DIY accent wall ideas under $50
DIY accent wall ideas under $50
An accent wall costs $300+ if you hire a painter and $500+ for wallpaper installation. Or it costs $25–$50 and a Saturday afternoon if you do it yourself with paint you already own and some tape.
Here are seven techniques sorted by difficulty, with honest assessments of what looks good and what goes wrong.
Seven accent wall approaches compared
| Technique | Cost | Time | Difficulty | Durability | Renter-safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Painter’s tape geometry | $10–$25 | 4–6 hours | Easy | 5+ years | No (paint) |
| Sponge or rag texture | $15–$30 | 2–3 hours | Easy | 5+ years | No (paint) |
| Stencil patterns | $20–$40 | 6–8 hours | Moderate | 5+ years | No (paint) |
| Board and batten | $30–$50 | 4–6 hours | Moderate | 10+ years | No (nails) |
| Fabric panels | $20–$45 | 2–3 hours | Easy | Removable | Yes |
| Washi tape designs | $15–$30 | 2–4 hours | Easy | Removable | Yes |
| Faux limewash | $25–$50 | 3–4 hours | Moderate | 5+ years | No (paint) |
1. Painter’s tape geometry — the foolproof option
Use painter’s tape to mask geometric patterns on the wall, then paint between the tape lines. Remove the tape while the paint is still tacky for crisp edges.
What works:
- Horizontal stripes (two tones of the same color family)
- Large diamond or chevron patterns
- Color-block with two contrasting colors split at a diagonal
How to get sharp lines: After applying the tape, brush a thin layer of the BASE color over the tape edges. This seals the tape and prevents the accent color from bleeding underneath. Let it dry completely, then apply the accent color. This one step eliminates 90% of fuzzy edges.
Cost breakdown: Painter’s tape ($6–$10), 1 quart of accent paint ($12–$18). Total: $18–$28.
2. Sponge or rag texture — faux plaster for $20
Apply a base coat. Let it dry. Then dab a contrasting color with a sea sponge or bunched-up rag. The result looks like aged plaster or limestone.
Color pairings that work:
- Warm white base + soft terracotta sponge
- Pale gray base + charcoal rag roll
- Cream base + dusty rose dab
Technique tip: Less is more. Dab lightly, work in random patterns, and step back constantly to check evenness. Heavy sponging looks like a preschool art project. Light sponging looks like an Italian villa.
Cost breakdown: 2 quarts of paint ($20–$30), sea sponge or rags ($0–$5). Total: $20–$35.
3. Stencil patterns — the wallpaper alternative
A large-format stencil (12×12 inches or bigger) creates a repeating pattern that looks like wallpaper from across the room. Moroccan tile patterns, botanical motifs, and geometric repeats are the most popular.
Where to buy stencils: clean edge Stencils and Royal Design Studios offer hundreds of patterns for $15–$35. One stencil covers an entire wall.
How to avoid smudging: Use a nearly dry roller. Load the roller with paint, then roll most of it off on a tray until almost nothing transfers. Apply with light pressure. Heavy paint bleeds under the stencil edges.
Cost breakdown: Stencil ($15–$35), 1 quart paint ($12–$18). Total: $27–$53. (Reuse the stencil for other projects.)
4. Board and batten, the architectural upgrade
Attach vertical strips (battens) of primed MDF or lattice to the wall at even intervals. Paint everything the same color. The result adds dimension and shadow lines that flat walls can’t provide.
Dimensions that look right:
- Battens: 1.5 inches wide, spaced 12–16 inches apart
- A horizontal rail at chair-rail height (32–36 inches from the floor) with vertical battens only below it creates a classic wainscoting look
Materials: MDF strips are cheapest ($1–$3 per 8-foot strip). Pre-primed saves a step. Attach with construction adhesive + brad nails. Caulk the seams before painting for a smooth look.
Cost breakdown: 8–10 MDF strips ($10–$25), caulk ($5), paint ($12–$18). Total: $27–$48.
5. Fabric panels, the renter’s accent wall
Stretch fabric over lightweight wooden frames (1×2 lumber). Staple the fabric to the back of the frame. Hang the frames on the wall with Command strips or small nails.
Fabrics that work: Bold geometric prints, large-scale florals, solid velvet. Avoid thin fabrics, they wrinkle and sag. Upholstery-weight fabric holds its shape.
Where to source cheap fabric: IKEA curtain panels ($10–$15 each), thrift store tablecloths, or discounted upholstery remnants at fabric stores.
Panel sizing: Three panels (each 2×4 feet) arranged side by side cover a 6-foot span. This looks intentional as a feature, not like you couldn’t afford wallpaper.
Cost breakdown: Fabric ($10–$25), 1×2 lumber ($5–$10), staples and Command strips ($5–$10). Total: $20–$45.
6. Washi tape designs, zero commitment
Washi tape (decorative Japanese masking tape) creates geometric wall designs that peel off without residue. This is the only option on the list that truly works for renters who need a deposit back.
Design ideas:
- Horizontal gold stripes across the wall (5–6 strips, evenly spaced)
- An oversized line-art geometric shape (hexagon, mountain range, abstract)
- A grid pattern in metallic tape
The catch: Washi tape fades in direct sunlight and loses adhesion in humid rooms. Bathroom accent walls won’t hold. Bedrooms and living rooms work well.
Cost breakdown: 4–6 rolls of washi tape ($15–$30). Total: $15–$30.
7. Faux limewash, the organic luxury look
Real limewash paint costs $60–$100 per gallon and requires specific application skills. You can fake it with regular flat latex paint, thinned with water and applied in overlapping, uneven strokes.
The DIY limewash method:
- Paint the wall a solid base coat in a lighter shade. Let it dry.
- Mix 1 part darker paint with 1 part water in a bucket.
- Apply the thinned paint with a large brush using X-shaped strokes, not rollers.
- Work in sections, overlapping while still wet. The goal is visible variation, not uniform coverage.
Color combos: White base + warm beige wash. Cream base + terracotta wash. Light gray base + soft sage wash.
Cost breakdown: 2 quarts of paint ($20–$36), large brush ($5–$8). Total: $25–$44.
Video guide
Watch this helpful tutorial for a visual walkthrough:
Video by MrsAshleyFrench on YouTube.
Which technique fits your wall?
Bedroom accent wall: Faux limewash or sponge texture. The organic variation looks calming and doesn’t compete with bedding patterns.
Living room behind the sofa: Board and batten or painter’s tape geometry. Architectural interest at sofa height.
Dining room: Stencil pattern or fabric panels. These command attention without overpowering a table setting.
Kid’s room: Painter’s tape shapes or washi tape. Easy to change as they grow.
Rental apartment: Fabric panels or washi tape. Both remove cleanly.
Every technique on this list can be completed in one day and undone when you get tired of it (except board and batten, which requires patching if removed). Start with the technique that matches your skill level, not the one that looks best on Instagram. A well-executed simple design always beats a sloppy attempt at something complex.
Bottom Line
An accent wall is one of the highest-impact changes you can make to a room for the lowest cost. Paint is the obvious choice, but washi tape, peel-and-stick panels, and stencils all create statement walls for under $50. The key is choosing the right wall, pick the one your eye lands on first when entering the room, usually the wall behind the bed or sofa.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wall should be an accent wall?
Choose the focal wall, the one you see first when entering the room. In bedrooms, this is usually the wall behind the headboard. In living rooms, it is typically the wall behind the sofa or the fireplace wall.
Can I do an accent wall in a rental?
Yes. Peel-and-stick wallpaper, washi tape, removable wall decals, and gallery walls with Command strips all work in rentals with no damage. Avoid anything that requires nails or permanent adhesive.
Do accent walls make a room look smaller?
Dark accent walls can make a room feel slightly smaller but more intimate, while light or warm-toned accent walls add depth. The effect depends more on color choice than the concept itself. In small rooms, use lighter colors or vertical patterns.