Learn how to paint ombre walls. Ombre walls are a great way to add interest to a boring wall. They are created by blending at least 2 colors to create a gradient effect.
This process uses a technique similar to my painted ombre dresser.
I knew that I wanted to do something fun with my daughter’s closet, but it needed to be a bit more subtle than the galaxy mural that I shared last week. So I blended 2 colors to make an ombre wall.
One Room Challenge Week 3
It’s week 3 of the One Room Challenge. I’m a guest participant, along with over 200 other bloggers who are making over a room in just 6 weeks.
- Week 1: Colorful Boho Teen Room Plans
- Week 2: How to Paint a Galaxy Wall Mural
- Week 3: this post
- Week 4: DIY Dream Catcher
- Week 5: How to Build a Modern Canopy Bed
- Bonus: DIY Bone Inlay Stencil
- Week 6: Boho Room Reveal
What Are Ombre Walls?
Ombre is when you blend colors to look like the paint fades into another color. Typically it’s used to create the illusion of light to dark or vise versa.
You might also be interested in learning how to paint a geometric accent wall.
Learn How to Paint Ombre Walls
Supplies Needed
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- Paint in 2 or more colors*
- Spray Bottle
- Paint brushes for each color, plus 1 for blending each pair of colors
- Drop cloth to protect work space
*I used Berries Galore and Purple Whisper by Valspar in eggshell finish.
Please note that due to time constraints, I worked around the repairs that were still drying. Discolored spots are due to paint still drying. I’ll add a better photo once everything dries.
- Start with any repairs needed. I had to patch holes in the wall. Make sure that you prime any spots that you patch because the spackle or joint compound will absorb the paint differently and look weird. Related: How to paint a room
- Figure out how many colors you want to use and roughly divide the wall into that many portions. I used 2 colors, so it’s cut in half.
- Paint the lightest color at the top, cutting in around edges as usual.
- Paint the next darkest color until you’re finished. Each color should roughly butt up against the next color. Make sure you cover the previous color completely.
- You might need 2 coats of paint for full coverage.
- After the paint dries, add a line of paint near where each color meets.
- Spray about the top line of paint and use a clean brush to start blending the colors.
- Use a sideways motion for best results. Up and down brush strokes never look as nice. See exhibit A.
My next steps probably should have been my first: It’s time to clear out the clutter. We’ve decided to nix her vanity, desk, bedside table and bed, so it really is time to move everything out.
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Emy is a vintage obsessed mama of 2 DIYer who loves sharing affordable solutions for common home problems. You don’t need a giant budget to create a lovely home. Read more…
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says
This is such a fun idea. I bet your daughter loves it! I haven’t tried doing an ombre effect but want to try it sometime. Thanks for the tips!
Libbie says
Your daughter must be happy dancing! Love the Ombre wall I would love to do this one day. Love your easy to follow tips. 🙂
Mary K Hunnicutt says
The ombre treatment is so fun! I need to find a wall to try this on. I did our outdoor bistro set in ombre a couple years ago.
Tee at Beauteeful Living says
This is going to be such a fun room! Great job with the ombre wall, Emy!
Susie | Chelsea Project says
What a great idea and great tips, too. Your daughter will have beautiful art every where she looks. That’s one lucky gal! So excited to see your progress every week.
Joannie says
Oooh! Love that ombré wall! Great job!
Jen @ Jenron Designs says
I love the ombre coloration on the walls, it is so pretty when the color fade into to each other like that. Plus these are such fun colors to be using too!
Jewel says
This looks way easier and less expensive than purchasing a mural. Thanks for breaking it down for us!!!
Jackie @jackiecantblog says
You are always so good at making the DIY steps seem easy. This wall treatment is such a great idea for the closet. BTW- I am looking for a dresser just like that for my living room! Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the room comes together
Laura says
What a great idea and color for a girls room! It turned out great!
Corinna - TheBohoAbode says
That’s a very cool pop! Compliments the galaxy mural in a very cool way!
Tina Bousu says
Emy this is such a great tutorial! It looks gorgeous with the galaxy mural you did, I can’t wait to see this weeks update!
Diane Rath says
You always come up with the coolest, most creative finishes!