The Top 80+ Best Accent Wall Ideas – Home and Design
An accent wall can change the look and feel of a room. Try one of these incredible ideas to create a focal point in your home.
Painting all of your walls the same color is boring. Having an accent wall can create a bold statement and a focal point in the room. The old school method of creating an accent wall is to paint one of the walls a second color. But with today’s modern design trends, there are plenty of other options available.
Consider one of these accent wall ideas for your home. Choosing the right accent can enhance the overall feel of your home, whether it be rustic, elegant, playful, or modern.
See more about - The Top 52 Wall Decor Ideas
1. Brick or Stone Accent Wall Ideas
Adding a brick or stone accent wall to your room can add texture, neutral color, and warmth to the room. It’s perfect for creating a rustic feel. There are three ways you can go about adding this type of accent wall.
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The first way is to expose the stone or brick used in the construction of your home. You can expose it on one wall and create an authentic accent wall. Embrace the imperfections and authenticity of the bricks and stone.
If your home isn’t brick or stone, another way to create the look is with either faux brick or wallpaper. Both of these let you create a realistic look without the expense of using actual bricks or stone.
Faux brick and stone come as a series of panels made of cement board. The high-quality versions of faux panels come with patterns to create a realistic look. Some only require adhesive, and others require thinset to mount the panels on the wall.
If this is too much work, the easiest way is to use a wallpaper printed with a brick wall or stone pattern instead. While it will lack the texture and three-dimensional aspect that the faux panels have, it’ll still give you the same visual effect.
2. Geometric Pattern Accent Wall Ideas
If you like the idea of an accent wall, but want something subtler, try geometric accenting. This is a modern take on wainscoting. You’ll use thin wood strips to create a geometric pattern across the entire wall.
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What’s nice about this is that you can paint the wall any accent color you want and still create the geometric pattern. So you could have a bold and bright color or a black accent wall.
You don’t have to get fancy with the design; a simple square pattern is achievable by anyone. Place evenly spaced rows both horizontally and vertically across the wall. For something slightly more elegant, you can place these two sets of rows at 45-degree angles to create a diamond pattern.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the shapes you make. You could create lines going in multiple directions. This will create a variety of geometric shapes.
When creating your shapes, consider the size of the wall. The width of the wood trim strips that you use needs to be proportional. The same goes for the size of the geometric shapes you create with the strips.
If you have art you’d like to hang, you can create subtle “frames” around each piece to create a gallery wall effect. If you plan to do this, keep the accent wall color neutral so that it doesn’t conflict with the art you’re hanging.
3. Wall Mural & Stencil Accent Wall Ideas
A mural is a great way to create an impressive focal point in a room. The most common place for a mural is in a child’s bedroom or playroom. But this isn’t the only place you can use a mural to create a statement wall. They can also look beautiful in your living room, office, hallway, or bathroom.
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If you’re especially creative and crafty, then you could paint the mural yourself. There are also plenty of tutorials online to show you DIY accent wall ideas for murals.
A stencil is even easier to do yourself. Buy a stencil that will create a pattern that you like. Then work in sections across your wall as you tape the stencil, paint, and then move the stencil to the next position.
However, not all of us have the creativity, skills, or time to create a custom mural. Don’t fret, you can still enjoy the benefits of a wall stencil or mural. Some websites sell wallpaper specifically designed to be an accent wall. You’ll select the size of your wall, and they’ll show you what your mural will look like. All you’ll have to do is install the wallpaper in the correct order.
4. Painted Wall Accent Ideas
The easiest way to breathe life into a plain white wall is to paint it. The best part about painting an accent wall is that you only need enough paint for a single wall and not the entire room. Think about the color scheme of the room when deciding on your paint color.
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The simplest approach is to paint the entire accent wall one color. But this isn’t your only option when it comes to painting your feature wall. Another simple option is to create stripes. They could be wide and few of them or skinny and numerous.
If you’re painting an accent wall in your master bedroom, you could paint a shape on the wall to frame your headboard. This could be a larger rectangle or a half-circle creating a halo effect around your bed.
One creative option is to create geometric shapes with paint. A simple method is to take masking tape and create your desired shapes. Then paint the empty spaces around the tape with different paint colors. Finish by pulling the tape off and enjoying your new wall.
If you decide to create vertical or horizontal lines, be sure to use a level. This will ensure you have straight and level lines. If your lines are off, this will become even more noticeable once you’ve painted.
5. Sticker or Decal Accent Wall Ideas
Decals and stickers are easy, quick, and temporary accent wall ideas for creating a beautiful focal point. Both are made out of vinyl material with adhesive on the back. To install them, you’ll peel the paper backing off of the decals and stick them onto the wall. You’ll need to smooth them out by rubbing from the center outward to push the air bubbles out.
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There are thousands of decal options ranging from large designs that take up the entire wall to small one inch dots. They come in every color possible and come in themes from geometric to floral and everything in between.
Don’t be afraid to be creative in how you apply your decals and stickers. You could take a systematic approach and evenly place the decals across the wall to create a pattern. Or you could take a free form approach and randomly place them on the wall for a scattered look.
6. Textured Accent Wall Ideas
Textured walls create a subtle effect on your wall. They add detail to the decor of the room without taking away from the other features of the room. This makes an excellent option for dining rooms, where the focus of the room is the table.
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The other great thing about a textured wall is that you can easily hang wall decor on the wall without it looking too cluttered or busy.
The easiest way to create texture on the wall is to use a three-dimensional tile. Another option is to use premade wall panels. You’ll mount them on the wall in a similar manner as the faux brick and stone panels. A third option is to use concrete. This could be either a natural texture or one that’s molded into shapes.
7. Tile Accent Wall Ideas
You may find that some of the other accent wall ideas on this list won’t work well in a bathroom. The increased humidity can have a negative effect on your accent wall application. This is when tile becomes the ideal choice. Keep your other tile choice neutral and then choose one wall to create a bold pattern. You could do this with either a bold color or tile.
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You could choose one wall of your shower to create the accent. This will add detail and interest to the shower, which makes it the focal point of the bathroom.
If the shower is less than attractive, then consider making the vanity wall the accent wall. This wall typically isn’t tiled, so tiling it will make it stand out even more.
You aren’t limited to the bathroom when it comes to using tile. If you have a fireplace, consider using tile around it. This will enhance this natural focal point of the room. Start the tile on the floor and extend it up the living room wall to the ceiling.
8. Wall Paneling Accent Wall Ideas
Having a natural wood accent wall can add warmth and natural color to your room. It also creates natural texture from the grain in the wood. The easiest wood paneling to install is shiplap. This comes in sheets and has the look of multiple long planks of wood with a slight gap between each plank.
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You can also create a wood wall from reclaimed wood. This will add more color and variety.
If you want to create a less rustic look, consider using high-quality wood or paint. You should also try mounting the wood in a more artful design. A herringbone pattern can elevate the look of your wood wall for a modern or luxury home.
9. Wallpaper Accent Wall Ideas
Modern wallpaper today is nothing like the messy stuff of yesteryears. The process is easier and goes smoother. There’s even temporary wallpaper that sticks to the wall and removes easily later on.
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What’s nice about modern wallpaper is that the colors are more vibrant, and the printing is sharper. There are repeating patterns and modern mural style patterns and everything in between.
You can use wallpaper in any room in the house. For example, try creating a bedroom accent wall behind the headboard of your bed.
Or create an accent wall in your bathroom if your toilet is in a separate area that sees less moisture. The wall behind your couch in the living room is another perfect wall for wallpaper.
Accent Wall FAQs
How do I choose which wall I should make the accent?
There are three things you need to consider when choosing your accent wall; focal point, symmetry, and inside corners. Think about where your eye naturally travels in the room. The wall where your eye goes naturally is a good choice. Next, consider the symmetry of that wall. It needs to have a balance for it to look good visually. Finally, make sure where you start and stop colors is on the inside corner. This will make it look purposeful.
Can I have multiple accent walls in my house?
Of course, you can! Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t be able to see multiple accent walls at the same time. This defeats the purpose. Another thing to think about is the decor in the rest of the room. There might be a different focal point in there already. You don’t want an accent wall to take away from that.
Can I make my accent wall functional?
You can use paint to create a chalkboard wall in your kitchen or gym. It will look like a black wall, but you can use chalk on it like you would a chalkboard. You can then write notes, recipes, a shopping list, or gym progress. The great part about this kind of accent wall is that you can erase it and start over. This makes your accent wall both functional and beautiful.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
