Some design elements quietly stand the test of time, evolving with each generation while never losing their appeal. Wall murals are one of them.
At Tempaper, murals have been part of our design story for years, from our iconic chinoiserie collection to immersive landscapes and imaginative children's scenes.
This year, we're seeing renewed enthusiasm for large-scale scenic designs as designers and homeowners seek interiors that feel more personal, immersive, and rich with character. More than a decorative backdrop, murals have the power to transform a room, turning walls into works of art that tell a story, evoke emotion, and reflect individual style.
While today's murals feel perfectly suited for modern interiors, the concept itself is anything but new. In fact, murals have been transforming spaces for thousands of years, serving as a powerful form of storytelling, artistic expression, and cultural preservation.
The History of Wall Murals
And Why We've Always Been Drawn to Murals
The history of wall murals stretches back to prehistoric cave paintings, where early civilizations documented daily life, beliefs, and important events through art. Over time, murals became an important storytelling medium across cultures, preserving history, mythology, and tradition.
During the Renaissance, mural artistry reached extraordinary heights. Masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper and Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel demonstrated the power of large-scale artwork to captivate, inspire, and transport viewers.
Murals continued to shape cultural movements for centuries. During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration commissioned artists to create public murals throughout the United States, bringing art into everyday spaces while supporting creative communities. In the decades that followed, murals became a powerful vehicle for social commentary, community identity, and self-expression.
While their subjects and styles have evolved, the purpose of murals remains remarkably consistent: to tell stories, create emotional connections, and transform ordinary spaces into something memorable.
What’s Working in Wall Murals Now
Painterly Designs.
One of the strongest mural trends we're seeing is the rise of painterly artwork. Designs that feel hand-painted or artist-rendered bring warmth and authenticity into a space. Their organic quality celebrates craftsmanship and individuality while creating a softer, more collected aesthetic.
The growing appreciation for painterly interiors is part of a broader cultural movement that celebrates artistry, craftsmanship, and the handmade. This renewed connection to fine art has extended beyond galleries and into popular culture, including fashion’s biggest stage. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2026 spring fashion exhibition and the accompanying Met Gala spotlighted the relationship between fashion and artistic expression, with many attendees wearing looks inspired by iconic works of art. As the boundaries between art, fashion, and design continue to blur, this fascination with painterly beauty is finding its way into interiors as well.
We're especially drawn to the influence of Impressionism, a movement celebrated for its expressive brushwork, atmospheric landscapes, and ability to capture a fleeting moment in time. Murals inspired by this artistic tradition create a sense of movement and emotion, transforming walls into immersive works of art.
Chinoiserie Murals
If there's one mural style that continues to captivate designers and homeowners alike, it's chinoiserie.
Rich with history, intricate details, and whimsical storytelling, chinoiserie murals create a sense of escapism that feels timeless rather than trendy. Delicate florals, graceful branches, exotic birds, and idyllic landscapes come together to create immersive spaces filled with depth and charm.
At Tempaper, chinoiserie has long held a special place in our collection. When we first introduced our chinoiserie mural collection in 2016, it quickly resonated with designers and homeowners seeking a fresh self-adhesive take on a classic art form. The collection's popularity was further cemented when it landed on the cover of Martha Stewart Living and in Vogue, helping introduce a new generation of consumers to the beauty of hand painted, scenic wall murals.
A decade later, chinoiserie remains among our best-selling mural categories. Its ability to create a statement while maintaining an air of elegance makes it a favorite for dining rooms, bedrooms, powder rooms, entryways, and beyond.
Kids Wall Murals.
Murals and storytelling naturally go hand in hand, making children's spaces an ideal canvas for large-scale artwork.
Whether it's an underwater adventure, a jungle safari, or a whimsical cityscape, kid murals help spark imagination while creating spaces that feel uniquely personal. Rather than simply decorating a room, they invite children into a world of creativity and discovery.
This spirit of storytelling inspired one of our newest mural introductions, Summer in Paris, created in collaboration with the Design House she she. The whimsical design follows a cast of charming characters as they spend a day exploring the City of Love, from strolling picturesque streets to discovering iconic Parisian landmarks. The mural celebrates curiosity, imagination, and adventure, qualities that make children's murals so enduringly popular.
As families continue to prioritize thoughtful, personality-filled interiors, kids' wall murals remain one of our most beloved categories.
Landscape Murals.
Nature has always been a source of inspiration in interior design, and landscape murals continue to resonate with homeowners seeking a sense of escape and tranquility.
While traditional pastoral scenes remain timeless, we're seeing growing interest in unexpected interpretations of nature, from underwater coral gardens, rich forest scenes, and dreamlike artistic renderings of the natural world.
Forest-inspired murals, in particular, have become increasingly popular for their ability to create a sense of calm and connection to nature. Layered trees, dense foliage, and expansive woodland views bring depth and atmosphere to a room while reinforcing the growing desire for biophilic design.
These immersive designs offer a unique way to bring the beauty of nature indoors while creating a dramatic focal point within a space.
Why Homeowners Love Wall Murals
As homes become increasingly personal reflections of the people who live in them, wall murals offer something truly special.
Unlike traditional artwork, murals surround you. They set the tone for an entire room, creating atmosphere, depth, and a sense of place. Whether you're drawn to a sweeping landscape, a romantic chinoiserie scene, or a playful design for a child's bedroom, murals allow you to make a statement that feels entirely your own.
At their core, murals are about self-expression. They create immersive experiences that transform not only walls, but the way a space feels.
The Future of Wall Murals: A Prediction
As murals continue to grow in popularity, we're seeing several themes emerge that point toward where the category is headed next.
Heritage-Inspired Storytelling
Designers and homeowners are increasingly drawn to pieces with history, meaning, and craftsmanship. Antique textiles, archival artwork, and historic tapestries are inspiring a new generation of murals rich with narrative detail and decorative borders.
Biophilic Escapes
Nature-inspired design continues to evolve beyond traditional landscapes. We're anticipating more immersive garden scenes, sprawling trellises, lush botanicals, and living-wall-inspired artwork that strengthens our connection to the natural world.
Mosaic Influence
The renewed appreciation for handcrafted materials is extending beyond tile and into wall design. Inspired by centuries-old mosaic artistry, murals may embrace layered textures, intricate patterns, and storytelling elements that feel both artistic and architectural.
We're already seeing this aesthetic gain momentum through our recent collaboration with designer Jeremiah Brent. Following the enthusiastic response to our mosaic-inspired tile design, it's clear that homeowners are gravitating toward patterns that celebrate craftsmanship, texture, and artisanal detail. As this trend continues to evolve, we anticipate seeing mosaic-inspired motifs translated into larger-scale mural formats, creating spaces that feel rich, layered, and deeply artistic.
A Timeless Design Statement
Thousands of years ago, murals helped people tell stories, preserve culture, and transform ordinary walls into something meaningful. While the techniques have evolved, the desire remains the same.
Today, wall murals continue that tradition, helping homeowners create spaces that feel personal, immersive, and unforgettable. Whether you're drawn to timeless chinoiserie, painterly landscapes, or imaginative scenes that spark creativity, murals offer an opportunity to transform your walls into a reflection of your unique style.
And if what we're seeing this year is any indication, their story is only just beginning.
