While declaring some trends as outdated is a little subjective (you do you!), there's one thing I stand steadfast on: the accent wall is well and truly out.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.
Made by York Wallcoverings in the USA of the highest quality paper, this digitally printed mural has been made in eight panels and is inspired by an antique Swedish tapestry with painterly trees and little birds.
While this mural paper has been designed for Pottery Barn Teen, it is chic and contemporary to be used in any room of your home. Made with six peel-and-stick panels, it is easy to hang and remove, and finished with a vinyl coating.
Inspired by Michelangelo's works, this painting was originally commissioned for a dining room of the Borough Polytechnic in London, and then brought to life again on these mural panels full of motion and color.
Katie Kime's wallpapers are great for adding a real punch of pattern and color to your space. This removable wallpaper allows you to bring a touch of Florence's green landscape to your home in an easy, non-committal fashion.
Designed with just two panels, making it ideal for a small bedroom or for papering inside a hidden nook, this chinoiserie-inspired mural creates an elegant and peaceful scene out of a blank wall.
Crafted from 8 premium PVC-free panels for long-lasting durability, this super detailed vintage tapestry-inspired landscape will bring a sense of serenity to any room of your choosing.
Give your space the effect of having one giant playful-meets-elegant gallery piece on the wall with this bordered tile-style mural. It's removable, fits together in 5 panels, and is even wipeable.
Dropped alongside Lulu and Georgia's fall collection, this intricate floral mural offers a neutral backdrop and little smatterings of warm color in one delicate, transformative piece.
For a real investment, Andrew Martins' mythical land design will walk you through a magical world inspired by American folk art and is bursting with flowers, giant pears, and mythical creatures over two large panels.
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.
