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10 Simple Wall Painting Ideas That Will Add Personality to Your Home

Did you know the house painting and decorating contractor industry is worth over $20 billion in the United States?

While hiring a professional can help you save a lot of time and effort, it’s tough to make a decision about what you’re wanting to paint. Luckily, we’re here to help you out.

Read on to learn 10 of the best simple wall painting ideas that can help take your space to a new level.

1. Ombre Walls

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An ombre wall is a perfect way to add a gradient statement to any space in your home. This technique can help you mimic a sunrise or waterfront, meaning you have access to the beauty of the great outdoors whenever you need it. You can also opt for a muted or subtle shade to bring your personality in without overwhelming the space.

If you have stairs, you can even paint those! All you’ll need are a few sample shade pots to get started. Once you know your colors, it’s easy to paint the fronts so they blend seamlessly and bring new life to an otherwise dull space.

2. Watercolor

Watercolor works like a mural on your accent wall, but the overall effect is more subtle. Not only that, but it’s a great alternative to expensive art if it’s not in your budget, and you’ll have the benefit of knowing that everything in it is custom to your home. This is also a great opportunity to decide which colors best compliment you’re home and its decor.

To start, you’re going to need your paint and glaze. Mix these two together with a 5:1 ratio (five parts glaze to one part paint), and then you’re set to start painting!

With this method, there isn’t really a right or wrong. You can use a roller or a brush, but you’re going to need a spray bottle and rag. As you start painting, you can use the spray bottle to loosen the paint’s texture, and then the rag to help spread it out on your wall.

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3. Chalkboard

Up next — a chalkboard wall. Not only is this simple wall painting idea incredibly easy to create, but chalkboard paint comes in a lot of different colors these days, so there’s no shortage of options for you to choose from.

Once you have your wall set up, you can make it whatever you want. It’s a great way to let kids get creative with their space, or even to have different kinds of art on display depending on your mood. The only limit with this option is your imagination.

4. Stripe Mural

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Stripes — whether narrow or thick — can dramatically change the overall feeling of your room. They can be a bit tedious, as you have to carefully tape so your lines are straight, but it’s simple to get everything painted once you’ve gotten past this step.

Remember, it’s best to paint the entire wall your base color first, and then move to the lighter and/or flatter shade to fill in the remainder of the stripes.

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5. Arch Mural

Arch murals are a fun, modern way to spruce up your space. They’re trendy right now, but they’re a timeless option that you aren’t likely to see go away anytime soon. They’re also perfect for accentuating certain features in your home, like:

  • Designating entryways
  • Playing with bold colors in slight ways
  • Accentuating furniture, like a dresser or shelving
  • Dramatize your headboard

You can even get creative and paint a half arch in the corner of your room.

To start painting your arch, you’re going to tape off the edges. Just like with the stripes, it’s important to have your base layer laid down first, and then you can move to paint the arch itself.

You can make drawing the arch easier by marking the center of where you laid your painters’ tape. Then, cut a piece of string that matches the distance, leaving a little extra on each end. From there, tape the string to the center spot, tie a pencil to the other end, and draw a semi-circle to complete your arch.

6. Polka Dots

With polka dots, you can make any room bright and cheery with a simple afternoon’s work. You can opt for a subtle look with small, lightly-colored dots, or you can go bold with large, brightly-colored circles around your wall to make a statement.

Depending on the room, you can bring the kids into the fun and let them pick out colors, too.

Don’t forget to pick your pattern, though. Whether you want a simple grid pattern with the dots evenly spaced, or you want to ramp it up and place them randomly across your wall, the possibilities with these simple DIY wall painting ideas are endless. Polka dots are a really good way to bring your personality into your space.

7. Color Blocking

Similar to an arch, color blocking a section of your accent wall is a great way to really pack a punch with your paint design. Unlike an arch, though, this color block is going to travel the length of the wall.

You can opt for a vertical block going from floor to ceiling, or you can mix it up and paint horizontally from wall to wall. There’s no wrong way to color block, but it’s important to make sure you love what you’re painting.

This is also a great technique to take outside, and you can check out our outdoor paint ideas if you’re interested.

8. Two-Toned

This is like painting a wall with a chair rail, only you might not have a chair rail to separate your color. If you don’t have a line already placed for you, you can tape two sections off, or you can opt for a rough line that you simply leave rough strokes on to create a really bold look.

No matter what you decide to do, it’s best to choose two contrasting colors for this choice. You can break up bright colors with subtle art pieces or lightly-colored furniture, or you can bring even more color into your space by placing complementary furniture pieces that match the wall itself.

This is also a great option to play up unique flooring in your home if you have it. Walls that match the tones of your floors can add a lot of personality to different spaces. 

Whatever you choose, remember that two-toned walls are something that looks best when you commit to them fully. They’re easy to carry out into the rest of your space, and they’re amazing when admired properly.

9. Rag Rolling

If you want the drama without a lot of hassle, then look no further than rag rolling. You can start with one layer of paint and easily add layers for further drama, but a single layer is perfect for adding sophistication to any space it’s needed in.

You only need a few things to get started:

  • Lint-free towels
  • Roller
  • Paint tray
  • Paper towels
  • Satin latex paint

To achieve your desired effect, you’ll start with bunching the rag up on your roller. Remember to dampen your rag first and wring it out well, and also leave as few flat surfaces as possible on the roller itself. The more folds and creases, the more dramatic your look is going to be.

From there, start at the center of the wall and press the rag to it. It’s best to work within a two-foot area and to go back and fill in areas between the heavier spots so your dimensions remain even.

10. Painted Ceiling

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This option is a great one for small children who look at the ceiling a lot, but it’s also just a great statement to make for any space. It’s a great way to make your space feel a bit more intimate and cozy.

This technique works best for flat ceilings as opposed to popcorn or scalloped ones, so keep that in mind as well.

Darker colors are best for giving the illusion of a low ceiling, which is great if you’re going for a cozy feeling in your room. Light colors can help small spaces feel larger, more open, and bright.

You can also add colors to the ceiling and wall of your kitchen if you have neutrally colored fixtures and cabinets. Likewise, if you have bright fixtures and cabinets, you can tone the space down with subtle ceiling and wall paint.

If you have beams or some other feature on your ceiling, light colors are also a great way to attract attention and draw it upward.

Would These Simple Wall Painting Ideas Fit Your Home?

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The best part about painting your own home? You can be as creative as you want without having to worry about things like landlords or lost security deposits. Remember, it’s your space to do whatever you want.

Have any of these simple wall painting ideas here caught your eye? If so, we can help. Whether you’re painting your first home or you’re simply redoing a few rooms, we’ve got you covered.

Tap here today to get started!

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