Custom Wallpaper Murals vs Standard Wallpaper: Which One Is Right for Your Space?

Choosing between custom wallpaper murals and standard wallpaper can feel conflicting, especially when both options do the job of transforming your space.

The key difference lies in purpose. Standard wallpaper is designed to create cohesion through repeating patterns, making it ideal for fill-room coverage. Custom wallpaper murals, on the other hand, are created as a single visual, meant to act as statement pieces that define a room’s personality.

If you aren’t sure which option among the two is best for your space, continue reading this blog and understand how each option functions visually and practically.

What is a Custom Wallpaper Mural?

A custom wallpaper mural is a large mural that reflects your taste and designed to fit your exact wall dimensions. You can unleash your creativity, by selecting patterns, colors, and motifs that reflect your taste and interior style.

What is a Standard Wallpaper?

Standard wallpaper is a mass-produced, pre-designed wall covering that is manufactured in rolls. The design is created in advance, printed in bulk, and intended to repeat seamlessly across multiple walls. Unlike custom wallpaper murals, these are not tailored to your specific wall size.

Custom Wallpaper Murals vs Standard Wallpaper: Key Differences

While both custom wallpaper murals and standard wallpapers enhance interiors, they differ significantly.

Visual Impact of Custom Wallpaper Mural vs Standard Wallpaper

The most noticeable difference between custom wallpaper murals and standard wallpaper lies in how they visually shape a space and draw attention.

1. Custom Wallpaper Murals

• Creates a bold, immersive statement that immediately draws the eye.

• Acts as a focal point or a feature wall.

• Can visually expand the space with depth and perspective.

2. Standard Wallpapers

• Creates a cohesive, balanced backdrop that supports overall room design.

• Blends into the space rather than demanding attention.

• Feels decorative and textural rather than illustrative.

Design Flexibility of Custom Wallpaper Mural vs Standard Wallpaper

The second biggest differences between custom wallpaper murals and standard wallpaper lies in the level of design flexibility each option offers:

1. Custom Wallpaper Murals

• Fully customizable to wall size, colors, and design intent.

• Can be adjusted for architectural features in your house.

• One-of-a-kind or unique designs.

2. Standard Wallpapers

• Limited to pre-designed patterns and colors.

• Less control over customization once design is selected.

• Designs are not cut to your walls’ size.

Cost, Scalability & Reproducibility

Cost considerations and how a design can be scaled or reproduced is just as important as aesthetics and customization. Let us look how these aspects play a role in custom wallpaper murals and standard wallpapers:

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Room-by-Room Comparison: Which Works Best Where?

1. Living Room

• You can style standard wallpaper on all four walls of your living room if you want a cohesive look.

• You can also use standard wallpaper to style your TV unit cabinets.

• Install a custom wallpaper mural behind your sofa setting or TV unit as a feature wall that invites conversation.

2. Bedroom

• Apply standard wallpaper across all walls for a calming, immersive atmosphere.

• Use standard wallpaper on your wardrobe to add visual interest to furniture pieces.

• Install a custom wallpaper mural behind the bed to create a statement and relaxing backdrop.

3. Dining Room

• Install a custom wallpaper mural on one wall to add drama and elevate the dining experience.

• Use standard wallpaper on remaining walls to maintain balance and elegance.

• Apply standard wallpaper throughout the area if you prefer a cohesive dining setting.

4. Kitchen

• Use durable standard wallpaper in breakfast nooks or dining corners to add pattern and warmth.

• Install a custom wallpaper mural on a feature wall to inject personality into your cooking space.

• Style standard wallpaper on backsplashes or behind shelves to elevate everyday areas.

5. Bathroom

• Create a hotel-like vibe by installing a custom wallpaper mural on a single statement wall in your bathroom such as behind the bathtub.

• Use moisture-resistant standard wallpaper behind the vanity table to add texture.

• Apply standard wallpaper across the upper half of your bathroom walls to create a cohesive and spa-like vibe.

Installation Differences You Should Know

Let’s look at the varying differences between the installation process of custom wallpaper mural and standard wallpaper:

1. Custom Wallpaper Mural

Custom wallpaper murals require a more precise and skilled installation process as the design is intended to form one single, cohesive visual.

• Murals are custom-sized to exact wall dimensions, making thorough wall preparation and alignment essential.

• Small installation errors can disrupt the overall image, which is why professional installation is often recommended.

2. Standard Wallpaper

Standard wallpaper follows a more flexible installation process, making it suitable for both professionals and confident DIY users.

• Wallpaper is installed from rolls with repeating patterns that require careful seam matching.

• Standard wallpaper works well when applied across multiple walls or the entire room as there is no hassle of aligning the seams.

Longevity, Maintenance & Repairability

When choosing between custom wallpaper murals and standard wallpaper, it’s important to consider how each option performs over time, how easy it’s to maintain, and what happens if damage occurs:

1. Custom Wallpaper Murals

• Long-Lasting Visuals: High-quality murals are printed on durable materials and therefore maintain their appearance for many years without fading when properly cared for.

• Regular Maintenance Required: Murals typically require minimal upkeep where you have to regularly clean dust buildup with a soft and damp microfibre.

• Limited Repairability: If a section of the mural is damaged, replacing it may be challenging due to color matching and alignment. You will need to install the entire mural again from the brand you purchased it from.

2. Standard Wallpaper

• Long-Lasting Visuals: If you purchase standard wallpapers from a reputed brand, then they tend to age well and handle wear over time.

• Easy to Maintain: Many standard wallpapers like vinyl, are washable and easy to maintain in high-traffic areas.

• Simpler Repairs: Damaged sections can often be replaced since the pattern or motif repeats may be available at the platform you ordered it from.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

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• Choosing Standard Wallpaper When a Focal Point is Required: Standard wallpaper works beautifully as a backdrop but falls flat in spaces that need a strong visual anchor.

• Overlooking Wall Size and Proportions: Murals require sufficient wall space to be fully appreciated and styling them in small rooms can overwhelm rather than impress.

• Treating Murals like Repeat Wallpaper: Custom wallpaper murals are designed as a single composition that looks best on an expansive wall.  Expecting them to behave like repeating wallpaper can lead to broken visuals.

• Ignoring Installation Expertise: Murals often require skilled installation due to their precision. Assuming they install the same way as standard wallpaper can compromise the final look.

Final Verdict: Which One is Right for Your Space?

The decision between custom wallpaper murals and standard wallpaper ultimately boils down to intent. Both options are effective but they serve different design purposes and perform differently depending the space and level of personalization required.

Rather than choosing one over the other, the best results often come from understanding where each works best in your home. And when a custom wallpaper aligns with your vision, working with a custom wallpaper brand like Magicdecor ensures your design is executed to suit your space well.

FAQs

1. Is a custom wallpaper mural more expensive than standard wallpaper?

Yes, in most cases, custom wallpaper murals are more expensive than standard wallpaper because it involves tailored design, precise sizing, and made-to-order production, which adds to the cost.

2. Can custom murals be removed easily?

It depends on the material and adhesive used. Many custom murals are available in peel and stick options, making removal very easy. However, traditional pasted murals can be more challenging to remove and require tools and stripping.

3. Are murals suitable for rental homes?

Yes murals are suitable for rental homes as long as you choose peel and stick or damage-free options.

4. Which option lasts longer?

Both options can last many years when installed correctly, made from premium materials, and maintained well.

5. Can standard wallpaper look as impactful as a mural?

Yes, standard wallpapers can look just as impactful as a mural when you select bold patterns, rich textures, and striking colors.