There's bold wall paint, there's wallpaper, and then for the highly adventurous, there are wall murals. More permanent than your typical hanging artwork, murals are a fantastic way to make a statement in the home.
Lena Dunham's living room certainly leaves an impression, with a large, illustrative wall mural covering an entire wall. The gorgeous greens and intriguing scenes make for a conversation piece in the otherwise minimalist space, where a purple sofa, wood coffee table, and small candle accentuate the wallwork.
The beauty of a wall mural is that it can be highly personalizable, depicting scenes or moments that speak to the homeowner. However, there are some tips and tricks that should be followed in terms of styling around a mural to ensure that a space looks as tidy as possible.
According to experts, murals are excellent home additions thanks to their ability to enliven any room.
'Wall murals have transcended trends, maintaining their status as a statement-making element in home design,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'From pastoral landscapes to bold, abstract shapes, these large-scale works of art breathe life into spaces, offering homeowners the chance to infuse their walls with storytelling, drama, and unparalleled personality. Their timeless appeal lies in their ability to transform a room into an immersive experience while doubling as a design focal point.'
Lichtenstein says that the secret to ensuring a mural fits into a space well is coordinating it with furnishings and color schemes.
'The mural’s palette should guide the room’s design,' she says. 'Select accent colors from the mural for your furnishings, textiles, and accessories. If your mural features vivid tones, balance its vibrancy with neutral furniture or muted hues to prevent visual overwhelm.
She continues, 'Murals already command attention. Pair them with furniture that has clean, simple lines to create a balanced look. For example, mid-century modern or Scandinavian-inspired pieces can provide a sleek contrast to the mural’s complexity.'
Dunham has taken this approach with her wood coffee table, which pairs perfectly with the greens in the mural. The purple sofa, meanwhile, provides just the right amount of contrast.
Additionally, Lichtenstein says that lighting is a make-or-break element in a muralled space. 'Strategic lighting ideas can enhance the mural’s beauty,' she explains. 'Wall sconces, spotlights, or even pendant lights can draw attention to key elements of the design, ensuring it remains the room’s centerpiece.'
Shop Lena Dunham's Living Room Look
This rich, purple sofa is perfect for a painted living space, with wood legs that add some natural flair to the seat.
This natural wood rounded table adds a warming twist to any living room – but its understated design looks especially beautiful with a statement mural.
This candle looks gorgeous in a living space while providing a subtle scent of golden cypress, green petitgrain, and elemi resin. Its soothing scent helps contribute to a generally calm and organized room.
Above all, we recommend quality over quantity in a muralled space. 'Avoid overdecorating the space,' Lichtenstein suggests. 'Surrounding the mural with too many competing elements can diminish its impact. Choose understated decor, like a simple console table or a singular vase, to let the mural shine.'
