When it comes to transforming a room, few design elements pack as much punch as a statement wall. Whether you’re looking to add drama, personality, or simply a fresh new vibe, wall murals and wallpaper are two powerful tools that can completely redefine your space.
Yet while both offer incredible visual impact, they’re not the same—and choosing between them can feel daunting. Should you go for a sweeping mural that transports you to another world, or a chic wallpaper pattern that adds sophisticated texture and color?
This guide will help you weigh the pros, cons, and key differences between wall murals and wallpaper so you can make the perfect choice for your home.
What’s the Difference Between Wall Murals and Wallpaper?
At first glance, wall murals and wallpaper might seem similar. Both cover your walls with color and design—but they serve slightly different purposes.
- Wall Murals: These are large-scale images or artworks, often printed as one cohesive design meant to fill an entire wall or significant portion of it. Think sweeping landscapes, botanical scenes, abstract art, or city skylines. Murals are statement pieces designed to be the star of the room.
- Wallpaper: Traditionally comes in repeating patterns or textures, ranging from florals to geometric prints to subtle faux finishes like grasscloth or linen. Wallpaper can be bold or subtle but typically creates an overall background rather than a single focal image.
Both can be made from similar materials, such as vinyl, paper, fabric, or peel-and-stick options, making installation and removal more versatile than ever.
The Case for Wall Murals
If you want your wall to tell a story—or evoke a specific feeling—murals are the ultimate choice. Here’s why:
1. Instant Drama and Impact
A wall mural is like artwork on steroids. It’s an immersive visual experience that turns your wall into a window to another place or mood. Whether it’s a misty forest, an abstract watercolor, or a retro cityscape, a mural instantly defines the room’s personality.
2. Customization
Many mural providers offer custom options, allowing you to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Want your favorite travel photo turned into a mural? It’s possible. Or you can work with designers from companies like Wallism, which offers a curated collection of artistic wall murals for home interiors, to find or create a design that perfectly fits your aesthetic.
3. Great for Feature Walls
Murals are ideal if you want just one big statement wall without covering the entire room. They’re perfect behind beds, sofas, dining tables, or in entryways where you want to leave a strong impression.
When Murals Might Not Be Ideal
Of course, murals aren’t for everyone—or every room. Consider these potential downsides:
- Commitment: A mural is a bold choice and can be difficult to redecorate around if your tastes change frequently.
- Scale: Large images can overwhelm small rooms or spaces with awkward wall dimensions.
- Cost: Custom murals can be more expensive than standard wallpapers.
The Case for Wallpaper
Wallpaper might feel like a classic choice, but don’t underestimate its transformative power. Here’s what makes wallpaper special:
1. Endless Variety
From subtle linen textures to vibrant florals and metallic geometrics, wallpaper comes in countless styles. It’s perfect for adding pattern, texture, or color in a way that can be as bold or understated as you want.
2. Flexible Design Options
Wallpaper can cover an entire room, a single wall, or even just small sections like the backs of bookshelves. It can add warmth to a bedroom, polish to a powder room, or creativity to a home office.
3. Easier to Blend with Other Decor
Because wallpaper designs are often more repetitive and less “scene-based,” they’re easier to mix with various furniture styles and color palettes. A mural, by contrast, usually sets a dominant theme for the room.
4. Removable Options
Modern peel-and-stick wallpapers make it easy for renters or commitment-phobes to experiment with bold designs without worrying about permanent changes.
When Wallpaper Might Not Be Ideal
Despite its advantages, wallpaper has a few potential drawbacks:
- Seams: Even well-installed wallpaper has visible seams between strips, which some people dislike.
- Pattern Matching: Installing patterned wallpaper requires careful alignment so the design matches perfectly, which can be tricky for DIYers.
- Damage Potential: Traditional wallpaper can be damaged by moisture, making it less ideal for bathrooms or kitchens unless you choose specialized materials.
How to Choose: Murals vs. Wallpaper
If you’re torn between the two, ask yourself these key questions:
Do you want a focal point or a backdrop?
- Murals = a single, striking focal point
- Wallpaper = a versatile backdrop
How often do you change your decor?
- Murals feel more permanent
- Wallpaper offers more flexibility, especially peel-and-stick options
How large is your space?
- Murals work best on larger, uninterrupted walls
- Wallpaper suits both small and large spaces
What’s your budget?
- Custom murals can be pricey
- Wallpaper offers a range of price points, from budget-friendly rolls to high-end designer brands
Creative Ways to Combine Both
Why choose just one? Some of the most stylish interiors today mix murals and wallpaper for a layered, artistic look:
- Use a mural on one feature wall and complementary wallpaper on the others.
- Frame a smaller mural within molding or trim, like a piece of large-scale art, and use wallpaper as the background.
- Pair a soft textured wallpaper with a bold mural for depth and contrast.
Combining these elements lets you create a unique space that feels curated and high-end.
Where to Use Murals or Wallpaper
Here’s some inspiration for where each option shines:
Wall Murals:
- Living room feature wall
- Bedroom wall behind the bed
- Dining room wall for drama
- Home office backdrop for Zoom calls
- Children’s rooms with playful themes
Wallpaper:
- Powder rooms
- Hallways and entryways
- Behind shelves or in niches
- Entire bedrooms for cozy vibes
- Ceilings for a unique twist
Final Thoughts
Both wall murals and wallpaper are powerful ways to add personality and artistry to your home. The key is understanding the vibe you’re going for—and how you want your walls to contribute to the overall story of your space.
If you’re ready to make a statement, a mural might be your ticket to a transformative “wow” moment. If you prefer versatility and subtlety—or love changing your décor frequently—wallpaper might be the better choice.
Whichever route you choose, remember there are countless resources and companies like Wallism offering stunning designs and custom options to help you achieve the look you envision.
So go ahead—turn those blank walls into canvases for creativity. Your perfect statement wall is waiting.
