Focal Point

• One of the first things that you need to decide when painting a bathroom wall as an accent wall is deciding on a focal point. Choose this focal point as the accent wall, which in the bathroom, is usually the wall where the mirror and sink are located. However, any wall that you feel should be the focal point of the bathroom works too. Make sure to choose a wall that doesn't have too many windows or wall decor, however, since this can be overwhelming, especially in a small bathroom.
  
  

Paint

• Choosing paint color can often be difficult because of the hundreds of hues to choose from. If you can't decide on a color, select a color from an existing object in your bathroom and use it on your bathroom's accent wall. Another way to decide on a color is to consider the size of your bathroom. Darker colors make a small bathroom appear smaller and give a large bathroom an intimate feel. Light colors make a small bathroom appear larger and brighter and a large bathroom even larger. Consider the finish of the paint after you've decided on a color. Bathrooms are usually painted with a satin or semi-gloss finish, which works to draw more attention to an accent wall because it provides more sheen. Additionally, glossy finishes are good at resisting mold and mildew and are easier to clean than a flat finish.
  
  

Before Painting

• Before painting an entire wall, make sure that you're satisfied with the paint that you choose. Test the paint by painting a test patch measuring about 4 feet square on the wall. Keep it on the wall for at least one day so you can see what it looks like under different conditions, such as with natural and artificial light and at different times of the day. Use primer on your walls before applying paint to achieve the best possible color and for proper adhesion.
  
  

Design

• An accent wall can be painted in various ways. One way is to paint all walls in one color and the accent wall a few shades darker by painting over it with the same color at least two or three times. Another way to make an accent wall stand out is to paint it with a semi-gloss finish and to paint the other walls in a satin finish. Accent walls can also stand out by using a different painting technique, such as sponging or ragging. Or make an accent wall stand out by painting vertical or horizontal stripes on the wall and painting all the other walls in a solid color.