DIY Wall Mural Ideas To Elevate Any Room

Wall murals have long been used to adorn interior living spaces. In fact, the oldest “wall murals” emerged thousands of years ago, when early humans created prehistoric cave paintings featuring handprints and animals. Needless to say, interior design has come a long way since then, and wall murals are now a staple of modern decorating. From sweeping landscapes to abstract watercolors, wall murals breathe creativity and drama into your home.

You don’t have to be a great artist—or hire one—to install a wall mural. In fact, you don’t even have to use paint. Wallpaper wall murals can be just as beautiful and elegant. They’re also much easier to install. We’re breaking down our favorite DIY wall mural ideas to help you find your perfect style.

What is a Wall Mural?

A wall mural is a large-scale design or artwork applied directly to a wall, usually covering the entire surface. They’re used to create visual impact, tell a story within a space, or set a particular mood.

Different Types of DIY Wall Murals

You can create a DIY wall mural using a variety of different mediums. Here are some common types:

• Wallpaper wall murals: Hang pre-designed wallpaper panels to create scenic, themed, or abstract wall art.

• Painted wall murals: Create a painted design freehand, using stencils, or with projection tracing (projecting an image onto the wall and tracing it).

• Decal wall murals: Use pre-made stickers to create a mural with themed images, layered artwork, or custom-quotes.

• Collage wall murals: Use a mix of wallpaper, photographs, or fabrics to make a permanent wall collage.

• Chalkboard or whiteboard wall murals: Paint a section of your wall with chalkboard or whiteboard paint—this is great for kids bedrooms and playrooms.

• Tiled or wood-panel wall murals: Use tiles, wood panels, or other materials to create a mosaic effect.

Why Choose Wallpaper for a Wall Mural

If you want to achieve a polished look, wallpaper murals are the best DIY option. Wallpaper wall murals come in large panels or rolls that feature a continuous pattern or image that spans across the entire wall.

Here’s why you should consider wallpaper over other mediums:

• It’s easier to install, and many designs come in peel and stick wallpaper formats.
• You can order it in a custom size for the perfect fit and scale.
• It’s easier to remove and replace than many other mediums, such as collage-style murals.
• It’s suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, kitchens, and even commercial spaces.
• It comes in a wide array of pre-designed styles, textures, colors, and patterns.

1. Bold Botanical Prints

A dramatic botanical wall mural is a great way to take classic floral wallpaper to the next level. These designs are perfect for adding panache to a room. From bold oversized petals to lush tropical foliage, botanical prints offer a stunning combination of fearless elegance and flamboyant charm.

If you’re looking to add some dramatic color to a dining room, bedroom, or entryway, consider the poppy fields floral wall mural. Vivid greens, reds, and blacks convey the striking beauty of the natural world, but also add an artistic flair with beautifully irregular shapes.

2. Abstract Artwork

Wall murals often depict identifiable subjects such as people, places, and things, but they can also present a more abstract type of beauty. For example, the chimera marble wall mural uses an abstract art style to create a focal point.

Installing an abstract wall mural can make you feel like you’re walking through an upscale art gallery right in your home. Convenient applications with DIY-friendly variations make it easier than ever to infuse stunning artistry into your daily life.

3. Geometric Patterns

For a more symmetrical approach to abstract design, a geometric wall mural is a wonderful choice. For example, the looping current wall mural exemplifies the simplicity of geometric shapes, yet also creates a continuous image that allows the eyes to flow along the piece.

4. Forested Landscapes

A landscape wall mural can bring the beauty of the great outdoors into your indoor living spaces. Depending on the type of landscape you wish to depict, you can evoke a sense of calm and serenity or bold adventure. 

Whether you want to create a tranquil beach scene, an awe-inspiring mountain range, a rugged desert, or dense woods with the Rocky Mountain forest wall mural, a natural landscape design is sure to impress and inspire.

5. Classical Art Scenes

Wall murals that depict classic art or architecture bring sophisticated elegance and visual interest to your home. Classic artwork murals work beautifully in dining rooms, home offices, master bathrooms, and commercial retail and dining spaces.

This look is hard to achieve with paint unless you’re a trained artist, so wallpaper is usually your best bet. The atlas dome wall mural is a gorgeous example of a neoclassical wallpaper mural, bringing whimsy and drama to your space.

6. Minimalist Sketch Designs

Wall murals don’t have to be colorful or intricate to make an impact. A minimalist sketch style has a distinct charm. Because these wall murals are designed to look simple and fundamental, homeowners and renters with a bit of artistic skill may choose to create their own mural themselves. 

But if you want something that feels hand-drawn, yet elevated and professional, you can choose a peel and stick wallpaper wall mural in this style. The desert rose black sketch wall mural is a great example of incorporating a hand-drawn style into an upscale interior design.

Installation Tips for DIY Wallpaper Murals

Hanging wallpaper is easier than painting a wall mural from scratch, but it’s still important to take your time to get the result you want.

Here are some tips for a smooth installation:

1. Opt for peel and stick wallpaper: Peel and stick is the best DIY format if you want a simple and mess-free process.
2. Prep your wall: Sand down any textures and clean your walls with warm water before applying your wall mural. Consider using a wallpaper primer for better adhesion.
3. Measure carefully: Double-check your wall dimensions to avoid misalignment or gaps.
4. Use a level: Keep your lines straight, especially if you’re working with a striped or geometric design.
5. Start from the center: For symmetrical designs, start in the middle and work your way outward toward the corners of your wall.
6. Smooth bubbles as you go: Use a wallpaper smoother to get rid of air pockets.

Add Beauty and Style With a DIY Wallpaper Wall Mural

Wall murals are a bold design choice that can enhance your décor, highlight architectural features, and make your home feel like your own personal oasis. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a world-class artist to enjoy the beauty of a full-size wall mural.

Mitchell Black offers a wide variety of stunning peel and stick wall murals, allowing you to tackle the application process with precision, ease, and confidence.

Browse our wall mural collection today and use our concierge service to talk to a design expert!