What Is a Wall Mural?

A wall mural is a large-scale design printed across multiple wallpaper panels to create a continuous, cohesive visual. While some murals feature scenic landscapes or illustrative artwork designed to span a full wall without repetition, others use oversized or small-scale repeating patterns that feel more expansive and immersive than traditional wallpaper.

Unlike standard wallpaper, where patterns are typically designed to repeat seamlessly across every panel, a mural is often intended to feel more like a single visual statement. At Hovia, our custom wall murals are printed to your wall’s exact dimensions, ensuring the scale and layout of the design are perfectly tailored to your space. If you’re exploring wallcovering types, murals offer a level of personalisation that stands apart.

The main difference between wallpaper and wall mural lies in how the design is composed. Wallpaper typically features a repeating pattern - whether that’s delicate florals, bold stripes, or structured geometrics - that continues seamlessly across the wall. It’s a timeless choice for adding rhythm, texture, and consistency to a space.

A wall mural, by contrast, is created as one complete visual story. It might span an entire wall with a sweeping landscape scene, an expressive abstract, or an oversized botanical design. Some modern wall mural designs are created to wrap around a room, producing a panoramic wall mural that draws the eye and makes the space feel more expansive. Others are made to anchor just one wall, turning it into a striking focal point that sets the tone for the entire room. While some mural wallpaper includes repeatable elements, the overall composition is typically more deliberate and immersive than a standard pattern’s infinite repeat.

If you’re choosing between a mural or wallpaper, think about the mood you want to create. Are you looking for something subtle and timeless, or are you ready to turn your walls into the centerpiece of the room? You can learn more in our guide on the differences between wallpaper murals vs traditional wallpaper.

A wall mural instantly defines a space. Whether you’re going for bold maximalism or a subtle, minimalist feel, it’s an easy way to bring in colour, personality, and intention, without needing layers of decor. They’re especially impactful in rooms that lack architectural detail. A mural adds visual interest and structure, helping to anchor furniture and guide the flow of the room.

Installing a wall mural is much like applying wallpaper, but with a few key differences. Murals arrive in numbered panels that need to be hung in sequence to reveal the full design, so precision matters. If there’s no repeating pattern, alignment is key to maintaining the integrity of the image. That said, the process is straightforward. At Hovia, every mural comes with clear instructions, making this a seamless addition to any mural installation guide.

You can choose between paste-the-wall murals and peel-and-stick options depending on your project. What makes murals unique is how they’re custom-fitted. Since each mural is made to your wall’s dimensions, you’re not only choosing a design, you’re shaping how it interacts with the space.

While murals are often associated with large feature walls, they can be just as effective in small rooms - the key is in the design. A well-chosen large scale wall mural can actually make a compact space feel bigger by drawing the eye outward and adding depth. Soft landscapes, calm watercolours, or subtle abstracts work particularly well in smaller spaces, creating a sense of openness without overpowering the room. If you’re unsure, ordering a sample before committing can help you visualize how the scale will translate in your room.

If you’re comfortable with standard wallpapering, installing a mural will feel familiar. Our murals arrive in clearly numbered panels, along with full instructions for an easy step-by-step application. If you’re new to wallpaper or need extra guidance, our mural installation guide walks you through everything from prep to finish. And for more complex layouts or larger walls, hiring a professional is always an option.

No problem. All Hovia murals are custom wall murals, made to fit your exact wall dimensions - so whether you’re working with a sloped ceiling, an awkward space, or a wide open-plan space, we’ve got the perfect mural.

So, what is a wall mural? It’s art, scale, and atmosphere - delivered in one custom design. Whether you want to make a statement or set a quiet tone, murals offer a fresh way to shape your interior around your personal style.

At Hovia, we believe walls should reflect more than trends. They should reflect you. Browse our curated collection of mural wallpaper and discover wall mural ideas for home that turn everyday rooms into extraordinary spaces.