I’d been wondering how to fill the one blank wall in our multi-functional family room. With a gallery wall on one side and my desk setup on the other, I didn’t want to add more artwork that might overwhelm the space—but I also couldn’t bear to leave it empty. Call me a maximalist!
Initially, I considered a boho peel and stick wallpaper, but as a renter, something permanent and pricey didn’t feel right. That’s when I realized a wall mural could be the perfect solution!
I’ve painted plenty of walls before, but as a non-artist, I wanted a simple pattern that would be easy to apply by hand. In this post, I’m excited to share the process from start to finish—from planning and materials to step-by-step painting tips!
How to Plan and Start a Wall Mural?
Creating a mural starts with finding inspiration and defining your vision for the space. Here’s how I planned mine:
1. Choose a Design – I started by exploring design ideas that would complement our family room's existing décor. After a bit of searching, I landed on a minimalist pattern with gentle curves and bold color blocks. Since we live close to the beach, I wanted something reminiscent of the sun and ocean. Inspiration is everywhere—sometimes it’s about how much time and creativity you put into finding just the right fit. If you’re unsure where to start, a quick search for "abstract mural" or "simple artwork" on Google or Pinterest can provide plenty of inspiration.
2. Sketch It Out on Paper – One of the best parts about abstract designs is that they allow for flexibility, so precision isn’t essential, and there’s plenty of room for mistakes. However, a bit of planning can make transferring your design from paper to wall much smoother. I started by measuring the height and the width of the wall to create guidelines and sketched my design on paper to get a sense of the proportions. Then, I transferred my sketch to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to play with colors and refine the layout.
3. Pick Your Paint Colors – Inspired by the multicolor kilim rug I got from Etsy, I selected colors that tied the room together. The color palette I selected is a beautiful blend of warm and cool tones, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. Vibrant shades of orange and teal hues create a harmonious and visually appealing space. I bought quarts of each paint color in regular latex with an eggshell finish. While smaller test pots would have worked for some of the narrower stripes, I chose larger cans since I plan to use these colors on other objects and walls in the room.
Here’s a list of the colors I selected, by Benjamin Moore:
Cosmic Sunset 12B-6 (Clark+Kensington)
You can see them all labeled in the image below:
What Kind of Materials Do You Need to Paint the Mural?
The great news is that painting a wall mural doesn’t require any special equipment beyond what you'd typically use for painting a wall. If you’ve painted a room before, this material list will look very familiar:
Pencil – For sketching your design directly on the wall.
Measuring Tape or Ruler – Essential for measuring and marking the wall in one-foot increments to keep proportions correct.
Ladder or Step Stool – Allows you to reach higher areas safely.
Quarts or Test Pot Cans of Each Paint Color – I used quarts in an eggshell finish, which is easy to clean and does a great job hiding wall imperfections.
4" or 6" Foam Rollers – Great for larger areas, as they provide smooth, consistent coverage without visible brush strokes. I used my favorite high density foam roller for smooth strokes.
Short-Handled Paint Brushes – Perfect for precision work, especially along edges. It’s helpful to have one brush per color to avoid rinsing frequently.
Roller Tray or Tray Liners – Alternatively, a plastic bag can be used in the tray to keep it clean.
Ziploc Bags for Brush and Roller Storage – Useful if you need a break; they keep the paint from drying out.
Drop Cloth or Tarp – Protects floors from any drips or spills.
Painter’s Tape – Essential for creating clean borders and protecting the adjacent walls and ceiling you don’t want painted.
Prepping the Wall: Where to Begin?
Once my design was ready, it was time to prep the wall. Here’s how I did it:
Repair and Clean – I patched small holes and fixed cracks using a basic drywall repair kit, creating a smooth surface for painting. I wiped down the wall to remove any dust or dirt, ensuring the paint would adhere smoothly.
Painter’s tape and floor protection – Painter’s tape is essential for protecting the side walls and ceiling from any stray paint splashes. For floor coverage, I used trash bags since I didn’t have a drop cloth handy. You can also use an old sheet or tarp if you have one—it all works to keep your space clean and paint-free!
Prime – After a good wipe-down, I applied a coat of Zinsser primer, which helps the paint stick and ensures the colors come out vibrant.
Marking – One common method for transferring a design like this to a wall is by using a projector, but I didn’t have one available this time. Since I was aiming for an organic, "close enough" pattern, I opted for the classic technique of marking the wall instead. With a pencil and tape measure, I marked the wall at one-foot intervals to keep my design properly scaled and proportionate.
Sketching by Hand – Next, I marked key points for each curve and connected them, sketching out the basic shapes. As you can see in the photo below, it’s still a bit uneven at this stage, which is totally fine. You can smooth things out as you paint—just remember to step back often to check if the overall spacing, size, and shape feel right. If something looks off, just erase and redraw the line until you’re happy with it.
How Do You Paint the Wall Mural?
With the mural sketched, it was time to paint. I chose a color-blocking method, painting each section individually and giving each stripe two coats to get full coverage. Here are some key steps and tips:
Paint in Sections – Since colors can bleed or mix if painted too close together while still wet, I started by painting alternating sections, allowing each color to dry completely before moving to the next adjacent stripe. This keeps each color looking crisp and clean. I began with the base stripes, using a small foam roller for the larger areas and a brush for more precise edges.
Layer and Cover Edges – In the first stage, don’t worry too much about crisp edges. In fact, roll or brush slightly over your pencil lines, which helps prevent any white space from showing between colors once the final layer is complete. If a curve didn’t turn out as I wanted or if I made a mistake, I simply painted over it with primer, then re-painted with the adjacent color until I was happy with the shape.
Cleaning the edges – Once the base stripes are fully dry, carefully paint the edges of each color, creating those precise curves and clean lines. Using a short-handled paintbrush, paint long, even strokes to maintain smooth curves, as shorter strokes can create unwanted “wiggles."
Take Your Time and Adjust as Needed – Don’t rush the process! Go slow and enjoy the creative process, adjusting your design as you go if needed. Be prepared to do two or more coats, especially with darker colors or overlapping areas, and follow the same curves carefully on your second pass to reinforce your lines. One stripe had a pointed corner that disrupted the balance, so I softened it by curving it out. This adjustment gave the design a more relaxed, harmonious feel that better suited the mural's vibe.
TIP: Store your brushes and rollers in plastic bags while working on the mural. This keeps them fresh in case you need to touch up sections later without rinsing or reloading your tools.
The Result: A Bold, Personalized Touch to Our Family Room
Two half-days and a lot of patience later, the wall was done! The mural brings color, warmth, and a truly unique element into our family room without the permanence (or expense!) of wallpaper. Every detail was worth it, and it’s one of my favorite DIYs to date.
If you’re thinking of trying a mural, I hope this helps inspire your own creative adventure! Follow along for more DIY ideas, and tag a friend who’d love to give this a go!
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