Accent and Feature Walls in Des Plaines, IL

Warm wood and clean panels
for ranch and split-level homes.

Accent Wall Works designs feature walls that give Des Plaines living rooms, basements and bedrooms a clear focal point. Our team is based nearby in Libertyville and plans each wall around your home's ceiling height, trim and layout.

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Bedroom with a custom accent wall

A Feature Wall That Works With Your Des Plaines Ranch

If you live in a brick ranch or a split-level, you know the rooms: wide, not very tall, often with plaster walls and original wood trim. A feature wall looks right when it is designed for that shape, not copied from a photo of a new build.

Lower Ceilings, Longer Walls

In a single-story ranch, the living room is wide but not tall. Vertical wood slats draw the eye up and make the ceiling feel higher, while a wide panel grid suits the long walls these rooms have.

Plaster Walls and Original Trim

Plaster is harder and less forgiving than drywall, so fastening and layout need extra care. We plan panels and boards around the original wood trim, so the new wall looks like part of the house.

What Kind of Feature Wall Fits Your Room?

Most Des Plaines projects use one of three services. Built-ins turn a basement or den wall into storage, wall panels give a long ranch wall structure, and stone or brick makes the fireplace the center of the room.

Living room with a beautiful accent wall

Rooms Where a Feature Wall Adds the Most

The Living Room Wall Behind the Sofa

In a ranch, the wall behind the sofa often runs the length of the room. A wood accent wall or a panel grid there gives the space a center without crowding it.

Basement Rec Rooms and Dens

Many Des Plaines homes have a finished lower level used for TV, games or guests. A feature wall with built-in shelves or stone turns that plain room into a space people want to use.

How to Pick a Wood Accent Wall or Panel Design

The right design depends on the room's height, light and use, not only on style. Start with a few questions before you choose a material.


Write down your answers before the first call.



  • Is the room on the main floor or in the basement?

  • How high is the ceiling?

  • Are the walls plaster or drywall?

  • Will the wall frame a TV, a fireplace or a sofa?

  • Do you prefer warm wood or a painted finish?

What Each Material Brings to a Ranch Room

A wood accent wall brings warmth to a brick ranch with a simple interior. Natural or stained wood also pairs well with the original wood trim many of these homes still have.


Accent wall panels and wainscoting add shadow and structure. A wide panel grid suits long ranch walls, and a lower wainscoting works well in dining rooms and hallways.


Stone or brick veneer gives a fireplace or a basement bar wall real texture. It looks heavier, so it works best on one wall rather than several.

What to Decide Before Work Starts

A few practical choices make the difference between a wall that looks added on and one that looks built in. We go over them with you at your Des Plaines home.

Edges and Corners

Decide where the wall treatment stops: at the corner, at a door frame or at a beam. Clean ends make the whole wall look finished.

Outlets and Switches

Outlets and switches on the wall need to fit the new pattern. We plan their position before installation, so the covers sit flush with the finish.

Finish and Color

Choose stain, paint or natural wood early, because it affects material and timing. We show samples in your room's light before you decide.

How Your Des Plaines Project Moves Forward

Each project follows the same steps, so you know what comes next and when.

First, we talk about the room and visit to measure the wall, check the surface and note any outlets or trim.

Then you get a design and a written quote. You can change the layout or material at this stage, before anything is ordered.

On the agreed dates, experienced installers build the wall, protect your floors and walk you through the finished result.

You can request proof of insurance and professional credentials before work begins. Warranty terms are part of your project agreement.

Wood slat accent wall

Your Project in Five Steps


  • Call about your room

  • Home visit and measurements

  • Design and written quote

  • Installation on set dates

  • Final walk-through

Helpful Details to Share Up Front

Send what you have, even if the plan is still rough. These details help us scope your Des Plaines project faster.

Wall Photos and Size

A front photo of the wall, one of each corner and a rough width and height. Include any outlets, vents or windows.

Look and Feel

Two or three photos of rooms you like and a note on what appeals to you. Tell us which furniture and decor will stay.

Timing and Other Work

When you hope to finish and whether other work is planned, such as new flooring or a basement remodel.

Looking for Accent Walls Outside Des Plaines?

We also work in nearby suburbs across the North Shore and Lake County. Pick your town, or share your address in the quote form so we can confirm.

Des Plaines Feature Wall FAQ

How much does a feature wall cost in Des Plaines?

Cost depends on the wall size, the material and the prep, for example work on old plaster or around outlets. Share photos and rough sizes, and we will send a free written quote.

Can a wood accent wall go in a basement?

Yes, in a finished, dry basement. We check the wall and moisture conditions first and choose materials that suit a lower level.

Do you serve Des Plaines from Libertyville?

Yes. Our team is based in Libertyville and works across Des Plaines, from the Cumberland area to neighborhoods near the river. We also serve Arlington Heights, Glenview, Northbrook and Deerfield.

Can you install wall panels over plaster walls?

Yes. Plaster needs different fasteners and a more careful layout than drywall, so we check the wall before choosing the method. The goal is a secure install that does not crack the old surface.

Plan Your New
Accent Wall

Upload a photo of your wall, add rough dimensions and a few inspiration images. We will reply with design ideas and a free quote for your project.

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