Tip: For a more subtle ombre that uses similar colors, consider choosing three colors that are in the same color family. Stay away from the darkest color if you can, for a more soothing palette. If drama is what you’re looking for, then consider a bold hue for your darkest color, but select your color with care.
How to paint an ombre wall
The ombre trend can be seen everywhere at the moment, from the runway and home décor to hair colour and floral design.
The gradients of colour are created by using palettes of graduating colours that shift subtly in layers from light to dark, creating a dreamy, water-coloured effect. The result when applied to your walls? An incredibly modern, creative and eye-catching look. Ombre walls are painted freehand, meaning the effect will never look the same twice, so your home will be as unique as you are. Read on for a step-by-step guide to ombre painting at home, along with tips on choosing the best colours for your ombre wall.
A guide to ombre painting at home
What you’ll need to create an ombre wall
- 2.5 litres of your two chosen paint colours
- Tape measure
- Coloured chalk
- Two large rollers and roller trays
- Paint brush
Preparing your wall
- Repair any damages, fill any holes and make sure the wall is clean and dry.
- Use masking tape to section the wall off from other walls.If you’re painting over a dark wall, do a full coat of the lighter colour as a base. Let this dry completely before getting started on your ombre effect.
Ombre painting technique
- Step 1. Measure and mark a line on the wall where you want the two colours to blend using the coloured chalk.
- Step 2. Apply the lighter paint colour to the top part of the wall with the roller and allow to dry.
- Step 3. Apply the darker paint colour to the bottom half of the wall with the other roller (don’t worry about getting a perfectly straight line between the colours). Allow to dry.
- Step 4. Get an extra pair of hands to help you with this step! Use a roller loaded with the darker colour to create a band of fresh paint just below the line, while your helping hand uses a brush to create a fresh band of your light colour just above it.
- Step 5. Use the same brush to blend the colours together while they are still wet using a criss-cross brush stroke to get a good blended effect. Blend the colours in one-metre sections at a time and don’t let the paints dry out. And there you have it – a statement ombre wall!
Find out more about different painting techniques.
How to Paint a Beautiful Ombre Accent Wall
Time Day
Cost High
Difficulty Advanced
Prep Clean your surface. Using a cloth or cellulose sponge dampened with water and a little mild dishwashing liquid, wipe down the wall(s) to be painted to remove dust and dirt. Rinse the walls with clean water to remove soap residue. Patch any holes with lightweight spackling, lightly sand*, then remove any dust.
Don’t forget to remove furniture in the room to give yourself room to work. Tape around the edges of your surface.
2
Paint Base Color Begin by painting the entire wall the lightest shade of paint (we used Honest Blue SW 6520) and let it dry 3-4 hours.
Tip: Look for paint that has paint and primer in one, such as SW Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. A paint and primer in one will ensure good coverage on the wall, which will make a fresh surface for your paint to blend.
3
Plan To achieve the ombre look, measure three equal sections on your wall and mark lightly in pencil.
Note: The top section will be the lightest color. The darkest color goes at the bottom, leaving the third color for the center.
