Creative Ideas for Painting a Feature Wall

Whether you’re an avid decorator or a DIY novice, painting a feature wall is an easy and cost-effective way to transform a space. A great alternative to wallpaper, feature walls can introduce a pop of personality and create a focal point in any room – without the need for a full-scale renovation.

With plenty of creative and unique ideas for painting a feature wall, our guide is the perfect place to start. So, grab some paint and an old t-shirt. This simple how-to guide has everything you need to create a show-stopping design, including our recommendations for the best feature wall paint colours.

Feature Wall Paint Ideas

This DIY project is customisable – from geometric patterns to floral prints, the options are endless. First, find your inspiration – there are so many great resources out there. If you’re feeling brave, you could even go freehand.

Masking tape is a super simple way to embellish your wall with patterns and borders – check out our painting with masking tape for more unique and colourful feature wall ideas. Alternatively, you can take your feature wall to the next level by introducing texture with wall panelling. Simply choose your favourite feature wall colours and check out our guide for how to panel a wall.

If you’re looking for some quick accent wall paint ideas, add dimension with one colour – a solid block of colour can create as much drama as an elaborate pattern. For rooms that have darker walls, go for a lighter paint colour. If your room has a lighter feel, experiment with how you can paint a feature wall with darker paint.

How Do I Choose the Paint Colour for My Feature Wall?

When exploring ideas for painting a feature wall, you should first factor in the dimensions and brightness of your chosen space. Lighter colours work well in a confined, dimly lit area, while darker shades can add definition to an open-plan setting.

You will also want to think about the purpose of your design and what you want to achieve with your painted feature wall. Work with softer tones for a calming environment, green shades to energise the space or make a statement with a loud burst of colour.

Consider the space as a whole. Whether you choose to follow a colour scheme or create contrast with a striking shade, your feature wall should act as an extension of the room’s theme.

How to Paint a Feature Wall in 4 Steps

Unsure where to begin? Feature walls should draw focus to a central point, so consider your room’s layout. How you choose a feature wall to paint will depend on the features of your home and the look you’re going for.

A good idea is to create your design around an existing feature, such as a fireplace, bed or sofa – your design should frame this element and make it pop. If you’re opting for a painted feature wall in a bedroom, the wall behind the bed will make a good focal point. Alternatively, if you’re seeking feature wall painting ideas for your living room, look for any character features or large furniture items to frame.

Let’s start with what you’ll need:

Materials

Tools

Step 1. It’s All in The Prep

Painting a feature wall is an exciting but messy project. Clear out as much furniture as you can, including any wall fixings. Cover the surrounding area and any remaining furniture with dust sheets.

For the best finish, ensure your walls are clean and dust-free. Use a sponge and clean water to remove any dirt and wait until dry. For any old, flaky paint, a scraper should do the trick. Use filler to tidy up any holes or cracks – leave for an hour and sand until smooth.

Finally, use masking tape to protect switches, skirting and plug sockets.

Top tip: See our wall repair guide for more information.

Step 2. Don’t Forget The Base Coat

Whether you’re painting a feature wall one colour or getting creative with patterns, it’s important to have a smooth, blank canvas. Depending on your colour scheme, you may want to choose a neutral tone that allows the print to shine or a shade to compliment your design.

Use a paintbrush to create a clean border and a roller for the rest of the wall. Ensure your roller is evenly coated with paint and rolls easily – this will give the most professional finish.

Top tip: Find out how to paint a wall like a pro and see our decorating equipment buying guide to get started.

Step 3. Map Out Your Design

Once you’re happy with your design, grab a pencil and lightly map out the pattern.

For curved lines, use a pin and string for accuracy. Simply attach your pencil to one end of the string and the pin to the other, creating a taught line. For straight lines, use masking tape to create a crisp, professional edge. Wait until the paint has completely dried before removing.

Step 4. Get Painting!

Now that your wall is prepped and you’ve outlined your design, it’s time to bring your feature wall ideas to life with paint.

Start by painting the larger shapes and gradually work down to the smaller details, using different paint brushes depending on size requirements.

Throughout the process, take a step back and view the design as a whole – it can be easy to get lost in individual sections. It’s also a good excuse for a tea break!

Depending on what feature wall idea or design you’re going for, you may need multiple coats of paint, especially when working with lighter colours. Wait for the paint to completely dry between each coat.

And there you have it, our exciting ideas for painting a feature wall. Don’t forget to share your show-stopping designs with us @Homebase_UK and visit our decorating hub to discover more home transformation tips and tricks.