10 Accent Wall Paint Colors That Will Freshen Up Any Space, According to Designers

From muted yellows to moody blues, these expert-approved shades make a big impact.

If you have an awkwardly sized or bare wall on your hands, consider it a design opportunity—you just need the right paint color. Accent walls can add a level of dimension to your space without having to go all in on a bolder hue.

And if you don't want to go bold, that's OK—accent walls can be in the same general color family as the rest of the room. "Typically, we think of accent walls as bold pops of color, but they don't always need to starkly contrast with your other walls," says Erika Woelfel, the vice president of color and creative services at Behr. "Consider choosing a shade that's just one to two shades lighter or darker than the others for a modern and monochromatic look."

Contemplating an accent wall in your home? We asked the pros about their favorite colors that add a little personality to a room.

Related: 17 Beautiful Accent Wall Ideas, From Wallpaper to Paneling

Deep Olive Green

Hone in on earthy tones for your accent wall color with a deep olive green. "Deep olive green is a dramatic yet elegant color that can create a visually striking focal point in any room while being on trend in 2024," says Charlotte Granville, a home remodeling specialist at Fixr.com. "This shade makes for a great accent wall color as it is nature-inspired, giving off a sense of tranquility."

Bold, Bright Oranges or Pinks

Love a bright burst of color, but don't want to saturate your whole room? Paint one wall with a bright shade, instead. "Bold colors allow homeowners to really express their personality," says Granville. "Accent walls mean you can add this splash of color without overpowering the space. Colors such as orange or pink can spark life into interior design, without the whole room’s design having to commit to them."

Taupe

You might not think of taupe as an accent wall color, but hear us out. "Although more of a subtle statement, it pairs well with a warm white on the rest of the walls to create an inviting and cohesive feel to the space," Granville says.

Related: How to Pick a Paint Color the Right Way

Soft Rose Pinks

Light, rosy pink—like the Farrow & Ball Middleton Pink shown here—is a lovely touch when used as an accent wall color. "Lighter hues, such as lavender or soft rose, promote a sense of calmness and are sublime choices for areas of relaxation," says Abhi Madan, co-founder and creative director of Amarra.

Mellow Yellow

If you're searching for a paint color that makes a subtle statement on an accent wall, Woelfel says to look no further than a sunny, neutral shade of yellow. "A warm yellow, like Behr's Charismatic PPU6-14, instantly energizes a space without being too bright," she says. "It works especially well in areas of your home that receive plenty of natural light."

Moody Blues

Blue is a foolproof way to elevate the ambiance of a space. "Naval SW 6244, is a deep, moody navy that's a great option if you want to try painting your ceiling or another accent wall," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

She notes that blue makes for a particularly good bedroom accent wall idea. "From creating a cozy retreat in your bedroom to adding a bit of visual interest in a spare [guest room], there's no way to go wrong with this timeless shade," she says.

Jewel Tones

According to Annie Sloan, creator of Chalk Paint, an eye-catching jewel tone can make a big impact on an accent wall. "A beautiful, rich shade, such as Napoleonic Blue or Amsterdam Green, is bold, but neither clamorous nor demanding," she says. "These shades have all the calming, recessive, contemplative qualities of cool hues—but with a pop of energy and boldness."

Related: 18 Bedroom Paint Colors That Will Turn Your Space Into a Haven

Gray

Depending on the color scheme of the rest of the space, gray can be a wonderfully versatile accent wall color. "Grey can both be a very calming color and one that carries a sense of elegance and luxury," says Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters of North Shore. "Grey accent walls can help provide this sense of calm elegance in a way that doesn't feel 'too' grey. I have found that grey is a color that tends to go well with just about any other color, so a grey accent wall can work really well in conjunction with many different color schemes."

Pale Purple

If you thought pastels only looked good in powder rooms, then Wadden says to think again. "A playful pastel purple, like Elation SW 6827 by Sherwin-Williams, adds a subtle hint of color but isn't overwhelming—it's perfect for a living space with long or tall walls to add a wink of personality," she says.

Related: 19 Kitchen Color Combinations to Inspire Your Next Renovation or Refresh

Gray-Green

Dreaming of an accent wall idea that look both modern and classic at the same time? Wadden suggests a sleek shade of silvery green, such as Pewter Green SW 6208 by Sherwin-Williams. "Use it on built-ins or other architectural features, like wainscoting or paneling, to highlight their unique features," she says.

To help set a calming tone for a space, Woelfel recommends painting an accent wall a rich, but earthy shade of gray-green, like North Woods by Behr.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.