How to Choose Wallpaper for Accent Walls
Wallpaper is one of the easiest, most impactful ways to bring some personality, colour and pattern to your home Whether you're looking to transform your bedroom, elevate your living room, or add personality to a hallway or dining space, an accent wall wallpaper can completely redefine the feel of a room, without overwhelming it
But how do you choose the right wallpaper for your accent wall? From colour to pattern, placement to scale, here’s a thoughtful guide to help you get it just right
Decide Where the Accent Wall Will Be
The first step is identifying the wall you want to highlight. Typically, it’s the wall that naturally draws the eye - behind the headboard in a bedroom, the fireplace wall in a living room, or the far wall in a dining area
- In a bedroom, a wallpaper for accent wall bedroom placement behind the bed frames the room and makes the bed feel like a statement piece.
- In a living room, the accent wall wallpaper might go behind a sofa, console, or architectural feature like built-in shelves
Choose a Wallpaper Style That Reflects the Mood
Different patterns and colours evoke different emotions. Think about the mood you want to create in the space:
- For a calm and restful bedroom, consider soft florals or textured neutrals
- For a bold and sophisticated living room, try statement patterns like our Plumes wallpapers or abstract designs
If you’re decorating a smaller space, lighter colours and simpler designs can help it feel more open, while darker hues and intricate prints add depth and drama to larger rooms
Pay Attention to Pattern Scale
The scale of your wallpaper pattern should complement the size of the wall and the room
- Large-scale patterns make a dramatic statement and are ideal for spacious walls with minimal furniture or decoration
- Small, repeating patterns work beautifully in tighter areas or if you're layering with other decorative elements
Coordinate with the Rest of the Room
While the accent wall is meant to stand out, it should still feel cohesive with the overall room scheme. Pull colours from your existing palette - fabrics, flooring, and furniture to ensure harmony
For example, if your bedroom has linen bedding in warm neutrals, choose a wallpaper that incorporates similar tones. In a living room, use wallpaper to echo colours in your cushions, rug or artwork
Think About Texture and Finish
At Susi Bellamy we design our wallpapers to two different finishes, all of our wallpapers are Mica non-woven, however we offer two different finishes - coated and un-coated. Our coated wallpapers have a beautiful sheen to them and look almost metallic in some lights, whereas our non-coated wallpapers appear more matte and do not catch the light in the same way, they are both equally as beautiful as one another
Make It Personal
Above all, choose a wallpaper that resonates with you. Whether it's a romantic floral, a bold abstract or a marbled design, your accent wall is an opportunity to tell your style story
Because you're only wallpapering one wall, this is your chance to be brave. Try something a little bolder than you might use across an entire room - after all, it's meant to stand out!
Choosing the right wallpaper for an accent wall is about more than colour or trend - it's about creating a focal point that brings joy, depth and personality to your space. Whether you're redesigning your living room and want to add an accent wall to anchor a social space, or a serene accent wall for your bedroom retreat, the perfect wallpaper is out there waiting to bring your vision to life...
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