11 Simple Ways to Avoid Dark Accent Wall Regrets

Published: September 7, 2023

Updated: November 22, 2023

Dark accent walls can evoke strong feelings when used in your interior design, so they can be a very tempting design choice when planning your next style update. Adding a deep layer of color to the walls behind a bed, couch, or vanity seems like a foolproof idea in a world of light and airy spaces. This design is modern and stylish and an easy way to incorporate rich, dark tones into your home’s color palette.

In reality, choosing the right color and sheen is a commitment, and there are various nuances to consider. I am here to share the experiences of others who have taken the leap into using dark accent walls and report on their experience, both the good and the bad. Let me help you decide with certainty whether this is an element that will enhance your home or leave you wishing dark paint didn’t require so many coats in order to restore to a lighter palette. Read on to dive into what others have to about their dark accent wall regrets and successes!

01 of A Little Thing Called Dust

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antoniamariec_home

I do not know anyone on earth who finds dust to be a welcome visitor in their home. It works itself into the cracks and crevices of our favorite furniture pieces and bedroom corners. With the ever-so-popular evolution of wall trim, including this gorgeous board and batten wall, it is essential to consider how much dust will collect on the surface of these gorgeous wood pieces.

Kerri, like me, asked herself, “What about the dust?” as she contemplated a navy board and batten accent wall in her son’s room. The overall look, however, is entirely modern and jaw-dropping.

02 of Choosing the Right Finish

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myuncommonsliceofsuburbia

Few homeowners consider just how important choosing the right finish can be for the overall look of your space, especially when DIYing a dark accent wall. Selecting a high-quality paint can affect how professional the finished product appears to the naked eye. This dark gray board and batten wall is chic and modern; however, due to the light exposure, it is apparent where the paint smudged in its application.

Paint with a higher sheen, such as semi-gloss or eggshell, will always display more visible imperfections than paint done in matte or flat. With those sheens, of course, you then need to consider cleanability and durability.

03 of Furniture Contrast

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moellerandco

The greatest design components of this primary suite are the windows that fill the entire space with light and the high tray ceiling. Although the navy board and batten wall behind the bed is a rich blue, the glazed white modern farmhouse furniture set creates a light contrast to lighten the rich, dark color on the wall.

I love a space that can combine the popularity of neutrals with the movement toward deeper color tones. In this environment, furniture selection is everything and I think we can all agree this bedroom emulates some of the greatest interior trends of our day.

04 of Tacky Monochrome

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the_hickory_house

Monochromatic walls and trim are a look you either love or hate. In the eyes of an anonymous source, “total monochrome typically looks tacky.” Personally, I live for it, but there is nothing more complicated than having to change window, floor, and ceiling trim back to a bright white semi-gloss when trends or homeowners change. This modern office area is home to classic, sturdy hardwood floors contrasted by black walls and gold accents. It is, without a doubt, a brave choice and can instantly evoke feelings of regret if not done purposefully and perfectly.

05 of Neutral Linens Are a Must!

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jotitup

Ask anyone who has selected black for a bedroom wall color, and they’ll tell you that white, beige, or cream bedding is absolutely vital to create the necessary contrast. Heather painted her bedroom in a color called Iron Ore, a hue very similar to the one shown here, and stated, “All the linens are white, so it’s not too dark.”

If you’re fearful that your paint selection may be too bold, lighten the scene by purchasing white or neutral pillows, throws, comforters, or even furniture to balance the look.

06 of Confining Spaces

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atthefarmhouse

I adore a textured black wall but tread very carefully with this color in rooms with limited natural light. As Rebecca quickly learned in her bedroom, dark hues like navy “absorbed all the light and [made it so] we couldn’t get dressed.”

Incorporating lighter bedding and furniture can help refract light within the space, but without a decent natural light source, you’ll quickly feel like you’re living in a cave.

07 of Selecting Purposeful Wall Décor

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broadleafclose

Dark accent walls can be stunning on their own, but if you’re going for a more elevated and contemporary appearance, wall decor works wonders. This dark accent wall is the backdrop to a Bohemian paradise that brings so much more life to the entire scope of the room through light-colored abstract artwork, neutral embroidered linens, dreamy plants, and woven materials. I find it tough to regret a deep hue when thoughtfully accessorized with a clear vision and idea.

08 of Purposeful Placement

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snazzylittlethings

In the world of accent walls, placement is everything. I like them to be the focal point of a room, deliberately located for an impactful appearance, whether on a wall of ornate kitchen cabinets or, in this case, a sitting room adjacent to a lovely bay window. The elegant crown molding adds an element of grandeur that I find irreplaceable when working with a deep color palette.

To offset the overwhelming dark gray tones of paint like this, natural brown tones like those found in the woodwork and art piece on the wall are a great contemporary choice in an otherwise traditional sitting room.

09 of Singular Accent Walls – In or Out

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afreshcoatpaintanddesign

A hot debate is floating around the internet as homeowners move away from white, beige, and gray living spaces into rooms with brighter colors and a contemporary vibe. This sparks the great question: Are singular accent walls in or out? A once popular trend that was equivalent to “dating” color instead of “marrying” it, a stand-alone accent wall can cause a lot of regret if not carefully curated. If you ask Ellen, she “did her office and loved it” so much that she’s contemplating painting her entire office the accent color. This is a viable option in our current trends that is gaining a great deal of popularity.

10 of Involving Trim

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casscreateshome

To paint, or not to paint the trim? What about only some of the trim? This is a careful choice to be made with all angles considered. If you look closely, the baseboards and molding remained bright white, but the homeowners painted over the chair rail with deep gray. I think this was a solid decision because monochromatic walls with board and batten, wainscotting, and chair rail are so popular right now amongst interior enthusiasts. This is a win-win in my book, especially beside the bright white windows and beige curtains.

11 of Venturing Into Masculinity

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vaughnhillhome

In the last decade, we have endured many changes in interior trends, from farmhouse to shabby chic. We painted everything, and I mean everything! As classic and contemporary styles work their way back into modern interiors, a rising trend known as masculine decor is gaining significant traction. I think the look is stunning and mature with antique-inspired furniture pieces in dark wood tones, black walls, and bright white trim. This theme is timeless and impressive, but it is not the aesthetic to strive for if feminine spaces are more your vibe since muted colors like this may feel a bit somber in your home. We know it’s not an easy decision to go dark when creating an accent wall in your home. Hopefully, we’ve been able to give you some good ideas to avoid common mistakes in your home while inspiring you to showcase your unique style in any room. After all, your home should reflect you, and a bold, dark accent wall may be exactly what your design needs!