DIY Accent Wall Ideas to Transform Any Room

If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, “This space just needs something…” — an accent wall might be exactly what’s missing. Accent walls are one of my favorite DIY projects because they instantly add personality, texture, and color without the commitment (or cost!) of a full renovation.

Whether you love the look of faux stone, shiplap, or beadboard, or you’re itching to try something creative like painted arches or DIY wallpaper, these DIY accent wall ideas will help you transform any room in your home.

Why Choose an Accent Wall?

Accent walls are timeless for a reason—they make a big statement with minimal effort. You can use them to:

• Define a space in an open floor plan
• Add texture or warmth to a flat room
• Highlight an architectural feature
• Play with bold colors or patterns without overwhelming the room

And the best part? You can complete most accent walls in a weekend!

DIY Faux Stone Accent Wall

When I wanted to bring some warmth and character into my home, I tackled a faux stone accent wall, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. It gave the space a high-end, custom look without the price tag (or the mess!) of real stone.

You can see the full project here: Create an Easy Brick Wall with Faux Brick Panels

How to get the look:

1. Pick up faux brick or stone panels from your local home improvement store.
2. Cut them to size and attach using construction adhesive and nails.
3. Caulk seams for a clean finish, then paint or whitewash if desired.

Pro Tip: Opt for lighter brick tones in smaller rooms—they reflect more light and make the space appear larger.

DIY Shiplap Wall Tutorial

If you love classic charm, shiplap is always in style. It adds texture, depth, and character to any wall, from bathrooms to living rooms. You can see where I did shiplap in the DIY Bunk Bed build. You can easily to shiplap technique on an accent wall.

Shiplap wall steps:

1. Mark your studs.
2. Cut MDF or pine boards to the width.
3. Nail horizontally with even spacing.
4. Fill nail holes, sand, and paint.

For a modern twist, try painting your shiplap in a moody charcoal or deep green. It’s one of the trending accent wall ideas for 2025.

Painted Arch Feature Wall

Want a budget-friendly accent wall idea that still packs a punch? Try a painted arch! You’ve probably seen me use arches in a lot of my DIY projects, so just use that inspo and do it on your accent wall.

Easy painted arch how-to:

1. Mark your center point.
2. Tie a string to a pencil to trace the arch.
3. Tape along the line and fill in with paint.

Perfect behind a headboard, dresser, or desk — it’s an easy way to add interest without spending much.

DIY Faux Plaid Wallpaper

If you want to get creative with paint, this faux plaid wallpaper is one of my most-loved DIY accent wall projects ever. Using nothing but Frog Tape and a little patience, I created a custom plaid pattern that looks just like wallpaper — but without the commitment!

See the full tutorial here: DIY Frog Tape Faux Plaid Wallpaper

This technique is perfect for a statement wall in an office, bedroom, or even a hallway — and it’s completely removable if you ever want a new look.

Playroom Accent Wall: DIY Arched Rock Climbing Wall

Accent walls don’t just have to be pretty — they can be fun and functional too! One of my favorite kid-friendly projects is this DIY Arched Rock Climbing Wall for Kids.

I combined the playful look of painted arches with the adventure of climbing holds, creating a wall that’s both stylish and exciting. It’s a showstopper in any playroom and guaranteed to burn off some extra energy indoors.

FAQs: DIY Accent Wall Ideas

What materials can I use to make an accent wall?

You can use a variety of materials for an accent wall, depending on your style and budget. Popular options include:

• Paint or stencil designs for a fully custom look
• Shiplap or MDF boards for a classic look
• Beadboard for cottage charm
• Faux brick or stone panels for a rustic feel
• Peel-and-stick wallpaper for a renter-friendly upgrade

How do I choose the right wall for an accent wall?

Pick a wall that naturally draws attention — like the one behind your bed, sofa, or fireplace. You can also use an accent wall to define a dining nook, entryway, or play area. Avoid walls with too many doors or windows since they break up the visual flow.

How to paint an accent wall?

Painting an accent wall is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a space. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

• Remove tape while wet. Pull it off before the paint fully dries for that crisp, satisfying line.
• Choose the right wall. Pick the one that naturally draws attention — behind your bed, sofa, or dining table works great.
• Select your color. Go bold for contrast or choose a deep neutral for a cozy, modern vibe. Test swatches first and check them at different times of day.
• Prep the space. Move furniture away, tape off baseboards, outlets, and adjacent walls using Frog Tape (my go-to for clean lines!).
• Prime if needed. If your wall is dark or glossy, use a good primer so the paint color stays true.
• Paint with care. Start by cutting in the edges with a brush, then roll the rest of the wall in even strokes. Two coats usually give the best coverage.

Ready to Create Your Own Feature Wall?

If you’ve been itching to refresh your home, start with one wall — it’s all you need to change the entire feel of a room.

Need more inspo? Check out these projects:

• Create an Easy Brick Wall with Faux Brick Panels
• DIY Frog Tape Faux Plaid Wallpaper
• DIY Arched Rock Climbing Wall for Kids
• Setting Up My Simple Home Gym with Felt Right Tiles

And don’t forget to pin this post to save your favorite ideas for your next DIY weekend project