15 Wood Trim Accent Wall Ideas We Love for Visual Interest in Any Space

Accent walls are a fun way to create a focal point and add some visual interest to your space. If you’re looking to add some texture and dimension to your room you can’t go wrong with a wood trim accent wall. Wood trim can be used in endless ways to create a unique and interesting feature, from board and batten to unique geometric patterns and everything in between.

Need a little inspiration? Here are 15 wood trim accent wall ideas for any space.

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Bold Board and Batten

Board and batten originated in exterior siding and paneling, but has also made its way to interior paneling. It’s often associated with farmhouse or country looks, but it can also exude formality and elegance depending on how it's applied. Add a bold coat of paint for an eye-catching look.

Neutral Board and Batten

While a bold splash of paint is certainly eye-catching, a simple neutral board and batten accent wall can be just as captivating. Consider matching the accent wall to the rest of your wall paint, or choosing a shade slightly darker than your other walls.

Picture Frame Molding

Picture frame molding is enjoying a major comeback and it’s not hard to see why. This classic wall molding style is a quick way to elevate any space and add some visual interest without demanding too much attention.

Framed Wallpaper Panels

If you’re looking to try something a bit out of the box, then framed wallpaper panels may be for you. This fun look blends the best of wood trim features with the wallpaper revival and is a great way to introduce some fun color and texture without wallpapering an entire wall.

Fluted Feature

In this Japandi-style project, Desiree Burns Interiors opted for a fluted accent wall in the living room to add some modern flair to this minimalist design. The light wood tone and matching wall-to-wall sideboard give this wall a built-in look without overpowering the space.

Paneling With Board and Batten

For this unique accent wall, THIRD STREET Architecture wanted to preserve the original mahogany paneling in the home. However, a change in the roof line meant that new pieces needed to be added to the top, which allowed them to incorporate a board and batten feature.

Raised Geometric Design

Make a statement by creating a raised geometric accent wall using thin wood trim. This look is popular in bedrooms and nurseries but also looks great in dining rooms, living rooms, and more. The best part is that while it seems complicated, it’s a project you can easily tackle yourself.

Rustic Reclaimed Wood

If rustic is what you’re going for, look no further than a reclaimed wood accent wall. Whether you have real reclaimed barn wood to work with, or simply DIY it to get the look, the result is sure to be breathtaking.

Vertical Shiplap

Shiplap is most often associated with farmhouse designs but in reality, it has a place in lots of different design aesthetics. Switch it up and install it vertically for a modern look that will make your room feel taller.

Horizontal Shiplap

In contrast, if you love a more classic look then you can’t go wrong with horizontal shiplap. This look is popular in farmhouse and coastal designs. It’s traditionally left white, but don’t be afraid to paint it to add a pop of unexpected color to your space.

Natural Horizontal Planks

Create an eye-catching accent wall by featuring natural wood planks. Depending on your preference, they can be installed horizontally or vertically, and are sure to add an earthy, grounded touch to any space.

Flush Geometric Design

Using thin pieces of wood trim to create a raised geometric design has been popular for a few years now, but you can also create a flush geometric design using standard wood planks. The result is modern and fresh without stealing too much focus from the rest of the space.

Vertical Wood Trim on a Black Wall

Installing thin pieces of wood trim vertically against a painted black wall creates an eye-catching feature, and it’s super simple to do. Simply choose a wood stain you love, pull out the black paint, grab a nail gun, and get to installing. The finished look adds tons of depth and visual interest to the space.

Half Wall Molding

Chair rail molding is a type of traditional wall trim that first gained popularity to protect delicate plaster walls from being damaged by the backs of dining room chairs. While its practical applications may be irrelevant today (thank you, drywall!), the classic aesthetic that chair rail molding offers has returned to favor.

Black Shiplap

Shiplap is usually white or light-colored, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. This entryway accent wall by Michelle Berwick Design demonstrates how striking black shiplap can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best wood for accent wall trim?

If you're planning on painting the wood trim for your accent wall, primed MDF trim is a great option for saving time and money (just don't use MDF in wet areas like bathrooms as it will warp). However, if you're going for a natural wood look you can use nearly any kind of wood. Popular options include hardwoods like oak and maple.

What angle do you cut wood for an accent wall?

The angle that you cut wood for an accent wall will depend on the design you are going for. Many styles like board and batten and simple wood planks won't require any fancy angled cuts, while other styles like picture frame molding may require a few miter cuts. Be sure to research what angled cuts will be needed for the style of accent wall you are doing before starting your project.

Read Next: How to Build a DIY Wood Accent Wall

Read the original article on The Spruce.