Walls can be one of the most confounding design challenges. Striking the right balance between cluttered and sparse can be pretty challenging, no matter what your interior style may be. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: Concentrate your wall decor in one spot. That’s the beauty of a living room accent wall.

Accent walls aren’t just for maximalists or those with eccentric style. With the right decorative details, they can create harmony and bring cohesion to any space — even minimalist interiors! With plenty of living room accent wall ideas to choose from, you can enhance your home design with the right update.

A single wall featuring a large painting, a cluster of photographs, or even just a coat of brightly colored paint can change the vibe of an entire space. And even better yet, many of our designers’ favorite living room accent wall ideas are surprisingly easy. Sometimes, the smallest design updates can make the greatest difference — just take a look.

Gallery Living Room Accent Wall

A good gallery wall never fails to make an impact. The key is to keep it simultaneously varied yet cohesive. In this space, that translates into all-black frames of varying widths and a collection of photographs — both black and white and in color: Perfect for a sleek, contemporary space.

Bookshelf Living Room Accent Wall

Here’s a great way to add interest to your living room while keeping it bright and airy: Assemble a white metal bookshelf floor-to-ceiling against a white wall. It will help you put your favorite books, decorative objects, and plants on display while blending in perfectly with the rest of your space.

Brick Living Room Accent Wall

Exposed brick brings a specific kind of charm to a space. We especially love contrasting this architectural feature with more luxurious details — like a crystal chandelier and flowy white drapes. The beauty is in the balance.

Textured Living Room Accent Wall

To create a moment that’s really eye-catching, go big on scale and texture. A cluster of sisal baskets pops in an otherwise pared-back space — there’s no need to get wrapped up in other details.

Oversized Artwork Living Room Accent Wall

This is one of our favorite living room accent wall ideas for minimalists. All you need is one largescale piece of art to completely transform the rest of your space. And, as this interior shows, the content of the artwork itself can certainly be uncomplicated; small details, like a contrasting frame and a picture light, make it look even more refined.

Family Photos Living Room Accent Wall

Want to show off your favorite memories and snapshots while keeping your space looking calm and stylish? Create a gallery wall of family photos — all printed in black and white. It creates a sense of cohesion, even if your captures are totally candid.

Colorful Living Room Accent Wall 

One of the easiest living room accent wall ideas just requires a can (or two) of paint. Don’t underestimate the difference a bright, concentrated color can make. To pull this look off, all you have to do is incorporate your accent color elsewhere in your space: Some throw pillows and an area rug do just the trick.

Shiplap Living Room Accent Wall

When bright colors and busy patterns are out of the question, consider how you can use texture to enhance your space. This mostly white living room, for instance, is perfectly serene and minimal — but a shiplap wall gives it a bit of rustic character.

Wallpaper Living Room Accent Wall

Few details make an interior look quite as fun and punchy as a lively wallpaper. This living room accent wall idea is especially well suited for smaller spaces, where a touch of pattern can — surprisingly — make a room feel more expansive.

Wall Paneling Living Room Accent Wall

Here’s another way to bring some texture into your space, if shiplap’s not your thing. Paneled walls can be quite subtle, but they still add dimension to an interior and elevate what would otherwise be plain white walls. There’s hardly a need for extra decor — except maybe a stately floor mirror, as in this space.

Library Living Room Accent Wall

Built-in bookshelves are one of the greatest ways to make your living room look cozy, styled, and sophisticated, all at once — at least, we tend to think so. They’re also a great way to make the most of smaller wall space, as in the case of this relatively open floor plan interior.

Board and Batten Living Room Accent Wall

This type of paneling is especially great for accentuating high ceilings and giving a space an elevated, contemporary look. All-white walls — paired with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows — make this living room especially open and bright.

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