Paint a wall mural ideas

22 Stunning Wall Mural Ideas to Try

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

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Published on 10/21/22

@becs_bakers_abode / Instagram

Patterned wallpaper might be having a moment, but that does not mean it is the only way to jazz up your walls and incorporate more color into your home. Painted murals are also an excellent option for those looking to warm up any portion of their space—whether that means tackling the entire dining room wall or simply adding a bit of whimsy to a corner nook. When it comes to murals, there are plenty of designs and themes to choose from that vary in expertise level. So, if you're having trouble determining what types of styles most appeal to you, that's where we come in. The 22 murals below are full of inspiration and will make you want to pick up your paintbrush immediately. Keep in mind that whether you're crazy about color or prefer more subtle tones, there's a mural for you—the spaces below feature a mix of vibrant and more neutral hues to satisfy any palette preference.

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Terrific Terrazzo

@lacasavera / Instagram

Bring the popular terrazzo tile look to your front entryway by painting a colorful mural like this one. You know what they say about first impressions, after all. This splashy design definitely makes an impact.
02 of 22
Leafy Entryway

@stephckwilliams / Instagram

Make use of the wall space beside your basement or garage door and paint a fun mural that will add a pop of color to the space. Leaves and nature motifs are commonly incorporated into murals and add so much visual interest to any room.
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Blissful Birds in the Bedroom

@jvd_designs / Instagram

A soothing mural featuring various shades of blue is perfect for the bedroom. Note that not all murals need to be very vibrant; sometimes more calming colors work best.
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Black and White All Over

@foundandfree / Instagram

Black and white murals are also having a moment. This one frames a doorway and almost looks like a wallpaper pattern. Grab some black paint and a brush and take your plain white walls to the next level by creating a design like this one.
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Mountain Region

@leepicardart / Instagram

This expansive mural adds tons of personality to this dining space. Pick a theme that inspires you—mountains, animals, or a geometric pattern—and get painting!
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Wavy Wonder

@mid_centurymillennial / Instagram

Maybe you're not inclined to coat every inch of your wall in paint, and that's ok. You can always experiment with a smaller-scale mural, as exemplified here. Green stripes look contemporary and fresh and add a laid-back touch to this space.
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Majorly Geo

@becs_bakers_abode / Instagram

Geometric shapes look totally groovy in this welcoming dining room. These muted 70s colors look anything but dated, though, and prove that retro style design is still majorly in vogue.
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Natural Nook

@mclayhome / Instagram

We see a mountain theme again in this hallway, where a mural adds a sophisticated touch to a simple reading nook. There's no need to hang artwork from floor to ceiling when you can use paint to create something magical instead.
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Boho Style Beauty

@midnitetalkshow / Instagram

This boho-style mural warms up a primary bedroom and brings in many luscious pink, red, and orange hues. The burnt orange bed pillows tie this space together wonderfully.
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Child's Play

@biancasotelofireside / Instagram

Kids' bedrooms are excellent places for murals; children will love drifting off to sleep in a room that feels ultra-magical. This mountain design is perfect for young ones who love the outdoors.
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Subtly Leafy

@elleehome / Instagram

A gray and white mural adds elegance to this dining space while still being subdued in color. The leaf pattern complements the nearby plant wonderfully, too!
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Chic Stairway

@jasmine_bible_design / Instagram

Not sure what to do with that tricky stairway area? If you don't feel inclined to hang photos or install wallpaper, painting a mural is another great way to give this space more life. Every time you run up and down the stairs, you'll be confronted with peppy hues that make you smile.
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Two-Toned Twist

@hobnobery / Instagram

This two-toned mural is charming and makes use of an L-shaped space perfectly. There's no need for a headboard when your bed is pushed up against a mural as lovely as this one.
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Stripy and Spirited

@kvyainc / Instagram

Who says your dining room has to be dull? Paint bold stripes on the walls and your dinner parties will get a whole lot more festive. These bright, imperfect stripes are full of whimsy.
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Snake-Like Style

@alyssamakessomething / Instagram

Not even the bathroom is off-limits when it comes to mural painting. This rainbow, snake-like mural takes a plain bathroom and turns it into an Instagram-worthy space. Bring on those mirror selfies.
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Neon Kitchen

@tallulahcottage / Instagram

For everyone who goes wild over an all-white kitchen, there's someone else who can't imagine cooking in a soft, subdued space. If that's you, why not introduce major colors in mural form? Given how much time we spend in our kitchens, we should design them to be spaces we truly love. Take some hints from this bright mural that incorporated natural elements that can easily be complimented by real (or faux) plants.
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Creatively Inclined

@made.on.mapleridge / Instagram

Jazz up even the smallest of workspaces with a mural. This black and white one is chic yet not too distracting. Sit down and get ready to feel those creative juices flowing.
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Laundry Room Love

@cottageandblossom / Instagram

The laundry room is another well-utilized yet often neglected space that deserves some love. Make it feel more special with a mural and perhaps folding t-shirt after t-shirt will feel like less of a chore.
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Out of This World

@kf_at_home / Instagram

Outer space-themed designs are sure to please family members of all ages. A mural like this one would be fabulous in a playroom; kids will enjoy letting their imaginations soar.
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Ravishing Rainbow

@second.hand.home / Instagram

A cheerful rainbow paired with a scalloped border looks right at home in a nursery. The rainbow design may even inspire kids to learn and recite their colors!
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Artsy Arch

@dwellaware / Instagram

The painted arch doesn't appear to be going anywhere! While these often are seen solo, consider incorporating yours as part of a larger mural for a more complex and interesting design.
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Bathroom Views

@barnhomeliving / Instagram

A mountain mural made its way into this bathroom, and the blue mirrors and vanity complement the design to a T. Why shouldn't you be able to brush your teeth while enjoying a gorgeous view?

10 stunning looks for totally unique walls |

Wall mural ideas are perfect for creative designers who just want that little bit more.

Paint and wallpaper are the obvious choice for wall decor ideas, but they have their limitations when it comes to wanting to create something larger scale and more striking.

For anyone not in the know, a mural is any artwork that is either applied or painted directly to your walls or ceiling.

Naturally, we’re not all artistically inclined enough to paint straight on to our walls, but thankfully there are some great digital options that mimic the style of a mural that you can utilize instead.

The beauty of a mural is that you can have a large-scale design on your walls, from a blousy floral to a contemporary painted design, a landscape or an architectural wonder that will have you gazing at it for hours.

Wall mural ideas

Whether you're looking for accent wall ideas or to totally immerse a room in a whole new world , these wall mural ideas to inspire you to create an eye-catching feature in your home.

1. Pick a single color, but with oodles of texture

(Image credit: Black Edition)

‘In the last year or so we are seeing a growing trend for wall murals that bring an artistic statement to walls,’ says Hayley McAfee, Design Director at Villa Nova .

And it’s easy to see why. This Mizumi design from Black Edition is part of a collaboration with Japanese artist Katsutoshi Yuasa. The wallcovering embraces oriental design and ancient craft in a contemporary and elegant way with embossed textures and sumptuous flock. Picking an artist-designed mural is a great alternative to gallery wall ideas too.

Choose colors similar to the design but don’t let them take over – the wall mural is always the star of the show.

2. Take yourself on a visual journey

(Image credit: Andrew Martin)

‘Over recent times there has been an explosion in high tech digital printing which has changed the game somewhat, allowing a huge amount of experimentation and emerging new designers,’ explains Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin .

‘The choice is vast, but it is a highly personal one, thoroughly dependent on the house and the room, not to mention your mood and personality. Wallpaper has taken the interior world by storm in recent years, and frankly, anything goes from geometrics and trompe l'oeil, floral and animal, modern or contemporary, grass cloths, fabrics and murals. ’

3. Focus on textures and colors that set the scene

(Image credit: Pooky)

How beautiful is this wall? The colors are delicious and pretty much anything that’s hung or placed against this teal will pop visually. Reminiscent of the sea, the wall mural has movement and texture and hints of turmeric that makes it easy to accessorize with.

Gold works really well, as do other textures like this Pooky lampshade. This look is opulent and elegant and one that will look stunning in a period property.

(Image credit: Carpetright)

This Old Dutch Masters-style wall mural is eye-catching to say the least, and you really feel the depth of color due to the dark background. But how do you make it work with the rest of your scheme?

The key is to choose one color that’s used in the wall mural that you can use on the walls, in this case the crimson red. It will become your base, then you can use it for the furniture too, if you want a cohesive look.

5. It can be as little or as large as you like

(Image credit: Crown Paints)

If we go along with the theory that a wall mural is any design that’s painted on a wall then we can get away with this simple, stylish idea from Crown .

If you're wondering how to paint a wall, consider going two-tone and creating a color block. Yes, it’s only a hint, but we love the simplicity of it and the Midnight Navy in the corner creates a design feature against the Teal that’s used on all the walls including the woodwork. The result is a bold and dramatic look.

6. Choose a wall mural that reflects your personality

(Image credit: Curious Egg)

‘A great way of refreshing and transforming a room is by focusing on the walls, and a statement wall mural is a great way to achieve this,’ says Lorraine Aaron, Founder of Curious Egg.

‘It allows you to introduce a bold burst of color and pattern to the home, and it's all about choosing a design you really love. Start by choosing an area that's well lit and focus on a feature wall – bold patterns and motifs are bang on trend with geometric designs, bold and bright florals and wall murals being the go-to choice. Consider being more playful in the living room as you can afford to be more daring here. Opt for bold and colorful floral or geometric prints that compliment and contrast existing decor to make a real statement.

'In the bedroom, however, it's best to keep it softer to help set the mood for relaxation. Nature-inspired prints in muted shades and pastel tones will create a calming and serene atmosphere.’

7. Channel marble, but without the price tag

(Image credit: Wallsauce)

As well as illustrative and graphic designs there are some stunning – and realistic – digitally printed wall murals to choose from too. Take this Wallsauce design as an example. Who would know this wasn’t real, until you touch it? Murals are a great way to create an impactful feature without spending too much. When the design is this big, make sure you keep the rest of the scheme simple. Balance is key.

8. Team existing architectural features with bold colors

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

‘Tonal schemes are having a moment, and where that's usually limited to greys or, at best, soft blues, I wanted to experiment with an interiors scheme based on cohesion and subtlety that would work at the hot and spicy end of the colour spectrum, featuring paprika orange, saffron yellows, and chilli pepper reds,’ explains Annie Sloan, Color and Paint Expert.

In this room, modern geometric color blocks are painted over the period wall panelling. ‘Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, for this modern wall mural to work, cohesion was key here; everything is painted and even the sofa is covered in my linen union in Antoinette + Old White,’ says Sloan.

9. Blend old-school with new tech

(Image credit: Little Greene)

The beauty of today’s digital print technology is that you can have a historic wall mural in your home. For example, the original this garden party scene dates from 1785, and hung in the Chinese bedroom at Belton House in Lincolnshire, UK – but get the wallpapered version from Little Greene and you can enjoy it in your own sleep space or living room.

You can accessorize by choosing a few colors from the design – here, the modern chair and blue rug match perfectly.

10. Transform your bedroom into dream world

(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)

Wall murals can take us to another world by their very nature of being more than just a repeat wallpaper design. They can depict anything that represents something special: an ode to an artist you admire; a favorite piece of fabric reproduced on the wall, or in memory of a holiday where you may have seen monkeys jumping from tree to tree, to use this stunning wall as an example.

You can see from this bedroom how to match it too – the colors in the bedding tie in perfectly and bring the design into the room.

A painted wall mural can make for a great option for bedroom accent wall paint ideas.

Do wall murals look good?

The answer to this is a resounding yes. If you want to create a dramatic design feature then a wall mural is for you. Even if you opt for a subtly colored option, it will still stand out due to its very nature and large scale.

The other advantage is they work in any room – from hallway to bathroom and particularly in kids rooms.

How do you make a wall mural at home?

If you want to make your own wall mural then all you’ll need is some favorite paint colors, frog tape and some good quality brushes – with a hint of skill. If you don’t have an artistic flair then you can start by simply creating a block colored wall mural – rather like the Annie Sloan design above. If you’re super talented, then start small with a design and build it up. You can always paint over it later if you change your mind.

8 Creative Wall Painting Ideas You Can Do Yourself

Gone are the days when paint on the walls felt like a hospital, school or public place. Modern interior paint is matte, silky to the touch and comes in many shades. In addition, it is an excellent substitute for wallpaper. With its help, you can not only paint the walls in one color, but also draw, creating your own patterns. Here are some creative wall painting ideas using masking tape, a stencil and a sponge.

1 Color block

Color combination with large geometric shapes. Usually, bright colors are used to create it, which are opposed to each other, but the blocks can also be pastel, close in shade.

Vertical and horizontal

Division of space into color blocks in a horizontal or vertical plane. In a similar way, it is possible to allocate functional areas in a room, for example, a desktop as an office or an entrance area that is combined with a room. Two close colors look interesting in the horizontal division of the room. Here you should avoid the combination of white and color, this can cause the association of a whitewashed wall.

Color can correct the geometry of the room: lower or raise the ceiling, push the walls apart, deepen the room. In this way, you can paint sections of walls without observing clear boundaries. This will facilitate the strict style and give lightness to the room.

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architonic.com

Instagram @roomfortuesday

musa.md

Instagram @enter_my_attic

Instagram @nataliasalla.arq

Instagram @enter_my_attic

Diagonal and triangles are a simple way to paint a diverse room

9 90 They are easily created using masking tape and painting areas with different colors. This method is suitable for all rooms, but is especially popular in the nursery. Contrasting transitions will be appropriate in rooms where you stay for a short time: hallways, corridors, bathrooms, bathrooms. Nuance transitions - in all rooms.

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Instagram @ourdesertdigs

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Instagram @podledneva_natasha

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Instagram @eliza_rose_home

Instagram @saharchitect_eftekhari

Instagram @thaisabohrer

This is how the sequence of actions looks like when painting a wall with triangles.

eliza-rose.com

lottiedoes.com

eliza-rose.com

2 and are most often used in children's rooms.

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Instagram @planaspb_com

Instagram @bossastudiointeriors

Instagram @acasinha

Instagram @lillemaltrost

Instagram @22remont

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Instagram @design. remont.decor

Instagram @julialovesdeniz

Instagram @acasinha

3 Peas

Fashionable polka dots are appropriate in any room. It can be small, medium, but large peas are especially popular. Often this pattern is used for children of all ages, but it is also appropriate in corridors and bedrooms.

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Instagram @acasinha

Instagram @lemoncakewardrobe

Instagram @acasinha

Instagram @handmadebuzz

Instagram @acasinha

Instagram @kidsroomstylenl

Instagram @acasinha

Learn how to make sponge polka dots.

ohohdeco.com

Peas can be glued instead of drawn. In this case, it can be metallized: golden or silver.

Instagram @planaspb_com

Instagram @natybi

Instagram @interior.by.d

Instagram @szobasbyluca

See the sequence of actions when sticking peas with symmetry.

taylormadecreates.com

Polka dot vinyl stickers

240

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4 Not only peas

Stars, hearts, Scandinavian snowflakes and other ornaments can be a pattern on a painted wall.

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Instagram @omiboodle

Instagram @leclairdecor

Instagram @karolinazhouseloves

Instagram @stacygarciainc

justagirlandherblog.com

6 Scandi triangles

More complex geometry that will take time to create. Such triangles look spectacular and non-trivial. You can use bright or pastel colors of paint, but limit your choice to 3-4 shades.

thistlewoodfarms.com

8 Stencil Drawings

Using stencil blanks, which are used for textured plasters, you can create a repeating pattern, calligraphy on the wall or depict individual objects. If desired, the geometric contour can be painted in a contrasting color or duplicated with metallic tape.

Paint a wall mural ideas

22 Stunning Wall Mural Ideas to Try

Terrific Terrazzo

Leafy Entryway

Blissful Birds in the Bedroom

Black and White All Over

Mountain Region

Wavy Wonder

Majorly Geo

Natural Nook

Boho Style Beauty

Child's Play

Subtly Leafy

Chic Stairway

Two-Toned Twist

Stripy and Spirited

Snake-Like Style

Neon Kitchen

Creatively Inclined

Laundry Room Love

Out of This World

Ravishing Rainbow

Artsy Arch

Bathroom Views

10 stunning looks for totally unique walls |

Wall mural ideas

1. Pick a single color, but with oodles of texture

2. Take yourself on a visual journey

3. Focus on textures and colors that set the scene

5. It can be as little or as large as you like

6. Choose a wall mural that reflects your personality

7. Channel marble, but without the price tag

8. Team existing architectural features with bold colors

9. Blend old-school with new tech

10. Transform your bedroom into dream world

Do wall murals look good?

How do you make a wall mural at home?

8 Creative Wall Painting Ideas You Can Do Yourself

1 Color block

Vertical and horizontal

Diagonal and triangles are a simple way to paint a diverse room

2 and are most often used in children's rooms.

3 Peas

Polka dot vinyl stickers

4 Not only peas

6 Scandi triangles

8 Stencil Drawings

Learn more