Herringbone Accent Wall Idea - Under $300 DIY Project

The Beauty of the Herringbone Accent Wall

The herringbone pattern brings a classic and timeless look to any space. This crisscross design made up of rectangular shapes has been used in flooring and furniture for centuries. More recently, herringbone has become a popular accent wall choice, allowing homeowners to add visual interest and texture to living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways.

What is a Herringbone Accent Wall?

A herringbone accent wall utilizes rectangular wood planks or tiles installed in an interlocking pattern, appearing to zigzag across the wall. The rows interlock at 90 degree angles, creating a striking V shape design. Accent walls draw the eye to one special area of a room. The herringbone pattern makes for an unforgettable feature wall.

Benefits of the Herringbone Accent Wall

There are many advantages to choosing herringbone for your accent wall:

• Visually appealing - The zigzag design is full of depth and texture for stunning visual effect.
• Adds dimension - Herringbone walls pop thanks to the dimensional elements of light and shadow.
• Classic and timeless - A herringbone accent wall will stand the test of time in both modern and traditional spaces.
• Easy to install - Herringbone wall tiles easily adhere to walls with construction adhesive.
• Budget friendly - Using bargain wood planks or faux tiles creates savings over other accent wall options.

Choosing Materials for Herringbone Accent Wall

There are numerous materials suitable for creating the herringbone wall pattern:

• Wood planks - Actual rectangular wood pieces can be cut and adhered by hand. This creates an authentic herringbone design with dimensional depth.
• Peel and stick tiles - Self-adhesive wall tiles make installation simple. Look for faux wood and stone herringbone tiles to mimic high-end materials on a budget.
• Wallpaper - Herringbone print wallpaper offers quick accent wall transformation. Choose bold patterns for modern spaces or subtle neutrals for versatile style.
• Paint - For easy application, use painters tape to map out a faux herringbone pattern and paint over it. Black and white paint creates high-contrast drama.

How to Install a Herringbone Accent Wall

Here is an overview of how to install a wood plank herringbone accent wall:

1. Map it out - Lightly mark guidelines in pencil so your first row is perfectly straight for all others to follow.
2. Cut planks - Using a miter saw, cut rectangular wood planks down to sizes needed to create the zigzag shape.
3. Stick row by row - Apply construction adhesive to the backs of planks. Press in place row by row, alternating plank directions to form the herringbone pattern shape.
4. Let dry and finish - Allow proper curing time for strong adhesion before sanding or finishing wood accent wall with polyurethane or paint.

Herringbone Pattern Variations

Change things up with one of these fresh takes on the traditional herringbone accent wall:

• Extra long planks for ultra drama
• Ebony stained chevron pattern wood
• Herringbone brick patterned tile
• Black and white graphic wallpaper
• Blue tone natural stone tiles

Designing Your Own Herringbone Accent Wall Under $300

It's possible to design a show stopping herringbone accent wall on a budget using creative tricks and affordable materials. Here is how to make a beautiful herringbone feature wall for under $300.

Save With Faux Wood Panels

Faux wood planks made from PVC or other synthetic materials have the same look of natural wood at a fraction of the cost. These faux wood panels are thin sheets designed specifically for vertical installation. Available in real wood veneers and simulated finishes, quality faux planks have texture and details that convincingly mimic the real thing.

Shop Discount Stores

Check discount home improvement stores and hardware stores for wood planks priced for savings. For variety, explore lumber resellers for discounted wood cuts. Gather planks over time as sales and clearance deals arise to accumulate all the wood needed for a full accent wall at a bargain price point.

Mix Premium and Budget Materials

Splurge on a few high end wood planks and pair with more affordable faux wood or other materials. Space out expensive reclaimed barnwood every few rows with new pine wood in between. Arrange wood, metal, stone, and other textures to make savings stretch further with selectively mixed premium statement pieces.

Consider Peel and Stick Tiles

Self adhesive peel and stick wall tiles have revolutionized accent wall installations, allowing homeowners to easily apply tile designs sans messy mortar or grout. Quality peel and stick tiles come in stone, marble, slate, brick, wood plank, and faux concrete styles. Measure the wall and calculate exactly how many tile sheets are needed to fill the space. Look for tile packs priced affordably to complete an entire accent wall project.

Add Decor Details on a Budget

A bare bones herringbone wood wall alone makes major style impact, but adding well chosen decor elements takes the design even further. Source unique decor like reclaimed window frames, antique mirrors, modern metal sunbursts, and vintage signs from thrift stores and flea markets. Group collections of framed botanical prints or display meaningful travel momentos. Even painted color blocks, washi tape geometric shapes, and floating shelves keep spending low while layering on stylish flair.

FAQs

What is the easiest way to create a herringbone accent wall?

The easiest method is using peel and stick wall tiles. Self-adhesive herringbone tiles go up quickly without messy mortar or grout.

What color paint goes well with a herringbone accent wall?

Black and white paint colors contrast beautifully with a herringbone pattern. Earth tones like beige and brown allow the wood texture to stand out.

What rooms work best for a herringbone accent wall?

Herringbone accent walls look gorgeous in living rooms, bedrooms, dining spaces, nurseries, and entryways or hallways.

What are some affordable woods for herringbone walls?

Pine, poplar, spruce and other common wood types are budget-friendly. Look for plank scraps at lumber resellers for deep discounts.

Should I seal my herringbone wood accent wall?

Yes, apply polyurethane for protection and enhanced wood grain. Water-based poly is easier for home use versus oil-based.