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Accent Walls: Are They Still in Style?

Let’s talk about the accent wall. You know: -> That one wall in the room painted a different color. A bold blue. A dark green. Maybe even a deep red back in the early 2000s (hey, no judgment). At some point, everyone thought, “This’ll give the room a pop.” And for a while? Yeah—it worked. Accent walls were the move. Stylish, trendy, easy way to shake up a space without repainting everything. But here we are in 2025, and the question is: Are accent walls still cool? Or are we done with them? Let’s break it down.

Used with a little intention and the right color/material, accented walls can totally transform a space. Used as a last-minute idea to “make it pop”? That’s a 2012 move, and your walls deserve better...

The PrimerJobs Team 3 min read
Accent Walls: Are They Still in Style?
Accent Walls: Are They Still in Style? secondary image

First: What Even Is an Accent Wall (When Done Right)?

First: What Even Is an Accent Wall (When Done Right)?

An accent wall isn’t just “paint one wall a random color and call it a day.”

A real accent wall:

  • Anchors the room
  • Adds contrast or depth
  • Highlights something (a bed, a fireplace, built-ins, etc.)
  • Works with the other walls, not against them

Done well, it makes the space feel intentional. Done wrong? It looks like you ran out of paint halfway through.

What Even Is an Accent Wall
What Even Is an Accent Wall

You take the call...

So... Are Accent Walls Still Cool?

✅ Yes --> if they’re done with purpose

❌ No --> if they’re just thrown in because you “felt like something should pop.”

The days of painting one wall bright red in a beige room just to be edgy? Over. But accent walls aren’t dead. They’ve just evolved.

So... Are They Still Cool?
So... Are They Still Cool?

We don't make the rules!

The New Rules for Accent Walls

1. Skip the Brights—Go Moody or Muted

Forget fire engine red or lime green. Think deep navy, charcoal, forest green, terracotta, or rich clay tones. They add atmosphere, not shock value.

2. Try Texture Instead of Color

Some of the best “accent walls” now? A different material, not just a different paint.

  • Wood paneling
  • Limewash or textured plaster
  • Wallpaper (yes, it’s back—subtle and classy this time)
  • Board and batten or shiplap (used sparingly)

3. Stick to Walls That Actually Matter

Accent walls shouldn’t feel random.

Best spots:

  • Behind a headboard
  • Around a fireplace
  • The far wall of a long hallway
  • Built-ins or recessed walls

If your painter suggests the wall with three doors and a vent on it? Hard pass.

The New Rules for Accent Walls
The New Rules for Accent Walls

Don't follow trends blindly

When Accented Walls Won’t Work?

  • In tiny rooms, where the contrast just makes the space feel chopped up
  • When they clash with the rest of the house’s color scheme
  • When they’re used in every room (you get an accent wall! and you get one!—please stop)

Accent walls work best when they feel special. If everything’s an accent, nothing stands out.

When Accented Walls Won’t Work?
When Accented Walls Won’t Work?

When in doubt, contact a PrimerJobs.com specialist

Final Thought

Accent walls aren’t over—they’ve just grown up.

Used with a little intention and the right color/material, they can totally transform a space. Used as a last-minute idea to “make it pop”? That’s a 2012 move, and your walls deserve better.

Thinking of doing one but not sure where or how? Check if you are eligible for offers here: https://www.primerjobs.com/ and fill out a short form. We’ll match you with painters and design-smart pros who know how to make your space stand out for the right reasons.

Final Thought
Final Thought
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