Create this striking ombre paint effect by blending two colours. It creates a soft, subtle look that adds a focal point to any room.

How to paint an ombre wall

How to paint an ombre accent wall

Blend two colours for a stylish, subtle finish.

This striking ombre paint effect is a great way to dress up an accent wall. To get the best results, we recommend using colours that are not too far apart in tone. Here, we’ve paired warm copper orange with a light clay colour.

Once you’ve chosen your accent wall, move any furniture away from the wall, and take down any artwork or mirrors.
Using a tape measure and pencil or chalk, draw a line across the wall where you want the two colours to blend together. Don’t worry about creating a perfectly straight line – it’s simply a guide to help you remember where to start and stop painting.
Using a wide emulsion brush or paint roller, apply your first colour. The traditional approach is to paint the top half of the room a lighter colour than the bottom half. This makes the ceilings appear higher and will completely change the look of the room. We recommend painting the lighter colour first, so if there are any drips they’ll be easier to cover up when you paint the bottom half of the room.
Start painting at the top of the wall and work down, stopping roughly at the point where you want your two colours to meet.
Time to apply your second colour. This time, start from the bottom of the wall and work up.
When you get to the place on the wall where you want your two colours to blend together, use upward crisscross diagonal strokes to blend the second colour into the first and vice versa.
Feel free to experiment – this look can be as bold or as subtle as you like. If you want a more feathered look, you may like to repeat step 4 a few times.
Once your paint is dry, move your furniture back into place. You may like to add a new accessory or two, such as an inexpensive piece of artwork, to enhance your new accent wall.