Is A Feature Wall Necessary? (Everything To Know)
In recent years, feature walls (also known as accent walls) have made their way throughout home decor trends and it’s still a popular item.
Feature walls are known to be the focal point of a room and they draw attention with their attractive design.
They come in different styles and textures depending on the aim but the majority of feature walls complement and complete a room’s aesthetic.
No, a feature wall is not necessary unless you want or need to add a special feature to the living room. There are some rooms that do not need and should not have a feature wall and those include small spaces. Some feature walls can be too distracting, so it largely depends on the type of room, style, and space that will determine the need for a feature wall.
If you’re on the fence as to whether you should include a feature wall in your home or not, this guide will introduce everything you need to know about feature walls so that you can make the best choice.
To get started, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of feature walls that will instantly help you make up your mind.
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons of Having a Feature Wall
Pros
Demarcates an area
If there’s an area in your home which you wish to highlight or draw attention to, a feature wall will do just that.
This could be the wall in the living room near the mantle or fireplace or perhaps above the bed in a bedroom.
By placing a feature wall in these areas, it will instantly make that space stand out, giving it a fresh, unique style making it the focal point of the room.
Adds texture and color
Feature walls are a fantastic way to add a splash of color to the room or a specific design. It adds a certain charm and character to the room which increases its attractive appeal.
Using a feature wall can upgrade and make a bland space more intriguing when used correctly.
It’s also a great way to express yourself with bold colors, textures, or styles and this is a great way to put some personality into your decor.
Illusion of space
Since feature walls have the ability to demarcate an area, they can also divide and create an illusion of space making a room appear bigger than it actually is.
Depending on the style of the feature wall, if you want to create depth in a specific room, a wall that’s entirely painted with one bold color or a wall decorated with wooden slats can do just this.
Cons
Distracting
With its attractive and bold qualities, accent walls may not be ideal for certain rooms. In fact, they can be quite distracting in some and it may be best to keep things simple.
Feature walls are extravagant in some cases and if you have a wall that draws all the attention to it, the rest of your decor may appear bland in comparison and fade out.
Not for small spaces
It’s usually best to avoid having a feature wall in a small room.
They are especially more distracting in a small space and it can overpower the rest of the decor.
This can make the room feel smaller but it isn’t totally impossible to have a feature wall in a small space.
Might become dated
A small risk with feature walls is that they can at some point feel dated.
You may even start to feel bored with the way this wall looks and depending on upcoming decor trends, certain styles may become outdated and you will need to upgrade to something different.
If you decide to change the rest of your decor, you’ll have to work things around the feature wall so that it all comes together.
This may pose a challenge later on but it’s not one that you need to be concerned about if you find a feature wall that impresses you more than these cons.
Which Wall Is Best For a Feature Wall?
Now you may be wondering, which wall should a feature wall be on? Well, there are many walls you can consider.
If there’s a wall that seems bare or a wall that you would like to draw attention to, then make that wall the feature wall.
For specific rooms, here are a few places you can consider:
Living Room
- The wall on which the TV is mounted
- The wall the mantle is on
- The fireplace
Bedroom
- Above the headboard
- Across the bed
Bathroom
- Near the sink and mirror
Feature Wall Ideas
There is a diverse range of feature walls you can go for but some of the best include the ones below.
These types of walls can make any room look outstanding and improve the overall appeal of decor.
If you’re considering what to put on this wall or what kind of feature wall you should have, take a look at these ideas:
Bold colors
The simplest option for a feature wall would be to pick one wall and paint it a bold color.
This could be a matte green or brown or any color that compliments the rest of your decor and this should stand out.
Textiles
The next option you can try is going for textiles. This would mean picking a pretty patterned rug or fabric and hanging this up.
However, I believe this option works amazingly for bedrooms and especially if you want to create that cozy feel.
Wooden Slats
For a more stylized and modern look, you can go for a feature wall that creates a design with wooden slats. This would be great for the wall where a mantle is on or the TV wall.
Patterned Wallpaper
Pretty patterned wallpapers are a great way to create a feature wall.
They look perfect in just about any room and you can use this inexpensive idea in the living room, dining room, bedroom, and bathroom.
With this option, you’re unlimited in terms of designs, patterns, and colors.
Rock Feature
A rock feature wall is still gorgeous to look at but it’s best to avoid using the idea in bedrooms. However, anywhere else in your home will still be a good place for a rock feature wall.
Tiles
I’ve seen a few feature walls with tiles that are used to create a gorgeous display. You can consider using this option if you want to create an affordable feature wall.
See also: What Can I Put On A Feature Wall? (11 Great Ideas)
Alternatives To Feature Walls
If for some reason you don’t want to have a feature wall or maybe you can’t at the moment, all hope is not lost.
There are other things you can use instead of a feature wall that will still add value to the decor and be attractive in its own way.
Here are a few alternatives you could try:
Framed Artwork
Large, beautiful framed artwork is the perfect alternative to a feature wall.
If you create a wall display of different framed artworks, you will love how great it all looks together. Here can even make it personal by including family photos.
Shelves
Mount a few shelves on a wall and place accessories, frames, books, and a pot plant.
These mounted shelves will look simple yet stylish while also improving your decor.
Paintings
Beautiful paintings are all you need to create a focal point. If it’s a great painting, you won’t really miss out on having a feature wall.
Try hanging up a few or a rather large oversized painting of your favorite works and this will be a great addition.
Hanging Plants
Bring some green life into your home by using hanging plants. It can brighten a place and change the overall vibe.
Although it’s recommended to use real plants, you may use faux plants if you don’t have the time to maintain or keep them alive.
Wall Hangings
The last option would be to use wall hangings. These could be macrame wall hangings, wooden signs with quotes, or other specific accessories that will look great hanging on the wall.
You can pick a few of these items and include some of the others listed above and this, in turn, will be a feature wall of its own.
See also: What Can I Hang On My Living Room Walls?
Final Thoughts
Having a feature wall is not completely necessary but it is one of the best ways to draw attention and to create an attractive space that allows you to express yourself and your creativity.
If your aim is to improve a space in your home but to do so in a unique way, these walls are a must-try.
Take a look at your decor and search for different ways to incorporate a feature wall into your design.
You’ll want this wall to complement the rest of your decor without being too distracting.
There are many designs and feature wall ideas that you can draw inspiration from and pick the one that will enhance the space you have.
However, if you’re someone who feels like a feature wall is not necessary for your home, then you can always opt for trying other alternatives to enhance your decor.
Related Post: What Color Should You Paint A Small Bedroom? (11 Best Colors)
