Painted wall mural ideas
17 Incredible Wall Mural Ideas From Designers
Maximalists, rejoice: The past few years have seen a resurgence in bold patterns and colors, resulting in a newfound wallpaper craze. And if you're looking to lean in even further, we'll see your wallpaper and raise you an even more showstopping treatment: a wall mural. Unlike wallpapers, which feature a repeated motif, wall murals show one large image or pattern, either custom-designed for the space (and sometimes even painted right onto the wall) or created with oversized repeats in mind to encompass a large room. Some companies, like Gracie, Fromental, or De Gournay, hand paint intricate scenes on silk or paper rolls, which are then painstakingly installed in a home, with thoughtful attention paid to spacing around doors, windows, and even light switches. Others, like MJ Atelier, may even add three-dimensional details to the panel. In any case, a finished wall mural essentially serves as a built-in artwork—and one that you can even hang more artwork on top of if you really want to flex those maximalist muscles. Read on to see some of our favorite murals from designers and artists.
1
Custom Landscape
Leslee Mitchell
Nashville artist Charlotte Terrell offers clients a one-of-a-kind wallcovering in the form of her commissioned murals, which she handpaints on paneled birchwood—custom fit to the client's room—and then digitally scans for a wallpaper that has the effect of an oil painting. "The high-quality scanner picks up every detail of the painting, including the texture from the plaster, lending the effect that each panel is handpainted," says Terrell, who then adds handpainted details atop the scan. "It is a very personal experience for the client, and often the painting is inspired by a special place to them"—like this one, which draws inspiration from the landscape around the family's vacation home in Maine.
2
Whimsical Menagerie
Frank Frances Studio
The centerpiece—and palette unifier!—of this open-plan apartment by Courtney McLeod is Voutsa's wildly whimsical, incredibly detailed "Menagerie Chinoiserie" pattern, which spans 4 panels of wallpaper (and comes with an installation map to ensure the perfect mural).
3
Under the Sea
Nickolas Sargent
In the entryway of the 2022 Kips Bay Show House Palm Beach, Craig & Company worked with MJ Atelier to affix real seashells to the walls to give this ocean-themed mural an extra textural effect.
4
Mesmerizing Abstraction
keith miller
Designer Bailey Li creates handpainted murals for her clients, pulling in colors from the room to create hypnotic abstract masterpieces like this one (watch her at work here).
5
Circus Fun House
Paul Costello
"The dining room was our greatest challenge, but it ended up becoming the most exciting room in the house," says designer Sarah Gilbane of this wild and cheerful space. The theme was vintage Everglades so decorative artist Brian Leaver painted the palms and flamingos over a grasscloth wallpaper, then created a trompe l'oeil tented ceiling.
Painting over texture-rich materials instead of straight onto the wall can add even more depth.
6
Graffiti Style
KARYN R MILLET
For his daughter's room in their California home, designer Eric Olsen commissioned artist James Goldcrown to create a custom version of his signature graffiti hearts. (Wondering how to commission a wall artist of your own? Read our guide here.)
7
Into the Jungle
Victoria Pearson
Inspired by artist Henri Rousseau, Jeff Robinson added a lush mural to designer Molly Luetkemeyer's LA home for a fantastical, jungle-like feel.
8
Old World Bold
JOSHUA McHUGH
Raji RM warned up this modern home by Piet Boon with several full-wall murals throughout, including this one drawn from an 1807 painting by Louis-Léopold Boilly.
9
Romantic Garden
Studio DB
De Gournay's Japanese Garden animates this modern yet timeless dining room designed by Studio DB. The romantic mural is a sweet backdrop for contemporary furniture.
10
Sharpie Masterpiece
Jacob Snavely
For a retreat in Bellport, New York, designer Aamir Khandwala enlisted artist Shantell Martin to go wild on the kitchen wall (using her trademark Sharpie), resulting in a bespoke graphic wall treatment that's also a one-of-a-kind artwork.
11
Gold and Bold
Roland Bello
De Gournay's Sans Souci motif gets a jolt of energy with apple green details in this bold bedroom by Miles Redd.
12
Great Room Tie-In
Nathan Schroder
Denise McGaha enlisted Bettinger Studio to create a mural that reflected the cabinetry in the adjacent open kitchen of this Texas home to unify the open space.
13
Dreamy Floral
Beatriz da Costa
A Gracie mural in a rich lavender gives the otherwise modern dining room in a Massachusetts house by Mary McGee the feel of a secret garden.
14
Modern Art
Nicolas Gourguechon
Designer Devin Kirk took inspiration from the hand-painted approach of De Gournay murals but gave it a modern twist by using a stencil to hang paint this hallway. He used Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue and Studio Green.
15
Family Jokes
Jessica Sample
Here's another fun example of a custom graffiti wall in designer Dee Murphy's Los Angeles home. She commissioned local artist Diego Arturo Mendoza to pay tribute to the family and neighborhood while also transforming a hallway into something much more meaningful and inspiring.
16
Artful Backdrop
Roland Bello
Miles Redd makes the case for adding extra dimension to mural-swathed walls with framed art—even better if it's graphic and modern, to create a beguiling juxtaposition.
17
Local Tribute
Read McKendree
Designer Kevin Isbell gave this media room in an East Coast beach house the royal wallpaper mural treatment with a Moby Dick-inspired masterpiece. Best yet, the mural doesn't stop at the top of walls--it continues all the way up the ceiling.
18
Primary Color Play
Lucas Allen
A dining room by Christopher Maya gets a similar high-contrast treatment with red lacquer millwork against a cerulean De Gournay mural and coordinating seating.
Hadley Keller Digital Director Hadley Keller is House Beautiful’s digital director.
10 stunning looks for totally unique walls |
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
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.
Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.
45 photos, unique design ideas
Design features
Wall painting in the interior differs both in appearance and materials. But such walls have something in common:
- Custom wall art is not a cheap pleasure, but it will stay in the apartment for a long time, so you need to choose the image very carefully.
- With the help of visual tricks, you can visually change the geometry of the room - make it higher, wider or more spacious.
- The value of artistic wall painting is in its uniqueness, so you should not overdo it with the number of interior paintings and their sizes. Designers recommend decorating a maximum of one side or part of it. nine0008
- Wall decoration should be appropriate - cartoon characters and fairy tales in the nursery, still lifes in the kitchen, landscapes in the living room.
Modern types and techniques
Today, there are several options for wall painting - they use different materials, tools and techniques.
Airbrush
The main tool of the artist is the airbrush. With the help of an air brush, a professional can quickly and easily create real masterpieces that amaze with their realism. nine0005
Using this method, it is easy to obtain a smooth surface and smooth color transitions without smudges and streaks. It is possible to draw any motifs with an airbrush: from stylish abstractions and panoramas to portraits in the smallest details.
The only drawback of modern interior wall painting is its high cost.
Fresco
The first mention of wall painting on wet plaster appeared in the 15th century, but it remains popular to this day. nine0005
One of the main advantages of ready-made frescoes is wear resistance, because if samples of the 16th-18th centuries have been preserved to this day, then in an apartment such an artistic image will definitely survive more than one repair.
Today, when painting walls in the interior, this technique is used to copy both the painting that is popular today, and create an imitation of ancient images. The second is especially in demand in classical interiors - thanks to the patina, it seems that the picture was created several tens or even hundreds of years ago. nine0005
Painting with fluorescent paints
Glow in the dark paints open up possibilities for fantasy. Their peculiarity is that in the daytime the image looks like a simple wall painting with the most common paints, and in the dark or ultraviolet radiation, the picture begins to glow.
Choosing this option for painting the walls in the apartment, be prepared for the transformation of the room in the dark.
An unusual idea for wall painting is to apply an image with a special invisible fluorescent paint. Then during the day the picture will not be visible at all, and in the evening it will “turn on”. One of the popular uses for invisible paints is the starry sky on the ceiling. nine0005
The photo shows an image created with fluorescent paints
Painting with acrylic paints
The most versatile material for painting walls in the interior is acrylic paint. They have gained popularity both among professional artists and among the townsfolk quite deservedly. The paints are odorless, easy to apply, dry quickly, do not fade in the sun even without a protective varnish and are suitable for all types of surfaces.
Acrylic is suitable for all rooms in the interior - it is environmentally friendly (which is especially good for a nursery), waterproof (after drying, a protective film is formed - this will allow you to use the paint in the bathroom and in the kitchen).
nine0005
Thanks to the wide range of tinting options, such wall paintings in the interior can look completely different: from pastel landscapes reminiscent of frescoes to acid graffiti.
Volumetric painting
Such an interesting wall painting is used when it is necessary to expand or change the space. Three-dimensional painting is understood as two options:
- 3D drawing. A kind of illusion of a continuation of the room. For these purposes, they often depict a landscape, a window with a beautiful view, a terrace, a bridge across the river - see the original example in the photos below. nine0008
- Relief decor. The image is applied in several layers and seems to come out of the wall, this adds volume to the whole room. Landscapes and animals in this technique seem absolutely realistic.
Any of the technologies requires certain skills in execution, so do not try to do it yourself - get the help of a professional.
This is where the main drawback of volumetric painting comes from - the high price.
Pictured 3D wall painting
Using stencils
If you plan to do interior wall painting on your own, but you don't have the skills, use a stencil. Most often they are made in the form of various patterns and ornaments, repeating which you can easily paint over the entire wall.
All you need for a successful artistic painting is the stencil itself, paints (often available in a kit), a brush or roller and your accuracy. Just apply the template to the prepared wall surface, go through the paint, transfer to another place - and so on until the end. nine0005
The advantage of this method is not only in simplicity, but also in the final cost. In addition, with its help you will leave your mark on the walls.
The photo shows an example of applying an image using a stencil
How does the wall painting look in the rooms?
The type of wall painting in the interior primarily depends on the functionality of the room in which you are going to apply the technique.
Consider the rules and ideas for each space. nine0005
Wall painting in the kitchen
No matter how durable paints are, avoid surfaces near the sink or stove. Drops of water and fat, as well as temperature changes, will significantly reduce the life of the finished masterpiece. Most often in the kitchen, they choose an area near the dining table or an apron outside the wet area.
Pictured is the artistic painting of the walls in the dining area
The choice of subject depends on your personal preferences:
- neutral landscape, panorama or abstraction will correct the geometry of the room;
- a still life, a view of a cafe or a restaurant dish will set the right atmosphere.
Acrylic painting in the kitchen on the photo
Wall painting in the bedroom
Whatever style the bedroom is decorated in, this room is primarily a place of recuperation.
Therefore, there should not be any aggressive and bright art - only delicate colors, smooth lines, neutral sketches. nine0005
The most suitable scenes are flora and fauna, calm landscapes (without waterfalls and elements), 3D panoramas.
If you still prefer more active paintings, place them behind the head of the bed and plan the arrangement of furniture so that nothing is reflected in the mirrors. Thus, you will not see the fresco before going to bed, but only after waking up.
Plant motifs behind the head of the bed
Wall painting in the living room
The only room in which there are practically no restrictions on the choice of plot is the hall. The main requirement is that the image should match the style and temperament of the entire interior.
In the living room, natural or urban landscapes, abstractions, reproductions of famous canvases, portraits of people are most often depicted.
Depending on your style, choose as follows:
- blooming gardens and seascapes for classic interiors;
- black and white colors in abstraction go with minimalism and hi-tech; nine0008
- lavender fields fit best in Provence.
The photo shows an example of interior wall painting in the studio
In the children's room
When decorating a children's room, every adult has the right to become a child again and discard all frames! Most often, the brightest colors and unusual stories are used here. Heroes of fairy tales and cartoons, magical forests and castles, favorite animals - these are not all options for a nursery.
For wall painting on wallpaper or plaster, use organic acrylic paints - unlike oil and any other, they are safe and environmentally friendly.
Examples in the hallway and hallway
The use of wall painting in the interior of the hallway will make this boring space much more interesting. Choose only one most noticeable side and place on it an abstract canvas or a city view with streets.
Since painting in itself is an accent in the interior, bright colors should not be used in small rooms - a black and white scale or even a drawing in one color is possible.
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On the photo there is a picture on the wall in the hallway
Choosing a picture and plot
We have already touched on the theme of the paintings and said that it should match the room. Let's dwell on the choice of design in more detail.
Living room.
- Yes: abstraction with 3D effect, nature, city, portraits, geometry, graffiti.
- No: food, fairy tales.
Kitchen.
- Yes: food, prepared meals, still life, kitchen utensils, cafe or restaurant photography. nine0008
- No: children's drawings, cartoon characters, dark tragic paintings.
Bedroom.
- Yes: landscapes, flowers, abstractions.
- No: scenes of aggression, animals, large portraits, raging elements, bright acid paintings.
Cabinet.
- Yes: book covers or bookshelves, classical paintings, maps of countries or the world.
- No: children's stories on a bright background, food, flowers, animals, graffiti.
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Bathroom.
- Yes: nautical, landscape, flowers, abstract.
- No: large images of people and animals, still life.
In the photo there is an artistic painting with the heroes of fairy tales
Based on the style of the interior, the following patterns can be distinguished:
- Modern. Abstract motifs, large flowers, airbrushing, reproductions of paintings by contemporary artists will do.
- Classic. The painting on the wall in the form of a landscape, floral details, reproductions of classical paintings, ornaments is ideal. nine0008
- East. Ornaments and arabesques, images of dragons, hieroglyphs, reproductions of Guohua painting will best reflect the directions.
- Provence. The main element of decor is flowers. Roses, lavender, tulips.
- Art Deco. A geometric ornament, a repeating pattern or an image imitating the texture of marble will fit perfectly.
- Loft.
If the image of brick or concrete masonry seems boring, add some graffiti. - Eco. The texture of the wood works best, and a bamboo forest or a beautiful field also looks amazing. nine0008
The photo shows a design painting of the walls with the image of birds
Photo gallery
Now you know all the basic rules for choosing a pattern and materials for painting - use one of the proposed drawing techniques to create a unique interior!
35 brilliant wall painting ideas!
Wall art has long been an art accessible to everyone. This is a simple and fairly economical way to diversify the interior of any room. A friend of mine, with the help of a brush and a couple of cans of paint, completely changed and transformed her house. nine0005
Beautiful and original images on the walls enliven, decorate and give a unique comfort.
This painting will highlight the corridor. Drawings of this kind will help hide protruding wiring or a spare outlet.
Have you been dreaming of a trip to India for a long time? The painted elephant will give the interior an oriental touch. In addition, the image of this animal brings good luck.
This monochromatic mandala will add a sense of harmony and create a contemplative mood. nine0295
Mountain motifs in this color scheme calm and help to relax and unwind. Just what you need for the bedroom!
Interesting geometry will not let the inquisitive mind of the baby get bored, and by complementing the room with bright pictures and furniture in warm colors, you can achieve a truly interesting result.
Geometry again. Interesting lines and eye-pleasing color combinations.
Fancy turquoise gradient with texture. There is something in this, isn't there? nine0295
Stylized colorful trees can add a unique touch to any living room.
And here it is, my favorite! I love looking at this partition.
Clear, graphic lines are always in style. Only two colors, but how wonderful!
Bright colors again. Just great for a kid's room!
A riot of colors. Covering all the walls of the room in this way, you can cause psychological discomfort. However, with the right arrangement of furniture and a skillful combination of colors, such a painting on one of the walls will look interesting. nine0295
This image will be a great addition to a country or rustic kitchen.
These color transitions will add harmony and comfort to the dining area.
Bright and interesting.
What tenderness!
This is exactly the case when the entrance wall has acquired a bright and eye-pleasing appearance that you want to admire!
Has your apartment been in need of repair for a long time? There are many original ideas that you can bring to life with your own hands.
