Wall Murals Ultimate Guide

Wall murals are a fantastic way to enhance the indoor environment. With the right use, it is possible to transforms rooms, making them look bigger whether in office, or cozy homespace. Printed photomurals represent a modern method to create affordable and visually stunning wall art. These organic non-woven murals are crafted through digital printing techniques, allowing to reproduce complex designs, photorealistic images, and vibrant colors on various materials suited for wall applications.

Types of Wall Murals Materials

There are several types of materials used in printed wall murals manufacturing process, which have different physical characteristics and result in various output. 

Paper Wall Murals

Paper wall murals are printed on different kinds of paper, offering a wide range of textures and finishes. Most often, they require manual adhesive apply onto the walls, but some types could be pre-pasted, so it is enough to water them before use.  

These murals are moderately durable, so can stay in good condition for a long period of time with proper care. They can be wiped with a damp cloth but cannot be fully water cleaned. 

They are usually used in dry environments, as they can easily break in moisture room. 

Careful peeling is needed to remove it, as it may leave residues that require additional delicate cleaning to preserve the good condition of the walls. 

Generally, paper murals are more affordable but tend to have worse image quality in comparison with other materials. They do not reproduce colors and details as vividly and might be damaged more easily. 

Vinyl Wall Murals

Vinyl wall murals are printed on PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material, which usually has clean smooth finish. This material raised some concerns regarding health, primarily because of phthalates, which have been linked to potential health risks. Also, this type of murals contributes to plastic waste, so it cannot be directly concerned environmentally friendly. However, with proper recycling, these material has lowest possible impact on environment.

They often come with a self-adhesive backing, allowing easier installation without extra adhesive.

Vinyl murals are highly durable, so it makes them suitable for high-traffic areas. Also, it is prone to moisture, so can be easily applied in bathrooms or kitchens. To clean this type of surface, you just have to rub it with a wet cloth.

Many vinyl murals are designed for easy removal, with a peel-and-stick feature that doesn't damage the wall surface.

High-quality vinyl offers excellent image quality with vibrant colors, which makes it so popular nowadays.

Fabric or Canvas

Fabric or canvas murals offer a textured and more natural finish compared to other materials.  

Such murals can be resistant to tearing, however, they might not be as easy to clean as vinyl, since they can be cleaned with vacuum or soft brush, which does the job only partially.  

Because the substance of such items implies a steady accumulation of moisture, they cannot be placed in wet places. 

To remove it you have to carefully peel it off, so it leaves minimal damage, but it is not guaranteed to be as simple to remove as self-adhesive surfaces. 

Unique material surface result in an unusual and stylized outcome, distinct from traditional wall murals, which stops numerous potential buyers.

Non-Woven Wall Murals

Non-woven wall murals are made with a special technique that creates a durable and tear-resistant blend of synthetics and natural fibers. Mostly, this material is made of eco-friendly components and does not affect human health any way. 

Non-woven murals can be either self-adhesive or not. However, in the second case, installation is also simple because they come in panels, so can be easily installed. 

This material is one of the most durable ones, and allows the mural to breathe, so the airflow can prevent the mold or mildew formation. This material also allows them to be more resistant to sunlight than other options described above. 

Such wall murals can be placed practically anywhere, except spaces with a high humidity level and a significant likelihood of becoming wet, such as bathroom.  You can always easily clean them by wiping with a moist cloth, which will surely prolong the already extensive lifespan. 

These murals are often strippable, so it is easy to peel them off in whole sheets without leaving behind residue or damaging the wall surface. 

Most of the non-woven wall murals use high – quality printing techniques, which results in the best result with vibrant colors and sharp details, enhancing the visual appeal of the design.

Wall Murals Interior Application

Wall murals placement is important because it affects the overall appearance, which is influenced by the size and lighting of the interior. These work well on any wall in a variety of locations, including living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways. But, it's crucial to carefully consider where to put them so that they blend well with the overall design. 

Universal Rules

For mural placement, there are a few general rules that apply to any interior, regardless of the space, color, lighting, or style: 

  • Verify that the surface is flat, clean, smooth, bulge-free, and has no roughness before placing wall murals. You'll obtain the greatest possible appearance if you do this.  If your mural comes in panels, carefully measure the wall area and mark where the pieces will be located.
  • Start the installation from the top or one corner, align the mural, and gradually smooth it out using a wallpaper smoother or a soft cloth to remove air bubbles.
  • Most murals, regardless of material, may require some time to settle and level after application to have their best potential appearance. 
  • To keep murals from fading, keep them out of direct sunlight and heating elements. This is true for any kind of wall murals.
  • To maintain the quality of the mural, clean and maintain it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 

Designers’ Tips

Here are the top recommendations from interior designers on how to organize wall murals in a creative and stylish way. 

  • If you're unsure about getting permanent wall paintings, you can think about temporary ones that are easy to take off if you change your mind.
  • The best way to truly enjoy the beauty of your wall murals is to not apply them on walls that have TVs, bookcases, or other furniture. Also, it's not advisable to mix wall murals with paintings or canvases as this combination may appear clumsy. This way, murals will be the least prone to unintended interaction and they serve for a long time, pleasing the eye in full size (surely, some wall mural designs are made to be hidden behind objects in the background, but the majority of designs are meant to be seen most of the times). 
  • Any photo wallpaper that expands the interior area should only be applied to one wall of the room. It is best to leave the remaining walls as free as possible from visual decorations to the remaining walls, excluding  furniture and other essential interior components. 
  • If you pick large wallpapers designed to take up the entire wall, try to cut them neatly so they fit without messy indents. This approach makes the interior look more expensive and luxurious. 

Living Room

The living room is the heart of any home, where at the end of the day the whole family gets together. To spend time comfortably, it's important to set up the room in a stylish, cozy way that feels great for everyone. Wall murals are perfect decoration for this purpose. 

  • First of all, it's recommended to place wall mural in a leisure space: either behind the comfy furniture like sofas and armchairs, or facing it—allowing for the enjoyment of the image. 
  • Consider the room's size and layout. If your living room is small, it might be best to stick to smaller wallpapers because there's not much space available, which means that a large mural will look bulky and out of place. 
  • Choose the design, that suits you. It all depends on your interior design, of course, but for the living room people typically look for abstract art, urban landscapes, or gorgeous shots of the sea, mountains, or forests. 

Bedroom

Certainly, special consideration should be given to a room where people spend one-third of their lives. Photo wallpapers are a great way to give the interior a distinctive and individual feel. 

  • Putting the wall murals behind the bed is usually the best option. As a result, even the most unique design will perfectly complement the interior decor and not draw attention away from you while you're lying in bed. 
  • An unusual alternative would be to cover the ceiling with wall murals, so, you can enjoy looking at it while you're lying in comfortable bed. 

Kids Room

As was proven, well-chosen interior positively affects child’s development. Pleasant colors and familiar images your kid likes allow him to express identity and create the space he will like to spend time in. 

  • Select wall murals featuring your child's favorite cartoon characters or topics. These could be cars, dinosaurs, or even space. They will always inspire him in an area where your child spends a lot of time.  
  • Selecting wallpaper in colors your child adores is another way to please your kid. Such an interior will not look overloaded and will also be enjoyable. 

Kitchen

The kitchen is a place where it is important to find inspiration when preparing food or performing routine actions. Various wall murals are perfect for this purpose. 

  • Using panoramic photo wallpaper on an empty wall can help enlarge a small kitchen. This will keep the tiny area comfortable and beautifully decorated. Gorgeous views of the nature or a window-based panorama are popular among these wallpapers. 
  • Wear-resistant vinyl or non-woven materials that are simple to maintain and clean should be your first choice when selecting murals for the kitchen. 
  • If you're going to use photo wallpaper next to the work surface, pick a layout that will make it easy for you to see any dirt and clean it off right away. 

Bathroom

Due to the constant moisture and frequent cleaning requirements, choosing decor for a bathroom can be a very challenging process. 

  • First and foremost, confirm that the wall mural you selected can withstand moisture well; otherwise, it will break quickly. 
  • As is the case with the kitchen, the minimalist design makes it easy to spot areas that need cleaning and to get the job done quickly and save time. 
  • You can use wall murals behind the mirror next to the sink to decorate this space and enjoy the wallpaper while taking care of yourself.