How to Create a Stunning Feature Wall in Your Living Room

While we were doing our renovation in the fall of 2024 I took a risk and created a feature wall in our living room. I was really nervous when I was painting it but I am so glad I did it. 

A feature wall is a single wall that is designed to stand out from the rest of the room by using a different color, texture, or specific decoration. It differs from an accent wall in that it is meant to be a focal point of the room, whereas an accent wall uses a subtler approach using wallpaper or paint but without the intention of being the focal point. 

Choosing the right wall: 

Now that you’ve made the choice to do a feature wall it’s important to choose the appropriate wall. 

Put some thought into where the wall is located- is it behind the sofa?, has a fireplace? Shelving? It’s important to choose a wall that naturally draws attention. 

In our living room, I had painted the whole room in White Dove by Benjamin Moore and after we installed our shiplap wall the room lacked balance. I had painted our mantle with Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore, and my MIL pointed out the entire wall might look good in that color. So, I took the chance and did it!

Defining the Style and Theme: 

Also, take into account your living room’s overall style (modern, traditional, scandinavian, minimalist etc). You want to try not to mix aesthetics and keep the feature wall within the theme of your room so it feels cohesive. 

Tips for blending the feature wall with surrounding elements: 

How to use color: 

• Choose a color that contrasts but still complements the other surrounding walls. 

• If using a bold color, pick accent pieces that match the accent wall. For example, for my feature wall I used the paint color Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore. It is a dark, charcoal gray and the pieces that compliment that gray are the sectional couch and a rug with a dark gray geometric pattern. 

• For more subtle feature walls, such as a textured finish or wall paper, keep the surrounding colors neutral to avoid overwhelming the space. 

How to incorporate materials (wood, texture etc): 

• If your feature wall includes wood panelling, I suggest having similar wood accents in other parts of the room (side tables, decor accents like candlesticks, coffee table decor)

How to incorporate other materials: 

• For materials such as brick, stone, or tile I suggest incorporating it in decor in subtle ways. Such as a ceramic mosaic, stone coffee table etc) 

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  Above pictures show the progression of our living room. From when we first moved in (top left) to today (bottom 3). I am so glad I took the risk of painting our fireplace wall in Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron.

Lighting and Color Considerations: 

Wall sconces and LED lighting can help to highlight the texture or color of a feature wall. 

• We purchased our wall sconce from amazon for $105, comes in a pack of 2, battery operated, here’s the link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C85974HR?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1

  
  

• Ensure the lighting doesn’t cast shadows that make the wall overwhelm the space or appear darker than you intend. 

  
  

• For example, when I painted our wall, it definitely felt dark but with the addition of a lamp in the corner of the room and adding a wall sconce, the room felt warmer. Plus, the wall is adjacent to our large front window so the room has natural light all day long. 

Adding Art and Decorative Elements: 

Take your time finding pieces that compliment your feature wall. Choose art that fits the aesthetic you are looking for. Start with one piece at a time and see how it feels in your space (keep receipts!)

As mentioned earlier, take into account the style, color, and texture of your feature wall and think of where you can add complimenting pieces. Examples are, throw pillows, wall art, picture frames, coffee table and side tables, and even decor on top of your coffee table. 

Other Art Tips: 

• If your feature wall has a busy pattern, keep wall decor minimal 

  
  

• If the wall is a solid color, adding framed artwork, lighting, and shelving can add visual interest and balance. 

Furniture placement: 

• Arrange furniture to naturally draw attention but not making it the focal point of the room 

  
  

• Placing a sofa, console table, or bed against the feature wall will make the room flow and feel natural 

Incorporating Personal Touches: 

• Adding in a Gallery Wall of family photos and other memorabilia looks great on a solid color feature wall

  
  

• If your design includes shelving, adding personal photos and souvenirs from past trips or kid art work can give your space that extra “homey” touch 

  
  

• Using shelving to display family photo books and your favourite novels can also add that personal touch. 

Budgeting and Cost Considerations: 

Before you start your project, create a budget and decide whether you will go the DIY route or hire a professional. Both have their pros and cons. A professional will cost more but may be able to complete the project faster. DIY will definitely save you money, but not necessarily time or frustration. 

I chose the DIY route and found it very satisfying. It felt good to complete the project on my own and I learned a lot along the way. My project cost $140 in paint and materials, and took 4.5 hours to complete.

Maintenance and Longevity Tips: 

• I recommend keeping a small amount of extra materials for touch ups. For the wall in our living room I made sure I had some extra paint available for any needed touch ups (and with two young children I’ve already used some).

  
  

• Avoid excessive heat or moisture to avoid fading and warping of materials 

  
  

• Dust regularly

  
  

• Clean with warm, mild soapy water when needed 

  
  

• Use a sealant for wood finishings or another protective top coat 

Lessons I learned from painting our feature wall:

• Use a satin finish paint to add a little extra shine

  
  

• Use a primer

  
  

• Plan to use at least 2 coats. My wall took 3 coats as it was white underneath.

Conclusion: 

• A feature wall is a great way to add creativity and visual interest to your space

  
  

• Keep in mind existing decor when choosing the style of your feature wall

  
  

• If using paint, I recommend using a satin finish to add a little extra shine

  
  

• Take your time choosing artwork & decor that compliments your feature wall

  
  

• Be bold and take a risk! Paint can always be re-painted