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DIY Accent Wall: Modern Geo

This accent wall is easy to install and will give your room a unique modern look!
Watch our video and follow the steps below!

New to accent walls? Check out our DIY Accent Wall: Quick Start blog post to learn the basics!

Materials:

  • Thin Boards (# of boards depends on the size of the wall)
  • Baseboards (# of boards depends on the length of the wall)
  • Caulking (2 tubes)
  • Caulking gun
  • Measuring tape 
  • Level
  • Spackle, joint compound, or wood filler
  • Paint (1 gallon)
  • Nail gun and finishing nails (2” nails)
  • Paper and tape to cover up areas for paint
  • Saw to cut moulding
  • Paint sprayer or brush and roller
  • Sandpaper/Sander (220 Grit) 
  • Protractor or angle measurement tool

Profiles:

  • 254 Stop for the geometric design
  • 1×3 S4S board for the base

How to install:

Step 1: Choose your wall and moulding
Identify the wall you will be working on and determine the style of moulding that would best fit the space.

Step 2: Measure everything
Measure the wall height and width, and make sure you take into consideration outlets, windows and light switches. This will help you get a feel for the board footage needed and where to cut your moulding. We recommend adding 10-15% board feet for waste and board cuts.

Step 3: Apply your baseboard
Start by applying your 1X3 baseboard, as this will help you keep your lines straight. We recommend using 2” finishing nails and a nail gun to secure the moulding profile for long term wear and tear. Keep in mind you’re going to have to finish the moulding with caulking and putty, so the fewer nails, the better for less work on the finishing process.

Step 4: Cut and install the vertical boards
Cut your vertical boards to fit snugly between your baseboard and ceiling. Evenly space the vertical boards along your wall to your preference and install them with finishing nails and a nail gun.

Using a laser level can help you project lines onto your wall.

Step 5: Determine the spacing and angles of the geometric design
Next, you have to determine the number of triangle shapes you want for the geometric design, the angles you need to cut your moulding at and the spacing needed. This is all up to your personal preference.

From the base to the ceiling, our wall was 91 inches tall. We decided we wanted the furthest left side of the wall to have 3 triangle shapes, so we divided 91 by 3, which became the measurement for the spacing between each of the triangles. Based on these measurements, we drew our geometric design on the walls to get a better visual of how the moulding would look.
Since you’ll be painting over it anyway, we highly recommend marking the wall where the moulding will be placed to ensure you like the placement.

We then used a protractor to determine the angles we’d need to cut the mouldings at.

Step 6: Cut your moulding for the geometric design and apply the rest of the moulding to your wall
This step may be a bit tricky because of the different angles you’ll need to cut. Once you get the first few pieces cut and installed, though, you should get the hang of it because the angles should be mostly the same.

Step 7: Fill in the gaps
Caulk all the seams to fill in any gaps and apply putty to all of the nail holes. Spend a little extra time at this step to make sure there aren’t any gaps at the points where the mouldings meet. This ensures a completed look. Then, sand any areas if needed.
Pro tip: cut your caulking tip at a 45-degree angle for easier application.

Step 8: Prepare for painting
Mask areas that you don’t want to get paint on (outlets, lights, furniture, window ledges) and put a ground cloth on the floor to ensure the paint does not get on the floor.

Step 9: Paint your wall
If using a paint sprayer, keep 1.5 to 2” of space between you and the wall for consistent application. Be sure to apply paint in the corners and the underside of moulding profiles.

If painting by hand, pay extra attention to the bottom sides of mouldings and corners where mouldings meet.

Step 10: Enjoy your beautiful Modern Geo accent wall!

Helpful tips when creating an accent wall

  • Choose a balanced, unobstructed wall that stands out. 
  • Choose rooms or spaces where you want to make an impact. Bedrooms, living rooms and entryways are great spaces to create a custom look. Select spaces where guests will see it, or where you spend a good amount of your time.
  • Bold colors really make a statement. Dark greens, grey, black and blue are currently in. 
  • White accent walls make a statement without being too bold. 
  • Try to pick a style of accent wall that complements the look of your home and room; just because you like a modern style wall doesn’t mean it’s the best pick for a colonial style room.
  • Go in with a plan and draw out your design before beginning.
  • Find 2-3 moulding profiles that you think will achieve the look you’re going for. Then, take each sample and place it on the wall to see which you like the best.
  • Create a jig if you have to repeat a cut. This will save time and help with consistency.
  • Use hot glue to apply moulding first so that you can adjust the moulding if needed. Then use finishing nails to secure the moulding.
  • Rent a nail gun, use your own or use an adhesive.
  • Once everything is in place, apply more nails to ensure it is long-lasting. 
  • Use putty to the nail holes rather than caulking for a better finish.
  • If using a paint sprayer, keep 1.5 to 2” of space between you and the wall for an even application.
  • Take your time in the finishing stage. The little details when you finish will make the wall look more polished. 
  • We estimate that creating an accent on a 12′ x 8′ wall can cost around $200. This includes paint, moulding, tool rentals and other materials. You can save money by using tools from your home or borrowing from friends.

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