DIY An Accent Wall That Doesn't Require Painting, Only A Shelf

Accent walls offer a fun avenue to add texture and visual interest to a room without overtaking the entire design. There's no shortage of trendy accent wall ideas that bring your home to life, but how many of them also serve a functional purpose? Instead of opting for a wallpaper or paint accent wall, or filling a wall with small individual pocket shelves, you can easily create wall-to-wall shelving to display your immense book and trinket collection. This unique and functional shelving idea will maximize space in your home and exude a rich, lived-in aesthetic — all while serving a practical purpose.

To pull off this styling technique, you'll need a few large bookshelves. The goal is to get as close to filling up your bare wall as possible. While it's unlikely that you'll completely fill the wall without investing in built-ins, you can get pretty close with two wide bookcases or a combination of wide and slim shelves. Just make sure they're all the same height. Relatively affordable IKEA BILLY bookcases, which come in two widths, would work great here. Before you head out shelf shopping, measure your wall so you know the exact dimensions you're working with. If there are small gaps on either side of the units, don't stress. Center the shelves on the wall, and they should look great. You could even intentionally leave some room on either side of the bookcases for tall or statement-making floor lamps.

Once your bookcases are in place, it's time to start filling the shelves. This part of the process can feel a bit intimidating at the beginning. What exactly should you put on your shelves? Start with items you have around your home. Books are obviously a great option, but don't just stick with traditional vertical stacks. Create a two-book pile and place a tall candle holder or vase with faux florals on top. Then fill the space around them with interesting accents and keepsakes, such as real plants, small statues, and table lamps. Don't be afraid to incorporate personal pieces that speak to you and your history, like travel souvenirs, into the display. If you're having a hard time finding art you love, search local thrift stores or cut images from old art books and frame them.

Follow some best practices to set yourself up for success. The rule of three is a foolproof method: odd-numbered groupings create well-balanced vignettes. A common shelf styling mistake you'll want to avoid for a more polished look includes choosing decor that's too similar in size, color, and shape. Another is squishing items together without giving them space to breathe. Try to alternate between busier and simpler arrangements, each with varied decor pieces. To create the illusion of a connected, continuous bookshelf, hang art or small mirrors outside the shelves, on the bookshelf frame. Build your shelf design layer by layer, playing with the composition until you find a beautiful flow you love.