I’ve never met an accent wall I didn’t like. I’ve got multiple accent walls in my home and I love every one of them. They each bring a whole new feel to the space. Accent walls are a great way to bring a little pattern or color into a space without the commitment of wallpaper.
By Jenna LaFevor
| Rain on a Tin Roof
MQ5-05
W-F-600
A while back, I painted my stairwell a crisp white – Snow Fall by BEHR. The stairwell is enclosed on both sides and it needed some definite lightening up. Snow Fall did just that. After a couple months though, I realized the stairwell needed something more.
It seemed to be just a white space of nothingness. This was by far one of the easiest accent walls I’ve ever made, but makes a huge impact on the space.
Start by painting your entire space with BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Satin Enamel paint in Snow Fall and let dry. Be sure to cover your floors with a drop cloth.
Next, be sure all the railings or moldings you are going to paint are clean. Using BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Satin Enamel paint in Limousine Leather, and a paint brush, paint your railings and/or other moldings.
Usually, when you are covering one color with another color on the opposite end of the spectrum (like I did covering white with black), you can bet on a minimum of two coats - sometimes three. MARQUEE covers anything in one coat. It’s a huge time saver.
For the next part of this project, you’ll see that I had to be on a really tall ladder. I’m not a fan of those. That was another reason I went with MARQUEE – I didn’t have to be on the ladder for longer than I wanted to be.
Now comes the fun part - the accent wall!
I promise--you can’t mess this up! I opted to "frame" in my accent wall. I was worried that if I didn’t contain it somewhat, it might take over the whole space, which I didn’t want.
To create a "frame", first run painter’s tape all along the inside edges of the wall you are turning into an accent wall, then run another line of painter’s tape 1" out from the tape you first applied. Use a craft knife to clean up the edges of the tape.
Run a fingernail or credit card firmly along the tape edges to seal it, then using BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Eggshell Enamel paint in Limousine Leather, paint between your tape strips.
Remove the painter’s tape immediately after applying your last coat of paint. Let the paint dry. You can also use this framing technique to frame a gallery wall of art or prized family photos. It would even be a great solution for creating faux molding along walls if the real stuff isn’t in your budget right now.
There really is no rhyme or reason to your circles. Just paint all different sizes at all different angles. Overlap them however you wish – just don’t paint any outside the frame.
Working in 2’ x 2’ feet sections and using BEHR MARQUEE® Eggshell Enamel in Limousine Leather, make about 3-4 large circles with a 2" paintbrush. Come back with the smaller, 1" paintbrush. Continue this until you have filled the space within your frame.
Let your paint dry and accessorize!
Since the stairwell is a small space in terms of width, but very large in terms of height, I didn’t want a bright color taking over the whole space, therefore I stuck with a classic black and white combination.
I brought in red and green shades, other colors that are throughout my house, with the artwork and pillow on the bench. The other great thing about going with a black and white combination is that you can throw any other accent color into the mix and it works. If I get tired of green or red, I can toss in accents of coral or yellow or anything else and it still works perfectly. The black handrails help to tie in the black and white accent wall. Any abstract accent walls in your future?
Find your color, pick your paint, and be inspired.
When you're ready, buy your paint online.
Author
Jenna LaFevor is a mover, a shaker, and freak flag flyer. She loves pearls with t-shirts, Conway Twitty, a good accent wall and 80’s rock. She’s never met a leopard print she didn’t like and always prefers to go bold or go home. Check out her blog, Rain on a Tin Roof.
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Behr makes highly rated, award-winning paints, stains, and more that deliver superior value at every price point so everyone can transform their space into the look they want with the colors they love.
Two coats
250-400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $29.98
This paint and primer◊ offers exceptional durability and hide with a finish that resists mildew and stains.
Paint & Primer◊
GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
Zero VOC**
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See label for details.
**ZERO VOC: This product, like most Zero VOC paints, emits very low amounts of VOCs. Most emissions occur during painting and for 48 hours after. Some continue for two weeks or longer. While VOC emissions are very low, sensitive groups such as babies and asthma/allergy sufferers should minimize exposure.
Two coats
250-400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $34.98
A stain-blocking paint and primer◊ that delivers advanced burnish, scuff and mar resistance along with hide in fewer coats.
Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer◊
Extra Durable Finish
GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See back label copy for details.
One-Coat Hide◆
Up to 400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $49.98
An advanced stain-blocking paint & primer◊ that delivers exceptional durability and one-coat hide guaranteed in over 1000 colors.
One-Coat Hide◆
Exceptional Durability & Stain Resistance
GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See back label copy for details.
◆Valid only when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY™ & MARQUEE® Interior & Exterior One-Coat Hide Color Collection. Learn more.
One-Coat Hide◆
Up to 400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $59.98
This revolutionary paint delivers on all of your painting needs. It’s our most stain repellent, scuff resistant, fast-drying, one-coat coverage paint & primer◊, ever.
Advanced Stain Repellency
One-Coat Hide◆
GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See back label copy for details.
◆Valid only when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY™ & MARQUEE® Interior & Exterior One-Coat Hide Color Collection. Learn more.
*GREENGUARD Certified products are certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage. For more information, visit ul.com/gg.
Behr manufactures highly rated paints, primers and stains that offer premium quality at a range of price points.
Each exterior product is available in a spectrum of colors to help you transform the look of your home.
Two Coats
250 - 400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $43.98
Delivers exceptional hide and excellent touch-up while also providing comprehensive all-climate protection.
Paint & Primer◊
Mildew Resistance Finish
GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See label for details.
Two Coats
250 - 400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $51.98
A stain-blocking paint and primer that will paint, prime and protect with excellent durability and hide in fewer coats.
Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer◊
All-Weather Protection
GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See label for details.
One-Coat Hide◆
250 - 400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $64.98
With enhanced durability and adhesion, BEHR Marquee paint is available with One Coat Coverage in over 700 colors◆ that can be enjoyed for years to come.
One-Coat Hide◆
Exceptional Fade & Dirt Resistance
GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
◆Valid only when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY™ & MARQUEE® Interior & Exterior One-Coat Hide Color Collection. Learn more.
Two Coats
250 - 400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $75.98
This revolutionary paint takes exterior performance to the next level. It’s our most fade-resistant, long-lasting paint to keep your color and exterior looking its absolute best for longer than Behr Paint has ever delivered before.
10-Year Color Fade Protection**
Quick Return To Service (Doors/Trim/Window)
GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
**Valid only when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY® specially curated Exterior Color Fade Protection Palette. Based on predictive lab testing with a color shift less than Delta E of 5 as measured by CieLAB. A primer coat may be needed. Two coats of BEHR DYNASTY® Exterior Paint are recommended for optimal durability. Individual results may vary. See back label instructions for details and warranty limitations.
*GREENGUARD Certified products are certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage. For more information, visit ul.com/gg.
* Important Disclaimer: Coverage calculator results are to be used only as estimates. Behr Process LLC cannot guarantee that you will achieve proper results without verifying your measurements and assumptions.
Get the look you want and the protection you need for any room in your home.
A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls and ceilings
Ceilings
Medium-Low
A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls
Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
Medium
An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.
Moderate-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms
Medium
A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.
All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.
Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas
Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheens provide have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
High
Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
High
Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
High
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