How to Create a Focal Point in a Room and 15+ Wood Feature Wall Ideas to Update Any Space
Wood feature walls are all over Pinterest and I can say I’m officially smitten with them. They’re eye-catching, creating a beautiful focal point that can be unique or as simple as you want.
I’m so excited to talk about creating a wood feature wall today. And, I’m going to talk a lot about creating a focal point in rooms, something I didn’t mean to get into a ton of detail about but it happened and it’s useful!
I can’t say I’m a certified interior designer. But, I did take a few courses last year on the basic principles of interior design.
One of the things I learned that really interested me was focal points. Mostly every room needs a focal point, something that immediately draws your eye and attention.
I think this is often overlooked – I certainly wasn’t thinking about creating a focal point in every room when I was first learning!
Here’s an example of a focal point from our Girl’s Nursery Reveal – a shiplap wall!
Common focal points in rooms
1. Fireplaces
If your room has a fireplace, that’s the perfect place to start. Even if it’s not the focal point right now, think about how you can make it a focal point.
Fireplace as a focal point: example
Can you extend the fireplace from floor to ceiling? Can you add shiplap to your fireplace or paint it black so it stands out? Just look at all of these unique fireplace accent wall ideas!
Just having a fireplace doesn’t automatically mean it’s a focal point, but, it’s the perfect and easiest place to start.
Related – If you’re using a fireplace as your focal point, check out this article with 5 easy ways to update your fireplace!
2. Windows
Yes, windows. Think about a large living room or open plan where you have a wall of windows or floor-to-ceiling windows. That beautiful view outside can be a focal point.
How can you harness that view? Could you paint the window frames black? Maybe have the surrounding walls neutral and keep the furniture and decor subtle?
With the photo above, was your eye immediately drawn to the windows? Notice how everything else in the room is relatively neutral and subdued?
Windows as a focal point: example
Even if you want to have some bolder furniture or decor in the room, your windows can still be a focal point – like this living room example below.
3. Built-in shelving
A lot of times built-in shelving is seen next to a fireplace. But, you can also add built-in shelving on a wall in your living room, den, or home office. Make it stand out with ornate trim or a sliding ladder.
Shelving as a focal point: example
Here’s an example of a focal point we made in our modern office with both built-in shelving/storage and wallpaper!
4. Other architectural elements
Do you have any other unique quirks in your room? This could include a vaulted ceiling or a large bay window. How can you accent these features so they stand out?
Ways to make a focal point if your room doesn’t have one
Sometimes (or maybe a lot of the time!) your room isn’t going to have one of these obvious focal points.
In that case, it’s important to create your own focal point.
So, how can you make a focal point if your room doesn’t have one?
Here are some ways to make a focal point in a room that doesn’t have any of the focal points listed above.
1. Add a bold-painted wall
Painting one wall with a bold color is definitely the easiest way to get a focal point.
’d choose the biggest wall in the room and pick a dark or saturated color (like one of these green colors or one of these dark paint color ideas) to paint it. This plan can’t go wrong!
Bold-painted wall as a focal point: example
2. Use wallpaper
Everyone knows my obsession with wallpaper. It’s never-ending. But, it’s also a relatively easy way to get that focal point.
If you’re on the hunt for wallpaper, check out these modern wallpaper ideas and floral wallpaper ideas.
Wallpaper was a focal point: example
3. Incorporate artwork
Art always makes such an impact in a room. You could hang one giant piece of art behind a sofa or have an entire wall dedicated to tons of art. Art lets your personality shine through while also creating a focal point in the room.
But you’ll, of course, need some art to make this idea come to life. Check out these affordable art ideas from Minted and more affordable art ideas from Artfully Walls.
Art as a focal point: example
4. Use furniture
This is probably one you didn’t think of and maybe not the easiest to pull off. But, you’ve definitely been in or seen rooms that have elaborate furniture that set the stage for the room. And, this can fit any design style.
For example, a farmhouse dining room could have a custom-built reclaimed wood dining table. An eclectic living room could have a yellow, plush, velvet sofa.
5. Add a wood feature wall
While it may not be as easy as simply painting a wall, a modern wood feature wall will certainly make an impact!
Wood accent wall ideas
So, now that we’ve talked about creating a focal point, let’s check out some of my favorite wood feature wall ideas! Let’s turn those pins into reality!!
Wood Feature Wall Ideas
The most obvious answer for me when it comes to wood feature wall ideas is SHIPLAP! We created this super budget friendly version of a shiplap accent wall in our daughter's farmhouse nursery for just $30!
Check out the full tutorial to see how we did it.
Here's another take on a shiplap wall will plywood, but they used thicker plywood and routed the edges so they look a little more like realistic shiplap. Either way works!
I love how they left the nail holes exposed for a more rustic look on this wood feature wall.
This geometric wood wall is amazing, and that color is great for a little boy's room. It will grow with him as he gets older and paint color is easy to change!
MDF was used to make this accent wall and it is just 1/2 inch thick. That makes it easier to use with existing baseboards so that it doesn't stick out. You can easily cut it down to the width you want using a table saw.
Read more to add this accent wall to your home.
Create this herringbone patterned wood accent wall in a day and a half and for about $40 in lumber!
This wall is also made using MDF and the herringbone pattern makes it a timeless wood accent wall for any space.
Read more to add the wood accent wall to your home.
Moulding is another material you can use to create an amazing wood accent wall. You only have to cut it to the length you need.
This 5" wide moulding installed at an angle makes a bold statement in this dining room. Pro tip: Paint your wall before adding your wood. You could do it after, but if the wood isn't flush with the wall it will be harder to get a nice finished look.
Read more to learn how to add this wall to your home.
I love all the detail of this wood accent wall. The different patterns work together to create a focal point that is a show stopper!
Painted white, it doesn't overpower the space, but adds detail to this entry that is welcoming and gorgeous!
Looking for a fun weekend project that you can start and finish in just a few hours? This simple board and batten wall is for you!
Even if your wall is textured or uneven, you can install board and batten to make your own wood accent wall.
Read more for the full tutorial to add this wood accent wall to your home.
You can add this square board and batten wall to your home using basic tools. You can add it by itself to a smooth wall or add eucaboard first to a textured wall for a smooth look.
This batten is made from pre cut MDF with eliminates the need for fancy or expensive power tools. You could easily make this one using a jig saw or even a hand saw with a miter box.
Read more for the full tutorial to add the accent wall to your home.
Worried about the wood of your accent wall sticking out past your current trim and baseboards? The crown moulding in this room was extended out using a 2x4 behind the crown molding.
Once the crown molding is bumped out it's easy to add your design and create a wood feature wall you will love!
Bathrooms are a great place to create a wood accent wall. The area is smaller, so it doesn't cost as much and even bathrooms deserve a little accent wall love.
You can use just the boards and go for a modern look or add trim to the inside of each rectangle like this for a more traditional look. Either way it's stunning and really dresses up this bathroom.
Angles instantly make an accent wall look modern. Paired with the dark green paint in this teen's bedroom and you have a bedroom anyone would love to have.
The wood accent wall in this bedroom is made with 60 and 30 degree angles instead of the standard 45. It might be a bit harder to draw out and install, but the extra effort is totally worth it!
Read more to learn how to add this wood accent wall to your home.
This DIY wood slat wall makes a big impact and is easy to create. Unlike other wood accent walls, this one is left unpainted for a modern look.
This project is so easy even a beginner can create it using plywood and a table saw. It's a quick project you could do in just a day and have an awesome wood slat accent wall in your home.
Add a little fun to your vertical wood accent wall with angled pieces. This one definitely steps up the wow factor and creates a stunning focal point in this bedroom.
You may be thinking this one will be hard to get just right, but using a laser level and drawing the angles first will make this DIY project an easy one.
Add your own stunning wood accent wall with this easy DIY tutorial. You can do this in any room, but in the entryway it's a modern welcoming feature your guests will swoon over.
Made with MDF cut into 1" strips, you can do this DIY project in an afternoon.
Read more for the full tutorial to add this wood accent wall to your home.
Do you need storage for your office and craft supplies? How about a giant pegboard wall?
This isn't your standard pegboard, this pegboard is made using plywood and the holes can be drilled at whatever interval you want. Add a color block design to give it more personality.
Read more for the full tutorial to make this wood accent wall for your office or craft room.
Put on your geometry hat and cut some 45 degree angles to make this DIY chevron wood accent wall.
Made using 1x6 pine boards the chevron pattern is easy to install and will be a timeless accent wall in your home.
Read more for the tutorial to make this wood accent wall in your home.
This welcoming wood accent entry wall is pointing the way for visitors to come on in. The dark paint color gives it a moody modern look.
You can do this DIY project for under $40 in lumber plus the cost of your paint.
Read more to add this wood accent wall to your home.
We have seen wood accent walls in every configuration except horizontal. This horizontal wood accent wall creates an amazing focal point.
Made with 1x2 and 1x3 boards it's easy to put together and install. Stain or paint it in the color of your choice.
Do your tastes lean more toward the traditional side? Then this last one is for you! Raised panel feature walls are classic, traditional, and timeless.
You can make your own using 1x8 and 1x6 boards. Base cap molding creates the raised panel look.
Read more for the tutorial to make your own raised panel wood accent wall.
What do you think? Ready to add a wood feature wall to your house?
