How to Paint an Eye-Catching Ombré Wall

This easy painting technique can be achieved with three graduated shades of a singular color.

One way to dress up a room is to hang art. Another? Transform a plain wall into a gorgeous installation. Creating an ombré wall is actually quite simple (a slightly imperfect flow looks more interesting and organic, anyway). Start at the top with the deepest of three graduated shades, finish with the lightest, and blend for a stunning result. The only tricky part of this ombré wall paint project is choosing a color—and its two neighboring shades—that you love.

What You'll Need

Materials

Painter’s tape
Drop cloth
3 paint rollers and roller covers
Paint in three shades, amount depends on the size of your wall
3 paint trays
Ladder
Paint mixing craft sticks
3 paintbrushes

Instructions

Prepare your space:

Tape off the wall using painter's tape. Spread the drop cloth on the floor. Fit each roller frame with a cover. Pour each paint into its own tray.
Apply the lightest paint color:

Cover a roller in the lightest color paint and use it to coat the entire wall.
Apply the darkest paint color:

Roll a second roller into the darkest color paint and, using a ladder if needed, add an 18-inch stripe of it at the top of the wall.
Apply the middle paint color:

Use the third roller to add an 18-inch stripe of the middle color paint about an inch below the darkest one.
Combine medium and dark paint colors:

Working quickly so that the stripes don't dry, add some of the medium color paint to the darkest color paint tray and stir with a craft stick to combine. Use a wet brush to apply the mixed color to the space between the stripes, blurring and blending the colors.
Combine medium and light paint colors:

Add some of the lightest color paint to the medium color paint tray and mix to combine. Using a fresh wet brush, apply the mixture below the second stripe, blurring and blending until the stripe fades into the base coat.
Repeat until paint is blended:

Continue to add color to adjust the fade and blending with a wet brush until you're happy with the result. Let the paint dry completely.