Get the bold look of wallpaper without the high price tagno painting experience required.

Unlikewallpaperwhich can be expensive and notoriously difficult to hanga mural can often be completed in an afternoon.

Best of all, you don’t have to be an artist to create a gorgeous painted accent wall.

Interior of a living room with a floral mural on the wall and a couch with cushions and a blanket

Credit:Carson Downing

That’s quite the bargain when compared to the cost of wallpaper or decals.

On the flip side, a mural can also add much-needed architectural interest.

All you need is a blank wall, some paint, and your imagination.

Modern bedroom

Credit:Carson Downing

Once the painted area is dry, erase the pencil lines with a white eraser.

Intersect the lines in several places, keeping in mind doorways, windows, and your furniture layout.

Use a 4-inch paint roller to trace the pencil lines, using a contrasting color from your wall paint.

Living room corner with a chair, blanket, and plant on a small table

Credit:Carson Downing

Using a small roller ensures all the lines are the same width.

you could go back to touch up the edges or any missed spots with a small paintbrush later.

Tape off the vertical and horizontal lines, and apply your base color to prevent bleeding.

Round table with chairs and a fruit-themed wall mural featuring oranges

Let the base color dry completely, then apply every other color in your desired pattern.

Use your system to print out the shape you want, then cut it out to create a template.

Remove or tape the doorknob and middle hinge, and protect your flooring with drop cloths.

A nursery featuring a mural with a tic-tac-toe design on a blue painted background, wooden furniture, and toys

Apply two or three coats as needed.

Add dimension by painting freehand graphic black stripes with a 1-inch flat brush.

Start by painting a large arch shape in an accent color and let it dry completely.

a black and white kitchen with natural wood accents

Credit:Helen Elizabeth Norman

Then, use our free pattern to project the bird design onto the wall at various sizes and angles.

Freehand a few rows of mountain ranges on the wall and fill each section with paint.

Start from the top and work your way down, allowing each section to dry before starting the next.

primary color wall art on door

flying birds wall mural and wooden console table

modern bedroom with single wooden bed with mountain wall mural

Credit: Adam Albright