From sheer contrasts to subtle shifts , explore two - shade bulwark vividness examples for an instant refresh .

For years , accent walls prevail as the statement - making paint discussion of pick . The single paintedaccent wallgained popularity as an easy means to deliver a splash of colour without the consignment of a whole - way paint line . But now , we ’re seeing architect and homeowners encompass two - look wall coloration examples inbold paint . They ’re showing up in every way of the abode — from living rooms tobedrooms — and quickly becoming one of our preferred bulwark treatment ideas .

Add Architectural Dimension

Painting wall with two colors creates instant contrast and architectural interest with just a few paint strokes . " The two - toned wall provides a fair , modern way to supply proportion and the illusion of architectural inside information to a space , " says Nivara Xaykao , a former colour specialist at Benjamin Moore . " Plus , it ’s also a lot easier topaint a wallthan to install trim . "

Visual Tips and Tricks

Whether you want to make your space feel larger or birth an unexpected dose of color , thispaint techniqueis easy to tailor-make to carry out the look you want . Sue Wadden , director of colour marketing at Sherwin - Williams , suggests vary the height of the paint line of merchandise according to your liking : " I prefer to switch hues in either the lower third of the bulwark or up top towards the roof , " she says . " It does n’t have to be exact half ! "

paint your wall two unlike colors can create the illusion of infinite if you use a lighter coloring on the top half : It draws the centre up and cook the ceiling seem in high spirits than it actually is .

To attain the two - tone look , watch the height of your paint line , measuring from the roof down for a horizontal happy chance . Once you ’ve finalized your design , tape it off usingpainters tapeand a level , and start paint !

black and white wall behind bed

Credit: Brie Williams

Two-Tone Wall Ideas

Looking for two - tone wall intake ? Here are six peak and melodic theme to get you started .

1. Line It Up

Ca n’t decide where to get down your paint line ? employ an existing feature article in the way — such as a doorway frame , chair runway , orfireplace mantel — as a guide . Align the block of coloration with your horizontal element of choice to accomplish a terse , neat facial expression . If you ’re using your windows as the guide , bulge your paint line at least 12 in above or below it — rather than directly in line with it .

2. Bring Color to the Ceiling

Another idea on where to die between colors : Paint one shade up to picture molding height , commonly about 12 - 20 in below the cap . For supernumerary impact , Wadden suggestspainting the ceilingthe same colour as the top chromaticity to create the intuitive feeling of a more expansive space .

Whenpainting a ceilinga bluff color , opt for a flat or matte finish — it softens reflexion , keeps the color from feel sweep over , and helps hold back any surface imperfections .

3. Combine Colors

When it comes to this rouge trend , we say the bolder , the better . Pick two of your favoritedaring shadesfor a gamey - get-up-and-go , colour - on - gloss effect . To keep the two - spirit treatment cohesive , stick to to one paint sheen for both colors .

For a two - whole tone elbow room , choosecomplementary color — opposite on the color wheel — for bold contrast .

4. Try Tone-on-Tone

Monochromatic two - smell color schemes use light-colored and non-white shades from the same color family to produce impact with a more pernicious , symmetrical look , such as light grim and saturnine blue . In this case , varying the sheen between the two hues ( one matt and one glossy ) adds grain that further defines the twotones of blueon the wall .

5. Highlight a Specific Feature

apply the two - tone technique to emphasize or add depth to a certain region of the room — without adding any fancymillworkor other architectural detail . “ A two - tone wall can be an efficient magic to either make your space find larger or more intimate , so experiment with where you put the blocks of colour to achieve your desired gist , ” Xaykao says . paint one section of the way in a different hue , for instance , can turn an average corner into acozy nook .

6. Temper an Intense Shade

If a floor - to - cap bold color on all four walls makes you flighty , consider two - tone wall color examples that incorporate a neutral shade . " My favorite app is partner off bright colors with a light indifferent or white , " Wadden says . Limiting the vivid hue to one half of the wall prevents it from overwhelm the room .

7. Get Creative

Two - feel walls are even more eye - catching when you supply some personality to the intervention . One idea : acquit the colour closure acrosssecondhand artworkfor a touch of wittiness . Make thrifted or garage - cut-rate sale art pappa by skim the bottom of the piece with the lower rampart colour and matching up the blusher lines .

Whether you go bold with a vibrant color combining or encounter in the centre with a muted pastel treatment , these two - tone bulwark pigment approximation are guaranteed to make a modern impact .

Frequently Asked Questions

Popular wall rouge color combining include high contrast pairing like black and white ; coastal color like blueish and beige ; dessert chromaticity like cactus green and terracotta ; and even musical note - on - tint combos like taupe and chocolate browned or wan gray and charcoal .

It all depends on what force you ’re trying to achieve . Dividing the rampart along the horizontal can make an deception of more space if the top half is light . Conversely ,   a dingy top half can palpate intimate and enveloping . If you ’re looking to create zone in anopen base plan , dividing the wall on the vertical can assist define dissimilar areas .

In some cases , yes ! If you keep your be paint color on the paries and just buy enough paint for the second color , then you do n’t need to repaint the entire wall . Also , if there ’s anarchitectural featureyou do n’t like — the feeling of a radiator or hearth chimneypiece , for case — you could paint the lower half of your rampart a saturnine color to camouflage it without having to interchange it or recreate .

kid’s bedroom with two-toned high-contrast paint treatment

Credit: David Tsay

feminine study with two-toned magenta and white paint treatment

Credit: John Bessler

room corner with bright orange two-toned paint and papasan chair

Credit: Michael Garland

powder blue two-toned wall paint with tile greeting

Credit: Ann VanderWiel Wilde