Wallpaper Vs Wall Murals: Which should I choose?

Are you faced with a difficult decision on what to do with that blank, windowless wall? If you're looking to redecorate with something other than a coat of paint, adding wallpaper or a wall mural are both great options. Both are packed with visual appeal, so how exactly do you choose between the two? Ahead, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about wall murals and wallpaper to help you decide which is right for your next DIY decorating project. Are your walls ready?

What is a wall mural?

Mural wallpaper tops the list when it comes to wall treatments that steal the show. Wondering how a mural is different to wallpaper? It’s all about the print. A wall mural shows one large image typically applied to only one wall horizontally or vertically, on either a single or multiple rolls. On the other hand, traditional wallpaper is a type of decorative paper accented with a repetitive design and requires multiple rolls.

Custom fit to your wall

If you’re still weighing up your options, it’s good to know that wall murals can be fully customised to your wall. Here at Wallpaper It, our handy online tool lets you create a bespoke mural wallpaper to match your desired dimensions. It also allows you to choose the scale, crop and position of the design so it looks just how you want it to. Plus, it ensures that each mural wallpaper is easy to hang with minimal waste.

You can even tailor the finish of the paper to meet your needs – whether that’s a subtly textured finish on fibrous paper for lower-traffic areas within the home or mica fibrous paper that has a shimmery, all-over lustre. You’ll also find smoother, more durable options to help mask any uneven surfaces on your wall or for high-traffic areas like the hallway.

You can expect each of our wall murals to come in one to four rolls, depending on your chosen mural size. When your mural arrives, it will come in just one roll, which will need to be carefully unwrapped. We recommend making sure you cut off and keep the instructions from the end of the roll for extra guidance on the best way to apply it to your wall. It can then be hung using the simple paste the wall technique.

How to choose what is right for you?

Whether you go for a wall mural or wallpaper, the type of wall covering that is right for you will depend on the look you want to achieve, as well as the area you plan on decorating. A wall mural serves more as built-in artwork and is perfect if you prefer more of a maximalist aesthetic, while traditional wallpaper creates an inviting space that has more of a timeless aesthetic.

Make a statement with a wall mural

It's almost impossible to beat a statement-making wall mural when a room screams out for a change. Ideal for creating an eye-catching focal point in almost any space, it will give your room a full-blown makeover with minimal effort. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to transform an entire room, then a creative wallcovering such as a wall mural is for you. Ahead, we’ve rounded up all the benefits of adding a wall mural.

Adds an eye-catching focal point

Whether pasted on the walls of your living room or bedroom, a striking print on a mural will bring your space to life while adding a real element of sophistication. If the idea of walls being the focal point doesn’t appeal, then wallpapering and investing in a piece of art is a great alternative. It can infuse your home with just as much style and personality as a wall mural does, and wallpapering on all four walls can still feel put together and welcoming.

Conceals any wall imperfections

It's also the perfect way to hide imperfections in the wall behind, as the eye-catching print will always remain the primary focus.

Creates the illusion of extra space

Decorating a small room? A wall mural can help make a room appear more spacious, especially if it uses deeper hues. Opting for a mural in a dark colour palette will add visual depth to make it feel larger, making it a clever option for nurseries, bathrooms and studies.

Divides an open living area

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish accent to separate spaces in an open layout, a wall mural should be your go-to. Open-plan areas can be instantly transformed into two when a mural is applied to one wall, such as dividing a dining area and a relaxing living room.

Easy to install

Regardless of whether you choose wallpaper or wall murals, all of our designs are easy to install. Even if you’re a DIY rookie, both our wallpapers and wall murals offer an incredibly quick and simple way to refresh your interior. Printed on a paste the wall base, it takes away the need for any additional equipment like a pasting table as the paste is applied directly to the wall. The wall covering is dry when you're handling it, which makes it easier to cut and saves time, as you won't need to let pasted paper rest for a while to allow the fibres to expand. Plus, it’s easier to remove when you feel like a change.

Our wall murals and wallpaper

Still undecided? No problem. We’ve got plenty of wallpaper and wall murals to help you find inspiration that matches your taste. Discover wall murals that depict everything from striking forest-inspired prints and oversized floral blooms to ultra-modern geometric patterns and lively scenes with intricate bird details. There are serene landscape designs, as well as beautiful images accented with trailing leaves – perfect for bringing the outside in. You’ll also find wallpaper in a wide range of styles, including damask, animals, stripes and many more.