Have you ever found yourself inspired by one wall in a room when you entered? That’s what makes accent wall murals so special. Having a DIY themed mural can turn a plain space into something special with your own style and imagination. This article walks you through the ways to make your own murals, using themes that will make your space look good and reflect who you are. Whether you’re aiming to make a room feel more open, vibrant, or cozy, we’ll explore how to make murals that are both beautiful and functional.
Even if you’ve never painted before, you can still create a mural using the right methods. I’ll divide the process, recommend designs and materials and advise you on choosing the best type of mural for your furniture and exis The purpose of this guide is to give you useful, fun and most importantly, empowering information.
We’ll also review how murals can be designed to match the style and taste of any room—be it soothing, lively, urban or vibrant. A little creativity and paint can make any accent wall the center of attention in your house. We’re excited to start your creative adventure.
Choosing The Right Wall For A Mural Project
Identifying the best wall to make your accent wall is the initial step before you start any DIY mural project. In my opinion, it’s best to hang a piece over a wall that naturally draws attention. It’s best to pick a wall exposed to plenty of sunlight, as long as direct glare isn’t shining on it, because this brightens colors without them fading.
In rooms with larger furniture like sectionals or bookcases, it’s important to choose a wall that allows the mural to breathe—meaning enough empty space for it to stand out without feeling cramped. Because they help define rooms and guide the viewer, walls beside entryways or open-plan spaces are the most suitable. If a wall contains doors or windows, the design of the mural should still fit without stop.
I think the rooms that shine brightest for me are those with neutral colors. They keep the background quiet so the mural can be the main focus. Experts from Architectural Digest believe that too much wall furniture or too many shelves on the walls reduce the effect your artwork can have.
One thing that might be forgotten in this area is checking where the art can be seen from other spots in the home. See what the mural looks like from several entrances and various angles. It ensures that the mural looks at home in your home design.
Materials You Need To Create A Wall Mural At Home
Having all the essential supplies ahead of time makes the DIY mural job easier. Sampling has shown me that I like to work with a strong primer, a mix of acrylic paints in various colors, different sized brushes, tape for protection, fabrics as drop coverings and a pencil for sketching. A stencil design will work better if you add spray adhesive and X-Acto knives to your supplies. Having a ruler or level will help you make straight and correct lines.
All of these items are important for different reasons. Interestingly, using painter’s tape beyond making borders makes geometric design much easier. Great brushes help your paintings look clearer and easy-to-use acrylic paints can be layered easily since they set quickly. Using a projector might help create your first outline in larger areas.
I’ve discovered that using quality materials helps a lot, especially if you are just starting out. In a piece airing on HGTV, designer Brian Patrick Flynn wishes for viewers to use high-quality materials when painting their own murals. It will pay off to use good tools so that your designs don’t end up uneven or peeling.
Having storage for your supplies ready, even when you’re not painting, may also be useful for households with kids or pets. Storing things securely on a rolling cart or sealed box will keep your workplace clean and organized.
How To Prep Your Wall For A DIY Mural
Proper preparation must come before you start painting the walls. I always wash the surface using a diluted detergent to clear away all the dust and oils first. I dry the wall and check for holes or rough spots to fill in with spackle once scratches or dents have appeared. If the paint becomes very smooth, I quickly sand it lightly to help it adhere properly.
After the wall is ready, I use an interior primer before I start painting. This creates an even surface for your mural, especially if you’re working over dark paint or textured walls. A strong design in vibrant colors is possible only if the surface is white or very light gray. I let the primer sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours before I start to paint or draw.
In the past, this step was something I rushed through, but you shouldn’t speed through it. According to Emily Henderson, it is just as crucial to prepare the surface as it is to paint the mural or later you could end up with cracking or peeling. On my first mural I learned that by not sanding the surface, the paint did not stick properly.
People could benefit from knowing to place painter’s tape along edges and baseboards to protect them. It is easy to miss, but this means the end result looks professional and neat—especially for murals around ceilings or the edges of the floor.
Sketching Your Mural Idea: Freehand Or Stencil?
How you structure your mural design is determined by how comfortable you are and what your own style looks like. Freehand drawing draws me in because I can be creative with it and let my mind go free. But if you need to repeat something accurate, stencils or projectors are your best options. It is also possible to use your creativity with freehand and exact precision using stencils together.
If you’re using stencils, make sure they’re securely affixed with spray adhesive or masking tape. A quick pencil sketch makes it easier to see how elements will work and how much space different pieces will require. Thanks to grid systems, you can turn a small canvas drawing into a large wall mural.
My experience shows that doing freehand sketches adds character and motion to my art. However, stencils have spared me a lot of time when making difficult patterns. In the view of muralist Alli Koch, those painting a large image for the first time should rely on a tracing projector to help them along.
Many basic beginner guides fail to mention why color-testing is necessary. Apply some strips of tacky paint to your wall to see how the colors look. Colors change how they appear with different amounts of light, so it’s best to test them instead of remorsefully buying wrong.
Nature-Themed DIY Murals For A Serene Vibe
I love using nature murals to design peaceful and tranquil spaces. Try drawing tree branches, outline a mountain or sketch ocean waves., Incorporating nature inside with these designs looks great in bedrooms, comfortable nooks for reading or in bathrooms. Making the space large and comfortable is easy with a cool green mural that has hazy hills or fine leaves.
I often bring nature murals closer to organic furniture such as wooden beds, woven storage and linen drapes. Make a comfortable atmosphere in your living room by adding an armchair and a plush rug. Picking cushions or bedding that are earthy colors blends nicely with the mural and holds everything together.
One customer told me that their leafy mural helps them feel like they are in nature every day. If you’re searching for ideas, I suggest admiring the minimalist approach taken by Shogo Ota, who links tidy lines to the beauty of nature. His music has a serene and upscale sound, though it’s not too busy.
I’d add one more thing and that’s how bodies smell. Let essential oil diffusers or some real greenery bring the outside into your living space. Design, in fact, should appeal to our sight and all our other senses.
Floral Accent Wall Murals For A Feminine Touch
Think about having a floral mural if you want a room to feel elegant and romantic. I think they are good for use in bedrooms, powder rooms or dressing areas where gentleness is prized. Get large peonies, cherry blossoms or climbing roses in I like pink, lavender or burgundy for better dimension in your bouquet.
Select tufted headboards plus mirrored dressers or old-style vanity tables to give your room a definitely feminine feel. Glass frames on the mirrors and a warm light create elegance and the floral pillows or cushions connect the mural design without taking up too much room.
A floral mural I painted for a client’s daughter became the highlight of the entire home. Improving your mood at home can be as simple as using flowers, but Better Homes & Gardens highlights murals as an excellent substitute if real flowers are too challenging.
You might also add living plants in the area such as hanging ferns or potted flowers. It helps everything match and adds another layer to your home’s decor.
Geometric DIY Wall Murals For A Modern Look
If you appreciate neat lines, even wall patterns and modern style in your home, geometric murals may be the perfect choice. Home offices, dining rooms and places looking for updated decor can benefit from these murals. I’ve made rooms appear structured and dynamic by using triangular designs, interlocking circles and color block grids.
To improve the style, I often add mid-century modern pieces—items typically have skinny legs, small size and a blend of walnut wood and brass. Cushy chairs in bold colors or monochrome rugs, help to unite the style in the room. The use of metal tracks or pendant lights on the wall can turn it into an art gallery view.
The first time I put up a mustard-yellow and navy geometric mural in my studio, it brought more structure and a better sense of art to the room. Elle Decor reports that geometric elements may boost work and study efficiency, so many people put them in their workspaces.
A good option for these shelves is to use black or gold floating wall shelves. They have a practical purpose and help the mural look part of the geometric forms.
Abstract Accent Wall Murals To Spark Creativity
If you’re looking to infuse your home with creative energy, abstract murals are the perfect solution. With these designs, there are no strict guidelines and they often change shape. I’m drawn to expressing myself by using lines that flow spontaneously, raising pain, streaking smudges or stacking different shapes. In art studios, modern loft spaces or interesting living rooms, this kind of lighting flourishes.
Sticking to things that are simple or solid can help any abstract mural look right at home. I most often use single-tone couches, open bookshelves and natural hardwood floors. Scattering a sculptural coffee table or some nice pendant lights can liven up the space, but won’t make it too busy. A minimalist style makes the mural the main attraction.
I find that no kind of mural has the freedom or excitement of abstract art. Such designs are mainly guided by emotions and happen-as-you-go changes. Designer Justina Blakeney noted in Domino Magazine that having abstract art in your home can be “visual therapy,” and I have found that to work for both those who view it and those who create it.
Adding woven baskets and velvet cushions helps to make this styling idea complete. They give the room more interest and stop it from seeming boring.
Cityscape Murals To Add An Urban Feel To Your Room
Enjoying living in the city? Urban street murals in your home fully capture that vibe. These speakers usually end up in studios, under my desk or off to the side in a hallway. You could select views of New York, Tokyo or Paris in full color or black and white to make the skyline really stand out. The murals look most impressive when paired with industrial brick and concrete.
For the contrast, I complement the mural with small leather cushions, metal bookcases and desk chairs. Keeping the design simple, the space has large black floor lamps, subway tile on the backsplash and framed photos. Having a neutral room helps the mural shine, without making everything too crowded.
My friend asks me to paint a Chicago skyline mural in her apartment and it turns what was a bland wall into a great stylish addition. According to Apartment Therapy’s design experts, cityscapes are ideal for anyone in a rental or a small home that wants a big look without lots of items.
Complete your city interior by placing a large wall clock or a map somewhere around the room. They add to how the story is shared and include elements of movement and culture.
DIY Galaxy Murals For A Cosmic Accent Wall
Galaxy murals are pleasant, inspirational and suit any bedroom or room intended for meditation. My space murals show swirling galaxies, countless stars and highlights of both blue and purple with some golden highlights. Murals like these can make a space perfect for peaceful thinking or unwinding.
I like to dress up the space for cosmic theme by using faux fur throws, velvet cushions and bean bag chairs. You can bring the mural to life in 3D by using LED stare lights or fiber optic ceiling panels. Use only a few wall decorations to fully showcase the galaxy.
Painting a galaxy scene in a teen’s bedroom and making it an environmental mural became their favorite way to relax. Celestial-themed rooms are gaining in popularity because they create a calm and creative atmosphere, says The Spruce.
Placing a telescope nearby or setting up a moon lamp next to the bed will add another layer of space to the room.
Children’s Bedroom Murals With Whimsical Themes
Mural ideas can be really fun to add in a kid’s room. Some of my paintings are underwater scenes with whales, forests glammed up with fairies and cute safari animals. The murals add life and also encourage others to think about stories. Technically, they’re ideal behind a bed or in a reading area where you can notice them at their fullest.
I select safe, double-washable paints and decorate the rest of the room according to the subject. An enchanted forest mural could be finished with a wooden tree bookcase, mushroom-shaped pillows and pastel beds. Toy blocks on the wall and some soft characters can be two sources of decor and useful toy items.
Many parents tell me that those painting projects help them bond and spark exciting games and chats. According to Parents Magazine, adding glow-in-the-dark stars and chalkboard paint sections encourages children to stay interested and artistic.
I think it’s important to bring your child into the process of planning family activities. Most of the time, their choices create surprising results and help them feel proud of their home.
Inspirational Quote Murals For A Motivational Boost
A logo from your favorite book can fill your space with energy each and every day. It’s nice to display these in home offices, gyms or near the entryway. Look for an inspirational quote and put it on your sign with a font that matches your personality—choose cursive for something gentle or bold letters for confident mood.
Use only a few items to decorate around the mural and focus on what it says. Modern offices function better when you have a writing desk, a clear chair and a corkboard or calendar on the wall. A few houseplants can liven up the area and help soften the look of your art.
I painted “Create Something Every Day” in large sans serif letters directly above my desk in my office. It helps shape the mood for everything I do the rest of the day. Real Simple suggests displaying quotes to make a room your own and to pay more attention in the busier or busiest parts of your home.
If you’re after a layered design, match the quote with a relaxed gradient or a small, easy-to-see pattern in the background. As a result, the mural does not look flat or boring.
Vintage Mural Designs For A Touch Of Nostalgia
These classic murals show off the allure of earlier decades such as Art Deco styles, posters from the 1950s or sepia-tone travel maps. They add charm to any dining room, entrance way or home bar, as nice memories can lead to interesting discussions. Most of the time, I pick mustard yellow, dusty rose and faded teal colors and add distressed effects.
In the end, I include retro pieces like velvet armchairs, brass bar carts or clawfoot side tables. Both Edison bulb lighting and rotary-style clocks bring a feeling of the past to life. Having wallpaper or old frames on the surrounding wall really completes the look of the mural.
A wonderful mural I created was of a 1920s jazz club in the den of a music lover. Home Decor magazine reports that people are choosing vintage designs these days to feel more comfortable in their homes.
If you add vintage record players or vinyl cover frames to your decor, it will look very nice. These further connect the mural to loved memories and make the painting more interesting to look at.
Ocean-Themed DIY Murals For A Coastal Retreat
If you paint a room with an ocean scene, you’ll have a peaceful place that helps anyone look forward to being calm. My artwork of waves and coral reefs in bedrooms and bathrooms has always changed the mood for guests. A palette of soft blue, gently foamy white and just a hint of green can transform a dry land home into a holiday spot. To make a strong visual point in a room, put a mural behind a bed, couch or tub that stands alone.
Adding rattan or whitewashed options like a driftwood coffee table or sea-themed bedframe will give you the true effect. Put woven baskets, some glass lanterns and throws with a sandy tone around to give your home a beach feel. Natural light adds a lot here—try to use soft walls to reflect sunlight into the space. A wave mural ought to bring excitement to the height and width of the accent wall, instead of blocking the space.
Shea McGee’s work always encourages me to use soft coastal designs with light, soothing furnishings. By adding lots of colors and materials, the piece is still given space to stand out clearly. If you are trying your first mural, it’s less risky to use a sponge or watercolor look.
Existing ambient LED lighting at the top or bottom of the mural would give the effect of sunlight, particularly in rooms where there isn’t much daylight. If you want, a mirror in a shell frame or details with nautical rope would add nicely to your bathroom.
Boho-Inspired Wall Murals With A DIY Twist
Having a boho-styles mural makes your space look calm and artistic. What I create for murals are characters with organic shapes, hues inspired by terracotta and designs that aren’t too detailed. You can use images of suns, moons, plants or tribal themes. You will see that murals are most effective in creative places such as office nooks, cozy reading spaces or your bedroom, where excellent design supports your needs without stealing space.
Combine the mural with pieces of natural wood furniture, macramé decor and handwoven rugs. Adding a rattan hanging chair or a leather pouf gives your room a touch of warmth. Clay, mustard or deep teal accent pillows help link the mural with the room’s décor. The best way to balance a mural is with walls that are neutral or have little decoration.
Through my experience with wall murals, I understand that bending the lines a little adds to the charm and is okay for a boho mural. Actually, the slight problems only make it seem more crafted. Interior stylist Justina Blakeney often highlights the importance of putting different patterns together, mirroring how creativity and showing your personality are important to the boho style.
I would place some small hanging plants or pampas grass in taller floor vases to lift up this area. The smooth softness of fibers maintains a relaxed feeling and holds the energy to the mural.
Jungle Murals For A Bold And Tropical Accent Wall
A wall mural of the jungle puts color and greenery everywhere, as well as attention-grabbing shadows. I’ve painted these both in playrooms and in living spaces where people like bold designs. If you want to represent trees, vines and wild creatures, paint them using deep green, bright yellow-green and brown. A maximalist approach works best in rooms where these impressive murals belong.
The jungle style is enhanced by the use of daring furniture choices. Why not choose a velvet green armchair or a dark stained wood bookshelf? A bit of gold or brass gives both a bit of glamor and lends a touch of style. Lighting is important—aim for warm light sources to simulate the jungle’s filtered sunshine. Put up potted palms or hanging ferns to help walls merge with your decor.
Sticking to stencils for leaves allows me to get correct proportions while also reducing the time needed. According to Bobby Berk, focus on designing one wall for a loud statement, so the area doesn’t become overly busy. That’s very useful to follow if you’re trying the jungle.
You can finish the theme by decorating with animal print cushions, statues of animals and maybe a net roof over a child’s bed.
How To Use Projectors For Tracing Wall Designs
Using a projector to transfer the design for a mural is one of the best ways I save time on the project. With this feature, DIYers feel more comfortable working on advanced designs or text. It’s easy: just link your projector to your laptop or phone, position the image properly and trace over with pencil before adding paint.
For projects involving murals, I recommend that your area has a firm table and seats with adjustable heights. Choose an ergonomic layout—whether you’re painting in a sitting position or standing—and make sure the projector is at the right distance to avoid distortion. Good lighting (after tracing) is key to seeing paint accuracy.
I noticed that this technique worked well whenever I wanted symmetry or typography displayed on a wall. Architectural Digest states that this technique is used by public artists and interior designers as well, so it isn’t only meant for those just beginning. Divide the walls into sections with painter’s tape and level to confirm the alignment before you paint.
I’d suggest including a collage arrangement for murals featuring many images or symbols, so the wall turns into a series of scenes rather than one unchanging image.
Hand-Painted Wall Murals Vs. Peel-And-Stick Options
Whether you choose to paint by hand or go with an easily removable mural depends on how confident you are, how your walls feel and if you are renting. I have tried both methods and painting by hand gives you the most options, yet peel-and-stick decals are quick and won’t tie you down as much. They’re valuable to those who rent or who switch their décor with the changing seasons.
When using peel-and-stick, pick a matte finish to ensure the wallpaper doesn’t have a plastic look. They look best with easy mid-century seating to highlight the artwork. The depth and movement o f hand-painted murals look great when seen with artisan or eclectic types of decor.
If I wanted to use a mix of styles, the muralist from The Spruce shared that it’s a good idea to start with paint but add some depth with temporary stickers. You’ll have the freedom to Google new interior ideas often.
Should I mention anything else, I’d share with readers a list of reputable decal brands and a handful of recommended paint types for matching matte-finish murals.
DIY Mural Ideas For Rental-Friendly Spaces
When you have a rental home, using removable murals or special paint gives your home a unique style without violating the lease. I’ve installed murals on easy-to-remove panels, painted on canvases that are attached like wall hangings and sometimes made artwork with markers or paint-safe pens that can be erased. A plain wall doesn’t have to be dull.
The theme of the mural should guide your choice of furniture and décor, so match the colors found in the artwork. If you’re using fabric or stick-on vinyl, keep textures light and breathable, so they don’t warp or peel.
I have tried mural wallpaper panels from Tempaper and they give good results for people renting. Popping on party-worthy false lashes is simple; you can apply and remove them easily. If you’d like, you can switch your outfits for each season.
It’d be useful to include directions or templates that help new DIYers and renters get organized without much effort for moving in or out.
Color Psychology For Themed Wall Murals
Learning color psychology means the mural can improve the mood as well as add visual appeal. I’m always mindful of the emotions different hues can create when designing. Light blues and greens have a soothing effect which is why they’re best for the bedroom and cozy reading areas. Kitchens and gyms look great with decorative items in reds or oranges. Optimistic and cheerful, dark yellows are fit for children’s room or corridors.
When you have your color scheme, choose furniture that matches your color palette. Choose calming and soothing white or blonde wood furniture if your mural is done in pastels. Pick flat furniture choices when your décor is colorful, so everything doesn’t become overly complicated. Curtains or throws should have colors that soften the mural.
I usually look to Benjamin Moore’s color guide for ideas, as they consider how color can appear and make us feel when choosing new shades. Being able to explain the reasoning behind every color gives your mural meaning and makes it more effective.
A color chart or guide included in the article that links familiar mural themes to how artists hope to feel and what colors to select would improve this section.
How To Seal And Protect Your DIY Mural Artwork
After spending hours (or even days) on a DIY mural, the last thing you want is fading, peeling, or smudging. For this reason, sealing and shielding your mural should be your last step. I always recommend using a clear, matte polyurethane sealer or an artist-grade varnish, depending on the finish you’re after. They make garments last longer and help resist both sunlight and moisture. If your mural is located in a bathroom or kitchen, you need to seal it.
The sealer you use should work well with your mural materials. Water-based sealers are my pick for latex paint so that the color doesn’t change. It’s important to use safe, low-VOC materials in children’s bedrooms. Make sure to protect your furniture and floor with plastic before you seal the wood, just in case you spray or drip by accident.
One mistake I’ve made is not giving the sealing process enough time. Let the mural sit for two days before you put anything on it. From Better Homes & Gardens, I learned to apply the sealer to a small area at the start to make sure it doesn’t make your walls look different than you intended. Because of this, one of my larger murals kept its matte finish after I had added sprayed-on text.
I think including specific recommendations for using brush-on and spray sealers, together with drying times for different types of paint, would make this section even better.
Seasonal Murals: Decorate With Spring, Summer, Fall, And Winter Themes
Changing your seasonal murals is a great method for keeping your area fresh and up to date with your environment. I like painting these on panels or canvases since it’s convenient to replace them as per the seasons. Whether it’s spring cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, each mural gives your space a lovely seasonal feel without changing the whole room.
Stick to a seasonal look by matching up your furniture and accessories. During summer, try using linen slipcovers, throw some plaid over the sofa in the fall and put on snowflake-themed pillows in the winter. Ensure your accent wall stands out by letting the rest of the room feature gentle and seasonal touches in neutral colors.
An idea I got from an HGTV segment was to section the mural wall into panels with painter’s tape so each one is dedicated to a specific season. It means I can paint the whole set simultaneously, then use the iPad as an art installation by changing which panel is on top. It feels the most fun in kids’ rooms or sunrooms.
You could mention how to correctly store extra panels and add ways to help control displays without damaging the walls.
Creating A Mural With Family Or Kids: A Fun Group Project
Painting a mural as a family lets people bond while making art. I’ve done this with nieces and nephews, and it always brings joy—and a bit of chaos! Let everyone choose their favorite subject, whether that’s animals, stars or fairytale castles. For young children, it’s best to work with ideas like handprint art or shape pictures.
Place washable droplets, smocks and a variety of brushes in your area before you start. Try to select non-toxic and indoor-safe water-based paint. I tend to use foam rollers for covering wide parts of my artworks and fine brushes for more careful details. Giving each kid their own part of the wall can be proud of it and avoid problems with overlapping.
Having things organized makes writing much easier. Begin by planning the entire space and then give each area a section. According to Martha Stewart’s site, it’s important to practice your patterns on paper before applying them and to keep a sample image in front of you while you work. Because of this, young participants gain confidence and maintain their attention.
To make things even better, you could take photographs or film a time-lapse while you work. Having a mural painted means that you have a way to remember the family after repainting comes along.
Mural Ideas For Small Spaces Or Studio Apartments
Even in tiny places, you can decorate boldly and studio apartments or tight nooks with murals show how. With a limited space, I usually prefer designs that are simple and stylish, avoiding designs that feel too much for the area. If you pick a mural for behind the headboard or just above the floor on the walls of a narrow hallway, you get both art and architectural interest.
When doing this, everything you place in the room should be intentional. Think foldaway desks, floating shelves, or mirrored closet doors that amplify the mural’s visual impact. Many of my murals feature vertical lines and curved shapes to make the scene seem taller. Choose a monochromatic palette for the rest of the room so it doesn’t look cluttered.
When you have a small location, simple large designs work better than complex patterns. Gradient murals are the way to go, according to Apartment Therapy and I wholeheartedly agree—you’ll get a lovely result for a simple effort.
I’d suggest simple panels that are both art pieces and room dividers, great for breaking up a studio apartment without entirely blocking the view.
Retro And Pop Art Murals For A Playful Accent Wall
Having a retro or pop art mural is a fun way to bring your own style to your house. I enjoy covering a wall with bright colors, strong outlines and playful comic artwork. Enjoying these murals is most common when you’re watching TV in a media room or relaxing in a lounge.
About the décor, try mid-century modern or minimalist furniture in colors like beige, blue or gray—Eames chairs are a good match, as are hairpin-leg tables. Choose either vintage lightbulbs or neon signs to give your room a vintage touch. Make rugs and cushions bright and cheerful to reflect the wall’s pattern.
While working on a client’s loft, we added a Roy Lichtenstein-style mural to one wall while keeping the rest simple. The fact that contrasting colors were used gave the show art gallery style. According to Elle Decor, using bold colors that clash and repeating motifs is essential to achieve the feel of pop art in your space.
Adding just a couple of matching pop art prints opposite each other will bring all the elements in this room together without making it overwhelming.
Using Metallics And Texture In Your DIY Wall Mural
Metallics and textures are good options to upgrade a mural. I have painted with gold leaf, reflective colors and joint compound to make my murals reflect light and give them depth. You’ll notice this approach really shines in the dining room or at your entrance, where a hint of surprise is welcome.
Using neutral and geometric furniture will let your walls’ murals take the center stage. Place metal-framed mirrors, brush brass lighting or velvety fabrics in your place to finish the look. Keep surrounding elements simple so that the mural catches your eye first.
From a tutorial on House Beautiful, I realized texture can also be invisible. To make light touches of brushwork or sponging that look like plaster, we don’t have to rough up the surface. A combination of metallics and deep jewel tones such as sapphire or emerald will make any outfit look even more sophisticated.
Particularly, you could use palette knives and metallic spray paints to get the texture you want without making your work bulky or heavy.
Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners Starting A Wall Mural
If you’ve never done a wall mural before, the idea may seem a bit overwhelming. For this reason, I usually recommend that beginners take a clear guided approach. Pick a theme and a range of colors that match what your room is for and the way you feel in it. After that, draw your idea onto paper or your computer. I find tracing paper to be great for layout tests and Procreate helps me with bulk designs.
After you’ve finalized your plan, gather what you’ll need: primer, paints, brushes, painter’s tape, drop cloths and stencils if you have them. Wash the wall, add a primer coat and then draw your design lightly. Make a border or keep other surfaces safe by using painter’s tape. Paint the top part of the canvas, let it dry and only move to the middle and bottom once the top is finished.
From the work I’ve done, I’ve realized it’s important to regularly look at your completed work from a few steps back to assess your development. According to Better Homes & Gardens, having the same lighting during painting helps your colors match. It’s important to check your color samples on the wall before deciding.
I’d also like to add a downloadable checklist with all the things you should prepare and the supplies you will need—something that would have been extremely useful for me the first time I did a mural.
DIY Murals That Match Your Interior Design Style
The first thing I think about when picking a mural is the design style of the area. You shouldn’t add a mural to a room just as a decoration later—it should seem like a natural part of the space. If you decorate with a Scandinavian theme, use soft artwork on your walls such as murals or photos of the outdoors in a quiet style. If you want a bohemian style, finding pieces with bold or colorful patterns would suit you. Designing your wall so the furniture flows with the mural helps the mural fit in rather than overshadow it.
Installing a mural with simple geometric or abstract shapes will work well in a modern minimalist living room, choosing colors such as gray, beige or pale blue. Match these elements with a sofa that doesn’t stand out too much, a mid-century sideboard and a rug that’s all one color. An ocean-themed watercolor mural can look great in a seaside space, along with rattan chairs, linen drapes and whitewashed furniture. To fit an older style, adding a mural of an old map or botanical style can improve the atmosphere while keeping the space’s look.
I’ve discovered that it’s important that the artwork fits with how the room is meant to be used. Colors that are calm and lines that look free make bedrooms and nurseries relaxing, while strong colors and striking patterns encourage you to be creative in your office or studio. It’s common for Apartment Therapy to tie your room mural designs to their uses, with mountains depicting an atmosphere of comfort in bedrooms. That has always been something I remember.
To make this section better, I’d recommend including a suggestion for readers to check out paint companies that provide everything needed for murals, since many of them are now oriented towards home interior styles.
How To Fix Mistakes Or Paint Over A Failed Mural
Anyone working on a DIY mural may make mistakes along the way. Every mural can be fixed and I always tell new artists this when they are nervous. If the paint looks blotchy, if the paint isn’t matching well or if something about the theme is wrong, you can change it. After the area dries, use light sandpaper and top it up with another layer of primer. That way, earlier flaws will not display in your new layer of artistic work.
I always have matte primer and several shades of base paint, often eggshell white or dove gray, since these go well with just about any wall. You need the large roller to cover large surfaces and small brushes for small repairs. Having masking tape and edge cords handy will let you fix or fix any changed areas if you are painting just a portion of your mural. This toolkit has saved me more than once!
At one time, I tried making a mountain mural in my living room and thought it looked a little cartoony in the end. I stopped work, reviewed the color selection and decided to paint it in tones that were cooler and more like the twilight. It ended up being much more intricate which blended nicely with my dark wood pieces. It is suggested by designers on HGTV that you tackle mural changes step by step, adding small aspects as you go until everything suits you. I’ve also learned that this is the most effective way.
Another thing I’d like to do here is share pictures of how murals looked before and after they were changed. Readers would appreciate knowing that change can still happen, no matter what previous mistakes have been made.
Where To Find Free Stencils And Templates For Wall Murals
Using the right stencil or template can help anyone start mural painting, even beginners. I usually share links to online websites where you can download, print and use grids or projectors to enlarge your designs. Among the resources I like most are Pinterest, The Spruce and sites like Block Posters, where you can expand our printing to draw multiple sheets at a time.
I used some free leaf stencils from a craft blog and reproduced the shape in several green colors along the walls. Painting designs in space themes for my kids’ rooms was easy, too, since I just had to download some outlines. Trace the design using tracing paper or position your model directly against the wall with a projector. Both approaches save you time and help you keep the parts in proportion.
Personally, I find stencils useful on walls that have an uneven texture, as making lines freehand wouldn’t be easy. Whenever I work with a stencil, I stick it down firmly and carefully paint it with a dry brush or sponge. The Martha Stewart Living website advises using reusable mylar stencils. They can be washed and you can use them for polka dots, Moroccan tiles or waves without fear of fading.
For the end of this section, I think a PDF stencil pack would be helpful and would fit the message of this article.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Personality Into Your Home With DIY Murals
DIY murals are mainly a way to personalize your home. I enjoy how art makes any open space tell a story, no matter if that comes from nature, shapes, travel or the imagination. Creating a mural can soothe your mind, give you confidence and won’t cost you a fortune. Almost anyone can paint, regardless of their background in art, with a little planning and time.
I focus on matching the color, lighting and furniture of the room when creating my designs. An example is when I painted a sunburst pattern in my reading corner, paired it with a mustard colored armchair, oak bookshelves that aren’t attached to the wall and brass sconces. Because I wasn’t afraid to experiment, that small nook turned into the most impressive area in my home.
Architectural Digest once explained that murals build a feeling of intimacy within your house and I would certainly agree. Instead of simply decorating, those lowrider cars reveal who the driver is. To feel less anxious, just tackle a small slice of the story until you’re comfortable. You’ll find that the process is much more fulfilling than you thought.
Including testimonials from homeowners who’ve done their own murals would make this section more useful. Readers who hesitate to try are often prompted by real stories.
Applying a DIY mural makes any area more exciting, using what looks like a basic wall to create a striking design. Whether you’re exploring new styles, correcting old projects, or diving into stenciled patterns, the process is as rewarding as the final result. Have you ever put together a mural on your own or have an idea you’re excited to use? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’ve brought personality into your home!
