Wallpaper and wall murals are both decorative wallcoverings printed onto a paper-based substrate, and both are available as either mass-produced or custom-made products. However, that’s where the similarities end.
Wallpaper is supplied in rolls and features a repeating pattern that continues seamlessly across multiple rolls, making it suitable for covering anything from a single feature wall to an entire room.
Wall murals, by contrast, are printed as one complete image—typically a landscape, piece of artwork or photographic scene—designed to fit a specific wall. Rather than creating an overall backdrop, a mural becomes the focal point of the space.
Wall Murals | Wallpaper |
A single large image printed to fit one wall. | A repeating pattern that can continue across unlimited wall space. |
Creates a dramatic focal point. | Adds texture, colour and atmosphere. |
Best suited to a feature wall. | Suitable for feature walls or entire rooms. |
Often custom printed to exact wall dimensions. | Supplied in standard rolls with repeating designs. |
Makes a bold design statement. | Offers a timeless, versatile finish. |
In this guide we cover:
- The differences between wall murals and wallpaper
- The pros and cons of each option
- Which rooms suit murals vs wallpaper best
- Frequently asked questions
Choose a Wall Mural If...
A wall mural is the perfect choice when you want to create maximum visual impact. Whether it’s a sweeping landscape, misty forest, city skyline, oversized botanical or striking abstract artwork, a mural can completely transform a room by adding depth, personality and a sense of scale.
Murals work particularly well in:
- Commercial offices and reception areas
- Hotel lobbies and restaurants
- Children’s bedrooms and playrooms
- Dining rooms
- Entrance halls
- Living rooms with a large feature wall
Choose Wallpaper If...
Wallpaper is often the better option for smaller rooms or walls interrupted by windows, doors or large furniture. Because the design repeats, these interruptions are far less noticeable than they would be on a mural.
Wallpaper also creates a softer, more layered look that complements furniture, curtains, rugs and accessories rather than competing with them. This makes it ideal for creating warmth, texture and atmosphere throughout an entire room.
Custom Wall Murals vs Mass-Produced Wall Murals
While off-the-shelf murals offer convenience and affordability, custom-designed murals provide a far more personalised result which Stickythings can easily help with.
Why Choose a Custom Wall Mural?
Custom murals are becoming increasingly popular because they offer several significant advantages:
- Printed to the exact dimensions of your wall for a perfect fit.
- Virtually unlimited design options, from licensed artwork and photography to your own images.
- No awkward cropping or stretching to fit standard sizes.
- A truly bespoke feature that cannot be found elsewhere.
Things to Consider
Custom murals do require a little more planning than buying an off-the-shelf design.
- They generally cost more because the design and production are unique to your project.
- Images must be extremely high resolution to maintain quality when printed at large scale.
- The proportions of the chosen image should closely match your wall dimensions. For example, a portrait-format image may not suit a wide feature wall without significant cropping.
Popular Custom Mural Themes
Some of the most popular choices include:
- Landscapes and scenic views
- Botanical and tropical designs
- Abstract artwork
- Children’s themes
- Maps and city skylines
- Company branding and office graphics
Choosing the Right Wall
The success of a wall mural depends as much on where you install it as the image you choose.
Consider the following before making your selection:
Room size: Murals generally have the greatest impact in medium to large rooms where the design can be appreciated from a distance.
Wall shape: Large, uninterrupted walls provide the best canvas. Walls with multiple windows, doors or sharp corners can disrupt the image.
Lighting: Dark murals create mood and intimacy but benefit from good natural or artificial lighting.
Furniture placement: Avoid placing large wardrobes, bookcases or televisions directly in front of the main focal point of the mural.
Colour palette: Choose artwork that complements the existing colours in your furniture and décor to create a balanced interior.
Installation
Most premium custom murals are supplied in numbered panels to simplify installation.
Although confident DIY enthusiasts can install murals successfully, the cost of replacing a damaged custom mural often outweighs the savings. For this reason, professional installation is generally recommended to achieve a seamless finish and protect your investment.
Are Custom Wall Murals Worth the Extra Cost?
If you’re looking to create a truly unique interior, the answer is almost certainly yes.
Unlike paint or traditional wallpaper, a custom wall mural is designed specifically for your space and printed to the exact dimensions of your wall. The result is a seamless installation that feels less like decoration and more like a large-scale piece of artwork.
While the initial investment is higher than buying a standard wallpaper or stock mural, the finished result delivers a level of individuality and visual impact that simply cannot be achieved with mass-produced designs.
