Accent Wall Ideas — Transform a Room with One Bold Change
One Wall. Everything Changes.
An accent wall is a single wall in a room treated differently from the others — through paint colour, wallpaper, panelling, or a large piece of art — to create a focal point. The most effective accent wall is typically the first wall you see when entering a room, and it works best in living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways. Olive et Oriel offers wallpaper samples for $4.99 AUD so you can test patterns and colours before committing to a full room.
Whether you are looking at wallpaper, paint, a gallery wall of framed prints, or a single large-format piece, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan, choose, and execute an accent wall that works. For dedicated wallpaper inspiration, see our wallpaper feature wall ideas guide. And if you have never seen our peel and stick wallpaper range, it is worth a look — particularly if you are renting.
Which Wall Should Be Your Accent Wall?
The instinct to choose the accent wall is usually right: pick the wall that draws the eye when you enter the room. In most rectangular rooms, that is the wall directly opposite the entry point — you see it first, and it sets the tone for the entire space. In bedrooms, the wall behind the bed head is the strongest choice. It frames the most important piece of furniture in the room and works with virtually any wallpaper, paint colour, or art arrangement.
In living rooms, the wall behind the sofa or the wall opposite the main seating area both work well. If there is a fireplace, the chimney breast is a natural accent wall — it already has architectural prominence, and treating it differently reinforces that. In open-plan living and dining areas, an accent wall can help visually define a zone without the need for physical dividers.
Avoid choosing a wall that is broken up by windows, doors, or built-ins if you plan to use wallpaper — the result will feel fragmented. A clean, uninterrupted wall surface gives wallpaper and large-format art the best possible backdrop. If your best candidate wall has a doorway, that is fine — door surrounds often read as architectural detail rather than interruptions.
For Australian homes with north-facing rooms flooded with natural light, an accent wall in a deeper tone or bold pattern can ground the room beautifully without making it feel enclosed. In south-facing rooms where light is softer, lighter wallpaper or a pale statement art piece will keep the energy open while still creating definition.
Five Ways to Create an Accent Wall
- Wallpaper — the most transformative option; adds pattern, colour, and texture simultaneously. Custom-sized wallpaper means no off-cuts and a perfect fit.
- Paint — cost-effective and reversible; works best with a colour that either contrasts or sits adjacent on the colour wheel to your existing palette
- Gallery wall — a curated arrangement of framed prints creates an accent wall with depth and personality
- Wall panelling — shaker, fluted, or board-and-batten profiles add tactile interest; popular in Hamptons and coastal Australian interiors
- Large-format art — a single oversized art print or canvas makes a confident, curated statement
Wallpaper Accent Walls — Why Custom Sizing Matters
Standard roll wallpaper is designed for full-room application. When you apply it to a single accent wall, you almost always end up with off-cuts, partial pattern repeats, and joins that interrupt the design mid-panel. The result rarely looks as clean as a custom-sized alternative.
Olive et Oriel's wallpaper is printed to the exact dimensions of your wall. You measure the height and width, enter them at checkout, and receive panels printed to fit perfectly — no off-cuts, no pattern waste, no visible joins where there should not be. For accent walls especially, where the wallpaper is on full display rather than wrapping an entire room, this tailored approach produces a visibly superior result.
Before committing to a full order, always order a wallpaper sample. Stick it to the intended wall and observe how the colour and pattern behave at different times of day, under artificial light in the evening, and in morning light. Wallpaper that looks perfect on screen can read very differently on the wall — the sample step removes the guesswork entirely. We also offer a wide range of peel and stick wallpaper options that are particularly popular with renters seeking the impact of a feature wall without the permanence of paste.
For colour considerations: contrast tends to be more dramatic (a deep navy or forest green wall in a light-toned room), while complementary tones create a softer, more layered effect. Neither is wrong — the right choice depends on the room, the light, and what feeling you want to create. If you are unsure, use a sample and trust your instinct on the wall, not on screen. Explore the full wallpaper feature wall ideas guide for room-by-room inspiration.
Produced in Australia Since 2015
Olive et Oriel has been printing wallpaper and wall art from studio since 2015. All wallpaper is printed in-house using high-resolution digital printing technology on premium substrates, and cut to the exact dimensions you specify. Our team can help with measurement questions, design selection, and planning a feature wall from start to finish. Contact us at help@oliveetoriel.com if you need guidance before ordering.
Ready to Find Your Wallpaper?
Browse our full collection of wallpaper, including coastal, botanical, tropical, and abstract designs — all printed to custom sizes for a perfect fit. Order a sample first, see it on your wall, then place your full order with confidence. Our team at help@oliveetoriel.com is available to help with sizing, layout, and design questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an accent wall?
An accent wall is a single wall treated differently from the others — with wallpaper, paint, art, or texture. It creates a focal point and adds character to a room without requiring a full redecoration.
Which wall in a bedroom should be the accent wall?
The wall behind the bed head is the strongest choice in most bedrooms. It frames the room's key furniture piece and provides a generous uninterrupted surface for wallpaper or a large art arrangement.
Do I need to order a sample before buying wallpaper?
Yes — always. Order a wallpaper sample and stick it to the intended wall. Observe it across different times of day before placing a full order. Colours and patterns behave differently on a wall than on a screen.
Can I use peel and stick wallpaper on an accent wall?
Yes. Peel and stick wallpaper is ideal for accent walls — it applies without paste, removes cleanly, and is particularly well-suited to rental properties or situations where you may want to change the look later.
Can I create an accent wall with art instead of wallpaper?
Absolutely. A gallery wall of framed prints is one of the most versatile ways to create an accent wall — it is easy to adjust, add to, and rearrange over time. A single large-format art print also makes a confident statement on its own.
