12 Ideas For Creating An Accent Wall Using Unexpected Materials

August 29, 2016
14 Ideas For Creating An Accent Wall Using Unexpected Materials

One of the great things about accent walls is there are no real rules when creating one. You really just have to make sure you’re willing to commit to covering a wall in a way that’s different from the rest in the room. And who says you have to use common materials? Why not use 2740 tea cups? Got some extra luggage lying around? Stick it on the wall! Let’s take a look at some ideas…

1. FELT

Felt is an unexpected wall covering that has a few benefits to it. Not only does it look visually appealing, it can be cut and formed into shapes and designs, it helps absorb sound, and it helps to warm up cold spaces.

Multi-colored triangular pieces of felt add color to this wall that separate the child’s bedroom from the rest of the home.

Multi-colored triangular pieces of felt add color to this accent wall that separate the child's bedroom from the rest of the home.
over,under designed this modern house interior. Felt wall by filzfelt.

Intricately folded pieces of green felt attached to this wall give it dimension, texture, and brighten up the room.

Intricately folded pieces of green felt attached to this accent wall give it dimension and texture, and brighten up the room.
Designed by Anne Kyyro Quinn

2. LUGGAGE

The wall behind the check-in area of this hotel is made of luggage cases in all different positions to create depth and intrigue.

The accent wall behind the check-in area of this hotel is made of luggage cases in all different positions to create depth and intrigue.
CL3 Architects this accent wall in a hotel. Photography by Edmon Leong.

3. WINE WALL

Is a single wine rack just not enough for you anymore? Turn an empty wall into a massive wine holder, like this one.

A restaurant accent wall was created by turning it into wine storage.
ARQMOV Workshop designed this wine wall in a restaurant. Photography by Rafael Gamo.

4. ADD SOME LIGHT

Create some soft lighting by adding small shelves to an entire wall and filling them with tiny lanterns. You’ll get the benefit of their ambient lighting and will also fill up the large wall.

A restaurant accent wall made from small shelves that have mini lanterns on them.
Interior design by Claudio Silvestrin and designLSM. Lighting consultants Into Lighting. Photography by Richard Southall. See more photos of this project, here.

5. TEACUPS

Do you ever open your cupboard of mugs and feel overwhelmed by the excessive number of them? If so, put them on your wall like this one in a Polish cafe that’s made up of more than 2700!

An accent wall in a coffee shop made from white teacups.
Ideograf – Paulina Czurak Design Studio created the interior of this modern cafe. Photography by Tomasz Nowicki.

6. CERAMIC PLATES

Much like the teacup idea, this accent wall holds hundreds of ceramic plates in all different sizes to create a unique design element.

An accent wall in a modern restaurant made from bowls and plates.
Golucci International Design created a striking restaurant interior. Photography by Sun Xiangyu.

7. COFFEE POTS

This cafe has a wall of coffee pots that appear to be floating along its surface.

This cafe has an accent wall of Moka coffee pots that appear to be floating along its surface.
Designed by Alberto Caiola this contemporary coffee shop interior. Photography by Dirk Wieblen.

8. BOWLS

This Asian-American fusion restaurant has bowls installed on the wall to create a unique look that fits with what they serve.

This Asian-American fusion restaurant has bowls installed on the wall to create a unique accent.
Fleetwood Fernandez Architects designed this modern restaurant. Photography by Undine Pröhl.

9. CORK

Made from the fleshy part of a cork tree, these panels of cork bring a natural feel to this modern bathroom.

Cork panels have been used to create a natural accent wall in a bathroom.
Cork Wall Tiles by Wicanders

10. COPPER WALLS

A wall made of copper panels adds shine and texture to the interior of this restaurant.

A wall made of copper panels add shine and texture to the interior of this restaurant.
YOD Design Lab designed this modern restaurant. Photography by Andrey Avdeenko.

11. WEATHERED STEEL

This weathered steel accent wall runs the length of the apartment and provides a place to get creative should inspiration suddenly hit.

This weathered steel accent wall runs the length of the apartment.
2B.group created this modern apartment interior. Photography by Andrey Bezuglov, Slava Balbek.

12. CHALKBOARD WALLS

A chalkboard accent wall brings bold fun into any space. As soon as you add colorful characters, pictures, and quotes, it takes on a whole new feel and becomes a fun spot to gather at.

The chalkboard wall in this family living room provides the kids with a spot to get creative and encourages the entire family to unleash their inner child.

The chalkboard wall in this family living room provides the kids with a spot to get creative.
Compass Atelier designed this interior with a chalkboard wall. Photography by Pavel Melus.

Even if it’s only a half wall, turning it into a chalkboard wall creates a spot that encourages creativity in all who walk by it.

A chalkboard accent wall designed for kids to draw on.
28 Form designed this fun interior. Photography by Witek Rachwalski.
12 Ideas For Creating An Accent Wall Using Unexpected Materials