Adding a wood accent wall can completely change the appearance and atmosphere of any room. Wood has a beautiful grain, giving the environment a warm and textured appeal. Highlighting the right wall is crucial for the right impact. This guide will assist you in learning how to choose the most appropriate material for your wood trim accent walls with some wood accent wall ideas.

Benefits of Wood Accent Walls

There are so many advantages of having wood accent walls that go beyond the aesthetic value of the feature. They raise a room’s attractiveness level by giving it texture and personality, providing a point of reference to capture attention. Also, they add a higher value to the house since they are unique and are made according to the homeowner’s preferences. Fitted interior joinery like wood accent walls can be worked on to suit the client’s preferences and the interior architecture of a house. From a sophisticated and sleek wooden trim giving a new look to the accent wall to a traditional style, there is no limit. 

The overall effect of having a wooden accent wall is grand. It removes the bland wall painting and adds a little extra that makes it different. The texture of the wood can bring an element of ‘feel’ into the room; people may be drawn to run their hands over it. In addition, wood has a classic look that suits the rooms’ classic and modern design. 

The last benefit is the possible improvement of the insulation. Wood is an excellent insulating material, and having a wood accent wall will help improve the thermal and acoustic insulation of the room. This can be very useful in rooms that require a warm and quiet environment, like bedrooms or home offices. “Using insulating materials such as wood or cork for an accent wall can potentially reduce energy costs by about 5-10% due to their added insulation properties”​ (The Spruce)​.

Understand Your Space

So, to decide which wall should be used as an accent, you need to know your space. One must consider the possibility of the layout, the current decoration, and the general concept of the room. Understanding how the room is laid out is essential in determining which walls can be accentuated. The wall should be prominent and not overshadowed by big chunks of furniture. It should ideally be a wall that stands out, and you would be naturally drawn to it when you walk into the room. 

Another factor that should be considered is the current interior design and colour choice. The wall should blend with the other furniture and decor in the room, and the colour of the wall should be appropriate. For example, if one decides to use wood on the wall in the bathroom, the wood must complement the fixtures and finishes in the bathroom.

Choosing the Right Wall for Your Accent

When choosing the wall for your accent wall, you need to consider various aspects.

Focal Point 

The wall selected should be the one that becomes the center of attraction when one is in the room. Some options are the wall to which a bed is positioned, the wall with a fireplace, or the wall opposite the door. The focal wall must be the one that is most visible as soon as one opens the door to the particular room. This way, the wall is visually prominent and sets the mood for the rest of the room. 

Natural Light and Visibility 

Those rooms with portions of the walls exposed to natural light make the wood grain and its colour difference stand out. Make sure the chosen wall is visible and preferably reflects the light well. Natural light can be used to bring out the grain and texture of the wood since this will reveal the beauty of the grain in the wood. If there is little natural light in the room, it is recommended to put accent lighting to draw attention to the wall. 

Functionality of the Wall 

Consider what the wall is for. For instance, an accent wood wall in the bedroom can be located at the back of the headboard, and a wood accent wall in the bathroom at the back of the bathtub or the vanity. The choice of the accent wall should not only be visually appealing but also functional. For example, painting the wall behind the desk in a different colour in a house office can give the person a sophisticated look during virtual meetings.

What Type of Wood is Used for Accent Walls?

Selecting the best wood to use for accent walls is one of the vital aspects of the project. Here are some popular options:

Reclaimed Wood 

It provides a rather primitive and eco-friendly approach to accommodation. The primary type is reclaimed wood harvested from old barns, factories, and warehouses; it has a rough appearance. Since the woods used are reclaimed, every piece has a story behind it, giving your wall a sense of history. 

Shiplap 

With its horizontal boards, shiplap offers a modern, simple design. Shiplap has become a trend in recent years due to its connection with farmhouse interior design. The fresh and clean look of the shiplap on the horizontal lines can give the impression of a more significant space. 

Plywood

Plywood is a multi-functional and cheap wood for accent walls that can be painted or stained. Plywood is relatively inexpensive and can be made to look like other expensive types of wood. It can be easily trimmed into many different shapes and sizes, making it easy to create unique designs. 

Other types of wood that are also good to use are cedar, pine and oak. They all have their characteristics regarding appearance and the use they can be put to.

Design Ideas for Wood Accent Walls

There are numerous wood accent wall designs to consider, depending on your style and the room’s decor:

Vertical and Horizontal Planks 

Clean and plain layouts with wooden parquet, either vertical or horizontal. When installed in a room, vertical planks can give the impression of height. In contrast, horizontal planks provide the impression of width. They combine the two results in a pleasing pattern that will attract the attention of many people. 

Chevron and Herringbone Patterns 

Chevron or herringbone patterns can be used for more detailed and contemporary designs. These patterns give the wall a livelier and classier look. Although they are not as easy to install as the other types, the end product is satisfying. 

Rustic vs. Modern Designs 

Rustic, unfinished wood or polished and shiny for a contemporary wooden trim accent wall is available for selection. Country looks incorporate rough textures such as exposed wood or worn effects to give the room a homely look. Contemporary designs, on the other hand, incorporate straight lines and polished surfaces to provide a smooth outlook.

Wood Accent Walls in Different Rooms

These walls can be used in various rooms throughout the home:

Living Room

Design a showstopper behind the television or sofa. A wooden accent wall in the living room helps tie the entire space together. It can also be used as the background for paintings, shelves, or other interior decor. 

Bedroom

An accent wood wall bedroom can give the bed a beautiful background and create a homely environment suitable for resting. Soft, warm timber is suggested to increase the level of comfort and calmness further. 

Bathroom 

A wood accent wall in the bathroom is welcoming and looks particularly good against tile and other fixtures. It is natural and can give a bathroom a spa-like feel, making it a luxurious sanctuary. Do not forget to select wood that has been processed to withstand the effects of moisture and humidity.

Reasons a Professional Can Help with Your Wood Accent Wall

While many homeowners can tackle wood accent wall installation, hiring a professional can ensure a flawless finish: 

• • Advantages of hiring finish carpentry contractors: Experts have all the required knowledge and instruments for quality work. This can help them be on top of the cutting, fitting, and even finishing of the wood so that it is neat and professional. They can also be involved in the design process and give recommendations.
  • Finding the right finish carpentry contractor near you: Visit the internet and type “finish carpentry contractors near me.” Use reviews and word of mouth to find the best. Select a finished carpentry contractor based on their experience, the projects they have previously completed, and their customers’ feedback. A good contractor should have experience in the field, and previous clients should have had good experience.

Before deciding to contract a contractor, ensure you get a quotation outlining the prices of materials, labour, and the total wood accent wall cost. Please inquire about the time frame they require for the project, and be sure they are licensed and insured. It is essential to establish communication standards to ensure that the project is what you expect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Overwhelming the Space 

It is also essential that the accent wall complements the room instead of dominating it. An accent wall should complement the rest of the interior or space and not overwhelm it. Ensure that the design or any colour on the wood works well with the rest of the room’s colours. 

Selecting the Wrong Kind of Wood 

Choose the appropriate wood to use as an accent wall depending on the room’s use and the overall design. Some of these include durability, colour and texture of the particular floor. For instance, oak and walnut are denser and more ideal for areas with high traffic, including the stairs, while pine and cedar are cheaper and easier to cut. 

Skipping the Planning Stage

Proper planning is crucial. This includes measuring the wall width, designing what will be on the wall, and preparing the materials. Before you start, it will be good to draw your design and ensure that you have all the tools and materials that you will require. This will be advantageous in preventing future missteps and leading to a more efficient installation process. 

Conclusion

Adding a wooden accent wall to your home interior will increase the house’s aesthetic value. With the right wall identified and the appropriate material selected, coupled with the option of hiring a specialist finish carpentry contractor, you are assured of an impressive finish.  Looking for a way to give your living space a new look? Consider incorporating a wooden accent wall into your home. Contact us today and arrange an appointment with one of our dedicated LDS Reno finish carpentry contractors to transform your space into a warm and welcoming environment.