A painted accent wall can be an easy way to add bold impact to a small space.
While in the middle of Christmas decorating, I paused the holly and picked up a paint roller — why not make the room feel fresh for the season? I had been considering a painted accent wall in the dining room for months, and the holidays finally gave me the push to do it.
We previously loved the room when it had dark feature walls, but after painting our interior doors Raccoon Fur to coordinate with the living room couch, we repainted the walls Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. Although the lighter walls were lovely, I kept missing the drama of the dark color.
The installation didn’t take long, and the change is surprisingly dramatic. Here is the space before:
And here it is now, with the dark painted accent wall:
Tips for Dark Painted Accent Walls
If you’re considering an accent wall in the dining room — or any room — these practical tips will help you get the best result.
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A paint color must be tested on the wall where it will be used
Light in a room and the specific wall surface both change how a paint color reads. A swatch on a table or a sample card can look very different than the same color painted on the wall. Before buying a full can, test a sample patch directly on the wall you plan to paint and observe it at different times of day.
For this project I created a custom color by blending our interior door color (Raccoon Fur) with the Wrought Iron I used on a bedroom wall. The resulting shade sits nicely between the door finish and the overall room palette without competing with either.
I was careful to ensure the accent wall complemented the nearby door visible from the kitchen. Even though photographing a dark wall can be tricky, the color reads beautifully in person.
Use painter’s tape for crisp, professional lines
When two colors meet, taking the time to apply painter’s tape results in much cleaner edges and a more polished look. I’m generally impatient and like to work quickly, but for corners and transitions it’s worth slowing down and doing it right.
Invest in good painting tools and care for them
A quality brush and roller make a huge difference when cutting in and when laying down paint. My go-to brush is a Wooster model; its comfortable handle and flexible head make detailed work easier. A reliable roller and handle also help achieve a smooth, even finish.
After painting, wash your brushes and rollers thoroughly. Proper cleaning and storage extend the life of your supplies so they’ll perform well for many projects.
Dark accent walls make light furnishings and décor stand out
Some people worry that dark walls will make a room feel smaller, but when balanced with plenty of white and light furnishings, a deep wall shade creates depth and drama without overwhelming the space. In this room the overall wall color remains Simply White by Benjamin Moore, while the dark accent wall provides contrast that highlights curtains, artwork, and lighter accessories.
More room makeover inspiration
- A beach-cottage bedroom makeover demonstrates how paint can transform a room.
- A small bathroom refreshed with a soft blue paint blends farmhouse and coastal cottage vibes.
- A basement craft and laundry room renovation shows how color and layout can turn a drab area into a bright, useful space.
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