Designers say mural wallpaper is the only acceptable way to do an accent wall in 2025 – here are the best ones I've found

While declaring some trends as outdated is a little subjective (you do you!), there's one thing I stand steadfast on: the accent wall is well and truly out. And designers agree – but they also say that there is one exception to the rule.

Enter the wall mural, the only way we will accept an accent wall in 2025. Where the one wall color or wallpaper idea can feel like a failing shortcut to making a room feel more interesting, a mural brings back the feature wall in the most chic way.

These large-scale wall designs feel intentional, artful, and add a layer of storytelling to a room that paint alone just can’t match. From dreamy landscapes to abstract patterns, mural wallpaper is quickly becoming the designer-approved way to create impact in 2025. Here are some of my favorites.

Mural wallpaper is the only way to do an accent wall in 2025

Of course, it was about time the feature wall evolved – we've been asking designers, 'Are accent walls still on trend?' for some time, and the answer is often a resounding no.

But mural wallpapers are changing that. As designer Sean Symington explains, 'Accent walls can sometimes make a room feel a bit disjointed, so if you want to add interest to a space, a mural is definitely a great option. But I’d treat it more like an art piece than something that takes over an entire wall. Think of it as a statement artwork that adds personality without overwhelming the room.'

That’s what makes them different from the old-school accent wall trend – they don’t feel like an afterthought. Instead, they can bring depth, drama, or even serenity to a space, depending on the design you choose.

And it seems I’m not the only one noticing the shift. According to David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin, Google searches for mural wallpaper have skyrocketed by over 5,000% since May 2025.

As David puts it: 'Mural wallpapers have really come back into their own – we’re seeing a big shift as people look for ways to make bolder, more expressive choices at home. Far from the one-dimensional feature walls of the past, today’s murals feel immersive and creative, with scenic landscapes, painterly panoramas, and art-inspired designs that bring real character to a space.'

'People want interiors that tell a story – something that feels personal and a little bit unexpected. Our collection with Kit Kemp is a great example. It’s full of charm and imagination and has been incredibly popular.'

'What’s also appealing is how easy mural wallpapers are to install. You get all the impact of a statement piece without needing to commit to anything structural – it’s a quick, transformative change. And while they give the look and feel of hand-painted artwork, they’re much more cost-effective,' he adds.

'Consumers are embracing more pictorial designs on vast scales and combining these with plainer, more pared-back designs on adjacent walls,' adds Philippe Desart, managing director at Arte. 'So whilst for us at Arte the bold, brave approach to wallpaper patterns has endured, there is a move to take it further with larger scale designs that create a whole new world within an interior – be that a tropical landscape, an exuberant panoramic design, or a mysterious garden.'

And unlike wallpapering a full room or repainting all 5 walls, adding a feature wall is a quick update with maximum payoff.

Whether you’re drawn to sweeping landscapes, painterly abstracts, or something a little more whimsical, there’s a mural out there that can instantly transform a blank dining room wall, a reading nook, or the empty space behind your bed.

Personally, I think an accent ceiling is one of the chicest ways to add a one-wall pop of pattern or color, and while it is a little harder to DIY (especially if you're 5ft like me), it can have a transformative effect.

Shop mural wallpapers

There are so many designs to be found out there, no matter your interior design style, but here are nine of my favorites I've found from searching the World Wide Web.

If you're been vying with the idea of adding an accent wall but weren't sure how to do so in a designer-approved, 2025 way to do so – take your cue from the mural wall. Designers agree that murals bring personality and impact without feeling gimmicky, and the surge in popularity proves homeowners are craving bolder, more expressive spaces.