colors, so painting an accent wall this color can help create a peaceful sleep sanctuary.
Vintage Pink
Pink can infuse your bedroom with hope and happiness. Soft dusty rose shades have an antiqued, romantic feel. Hot pink and fuchsia offer a fun, lively vibe. Pink works especially well for feminine-style bedrooms, creating a glamorous boudoir look. This blushy color will add charm and sweetness to your space.
No matter which color you choose, opting for a rich, saturated shade will make the biggest impact. Using a deeper, more intense hue ensures your accent wall will really stand out.
Preparing the Wall for Painting
Once you’ve selected the winning shade for your statement wall, the next step is proper wall prep. Taking time to prep will help ensure you get smooth, professional-looking results. Here are some tips:
- Fill any holes or cracks with spackle compound and smooth over any bumps on the wall with sandpaper.
- Clean the wall thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or soap scum. Use a degreasing cleaner and rinse any soap residue with clean water.
- Remove any wall plates, fixtures, or vents and tape over outlets and switches. Lay drop cloths on the floor.
- Lightly sand the surface of the wall to rough it up so the paint adheres well. Wipe away any dust with a dry cloth.
- Apply painter’s tape around the trim to protect it from drips. You can use masking paper to shield other walls.
- For glossy surfaces, use an oil-based bonding primer so the paint sticks. For matte surfaces, a basic white primer will suffice.
Taking the time to properly prep your wall will help the paint look smooth and vivid.
Use a Paint Roller for Simple, Even Coverage
When it comes to tools, a paint roller is your best bet for easily coating your accent wall. An angled trim brush can help paint the edges and corners. Here are some tips for achieving flawless rolled-on color:
- Use a medium 1/2″ nap roller for smooth walls and a thicker 3/4″ nap roller for lightly textured walls. Load the roller with paint and roll off the excess on the ramp before starting.
- Begin near a corner upper corner and make a sideways N or W shape to avoid drips. Move on to V and zigzag strokes, blending as you go.
- Apply the paint in sections of around 3 x 3 feet. Roll up and down in one section until covered before moving to the next.
- Roll in the same direction across the entire wall to minimize streaking. Finish with downward strokes from top to bottom.
- Don’t press too hard or overwork the paint. Light, even pressure is best for a smooth look.
- For corners, gently brush paint outward from the corner for an angled look. Avoid brushing thick coats to prevent dripping.
Taking your time leads to a flawless professional roller finish without drips or texture inconsistencies.
Tips for Crisp Paint Lines and Edges
Getting clean straight lines where your accent wall meets ceilings, baseboards, and corners takes patience and finesse. Here are some pro tips:
- When edging corners, gently pull the angled brush outward from the corner along the ceiling for a crisp look.
- Use painter’s tape for any edges you want to keep super sharp. Apply tape before priming and remove it immediately after painting while the paint is still wet.
- For freehand edging, use a small trim brush and brace your hand on the wall while slowly painting the border.
- Keep a wet rag on hand to wipe away any minor drips right away before they dry.
- Use a laser level or painter’s tape to delineate any straight horizontal lines needed, like borders.
- Outline any geometric shapes with low-tack masking tape and fill it in with paint, pulling the tape off promptly once finished painting.
Taking it slowly and utilizing the right tools will help you get clean lines for a dynamic accent wall with polished professional edges.
FAQs About Painting an Accent Wall
What kind of paint should I use on the accent wall?
High quality interior latex paint in a satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen will provide rich, vivid color. Flat paint won’t show off the hue as nicely. An accent wall paint like Behr Premium Plus is specifically designed for deep intense color.
What sheen is best for an accent wall?
A satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen offers durability and easy cleaning with a hint of shine to play up the color. Flat or matte paint absorbs light, muting the vibrancy. High-gloss can show imperfections.
How do I choose a color for my accent wall?
Consider colors you’re naturally drawn to and the mood you want to evoke. The wall’s size and how much natural light the room gets will also factor in. Bold, saturated shades make the biggest impact.
Should I paint vertical or horizontal stripes?
Vertical stripes feel more contemporary and modern. Horizontal stripes tend to feel traditional, relaxings and can expand a small space. Wider stripes around 24 inches work well on accent walls.
How do I paint clean stripes on a wall?
Use painter’s tape to mask offeach stripe. Apply two coats of paint, letting each coat fully dry before removing tape. For clean borders, pull the tape off slowly and steadily once thefinal coat has dried.
How do I paint a patterned accent wall?
Use painter’s tape and stencils tocreate geometric patterns like chevrons, diamonds or repeating shapes. Outline patterns with tape, fill in with paint, then remove tape before the paint fully dries for super crisp lines.
Add an Accent Wall to Refresh Your Space
Painting one wall in your bedroom with a colorful hue is an easy DIY upgrade that can revive and modernize your space. Use high quality paint and proper preparation and application techniques to ensure your accent wall looks professionally painted. This simple, budget-friendly change makes a huge impact and gives your bedroom an entirely new personality!
More Tips for Styling Your New Accent Wall
You’ve painted your statement wall, but the makeover isn’t over yet! Here are some quick tips to pull together a cohesive, polished look:
Update bedding and linens. Choose bedding with hues that complement your new wall color. Add pillows that pick up the accent color to tie everything together.
Add wall art. Hang vibrant art or prints that feature your accent color. Framed photography and bold canvas art look striking against a colored wall.
Flank with decor. Place stylish sconces or floating shelves alongside your wall to frame and highlight it. Greenery, candles, and decor in matching tones amp up the appeal.
Keep furnishings minimal. Let your powerful accent wall speak for itself. Opt for streamlined furniture silhouettes in neutral hues like white, gray, or black to keep the focus on your colorful paint.
Add an area rug. Anchor your bed with an area rug that incorporates both neutrals and your accent hue. This ties the whole room together.
Update window treatments. Consider hanging curtains, drapes, or blinds in a fabric that picks up the accent color to tie everything together. Add texture with woven woods or linen.
** mind the mood lighting.** Use accent lighting to spotlight and draw attention to your statement wall. Wall sconces, picture lights, and table lamps can all help set the perfect mood.
With the right styling choices, your painted accent wall can feel like a showstopper that entirely transforms your restful retreat. Have fun and get creative with decor that complements your gorgeous new colorful wall.
Conclusion
Painting one accent wall in your bedroom is an easy, budget-friendly route to give this important space an entirely fresh feel. Choosing a vivid, saturated paint color and taking the time to properly prepare your wall will ensure you end up with professional-level results. Vibrant hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, brick red, tangerine orange or lavender can entirely shift the look and mood of your bedroom. Then pull together a cohesive finished style with linens, artwork, lighting and decor that integrates your new pop of color. Your gorgeous painted statement wall will make going to bed a luxurious experience and waking up each morning in your refreshed space an absolute joy.
