How Much Does It Cost to Paint an Accent Wall? [2025 Data]

The cost to paint an accent wall averages between $2 and $6 per square foot, with most U.S. homeowners paying around $1,259. The price can range from anywhere between $300 and $3,000, depending on the size of the wall and the materials used.

Accent Wall Painting Cost Factors

When you decide to change up the look of a room by adding an accent wall, what your local interior painter will charge depends on a few factors. Once you settle on what your dream accent wall idea is, your price may vary based on the details.

Size

The size of your accent wall is one of the main factors that affect the cost. Interior painting costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, and common wall sizes range between 70 and 150 square feet. Two-story walls or extra-long walls will cost more to paint, so you may want to choose a smaller wall as your accent.

Type of Paint

Material costs will vary based on the type of paint finish you choose—higher gloss paints are more expensive than matte or eggshell varieties. When you’re just painting one accent wall, the cost won’t affect your final price dramatically, but it will make a difference.

Wall Prep

Getting the perfect finish on your accent wall requires some prep. To prep a wall, a painter will patch drywall imperfections, sand and clean the wall, remove switch plates and outlet covers, cover the floor with a dropcloth, and may tape off trim and ceiling and wall seams. Expect to pay more for walls that need a lot of prep, have heavy staining, or have wallpaper remnants that need to be removed. 

Labor

Painters charge an average of $20 to $50 per hour on top of material costs. In many cases, painting pros may have a minimum job charge, so even a faster job, like a single accent wall, may end up costing more to meet the minimum. 

Design Complexity

Painting an accent wall one color with a roller, brush, or sprayer will likely keep you at the lower end of the price range, but if you want more complex wall painting techniques, you’ll pay more. Color washing, striping, antiquing, or plaster finishes fetch a premium price due to their complexity and the extra time it takes to complete the project.

Accent Wall Painting Ongoing Costs

Once your accent wall is painted, you won’t incur much in ongoing costs until it’s time to repaint. Small chips and dings can be touched up using leftover paint from the original project using a brush or roller you’ll likely still have on hand. Small drywall holes can be patched and painted with a $5 to $15 tub of spackle and some leftover paint. Regularly dusting and washing your wall can keep your paint in great shape and help your accent wall look brand new for years to come. 

Why You Should Hire an Accent Wall Painting Pro

While you could save between $20 and $50 per hour in labor costs by painting your accent wall yourself, there are some challenges to consider before taking on the project. Time and your personal safety are the most significant factors to consider. However, it's essential to remember that local interior painters have the tools and expertise to provide the professional finish that makes your accent wall the focal point it's supposed to be. 

Here’s Why It’s Ideal to Hire an Accent Wall Painting Pro

Accent wall painting requires detailed prep work and flawless finishing, and here’s why it’s best to hire a pro:

• Experts understand the importance of addressing previous finishes to avoid streaking, paint flashing, and patchiness. 

• They deliver smooth, consistent coverage with no streaks, roller lines, or patchiness.

• Hiring a pro saves you time and helps you avoid the safety issues that come with working from ladders.  

• DIY errors, such as uneven texture, visible roller marks, drips, or color inconsistencies, can be costly to repair after the fact. 

• Professionals understand how lighting and wall texture affect paint appearance.

• They can repair drywall imperfections and ensure a flawless surface before painting.

• Pros can complete the project efficiently and with minimal disruption to your home.

• Reputable painters offer warranty protections to help protect your investment. 

If You Want to DIY Accent Wall Painting

Hiring a pro is the best way to ensure a professional finish, but here are ways you can participate in the process:

• Research and select color palettes and designs to review with your pro. 

• Clear the work area of furniture, decor, clutter, and wall hangings.

• Research and choose related upgrades, such as lighting options and accent features, to discuss with your painter. 

• Consider performing light wall repairs before work begins, if appropriate, and with your professional's consent. 

Cost of Common Accent Wall Painting Add-Ons

Many interior painting companies also offer other services to refresh your home. Some common add-on services when painting an accent wall include:

• Mural painting: $700–$1,800

• Trim painting: $1–$4 per linear foot

• Drywall repair: $50–$75 per sq. ft.

• Ceiling painting: $0.50–$5 per sq. ft.

• Doorstop or bumper installation: $10–$30 each

Ways You Can Save on Accent Wall Painting

The most effective way to cut costs on accent wall painting is to tackle it as a DIY project. If you’re comfortable wielding a paintbrush, you can create your dream accent wall for only the cost of the paint and supplies. If you don’t have the time or the skills to take the job on yourself, you can still save. Here are some ways to cut costs:

• Have the entire room or several rooms painted—many companies have a minimum charge, so your accent wall may prove to be more expensive if you aren’t having any other work done.

• Supply the paint yourself. Check with your painter, though, since some pros won’t use customer-provided materials.

• Do the prep yourself. Filling holes, sanding, and cleaning the walls before the painters arrive could save you on the final price.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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