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.

Choosing your ombre wall paint colours

The colours you choose for your ombre wall depend on the mood you want to create in your home. The most popular effect is to layer pale and dark versions of the same colour together. The greater the difference in colours, the more dramatic the result, so choose very similar shades of the same colour for a soft and soothing effect, or choose shades that are slightly further apart on the spectrum for a more striking look. This could be shades of pink, green, blue or grey – whatever your preference.

For something even bolder, make a style statement and choose completely different colours, though make sure they’re complementary. Colour combinations could include sky blue and burnt orange or mustard yellow and dark violet. This stylish and contemporary look is all about getting creative so pick your palette and have some fun.

Now you’re an expert at ombre painting, explore our other feature wall ideas and tips for painting colourful staircase banisters and get creative throughout your home.