Since feature walls became popular in the early 2000s, they’ve been a key element in design-forward living rooms. Offering the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and personalize your space, without the need for a full decor overhaul creating a feature wall (or two) is at the top of many DIYers’ to-do lists. To help you craft the perfect feature wall for your living room, we’ve gathered 8 inspiring feature wall ideas to spark your next home improvement project.
Innovative Feature Wall Ideas for Living Room Transformation
Whether you want to make a statement in a room or simply have a small space that needs to impress without overwhelming, incorporating feature wall ideas for the living room is a great way to create an unforgettable space. You could always use a contrasting paint color to create instant drama in a room, but today top designers and savvy homeowners are taking this idea in incredible new directions, including using recycled and reclaimed materials or adding personal pieces that make a bold statement.
“Wallpaper, wall murals, and paint will continue to be used,” she says, “and I see a swing towards the use of mixed materials, such as painted sections with timber molding or feature tiles,” designer Amanda Kiley of Omni Interiors told Houzz.
Here are the most original and modern living room feature wall ideas to use.
Unique wall paneling
Creating a custom texture or pattern on a painted accent wall is a unique way to incorporate feature wall ideas for living room, especially in modern or minimalistic spaces. You could also wrap boards in an unusually textured cloth to add an extra tactile element.
To get the look: If you’re design-savvy and comfortable with a table saw, use a program like Photoshop to map out your design and transfer it to the wall. After cutting and installing the pieces, finish with a complementary paint color for a polished look.
Inject colour into your accent wall
One of the simplest yet most impactful ideas for a feature wall in the living room is to choose a wall and apply a splash of paint to make it stand out from the rest of the room. Whether you go for a bold, vibrant statement or opt for a more subtle hue, the beauty of this idea lies in the flexibility it offers.
Fireplace accent wall
Gas fireplaces don’t require a traditional mantle but a fireplace wall makes a stunning centerpiece in a modern home.
To get the look: First, choose the fireplace; Montigo is a good option and then choose either a stone slab or modern tiles for the floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround.
The ultimate gallery wall
The set of Odd Mom Out closely resembles the real-life New York City townhouse of writer, producer, and star Jill Kargman, which showcases the ultimate gallery wall; a curated combination of pieces that reflect her taste and personality. This is one of the most striking feature wall ideas for living room, offering a personal and dynamic touch to the space.
To get the look: Frame each piece in a unique but not overwhelming frame. Then trace the pieces onto cardboard and label them so you can plan out your wall. Finding balance in the size of the pieces, as well as their color, tone, and texture, is crucial to creating a successful gallery wall.
Create a TV feature wall
Turn your TV into a striking focal point with some smart accent wall ideas for living room. Mounting your TV on a sleek, design-forward stand, like the modern floating TV stands from Wallroom, draws instant attention to the area. To complete the look, incorporate other media components like a gaming console or sound system by displaying them on wall-mounted shelves or display boxes. This is a great example of living room decorating ideas for feature walls, combining style and functionality for a polished, modern space.
Statement storage
Form and function go hand in hand with these beautiful storage cabinets designed especially for use in the living room. They’re part of Aran Cucine’s Bella cabinet collection, making it easy to blend an open kitchen and living room. The integrated modern kitchen cabinets and shelving come in a variety of geometric shapes, bold colors, and textures, providing plenty of space to store or display home entertainment equipment, books, and favorite art pieces.
To get the look: Set up a complimentary consultation at European Cabinets to see the full range of cabinet options.
Vintage map
“In this new age of GPS, Google Earth and multidimensional digital maps, mapping is suddenly hugely relevant again,” said art curator and historian Hans-Ulrich Obrist. A vintage map is a classic touch in any home modern or traditional. It can either recall a favorite place or voyage or inspire the next one.
To get the look: There are a number of websites selling vintage and replica maps. Choose a map that’s meaningful to you. For the most dramatic look, have a good photo printer divide and print it. Frame sections and hang them in a grid. To complete the look, consider incorporating interior door with vintage or custom designs that match the map’s theme, adding an extra layer of character to your space.
Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood has been used for everything from mirrors to tables to staircases to bathroom vanities. Now, it’s being used to cover entire walls, offering one of the most stylish modern feature wall ideas for living room.
To get the look: Italian flooring manufacturer Skema also offers a line of wall coverings made of reclaimed and recycled wood. This wood often has a unique appearance that can’t be matched by any type of process designed to distress new wood. Set up a complimentary consultation at European Cabinets to see the full range of Skema wall covering options.
Bold print wallpaper
Statement wallpaper can instantly transform a tired living room, especially in smaller spaces where bold prints draw attention away from the size of the room while adding instant personality. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or bold, maximalist prints, statement wallpaper offers endless ideas for feature wall in living room, with a wide range of colors, styles, images, and patterns to match any taste.
To get the look: We love Chasing Paper’s removable wallpapers, with beautiful patterns from top designers like Amy Van Luijk, Kelly Ventura, Caitlin Keegan, Jessica Jones, Two If By Sea, and more. Pairing your chosen wallpaper with custom doors can elevate the entire aesthetic, adding a unique and personalized touch to your living space.
Create a stunning fireplace feature wall
A fireplace naturally draws attention, making it the perfect centerpiece for an accent wall. To enhance the look, elevate the surrounding area with custom accent wall ideas, such as unique wallpaper or a textured finish with exposed brick or wood paneling. For a more cohesive design, you can also tie in elements from your staircase design to complement the feature wall and create a unified, stylish space.
Art accent wall
Nothing says feature wall like a single piece of art, and even better if it’s commissioned for the space. This is one of the most striking feature wall ideas for living room, as it turns a single artwork into a bold focal point.
To get the look: This is probably the most difficult look to make work, since you’ll need a single, wall-sized piece that’s both compelling and decorative, and you won’t want to rush into a potentially large purchase. Consider choosing a piece from an up-and-coming artist and it could also turn out to be a good long-term investment.
Conclusion
Incorporating a feature wall in your living room is a simple yet impactful way to transform the space. Whether you opt for bold wallpaper, a striking piece of art, or textured finishes like reclaimed wood or brick, there are endless feature wall ideas for living room that can reflect your style and personality. With thoughtful design, your feature wall will become the focal point of your room, enhancing the overall aesthetic and creating a space you love.
