I have been looking for design inspiration lately because I have always struggled with how to style certain wall spaces in our home. I have tried mirrors and photo galleries, but have never loved anything until now.
As I was searching for ideas, I found so many beautiful wood accent walls that I had to share my favorites with you. I’ve included everything from farmhouse to traditional and modern to bohemian.
1. Bring The Drama
When you think about boho interior design, it’s easy to picture rooms that are bright and airy with lots of earthy colors. But I love how adding a black accent wall can give a boho space a super modern edge.
It really helps all the natural wood tones in the room to just pop! This matte black feature wall gets some extra pizzazz from the strips of trim laid out in a cool geometric pattern, which perfectly echoes the patterns you see on the textiles throughout the space.
2. Work It Out
Since more and more people are working from home these days, having a home office that you actually love spending time in is a must-have for so many families.
In this beautiful office space, there’s a row of lower cabinets that gives you plenty of storage for all your supplies. The wide wood planks above the cabinetry are arranged in a herringbone pattern, which I think adds such a subtly stylish touch to the room.
3. Float On
This family room is so cozy and stylish! A floating bench with cabinets underneath is such a smart idea for extra seating and some hidden storage space. Above it, the floating shelves are just the perfect spot to show off decorative treasures.
The vertical wood planks on the wall are painted a chic matte black, which creates a beautiful contrast against the natural wood finish on these built-in features.
4. Modern Mash-Up
It’s so fun how different interior design styles, like art deco, boho, and modern, all make use of geometric shapes and patterns. This bedroom pulls inspiration from a few different styles, and the result is a space with a seriously cool modern boho flair.
You can see the more modern feel in the octagonal ottoman with its metal base and the three-dimensional accent wall with that intricate geometric pattern. At the same time, the warm wood floors and faded patterned carpet give it a distinct boho vibe.
5. Find New Angles
White and navy blue is such a timeless color combination, and it gets a whole new life in this dreamy dining room. Strips of wood trim have been arranged on a feature wall in these interlocking patterns, giving the room a really custom, bespoke feel.
I absolutely love how the round wall mirror provides a soft, curvy contrast against all the sharp angles created by the trim.
6. Slice of Life
Bringing organic elements like wood into your decor is such a wonderful way to make a room feel airy and alive. This serene, spa-like bedroom uses wood in so many creative ways.
The wood accent wall, which also doubles as a headboard, is decorated with large art prints of wood slices. This design touch is then echoed in the cut wood that’s stored under the console table.
Even the cut and color of the ceramic floor tiles have a warm and woodsy feel, which is just lovely.
7. Mellow Modern
Wood accent walls are often used to bring a rough, rustic texture into a room, but that’s definitely not the only finish you can go for. In this snug yet sophisticated den, a mini-room within the larger open floor plan is lined with smooth cedar panels set in a grid pattern.
The style of these panels is modern and industrial, but the warm finish makes sure the space still feels incredibly welcoming.
8. Style You Can Stick To
If you’re not super handy with tools, the idea of a DIY wood accent wall might seem a little too tricky for your skillset. But guess what? Some companies are now offering amazing peel-and-stick wall panels faced with real reclaimed wood.
These artful panels stick right onto painted or primed flat surfaces and are so secure that they’re actually considered a permanent feature. This natural, weathered wood wall is a perfect example of this surprisingly simple DIY project.
9. Custom Colors
One simple way to really elevate a DIY accent wall is to stain it to match the different tones already in your decor. This custom wall features a whole array of different stains.
The warm, orangey tone that really dominates the wall pairs so well with the coppery base on the metal and slate Parsons coffee table. Meanwhile, the deeper gray hues connect with the charcoal sofa and the graphite-tinted lamp.
Blending these colors on a single wall just makes the whole space feel so much more cohesive.
10. Only Natural
Blonde wood floors with visible grain and a tan leather couch give this living room such a natural and organic feel. This vibe is enhanced even more by the potted plants and natural fibers used all around the space.
The diamond pattern on the plush wool rug adds some great visual texture to the room, and so do the narrow, unstained strips of wood that make up the Scandinavian-inspired slat wall.
11. Statement Staircase
This home has a stunning stone staircase that dramatically wraps around as it goes up to the second story. Lining the stairwell with a wood accent wall highlights this feature even more.
I love how the multi-tonal wood planks stretch from the first floor all the way up to the second-floor ceiling, giving the space a wonderful sense of flow.
The transparent glass panel railings are practically invisible, which really lets that gorgeous accent wall shine.
12. Expect The Unexpected
Just as this contemporary bedroom proves, a wood accent wall can totally work with any design style. Wall panel molding has been used to create a feature wall behind the bed, creating a dimensional design element that helps make the space feel longer.
The slim lines of the molding are beautifully echoed in the sleek chrome lines of decorative items, like the floor lamp, bed end bench, and that modern metallic stick chandelier.
13. Beautiful Dark Wood Paneling
Vertical wood accent walls are not as common as horizontal ones, which gives them such a unique and distinctive feel. This installation method is fantastic for rooms with low ceilings because the vertical planks draw your eyes upward and create the illusion of more height.
As a cool variation on traditional wood walls, slat walls feature wide gaps between the wood pieces to build texture. If you’re creating a slat wall, be sure to create a nice contrast between your background color and the wood stain to make a more striking visual impact.
14. Moody Black Wall
While you might typically find them in rustic-style homes, wood accent walls can feel really modern and urban with the right color choices. In the last few years, gray has become so popular in interior design as a neutral color because it just looks fresher and more contemporary than beige or taupe.
The carbon gray stain on this wood accent wall really helps this bedroom feel new and current.
15. Well-Traveled Walls
This warm walnut slat wall is a perfect example of the Japandi design style, which is a hybrid of the minimalist Japanese aesthetic and functional Scandinavian decor.
This kind of treatment adds such surprising depth and detail to a space with otherwise simple furnishings. This living room is stripped back and uncluttered, but thanks to that wood slat wall, it still feels layered and so inviting.
16. Artistic Alcove
In this unusually-shaped bedroom, a recessed entryway creates a little cut-off section that can feel a bit disjointed from the rest of the room.
Installing a wood accent wall as a backdrop for a dresser and television is such a smart way to make this disconnected space feel more intentional.
The wood pieces have been stained in different shades of gray, which ties in so well with the charcoal color of the industrial metal door.
17. From Eyesore To Event
In earlier times, families used to spend their evenings gathered around the hearth, but today, we’re much more likely to gather around the TV. Even though they are so common in living rooms, a lot of people think televisions are bulky and a bit of an eyesore.
While you could hide your TV in a cabinet when you’re not using it, you might also want to think about setting it against a beautiful backdrop like this variegated wood accent wall. It’s a total transformation!
18. It’s A Wrap
Here’s a great tip: removing the doors from your upper cabinets can make a small kitchen feel much more spacious. These navy blue doorless cabinets are backed with gray-washed wood planks, which gives the space a more complete and polished look.
The same wood has been wrapped around the peninsula countertop, bringing a lovely sense of continuity to the entire room.
19. Think Outside The Box
This bedroom is full of some confusing architectural elements, like a partial wall and a bulky box on the ceiling that’s hiding an older air conditioning system. Wrapping that partial wall with wood paneling was such an ingenious way to turn these flaws into features.
With the bed centered right against it and floating nightstands mounted on each side, this wood accent wall serves as a super stylish headboard. This symmetrical setup also helps that box above the bed feel a lot less out of place.
20. Farm Fresh
With just a few thoughtful styling choices, this contemporary kitchen gets a lovely dash of farmhouse flair.
I love pieces like the gooseneck metal wall sconce and the apron front sink; they both have that classic farmhouse silhouette, which is amplified even more by the rough-hewn wood walls.
The floating wood shelves bring in another element of that charming country feel.
21. Rugged and Reclaimed
You might assume that reclaimed wood is cheaper, but it’s actually more expensive than new lumber on average. When you buy reclaimed wood, you’re paying for the costs that come with sourcing it and preparing it to be safe for use.
But there are still plenty of reasons why people prefer using it. This eco-friendly option has already proven it’s durable enough to last over time, and it brings such a sense of character and history into your home.
The multiple wood tones in this reclaimed wood accent wall really help this bedroom stand out and feel unique.
22. Less Is More
You definitely don’t have to cover a whole wall in planks to build a wood accent wall. Using thin strips of wood trim to create geometric three-dimensional designs is such a clever way to create a focal point.
While you often see this technique used to create a grid pattern, that design wouldn’t be a great fit for this asymmetrical wall. Instead, the abstract layout makes the shape of the space feel much more intentional.
23. Curves Ahead
Form and function totally collide in this contemporary curved wood accent wall. This one-of-a-kind custom wall brings the spirit of nature right into the home, and its curved profile creates such a great sense of movement and flow.
This wall also goes way beyond being just a simple artistic statement. Some of the curved wood pieces stick out farther than others, creating these clever little shelves for displaying decorative treasures.
24. Make Your Own Style
The problem with sticking to just one design trend in your decor is that your home can end up looking a little cookie-cutter. I always think combining multiple styles in a single space is the best way to personalize the design and make it feel individual to you.
This serene bedroom combines the muted color palette and homey feel of modern farmhouse design with the geometric textiles of boho-style to create a truly one-of-a-kind retreat.
25. Bring The Outdoors In
City living is so vibrant and exciting, but it’s easy to feel a little disconnected from nature when you’re surrounded by urban sprawl. Distressed wood floors and a reclaimed wood accent wall bring an element of nature into the house, making it feel less like the concrete jungle outside.
The metal-framed windows and patio doors let tons of light filter in, which introduces another beautiful natural feature into the space.
26. Fired Up
Direct vent gas fireplaces have sealed combustion chambers that let them vent directly through a wall or ceiling, so you don’t need a traditional fireplace.
While these are way more convenient to install than a traditional fireplace, you might miss out on the focal point that a hearth naturally provides.
This direct vent fireplace is installed into a wall wrapped in gorgeous acacia wood, helping to make it more of a standout feature.
27. Visual Variation
Neutral nurseries are surprisingly a hot topic. Some parents think they are soothing and serene, while others worry that children might be missing out on the stimulation that brighter colors can bring.
Installing thin, peel-and-stick wooden planks in a striped pattern with patches of blank wall in between is such a clever way to introduce pattern and polarity into a space while staying true to a neutral aesthetic.
28. Handsome Home Decor
With its rich, dark stain and gleaming finish, the wood accent wall gives this bachelor bedroom a really cultivated and cosmopolitan feel.
The combination of recessed lighting, pendant lights, and wall sconces illuminates all the beautiful nuances in the wood and gives it a warm glow, even without a natural light source.
29. Coastal Cool
While shiplap walls are a total staple in farmhouse decor, their roots are actually nautical. Way back in the early days of seafaring, wood planks were lapped over one another with opposing rabbet joints to create a tight seal for weatherproofing against wind and rain and to strengthen the ship’s hull.
Later on, it became a staple in seaside homes and cottages as an exterior feature. Today, shiplap is mostly used in interior design as a decorative touch.
In this formal living room, a shiplap wall and a navy blue and white color palette work together to create such a chic, nautical-inspired space.
30. Make It Work
Working with a neutral color palette lets you blend different styles of furniture and decor that you wouldn’t typically think go together.
This living room features a real hodgepodge of pieces, including a French country end table, a contemporary angled sectional, a midcentury modern arc floor lamp, and a rustic wood accent wall.
The neutral color scheme of beige, taupe, and gray makes the space feel surprisingly harmonious.
31. Rustic Wood Wall in Bathroom
Adding wood paneling to your bathroom is a fantastic way to make the space feel more organic and less sterile. This kind of finish does require a little more care during installation and maintenance compared to porcelain or ceramic tiles.
Untreated wood can absorb water, which might cause it to warp or grow mold and mildew. Since bathrooms are humid environments, you’ll want to be sure to treat your wood accent wall with a waterproof sealant to protect it from moisture in the air.
32. Black Wood Wall in Bedroom
The rich black color on the wood accent wall in this masculine midcentury modern bedroom was achieved in a really unusual way. Each piece of wood was actually burned to get that charred black effect.
Pieces like the metal light sconces and the vintage leather loveseat carry this inky black shade throughout the rest of the space. If you’re not the type to play with fire, you can always get a similar effect with black paint!
33. (Not) Another Brick In The Wall
Brick walls are a classic staple in the industrial style of interior design. In this space, short wood planks have been laid out in a pattern inspired by brick.
Harder elements like the metal coffee tables and steel-framed windows keep that industrial edge, but the wood accent wall brings a more organic and warm feel to the room.
34. Sophisticated Salvage
Architectural salvage stores are such a great place to find unique materials with a lot of history.
This glam nursery is just filled with intriguing items, including a linear lantern-style pendant light and some vintage channel letters with exposed bulbs. Even the accent wall is crafted out of beautiful reclaimed wood.
35. Entry Point
Foyers are often a bit of an afterthought in the interior design world. These spaces don’t have a huge function, but they do set the tone for guests as they come into your home. Because of that, they should really reflect your style.
In this entryway, beadboard wall paneling adds a little bit of texture and instantly makes the space feel less stark. The large round mirror reflects the light from the front door, which helps the room feel bigger.
Plus, the low-profile console table provides the perfect spot to display decorative objects and store your car keys.
36. Warmth Through Wood
Decor items like a matte black metal ceiling fan and an oversized modular couch are incredibly contemporary in style. In a room with all-white walls, these furnishing choices could make the space feel a bit sterile.
The warm wood tones in the accent wall add so much character to the room and make it feel more accessible and approachable.
37. Piece By Piece
Wood wall panels come in a huge array of shapes and sizes. In this contemporary living room, multiple types of wall panels have been pieced together almost like a puzzle to create a completely original accent wall that’s more like a modern art installation.
The lines in the wall panels are a great complement to decorative items like the irregular linear Sputnik chandelier.
38. Casual and Cultivated
Known for their simplicity and sophistication, trestle tables are maybe the earliest form of dining table in America, if not the whole world. The popularity of these legless tables goes as far back as the Middle Ages.
Here, a beautifully crafted trestle table and matching bench are the centerpieces of this rustic yet regal dining room. The wood accent wall gives the space a relaxed, family-friendly feel, while the chandelier adds a touch of elevated elegance.
39. Chic Wall in Living Room
There’s a common misconception among people new to interior design that all the wood tones in a room should be the same. The truth is, sticking to just one wood tone can make a space feel flat or completely overwhelm the rest of the decor.
Mixing multiple wood tones gives a space so much character and makes a home feel more inviting. In this eclectic modern living room, the warm honey tones in the wood floor bring in an element of warmth that is missing from the weathered gray reclaimed wood accent wall.
40. Come Together
When two people with very different styles share a home, it can be tough to find common ground. This dining room shows one way you can bring separate decor styles together.
The furnishings in this room, like a mahogany dining table and chairs, an iron chandelier with shades, and a bar cart with crystal glassware, all have a formal, traditional feel.
On the other hand, the reclaimed barn wood accent wall is more rustic and relaxed. The common element of wood acts as a connecting thread and makes the different styles feel connected.
41. Highlight Your Hand-Me-Downs
Putting together a nursery for a new baby can be an expensive process. Buying items secondhand not only saves you money, but it can also help shape your design process.
In this room, a multifunctional wooden furniture piece works as toy storage, a window seat, and a changing table. Those lovely wood tones have then been picked up in the reclaimed wood accent wall.
42. Bring Out The Best
This midcentury modern dining room is filled with gorgeous wood tones, from the floor to the furniture to the trim. Staining the wood accent wall in a similar tone would have made the space look too uniform.
As a striking focal point with its dark color, this black accent wall also contrasts with the warm wood tones and really makes them pop even more.
43. Beautiful Blend
When you’re working with multiple building materials, it’s ideal if they have some kind of common element that ties them all together. The floors in this dining room are tiled with travertine, which is a natural limestone known for its warm color tones and high level of variation.
These characteristics are beautifully echoed in the reclaimed wood accent wall. The metal legs on the live edge wood furniture and the raw steel chandelier lend the room a cool industrial feel.
44. Catch The Drift
In small rooms without a lot of square footage, people don’t have much room to express themselves through their decor. This is where creative finishes can really come in handy.
In this cozy and compact bedroom, peel-and-stick wall panels have been laid out in a chevron pattern to elevate the design. The wall-mounted driftwood piece in the center adds just a touch of whimsy without creating any unnecessary clutter.
45. Into The Woods
Dark colors work exceptionally well in bedrooms because they create a cozy and restful atmosphere and can promote better sleep. This bedroom incorporates dark hues with a rich wood accent wall that has a swirling grain.
A large photograph of a misty thicket of trees adds to the moody, forest-inspired vibes.
46. Classy Wood Paneling
In bedrooms, wood accent walls are usually positioned behind the bed. With long, narrow windows framing a tall, upholstered headboard, this particular wall wasn’t really suited for that kind of treatment.
Instead, wood panels with a dark brown stain have been installed on the side walls around the bed. The matching ceiling panel that connects them creates a beautiful waterfall effect that makes the space feel really special.
47. Use What You’ve Got
The best way to save money on reclaimed wood is to source it yourself. This sustainable new construction home made use of leftover building materials from the structure that had originally stood on the property.
Both the accent wall and the furniture in this living area were made from reclaimed wood, making the space friendly to both the budget and the environment. How smart is that?
