Accent Wall Ideas: A Complete Guide to Stylish Spaces
Mar 28, 2025
If you feel you can’t do much to add character to your living space, think again! Accent wall designs bring interest and depth, highlight an architectural feature, and, most importantly, allow you to showcase your unique style. At Apollo Tile, we’re all for creative expression, and our modern tile collections are a testament to how a simple and budget-friendly refresh can change how you perceive your home.
Walking into a room and noticing how one wall instantly draws attention with its color or texture can be a game-changer. By incorporating a tiled accent wall into the scheme of things, you effortlessly break up monotony and add a welcoming focal point that enhances the entire space.
Crafting a wall feature is popular in entryways, living rooms, and bedrooms, but you can also indulge other areas like the bathroom, kitchen, hallway, or home office. In this guide, we share everything you need to know about adding interest to your interior space with unique accent wall ideas!
Why Accent Walls are Important in Interior Design
Accent wall designs with tile can significantly boost your interior decor without resulting in visual clutter. On top of jazzing up the room, here are some key advantages of incorporating a wall feature:
1. Adds visual interest and dimension
If a design scheme feels one-dimensional, an accent wall can work wonders in creating depth and visual weight. For instance, sculptural tilework with relief introduces a dynamic appeal that prevents the overall aesthetic from falling flat. Wave tile is a great example and adds a sense of movement to walls. The same goes for wood accent wall ideas—the grain patterns and knots of hardwood tile add textural detailing and, in turn, make the room feel more substantial.
2. Changes the perception of a space
Accent wall ideas are more than just a splash of color. Orienting tiles strategically can help make small rooms seem spacious and expansive rooms cozy. For example, vertically stacking subway ceramic tiles gives an impression of tall walls and a high ceiling. The same goes for areas with narrow walls. A guest bath, which often falls on the petite side, can feel open and airy with powder room tile laid horizontally to give an illusion of wider walls. In large rooms where an enveloping atmosphere is desired, tile accent wall styles in moody hues are an idea worth looking into.
3. Brings attention to natural features
Accentuating an interesting element is another compelling reason for a floor-to-ceiling tile. Highlighting a fireplace or alcove is a way to engage the eye. Another great example is laying bathroom tile on the surrounding wall of a standing bathtub to showcase its eccentric design.
4. Distinguishes an area for a purpose
Whether you lean towards tile in a contemporary hue, a subtle tone with an intricate shape, or something elegant with rich texture, an accent wall can help carve out a purpose area without having to put up any walls. This works brilliantly to get the most out of an open-concept living room, be it a floor-to-ceiling tiled wall that defines a study or breakfast nook.
5. Injects contrast to a neutral color palette
Unexpected color can inject decorative panache into a room dominated by neutrals. For a bright punch, boldly colored glass tile will turn the wall into a gorgeous centerpiece. If you’re set on a subdued palette, you can still infuse a bit of eye-catching color with a neutral hue that’s a few shades darker than the rest of the room.
Accent Wall Ideas by Every Room
In different rooms of the home, the possibilities for accent wall styles are endless. Here are some areas to spark your imagination:
- Living room: A floor-to-ceiling wall feature is a welcome addition to the living room. There are a few spots to choose from: the wall behind the anchor sofa, the media display, or around the fireplace. Weave in a color or pattern that attracts notice immediately as one enters the room.
- Kitchen: Accent wall ideas add a touch of creativity to the hub of the home, elevating both its beauty and function. Consider kitchen wall tile in a vivid tone as a backdrop to an open shelving display or breakfast nook.
- Bedroom: Here, bedroom accent wall ideas can conceive a serene atmosphere that’s equally stylish. Lay tile on the wall behind the bed for a lavish headboard design. A darker accent can result in a rather dramatic and luxurious mood.
- Home office: An inspiring workspace is within reach with the use of a stand-out accent wall color. Or pick an abstract pattern that energizes the room and stimulates creativity, like our White & Gold Hexagon Metal Peel & Stick Backsplash Tile – 11.6 x 11.5 in..
Accent Wall Designs & Styles to Match Your Decor
Now that we’ve explored the myriad ways to accent each room, let's dive into exciting accent wall ideas. Remember, adding a focal point is a fabulous way to express your style preference and personality!
1. Tap into rustic beauty with hardwood tiles
Tile that looks like wood beautifully mimics the appeal of genuine timber at a fraction of the price. Designs like Bois Ribbon 23.77 in. x 47.25 in. Matte Gray Porcelain Deco Wall and Floor Tile add tons of texture and will transcend the years.
2. Re-work classic ceramic subway wall tiles
Orient ceramic subway tiles on their heads for an orderly and modern finish. If you like, you can go for a herringbone pattern to add dynamic movement to the room. Our customers’ favorite, Antiek 2.58 in. x 7.9 in. Glossy Black Ceramic Subway Wall and Floor Tile, will weave in a dramatic punch wherever it is placed.
3. Add texture and depth with sculptural 3D tiles
The trend of three-dimensional accent wall designs is still on the rise, adding tactility to rooms big and small. We are sure you’ll love the look of our White 12.6-in x 24.6-in Matte Porcelain Wall and Floor Deco Tile. It creates an interplay of light and shadow with its wave-like incisions, while its white coloring harmonizes with different styles of materials and fittings.
4. Go big, bold, and elegant with large marble tiles
Living room accent wall ideas in marble tile never fail to make an impression. Its pronounced veining patterns and unique tonal variation are simply a sight for sore eyes. Case in point: Splendor 23.62 in. x 47.25 in. Polished Blue Porcelain Rectangular Wall and Floor Tile. It will instantly imbue your interiors with charm and individuality.
5. Create a feature with geometric black-and-white tiles
A classic palette reimagined in interesting patterns can turn a room from mundane to oh-so-inspiring! Entryway, living room, or bedroom accent wall ideas in our Siena 5.35 in. x 5.35 in. Matte Gray Ceramic Cross-Shaped Wall and Floor Tile are a statement-making black and white feature and pair nicely with modern light fixtures and contemporary furnishings.
6. Take it back with vintage-inspired mirror glass tiles
No better way to embrace the opulence of vintage Victorian style than with Apollo Tile’s antique mirror tiles! The Arrow 11.8 in. x 12.6 in. Polished White Eastern White and Glass Mosaic Wall Tile has an enthralling pattern combining marble with glass. It’s the ideal entryway floor-to-ceiling wall finish that makes a memorable first impression.
7. Infuse artisanal character with Moroccan Zellige tiles
Ever wanted to bring the enchanting flair of Moroccan craftsmanship but don’t know where to start? Handmade Zellige tile is a delightful choice with its rich coloration, lustrous glazing, and complete distinctiveness. Fireplace or bedroom accent wall ideas with Antiek 2.58 in. x 7.9 in. Glossy Blue Ceramic Subway Wall Tile exudes a contemporary sophistication that’s truly one of a kind.
8. Use a trim between juxtaposing patterns or textures
Designing a wall accent of varying patterns or textures creates a room with subtle nuance. A transitional trim, such as pencil tile, can be used to switch from one laying pattern or texture to another seamlessly. For instance, grid squares with an inlay of diagonal squares or a flat finish to a textured finish. To maintain cohesion, opt for the same tiling material and matching trim.
How to Choose the Best Accent Wall Colors
Color has the power to dramatically alter the mood and ambiance of the room. Oceanic blues and greens can establish a calming environment, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can have an invigorating effect, while deeply saturated hues such as dark crimson and black add a luxe touch. The following tips will help in selecting the right color for your accent wall design:
- Assess the colors already present in the room: The best accent wall colors complement rather than detract from other décor elements. Here, you can opt for a tone that draws from what already exists in the room to ensure cohesion throughout. This could be a piece of furniture, textile, or rug.
- Evaluate the room’s overall style: Take a step back and take in the room’s aesthetic. Do you prefer contrasting tile for a dramatic effect or a complementary shade for a sense of balance? A sleek, solid color can work well with a modern sensibility, while wood accent wall ideas would be ideal in a rustic interior setting.
- Consider the size of the room: The room size can help you determine the best accent wall color. A small space will benefit from lighter shades to brighten and open it up. They also serve as the perfect backdrop for showcasing furniture, artwork, and decorative pieces. A darker tile color can pull in an expansive room, making it feel elegant and cozy.
- Enliven a quiet neutral color scheme: If your room features a lot of neutral tones, bold and daring accent wall design ideas can add vibrancy and striking contrast.
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Ground an already vibrant scheme: Conversely, if your interior space houses colorful items, subtler accent wall ideas might work better.
Before committing to a color, order samples of your favorite tiles online to see how they interact with the room’s décor elements, lighting, and ambiance. This way, you can avoid going for tiles that look great on screen but don’t quite fit the design you envision for your space.
Conclusion
To sum up, accent wall designs can help establish the room’s focal point and inject personality. This can be achieved through tile in a vivid color, catchy pattern, or distinct texture. Choose one of the ideas above, and you’re sure to incite intrigue and give a unique touch to your interior setting. At Apollo Tile, we make adding a captivating visual moment a walk in the park. From classic subway tile to elaborate multi-shaped tile, shop your perfect match today and bring those dreamy ideas to life!
FAQ
1. Which wall in the living room should be the accent wall?
In most cases, the accent wall is the wall you wish to draw the eye to. It could also be an architectural feature you want to accentuate such as the fireplace or an alcove.
2. How many shades darker should an accent wall be?
An accent wall tile can be a few shades lighter or darker than the rest of the room, depending on the look you’re aiming for. Lighter accent wall ideas will brighten and open up the space, while darker tiles stand out more and make the room’s elements recede into the background.
3. Should accent wall tile match flooring tile?
If you're using a darker hue or a bold pattern, a good approach is to keep flooring neutral to avoid visual overwhelm. For instance, a vivid blue tile pairs well with light beige or soft gray flooring.
4. Glossy or matte finish: which is better for an accent wall?
Choosing between matte and glossy is a matter of personal preference. Glossy tile catches and reflects light, which, in turn, brightens the room and creates a sense of space. In contrast, matte tile has a flat, non-shiny appearance that lends a more refined and laid-back feel.
5. What is the best tile color for bedroom accent wall ideas?
Restful yet impactful earthy tones such as warm olive green, vintage brown, and slate blue can completely change the entire feel of the bedroom. Moody colors, too, like plum, deep red, and dark taupe, can impart a cocooning effect that pulls the room in and crafts an intimate setting.
6. Is an accent tile wall in the shower outdated or trendy?
When done right, an accent wall can be a stunning feature in the shower. It can visually add height and width depending on tile orientation. If you’re going for a darker color, it’s best to keep the rest of the room muted to maintain a sense of harmony.
7. What tile accent wall styles make a room seem bigger?
Going for a soft neutral that still stands out from the rest of the room can create a spacious, brighter, and airy room interior.
