Shea McGee says everyone should add mural panels to their holiday decor

mural panels by Shea McGee — (Image credit: McGee & Co)

Wallpaper is a big commitment. A room covered in your favorite design is not only an investment, but it also dictates the overall aesthetic of your space. And when it comes to decorating for the holidays, wallpapering is likely out of the question.

But if you want to elevate your dining room decor (or any room in your home) for this year's holiday season in an unexpected way, Shea McGee's latest idea might just be the solution you've been searching for.

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Taking to Instagram, Shea revealed mural panels as a more unique way to add something different to your dining room decor for the holidays. Featuring classic designs framed by wood, it instantly adds interest and a greater sense of coziness to the room.

'A holiday dining look I was very excited about was these huge mural panels. It gives you the opportunity to create a wallpaper look without wallpapering your entire room,' Shea says.

In the video, she's stood in front of McGee & Co.'s Neutral Toile No. 1 mural panel, a soft neutral design that will endure far past the holidays. 'They're huge. They're tall and wide and a really beautiful mural scene. I love that they have a soft palette and then you can layer lots with it,' she adds.

It's the layering possibilities that really make this decorating method all the more appealing. Shea has used the mural panel as the backdrop for a bar cart here – a staple during the holidays – but you can also drape garlands over them, or even use it as an unexpected place to hang a Christmas wreath.

Alternatively, if you have a large expanse of empty walls you want to fill, introducing two or three mural panels can add a truly striking display. Introduce a few in the same size and style to give the effect of traditional wall paneling, or opt for a set of three with the central design the biggest to give the look of an art installation.

It's all about adding interest and style to your walls without covering them in wallpaper. Look for mural panels that best fill your walls and offer the aesthetic you want in your holiday dining room. And if you find a design that feels timeless, why not keep it as a permanent addition to your decor?

Shop wallpaper murals

Whether you buy ready-made mural panels, DIY them with your favorite wallpaper designs, or find striking art that gives the same effect, there are plenty of wonderful pieces available to buy in time for the holiday season.

Neutral Toile No. 2 Mural Panel

A design Shea has used for some of her dining room wallpaper mural panels, this classic design comes in a neutral scheme, perfect for displaying throughout seasons.

Mind the Gap Azure Mural Wallpaper

If you prefer bold colors, this blue and white nature design can easily be turned into a mural panel – this one allows you more flexibility with size if you want something wider.

Southern Woodland Triptych Wall Art

If you want a few mural panels that match, this wall art offers the same effect. This set of three is printed on linen canvas and depicts trees, florals, and birds in a colorful scene.

While they're an unexpected way to decorate for the holidays, mural panels have enduring appeal. Opting for a timeless, season-free design means you can keep them on display whether it's the holidays or the height of summer.

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I’ve worked in the interiors magazine industry for the past five years and joined Homes & Gardens at the beginning of 2024 as the Kitchens & Bathrooms editor. While I love every part of interior design, kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most exciting to design, conceptualize, and write about. There are so many trends, materials, colors, and playful decor elements to explore and experiment with.