Feature Walls and the Quickest Way to Get Standout Results

You don’t need to redecorate an entire room to give it a fresh feel. Sometimes, one well-chosen wall is all it takes. A feature wall can completely change the way a space looks and feels—without the time, mess, or cost of a full room makeover. With the right wall and ceiling paints, it’s a project you can often finish in a single afternoon.

Indoors, a feature wall helps create a focal point. It can bring in bold colour, contrast with neutral surroundings, or highlight a fireplace, headboard, or sofa. It gives a space more purpose and structure without needing to move furniture or rip anything out. With a bit of planning and some simple prep, it’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

Feature walls aren’t just for inside the house. In gardens, they can be used to break up fences, add colour to plain brickwork, or draw attention to a seating area or planter wall. Painted garden walls are a smart way to tie outdoor spaces together—and they’re quick to finish using specialist masonry paints that stand up to the weather.

Whether you’re indoors or out, a single feature wall is a fast, effective way to change your space with minimal effort.

 

 

A feature wall is one wall in a room that’s meant to stand out from the rest. It draws attention, adds interest, and changes the feel of the whole space – without needing to decorate every wall around it. You can create one with bold paint, patterned wallpaper, timber panels, or even a large wall mural. The idea is simple: it should catch your eye the moment you walk in.

Think of it as the centrepiece of the room. Just like a fireplace or a statement piece of furniture, a feature wall gives the space a clear focal point. You don’t need to go overboard with colour or design – it just needs to be different enough from the other walls to make people stop and take notice.

Feature walls work just about anywhere. In bedrooms, they’re often placed behind the headboard. In living rooms, they go behind the TV or sofa. Offices, dining rooms, hallways, and even bathrooms can all benefit from a well-chosen feature wall. It’s a simple way to add personality without making a big mess or spending days on the job.

And the best part? You can do it in an afternoon. Whether it’s deep green paint, a strip of wallpaper, or easy-fit wall panels, the goal is to make one wall do all the talking – while the rest of the room sits back and lets it shine.

 

 

A feature wall is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to change how a room looks and feels. Instead of painting all four walls, you focus on just one. That means fewer materials, less time spent decorating, and no need to move every piece of furniture out of the room. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants quick results without a full renovation.

Because it only takes one wall, you use less paint, spend less money, and cut down on mess and drying time. But even though it’s a small job, the impact is huge. A feature wall becomes the natural focal point of the space. It pulls the room together, adds colour or texture, and gives the space personality – without overwhelming it.

Feature walls are ideal for renters, first-time decorators, or anyone short on time. You can go bold without committing to a full room of strong colour. Whether you want a cosy feel, a modern contrast, or just something different, a feature wall gives you options. And if you change your mind later, it’s much easier to update just one wall than to repaint an entire room.

In short, it’s less work, lower cost, and a quicker way to get the kind of results that make a room stand out.

 

 

Picking the right wall is the most important decision you’ll make – and it can make or break the whole look. The best feature walls are the ones that feel natural, not forced. You want a wall that already draws the eye or anchors the room.

A good place to start is with the wall that sits behind your bed, sofa, desk, or TV. These areas already act as focal points, so enhancing them with a bold colour or texture just makes sense. If your room has a fireplace, chimney breast, or built-in shelving, those walls also work well.

Try to avoid walls that are broken up by doors, windows, radiators, or shelving units. If a wall is already busy or cluttered, a feature will only add to the noise. Look for a clear, open space that allows the finish – whether it’s paint, wallpaper, or panelling – to stand out without distraction.

Also think about lighting. Natural light can bring out depth in darker colours, while poorly lit walls might dull even the brightest shade. If the room gets little sunlight, consider a lighter or warmer tone that still gives contrast without making the space feel smaller.

A strong feature wall doesn’t need to shout. It just needs to be in the right place – and with the right surface, the result will speak for itself.

 

 

If you’re short on time but still want to make a big impact, choosing the right materials can make all the difference. Here are some of the quickest, most effective ways to create a feature wall – no complicated tools, no long drying times, and no stress.

Paint

Paint is still the quickest and most flexible way to transform a wall, and with today’s colour options, it’s never been easier to get standout results. A single bold colour can completely change the mood of a room – whether you’re aiming for warmth, calm, drama, or something more vibrant. Popular shades like deep navy, forest green, burnt orange, and charcoal grey continue to work across a wide range of interiors, but the colour options don’t stop there.

Rawlins Paints offers a vast range of wall and ceiling colours across trusted specialist brands, including rich neutrals, muted tones, pastels, and high-impact shades that hold their depth and finish over time. With such a wide selection available, it’s strongly recommended to try a colour sample first. Lighting, room size, and surrounding décor can all affect how a paint colour appears once dry. Testing a small area before committing to a full tin ensures you get the look you want – without wasting time or materials.

Using specialist wall paints, such as Hanford & Green acrylics, not only gives better results but also works out more economical in the long run. These professional-grade formulas offer high opacity, meaning fewer coats are needed to cover a surface evenly. They’re also designed for durability – resisting scuffs, fading, and everyday wear far better than budget options found on the high street. In short, less product is wasted, fewer touch-ups are required, and you won’t be repainting again in six months.

Most quality wall paints are water-based, low-odour, and fast-drying, which makes them ideal for use in homes and businesses without major disruption. A good roller, such as this application kit, will speed up large areas, while a quality brush handles edges and corners cleanly. When paired with the right paint, a feature wall becomes a simple, high-impact project that looks professional, lasts longer, and adds real value to a room.

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Modern peel-and-stick wallpapers are a far cry from the fussy rolls and glue pots of the past. Just peel off the backing and stick it straight to the wall. If it’s not quite straight, no problem – you can reposition it. Great for renters or for anyone who wants to change things up again later. Choose from bold patterns, soft textures, or realistic printed designs like concrete, marble or woodgrain.

Wall Panels and Slats

Adding timber slats or MDF panels is a simple way to bring depth and texture to a wall. Pre-cut kits are available from most DIY stores, and they can be fitted with adhesive or small nails. Once up, you can paint wood any colour to match or contrast with the rest of the room – though if using MDF, make sure you use an MDF primer before painting. This style works well in bedrooms, home offices, or anywhere you want a more built-in look without the cost.

Wall Stickers and Murals

Wall decals and murals go up fast and make a strong visual statement. They’re popular in children’s bedrooms, nurseries, and home offices – anywhere you want something fun or bold. Most are made from vinyl, so they’re easy to clean and just as easy to remove when you’re ready for a change.

Faux Brick, Tile, or Stone Cladding

You don’t need to expose real brick to get the look. Thin brick slips, tile-effect panels, or lightweight stone veneer can be glued directly to the wall. They work especially well in kitchens, fireplaces, and bathrooms. Some even come in peel-and-stick formats, making them ideal for quick DIY jobs.

 

 

Not sure where to start? Here are some feature wall styles that are quick to do and always make a strong impact – no design degree needed.

Dark Green or Navy Walls for Bold Contrast

A deep, rich colour like forest green or navy blue makes a striking backdrop behind a pale-coloured bed or sofa. It creates contrast and helps anchor the space, especially in living rooms and bedrooms with neutral furnishings.

Soft Blush or Cream Walls for a Calm Bedroom Feel

Lighter tones like blush pink, soft beige, or warm cream are perfect for bedrooms. They help the room feel restful without looking plain. These colours work especially well with soft lighting and natural textures.

Mustard or Terracotta Accent Stripes in Hallways

A bold horizontal or vertical stripe can break up a long hallway or corridor. Earthy tones like mustard yellow or terracotta add warmth and draw the eye down the space, making narrow areas feel more inviting.

Painted Wall Panels for Texture and Warmth

Adding panelling – even simple MDF slats – can bring texture to a plain room. Paint them in rich colours like deep red, olive green, or charcoal grey to create a traditional or modern country look. This works well in bedrooms, snugs, and reading corners.

Wallpaper Murals and Patterns That Add Instant Character

Feature wallpaper is a fast way to add interest to a dining room, study, or home office. Choose a mural for a bold statement, or go with repeating prints like botanicals, geometric shapes, or art deco patterns. Peel-and-stick options are available for quick installation and easy removal.

 

 

Even a simple job like a feature wall can go wrong if a few key steps are missed. These mistakes are easy to make, but just as easy to avoid when you know what to look out for.

Choosing the wrong wall

If the wall is hidden behind furniture, blocked by windows or doors, or packed with shelves and radiators, it won’t have the impact you’re looking for. Pick a wall that’s visible as soon as someone enters the room. Behind the bed, the sofa, or a dining table usually works well.

Using the wrong tools

Cheap brushes and rollers leave streaks, lines, and fluff in the finish. For the best result, use proper rollers designed for walls and ceilings, and a decent angled brush for cutting in at the edges.

Skipping surface prep

A dusty or greasy wall will ruin your finish. Always clean the surface first – warm soapy water is fine for most walls. If the paint is flaking or glossy, give it a light sand and use a primer if needed.

Not checking lighting

Natural light changes how colours look. A bold navy in daylight can turn almost black at night. Before you commit, test a sample and look at it in both natural and artificial light.

No masking or planning

A clean edge makes a big difference. Use masking tape along skirting boards, sockets, and ceilings to keep lines sharp. Lay down dust sheets and clear the space before opening a paint tin.

Take your time with the prep. It might feel slow at first, but it saves you fixing avoidable problems later. A few extra minutes at the start means better, faster results when the roller hits the wall.