The do's and dont's of feature walls

Starting off with a blank canvas can be exciting, but knowing how to fill the canvas is crucial

Paint, wallpaper, panels, murals, chalkboards, the list goes on. Irrespective of the type of feature wall you decide to implement, here are a few do's and don'ts to best add liveliness and character to a room which may otherwise be considered a blank canvas.

Why create a feature wall? 

• A feature wall will create a focal point in the room and adds texture. 

• Feature walls can reinforce your sense of style and help jazz up an otherwise boring room.

• They can create the illusion of a larger space, especially if the feature wall is a mirror or uses a light coloured palette. 

• Feature walls give you an opportunity to use bold colours, without overdoing it. 

Do: 

• Use feature walls sparingly. It's best to spruce up a single wall, treating it as a unique element which draws the eye towards the room’s focal point.
• Strike a balance. 60% of the space should be light colours to make the room look more spacious. 30% should be a contrasting, dark colour, and should be in the details such as cushions, décor items or towels 

• Choose patterns and colours wisely. Bold colours may make a statement, but keep the rest of your room in mind, if the design is busy, strike a balance by keeping the rest of your décor toned down.
• Consider space. Remembering that a feature wall draws the eye, be sure to consider where you want people to look when deciding which wall to apply a colour or pattern to. With a larger room, you're able to use light or dark colours - either will look good. A smaller room, on the other hand, could look even smaller still if using a dark colour.

Don't: 

• Randomly choose a wall. A feature wall should be chosen to enhance the rooms best features. If the room has built-in  furniture like a ledge, make this wall the feature wall.
• Choose a wall which has multiple windows or doors. These draw attention away from your  statement.
• Limit yourself to paint and wallpaper. Other materials which could be used include reclaimed wood or stones, chalkboards, whiteboards or tiles.
• Forget to dust and clean any built-in furniture before painting to help you get the best result. 

Other points to consider:

• If you’re on a budget and absolutely must use paint, don’t be afraid to get creative. Create a striped pattern or use stencils. Alternatively, add some artwork to help provide texture.
• More expensive materials can include reclaimed wood, stone or marble.
• Strategically placed furniture can add value to the feature wall. The wall behind the couch in the lounge or the wall behind the headboard in the bedroom often look ideal.