How To Paint a Scalloped Edge Wall - Step by Step Guide

Feature Image by @forever_faffing_at_home 

Painting a scalloped wall is an easy way to add detail to your interior spaces. If you’re not a big wallpaper fan and like a more minimal look, scallop edge paint will bring that something extra to any room without being fussy or overwhelming. And by choosing your paint colour carefully, you can use a scalloped wall to anchor other details in the space, creating a cohesive feel that really makes a statement.

It's an easy job, but there are some things you can do to make it even easier and ensure your scallop detailing is crisp and clean. Take a look at our top tips on how to paint a scalloped wall before you get your DIY on!


We love this neutral scalloped wall for a nursery. Photo taken by @forever_faffing_at_home

Types of scallop edge paint design

First, think about the style of your scallop edge and where you want it to sit on your wall. There are really no rules here – it’s all about what works best for your space. You could place your scallop design at the half-way point on your wall, at the top of your wall, even on the ceiling with scalloped edge coming down onto the wall like a trim.

If you’re unsure, cut a scalloped edge into a piece of paper and place it at different points around the room until you find one that works.

Choosing paint for a scalloped wall

When picking your paint colours for a scalloped wall design, consider the contrast. If you’re painting the scalloped design onto the existing colour, use paint swatches on the walls to ensure the colour you use for the scalloping is enough of a contrast. For new colour combos, sit the colours side-by-side in natural light to really get a feel for the end result.

As a general rule, darker colours work better towards the bottom of a wall, with lighter colours on top to emphasise the height and space. And to ensure the detail of your scalloped design really stands out, choose a saturated colour – we love Tropical Palm, Amanpuri Red and Papavera, which all work beautifully over lighter shades like white or beige.

What you’ll need to paint a scalloped wall

• A good paint that doesn't run! We love COAT paints for this (tried and tested here - we can confirm it works beautifully!)
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Spirit level
• A round object the size you want your scallops to be
• Cardboard
• Small paint brush
• White spirit and cloth

Start by making a cardboard template for your scalloped edge by drawing around the round object in a semi circle and cutting out. Then use your spirit level and pencil to draw a straight line across the area you want the scallop design to sit.

Take your cardboard template and use it to draw the scallop design above the straight line in a repeating pattern. If you’re going across more than one wall, you might need to bend the template into the corner to move from one wall to the next.

Now you can paint your scalloped design up to the pencil line. Start by cutting in the edges neatly, then paint over the bulk of the wall. Do a couple of coats for an opaque finish and neaten up any mistakes with a little white spirit on a cloth.

Stand back to admire your handiwork!