Depending on the look of the wood and the landscape of the area, a wood accent wall works to add warmth, dimension, and earthiness to a space. There are many options nowadays that bring back the nostalgia of 1970s wood paneling while also revamping this design concept for modern homes.
If you're someone who is eco-conscious and looking to incorporate more sustainable decor options, a reclaimed wood accent wall is a great way to add some natural texture to a space. For those with a rustic farmhouse style living room, a whitewashed wood feature wall feels both relaxed and inviting. For functionality, an expansive wooden bookshelf wall that goes from the floor to the ceiling gives the room a classic look with extra storage.
Our design experts will take you through everything related to wood accent walls below, including if they're still in style and how difficult they are to install.
Reclaimed Wood Feature Wall
To create a rustic, eco-friendly atmosphere, consider a reclaimed wood accent wall. Ideal for living or dining areas, it pairs well with mixed wooden textures and simple furniture. The image showcases a varied wooden wall, metal shelves, round tables, and chairs, giving the space warmth and personality. Feel free to mix different types of wood and add plants for a cozy touch.
Horizontal Shiplap Wall
Achieve a classic, clean look with a horizontal shiplap wall. Ideal for bedrooms, this simple design enhances any decor style. The image features a serene bedroom with a black iron bed frame, white bedding, striped cushions, and minimalist furniture. Opt for white paint to create a harmonious, airy ambiance, and add accent pillows or soft lighting for a cozy touch.
Vertical Wood Planks
For a visually taller space, install vertical wood planks as an accent wall. Perfect for living rooms, choose a monochromatic or contrasting color scheme. The image shows a blue-walled living room with brown leather furniture and plants, giving it an inviting atmosphere. Combine the vertical planks with soft lighting and natural elements to create a relaxing, stylish space.
Herringbone Wood Wall
Add interest to your living room, bedroom, or entryway with a herringbone-patterned wood accent wall. The image depicts a cozy bedroom with a carved wooden headboard, light wood paneling, and wicker accents. Incorporate a herringbone pattern with different wood shades for a dramatic effect, and add natural elements like plants or wicker furniture to enhance the warm, rustic vibe.
Wood Slat Wall
For a modern, textured accent wall, install evenly spaced wooden slats or vary the gaps dynamically. The image features a cozy bathroom with a wooden sink set, mirror, and bathtub. Ideal for bathrooms, customize the wood slats on your wall to create an organic, warm feel. Add a potted plant and soft lighting for an inviting atmosphere.
Chevron Wood Wall
Introduce a contemporary touch with a striking chevron-patterned wood accent wall. Suitable for living, dining, or bedrooms, the image presents a stylish room with a wooden chevron wall, pink bedside table, and modern furniture. Choose natural elements, like plants and a mix of muted colors, to emphasize the warm, comfortable ambiance. Pair with colorful accents to create visual interest.
Geometric Wood Wall
Create a bold, modern accent wall with a custom geometric wooden pattern. Experiment with shapes, sizes, and colors in your living room. The image showcases a sleek living room with a fireplace, white couches, wooden wall, and natural elements. Achieve a clean, minimalist aesthetic with an emphasis on wood and plants, and add contemporary lighting for additional dimension.
Wooden Wall Art
Add unique character to a plain wall with a large-scale wooden wall art piece. Choose a design that complements your room's color scheme and style. In the cozy living room image, wooden furniture pieces create warmth, with a large mirror reflecting the window light. Try a piece of wooden wall art to enhance your space and pair with natural elements like plants for an inviting feel.
Stained Wood Wall
Customize your space with a warm, inviting stained wood accent wall. Experiment with different stains and application techniques to accentuate your existing decor. The image displays a modern dining room with wooden walls, a glass door, and black dining chairs. Enhance the warm atmosphere with natural light and plants, and don't be afraid to showcase your unique taste with wall decorations.
Whitewashed Wood Wall
Create a distressed, coastal look with a whitewashed wooden accent wall. Achieve texture and character while maintaining a light, airy feel. The image shows a cozy living room with a white couch, wooden coffee table, and floor. Opt for whitewashed planks in your living room, adding soft lighting and complementing natural elements to create a comfortable yet sophisticated space.
Wooden Wall Mural
To create a bold statement in your living room or bedroom, consider installing a large wooden wall mural that reflects your personal style and tells a story. Recommended spaces include common areas like living rooms or even bedrooms for a unique aesthetic touch. Opt for complementary or contrasting wood finishes, and enhance the look with cozy furniture and soft lighting for an inviting ambiance.
Pallet Wood Wall
For an affordable, environmentally-friendly option, upcycle wooden pallets to create a rustic accent wall. This idea works well in living rooms and bedrooms, with a modern or eclectic style. Disassemble pallets, sand, and stain or paint the wood before installing them to achieve a customized look. Pair with unique artwork and cozy furniture to complete the space.
Wooden Wall Panels
Upgrade your interior design with decorative wooden wall panels, adding sophistication and texture. Most suitable for living rooms and bedrooms, this idea complements either traditional or modern aesthetics. Choose from various styles such as carved or embossed, and balance the look with comfortable furniture and minimal decor to emphasize the intricate panel designs.
3D Wood Wall
Incorporate a 3D effect into your living room or bedroom design with wood planks or tiles of varying depths, adding dimension and visual interest. This contemporary idea pairs well with minimalist or modern decor styles. Use clean lines and a small selection of tasteful furnishings to fully showcase the wall's unique features.
Framed Wood Wall
Elevate your wood accent wall by framing it with molding for a refined look. This idea works in most rooms, including living and dining spaces. Select a frame style and color that complements your wood choice and overall design scheme. To enhance the elegance, arrange sophisticated furniture and simplistic decor within the room.
Wooden Lattice Wall
Introduce a delicate, intricate wooden lattice wall as an accent piece in your living room or bedroom. The design suits virtually any decor style and can be customized with paint or stain. Add an airy touch to the space with soft-hued furniture, and consider subtle lighting solutions to emphasize the lattice's delicate features.
Two-Toned Wood Wall
Add depth and visual interest to your bedroom or living space by creating a two-toned wood accent wall with different shades or colors of wood planks. This functional design works well with contemporary and eclectic styles. Complete the look with a mix of complementary furniture, and consider adding a statement piece like a sliding barn door.
Wooden Bookshelf Wall
Maximize functionality and style by installing a floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelf wall in your study or living room. Choose a design that complements your room's style and provides ample storage. Furnish the space with comfortable seating and warm lighting for an inviting reading nook or study area.
Wooden Fireplace Surround
Enhance the cozy factor in your living room with a wooden fireplace surround or mantel, adding a rustic touch to your space. Opt for wood types and finishes that complement your decor, and arrange comfortable seating nearby for a perfect gathering spot. Accessorize with complementary or contrasting artwork to define the aesthetic.
Wooden Beams
For an architectural touch in larger rooms with high ceilings, add wooden beams to plain walls. This idea works best in open-plan living spaces or kitchens, and can be customized with paint or stain. Incorporate furniture with clean lines and ample natural light to create a bright and airy environment.
Wooden Wainscoting
Enhance elegance in dining rooms or living areas with wooden wainscoting. Opt for a height and finish that complements your room's design. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for gatherings, as seen in the photo with a wooden dining table, chairs, and warm lighting from a chandelier.
Mixed Material Wall
Add intrigue to your living room with a mixed-material wall, combining wood, metal, and stone. This creates visual interest and depth, as seen in the stylish scene featuring a brick wall, metal screen, leather chair, and wooden floors to elevate your space.
Wooden Room Divider
Partition open-concept homes with a wooden room divider for added style and privacy. The image showcases an airy living area separated by wooden slats, giving the modern space a harmonious blend of natural materials and contemporary elements—perfect for open living.
Wall-Mounted Wooden Shelves
Incorporate wall-mounted wooden shelves for a functional, stylish accent wall. Choose a design that complements your space, as seen in the photo of a modern home's living room with book-lined wooden shelves, adding an intellectual touch while showcasing stunning outdoor views.
Wooden Wall Sculpture
Make a statement with a large wooden wall sculpture. Opt for an artistic piece that elevates your room's aesthetic, as shown in the elegant scene featuring a gold chandelier, wooden shelf, and refined furnishings, perfect for those seeking sophistication in their interiors.
Wooden Headboard Wall
Create a cozy, inviting bedroom with a custom wooden headboard wall. Ensure the design complements your bed and overall room style for a unified look, as shown in the cozy bedroom image featuring a wooden headboard and warm lighting from wall lamps.
Wooden Accent Wall Nook
Transform a small, unused space into a cozy nook with a wood accent wall. Add seating, lighting, and decor for a functional retreat, as seen in the Japanese-style bedroom where a checkered bed and a window seat create a calming, tranquil space for relaxation.
Wooden Wall Clock
Incorporate a large wooden wall clock as a functional, stylish accent. Choose a design that acts as a focal point and matches your room's aesthetic, as seen in the modern living space where the sunburst pattern wall clock ties the bedroom/living area together.
Wooden Wall Sconces
Install wooden wall sconces to create warm, ambient lighting in your space. Enhance your wood accent wall with complementary designs, as shown in the minimalist bathroom, where the combination of wood, blue tiles, and sleek white material results in a calm, serene atmosphere.
Wooden Photo Gallery
Showcase memories in a wooden photo gallery on your accent wall. Choose wood-frame layouts and styles that complement your room's design, as seen in the cozy living room featuring wooden shutters, comfortable seating, and framed photos on the wall, creating a warm, inviting ambiance.
Caroline Patterson
Caroline is a young, New York-based interior designer and home decor writer, obsessed with textiles and designer furniture. Backed with rigorous training from a prestigious design school, as well as a profound understanding of material quality and fabric care, she offers spot-on advice on how to furnish your place with reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.
