5 fun feature wall ideas you’ll be proud to show off

“I’d like to get out of my comfort zone and try something a bit different when I repaint the living room. Any ideas for a feature wall that will stand out from the crowd?”

Painting with glorious colour is a quick and easy way to breathe new life into tired walls.

But if you’re looking to add drama to your decorating scheme, a vivid and playful feature wall could be just what you need to make your room stand out from the crowd.

If you do decide to make a statement in your home, it’s a good idea to limit yourself to a single feature wall per room. And paint the surrounding walls in a more restrained palette to ensure your chosen wall commands everyone’s full attention the moment they enter the room.

Otherwise, anything goes! Consider it a great opportunity to tap into and explore your creative side. But if you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to help get you started:

1. Go graphic

There is something immensely pleasing about repetition and pattern. These graphic diamonds enhance the sense of order – albeit playful - in this living room, although they’re not for the faint-hearted!

If you’re bold enough to try them, keep them bright and energised with an intense shade such as orange. A muted shade will dilute the effect. After all, you’re not trying to be subtle!

Which paints?

Bongo Jazz – Dulux 28YR 29/561
Casino Gold - Dulux 20YY 35/456
Barcelona Rain – Dulux 59BB 81/022

2. Off grid

For a contemporary look with an edgy vibe, you can’t go wrong with a monochrome grid.

Crisp, thick lines work best for this look, although keep the squares large and big enough to fit your hand inside.

For a softer look, add a few well-placed painted circles to your grid to add a touch of whimsy.

Which paints?

Dark Secret – Dulux 00NN 05/000
Barcelona Rain – Dulux 59BB 81/022
Terra Rosa – Dulux 50YR 53/160

3. Go with the flow

If the rigidity of the grid feels a little too harsh for your decorating scheme, why not go for a more relaxed and colourful version?

Here, multiple hand-painted grids have been painted in complementary colours for a playful look that evokes controlled chaos.

Which paints?

Newport – Dulux 30BG 44/248
Celandine – Dulux 60YY 62/755
Bongo Jazz – Dulux 28YR 29/561

4. On the dot

Our eyes are naturally drawn to circles although it’s unusual to find them painted on walls.

For a harmonious feature wall, channel your inner Damien Hirst and paint large circles at the top of the wall in retro or sorbet shades.

Circles are captivating, but too many will overpower the effect, so less is definitely more when it come to this appealing look.

Which paints?

Celandine – Dulux 60YY 62/755
Terra Rosa – Dulux 50YR 53/160
Exotic Grey – Dulux 70RR 73/025

5. Blurred edges

If you’re a fan of stripes but yearn for something a little bit different, why not turn them on their head, literally?

Horizontal stripes is the perfect way to update this classic look, while blurring the edges lends it a fun, edgy vibe that’s reminiscent of graffiti art.

Which paints?

Green Lemon – Dulux 54YY 69/747
Wildflower Wind – Dulux 50BG 72/170
Pure Orchid – Dulux 90BB 36/188

Top tip

Do you have lots of half-empty paint tins stored away at the back of a cupboard? Dig them out and assess what colours you have, and see if you can use them to help create the paint effects described above.