With the rise of remote work comes complete freedom to design your workspace. You get to pick your desk, use a comfy chair, and decorate with plants and picture frames, yet the room is still missing "something." This is where an accent wall comes in - the one interior design trend that never goes out of style.
An accent wall means highlighting a single wall to make it the focal point of the room. Since all office spaces are different, there's no hard and fast rule for which wall is best to accent. You can choose an entrance-facing wall for a remarkable first impression. Or, work with architectural features you already have, such as a built-in bookshelf or alcove. Another option is to place your accent wall behind your desk if your job involves a lot of virtual meetings. Don't know where to start? Keep scrolling to discover all the many ways to make an office accent wall.
Bold Geometric Shapes
To energize your workspace, opt for an accent wall with bold geometric shapes in your office. Best suited for contemporary interiors, experiment with contrasting colors using triangles or squares. Incorporate a wooden easel, potted plants, and statement furniture. Use painter's tape for a unique design and striking effect.
Go for a Mural
Express your personality with a mural accent wall in your office. Perfect for eclectic or bohemian spaces, select themes like city skylines or nature. Enhance the atmosphere by adding cozy furniture, musical instruments, and floral accents. Coordinate decor with the mural's colors for a cohesive look.
Use Wallpaper
Transform your office with wallpaper, adding texture, pattern, and color. Ideal for vintage or modern aesthetics, choose bold prints in neutral tones or subtle patterns in bright colors. Complement the wallpaper with a well-organized desk, comfortable chair, and wicker accents for a welcoming space.
Add Wood Panels
Invite warmth and texture into your office with wood panels. Suitable for rustic or modern spaces, choose between an accent wall or a full room treatment. Complete the look with beige furnishings, wooden accents, and tasteful artwork for a sophisticated atmosphere.
Use a Bold Color
Make a statement in a small office by painting one wall a vibrant hue, such as yellow, red, or blue. Ideal for contemporary or eclectic styles, balance the boldness with neutral decor and white furniture. Introduce pops of the chosen color throughout the room for a cohesive appearance.
Hang Artwork
Establish a gallery wall in your office with your favorite artwork as an accent. Ideal for artistic or eclectic interiors, choose a neutral base wall color or a bold hue for added impact. Adorn your office with rustic furniture, cowhide rugs, and personal touches for an inspiring space.
Try a Textured Wall
Enhance your office using a textured accent wall, such as plaster, stucco, or faux brick. Best for industrial or modern spaces, select subtle or bold colors to create a statement. Complement the texture with brown leather furnishings, wooden accents, and ample natural light for an appealing workspace.
Use a Metallic Finish
Incorporate glamour and sophistication in your office with a metallic accent wall. Ideal for luxurious or classic interiors, opt for gold, silver, or bronze finishes. Echo the metallic theme with coordinating decor and plush, elegant furniture for a cohesive and opulent atmosphere.
Add a Wainscoting
To add character and refinement to your home office, consider installing elegant wainscoting. Ideal for traditional or eclectic spaces, it can be painted in a contrasting color for emphasis. Incorporate a wooden desk and cozy seating, as seen in the photo, to enhance the aesthetic. For a cohesive look, match your furniture finish to the wainscoting.
Create a Gallery Wall
Spruce up your home office by curating a dynamic gallery wall of cherished photos, prints, and artwork. Particularly suitable for modern and eclectic interiors, use a neutral wall color to set off your well-mixed frames. As seen in the photo, include a wooden desk, comfortable office chair, and a statement rug to enrich the space and create a cozy atmosphere.
Use a Stencil
Add a personalized touch to your workspace with a stencil design that suits your taste. Florals or geometric patterns work well in contemporary or eclectic spaces. Use a contrasting color to make the stencil pop, as shown in the image's bright, inviting environment. Complement the design with an organized wooden desk, modern iMac computer, and a variety of decor for added charm.
Try a Striped Wall
Introduce visual intrigue to your office by creating a striped accent wall. Ideal for contemporary or eclectic spaces, use painter's tape for precision, and opt for thick or thin stripes in a contrasting color. As depicted in the photo, the black and white striped wall pairs beautifully with a sleek desk and pops of pink decor for a cozy, inviting feel.
Use a Neutral Texture
Create an inviting, sophisticated office space with a neutral textured accent wall. Linen, burlap, or grasscloth wallpapers are excellent choices for various design styles. The room in the photo demonstrates how a beige textured backdrop nicely complements understated decor, wooden furniture, a cozy lamp, and minimal artwork to create a soothing atmosphere.
Add a Stone Wall
Infuse your office with warmth and depth through a stone accent wall. Stone veneers or faux panelling are easy-to-install, affordable alternatives. As seen in the image, the stone wall pairs perfectly with a black leather office chair, a sleek desk, and pops of color from a vibrant rug and floral arrangements. The neutral base color helps to accentuate the stone's texture and warmth.
Use a Bold Wallpaper
Revitalize your small office space with a statement-making wallpaper in graphic or colorful prints. Suitable for modern and eclectic interiors, balance the boldness with neutral decor. The featured image reveals how a chic black and white wavy wall design transforms the living room into a cozy, well-lit environment for work and relaxation.
Paint a Color Block Wall
Introduce an interesting visual element to your office with color blocking. Select two or three complementary colors, using painter's tape to create a seamlessly segmented wall. The lively pink and blue accent wall in the image makes a striking statement, softened by the room's neutral and black furniture and the pops of pink throughout the decor.
Create a Textured Mural
Make a statement in your office with a textured mural. Opt for a 3D or mixed media design that suits your style and complements your neutral decor. The photo displays a soothing office setting featuring a warm earth-tone mural, tasteful lighting, and plush leather seating that promotes relaxation and productivity.
Use a Rustic Finish
Add warmth and charm to your office with a rustic finish. Distressed or weathered surfaces evoke a vintage vibe, with neutral decor beautifully accentuating the natural textures. The featured image shows a contemporary yet rustic workspace with wooden wall planks, a modern black desk lamp, and a mix of black chairs for an inviting atmosphere.
Add a Cork Wall
To elevate the functionality of your office space, a cork wall can be added as a bulletin board to pin inspiration and notes. This suits a variety of spaces and styles, with a wooden desk and neutral colors to highlight the cork. Consider vibrant accessories like a green chair and pendant light for additional charm.
Create a Ombre Wall
Add a captivating ombre wall to your office using shades of the same color for a gradient effect that complements a range of spaces. Position a contemporary desk and chair, with metallic accent pieces like a brass table lamp. Balance the look with neutral decor and wooden elements.
Use a Wallpaper Mural
Infuse personality into your office space with a wallpaper mural that resonates with your interests. Ideal for modern and minimalist workspaces, keep the remaining decor neutral and accessorize with functional office supplies and ergonomic chairs, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic.
Paint a Faux Finish
A faux finish, such as marble or wood, brings depth and interest to your office accent wall. Emphasize its charm with a wooden desk, bicycle accents for the cycling enthusiast, and a neutral base wall color. Add a touch of warmth with antique items like an old camera.
Add a Brick Wall
Introduce a textural brick accent wall to your office space, perfect for modern, professional environments. Complement the wall with black furniture, desk, and minimalist decor. Enhance the space with dim lighting from hanging lamps, computer monitors, and wall light sources.
Create a Polka Dot Wall
Incorporate a playful polka dot wall in your office for a lighthearted touch. Pair the wall with a white desk, blush pink chairs, and a complementing shelf with potted plants. Complete the whimsical setting with a multi-colored flower arrangement for optimal visual appeal.
Use a Metallic Accent
Elevate your office with sophisticated metallic accents, like a gold starburst chandelier or gold-framed desk. The adjoining living area can incorporate cheetah prints and a large houseplant for an extra dash of glamour. Ideal for chic and elegant spaces, use soft tones of pink and white to balance the metallic look.
Add a Beadboard Wall
Beadboard walls add uniqueness to your office space, easily installed with paneling or wallpaper. Create a captivating setting with contrasting colors, a wooden desk, and chairs in natural materials like rattan or wicker. Accessorize with framed prints, potted plants, and seashell decor for a tropical feel.
Create a Tapestry Wall
Enhance your office with a tapestry wall that reflects your personality and interests. Ideal for cozy, inviting spaces, combine the tapestry with modern furniture including a white desk, tan leather chair, and computer equipment. Amplify its charm with decorative elements like potted plants and owl figurines.
Use a Dramatic Hue
Transform your office with a dramatic hue like navy, forest green, or burgundy. Ideal for sleek spaces, offset bold colors with neutral decor and black furniture. Incorporate iconic pieces like the Eames lounge chair and polished brass fixtures for a sophisticated, polished look.
Eliza Bush
Eliza is a creative interior designer who swears by the power of sleek interiors and quality furniture to transform daily personal and professional life. With a B.Sc. in interior design from Philadelphia University and a well trained eye for craftsmanship, she offers unparalleled advice on how to arrange your space to make it sophisticated, comfortable, and functional, whether it’s the office or bedroom.
