Plain walls can be so, well, boring. Especially in rooms like offices, nurseries or playrooms, adding a little pizazz to a wall can really brighten up the vibe and add an unexpected pop of fun. And, one of the greatest things about painting a wall mural is that — unlike wallpaper — it's a short term commitment, both in the time it takes to complete the project and its lasting effect. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to paint a perfect mural, but it's just as easy to reverse course with a can of paint if you change your mind.

How to Paint a Mural

1. Choose a Design and Paint Colors

When thinking about a design, keep in mind that simple is best. The more complex the design, the more difficult and time consuming this project will be. You can find designs by downloading clipart from design websites like Canva or you can sketch your own using a tablet. Either way, set up the size of your artwork to mirror the size of your wall. For example, if your wall is 10 feet by 8 feet, make your drawing 10 inches by 8 inches. By drawing to scale you can determine how your design will fill up your space.

The Best Paint for Wall Murals

Next, think about paint colors. Color swatches from the hardware store can be helpful in creating a complementary design. Choose no more than 3–4 colors for an easy and cohesive look. Select a paint sheen from the glossier side of the spectrum, like a satin finish. The slight shine will add dimension and make it easier to clean. Paint the wall with the color chosen for the background, and let it dry completely.

2. Project the Design

Connect a projector to the tablet or computer that has your design. Project the design onto the wall. A dark room with the lights out will make it easiest to see your design on the wall. You may need to wait until dark for this step, depending on the natural light in your room.

3. Trace Design

Using a pencil for lighter walls or a piece of chalk for darker background colors, trace the edges of the pattern onto your wall. Turn on the lights and step back, looking for lines you may have missed.

4. Paint the Pattern

When your pattern has been fully traced onto the wall, simply color in the lines. Use a smaller artist paint brush along the edges or for any intricate spots, then paint the large spaces with either small foam roller or a standard wall paint brush. (Angled brushes will make this job considerably easier.) Paint one color at a time and let it dry fully before moving to the next color to avoid bleeds. For patterns with straight edges, you can use painter's tape to achieve straight lines. Especially when painting on top of dark paint, the design may require multiple coats. Add coats until the design is no longer streaky. Be sure to avoid clumps by letting every coat dry completely before beginning the next coat. Let the completed mural dry overnight.

5. Clean Up

If you made any mistakes while painting, don’t worry! Use the base color as an “eraser” by painting it over any blemishes. Finally, remove the chalk or pencil marks from the wall using a damp rag. They should wipe right off, especially if you chose a satin or semi-gloss sheen.

6. Admire Your Art

You are an artist! In just a few hours, you've transformed a basic and boing wall into a joyful focal point. Admire your work and let it inspire you to embrace even more creativity in your home.