Mural Paintings in Home Décor: Transforming Walls into Stories

Mural Paintings | Livin Interiors

 

There’s something deeply human about painting on walls. Long before canvases and frames, we were drawing dreams on cave surfaces, carving beliefs into stone and painting epics across temple domes. Mural art, in that sense, is not just decoration, it’s legacy.

In modern Indian homes, mural paintings are staging a quiet yet powerful comeback. No longer limited to temples or palaces, murals are becoming personal statements, artistic expressions and reflections of personality, culture, and time. Be it a spiritual lotus in the puja room, a Mughal Garden in the dining area or abstract geometry in a hallway, murals are walls that talk.

Let’s take a detailed journey into the world of mural paintings in home décor, where they come from, how to use them, what they mean today, and why they matter more than ever.

The History of Mural Art: From Mythology to Modernity

Murals have adorned Indian architecture for thousands of years. From the frescoes of Ajanta and Ellora to the bold lines of Kerala’s temple murals, from the storytelling walls of Shekhawati havelis in Rajasthan to Madhubani-painted huts in Bihar, India has always used walls as a canvas.

These were never just for show. They depicted epics, gods, harvest seasons, kings, animals, even everyday life. Mural painting was a way to document history, evoke spirituality, and create a sacred, immersive environment inside a home or temple.

Over time, with urbanization and mass-produced décor, murals lost their place in the modern Indian household. But as people begin to seek identity, handmade charm, and meaningful aesthetics in their homes again, murals are finding their way back, this time in contemporary avatars.

Why Murals Work in Indian Homes Today

There are plenty of décor trends that look good in magazines but feel alien in an Indian setting. Murals are not one of them. They naturally blend into our cultural fabric, whether your style is ethnic, modern, bohemian or minimal.

Here’s why:

• They create a focal point without the need for expensive art.

• They’re customizable to your style, theme and space.

• They reflect heritage and personality.

• They add depth and texture to otherwise flat walls.

• They work in both large villas and compact apartments.

A mural doesn’t have to be a full wall; it could be a 3x3 ft panel in the dining room or a tree branch spreading over a corner. It can be grand or minimal.

Types of Murals and Where to Use Them

While every mural is unique, they usually fall into some common styles. Here’s a guide based on popular categories in Indian homes:

Style	Description	Best For
Traditional Indian	Inspired by Kerala, Rajasthani, Madhubani, Warli	Puja rooms, entryways, courtyards
Nature-Inspired	Trees, florals, birds, landscapes	Living rooms, balconies, bedrooms
Abstract & Geometric	Shapes, lines, colour fields	Hallways, staircases, modern apartments
Spiritual or Mythical	Deities, chakras, mandalas	Meditation corners, study rooms, temples
Monochrome Murals	Black and white or muted tones	Bedrooms, offices, Scandinavian interiors
Storytelling Murals	Scenes from everyday life, history or folk tales	Kids’ rooms, hallways, reading corners

Each mural style brings a different energy. For instance, a banana tree mural near the dining space adds freshness and calm. A lotus mural behind your bed adds spiritual elegance. A child’s room painted with forest animals, or a fantasy castle can ignite imagination.

Technical Aspects and Considerations

Before you pick up the brush (or call in an artist), here are some technical factors to keep in mind:

Surface Preparation

• Best applied on clean, dry, smooth plastered walls.

• Priming is essential for good paint absorption and longevity.

• Avoid damp or textured surfaces like brick unless the mural is meant to be rustic.

Paint Choices

• Acrylic paints are most common for indoor murals: quick-drying, long-lasting, and vibrant.

• Emulsion paints are used when you want a smooth matte finish for larger background areas.

• Natural pigments can be used for traditional art but need professional handling.

Protection & Maintenance

• Once dry, a clear matte or satin varnish can be applied to protect the artwork.

• Avoid placing murals in areas that are exposed to water splashes or constant heat.

• Clean with a dry microfiber cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners.

Lighting

• Use warm ambient lighting or focused spotlights to highlight the mural.

• Avoid direct white lights as they flatten the depth.

• In darker areas, LED strips or concealed cove lighting can bring murals alive.

Murals vs Wallpapers vs Wall Art

Feature	Murals	Wallpaper	Wall Art (Frames)
Customization	Fully personalized	Limited to print design	Can be chosen or changed
Cost	Medium to high	Low to medium	Varies widely
Durability	High with maintenance	Peels over time	High
Uniqueness	One of a kind	Mass-produced	Varies
Cultural Value	Strong	Often minimal	Depends on piece
Maintenance	Easy to clean	Can tear or bubble	Needs dusting

Budget Ranges

Depending on size, style, and artist:

• Small area murals (2x3 ft): ₹2,000 to ₹8,000

• Medium murals (5x7 ft): ₹10,000 to ₹30,000

• Full wall murals (8x10 ft+): ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000+

• DIY stencil murals: From ₹800 if you do it yourself

Local artists and design studios now offer pre-designed concepts that can be customized to fit your space and budget. Many Indian homeowners also collaborate with muralists during home renovations for personalized themes.

Creative Mural Ideas for Indian Homes

• A Bodhi tree in the reading corner with books nestled in the branches

• A lotus bloom behind the master bed for spiritual serenity

• Warli figures in earthy tones along a foyer wall

• A banana leaf mural in the kitchen or breakfast nook

• A world map mural in the kids’ room

• Mughal garden pattern along the dining space

• An abstract sunburst behind the TV wall

DIY vs Hiring a Mural Artist

DIY is wonderful for those who love painting or want a weekend creative project. Use stencils, masking tape, or simple line art. Go small and build gradually.

Hiring a professional ensures clean execution, symmetry and longevity, especially for large or detailed murals.

The Wall as a Canvas for Culture

In a world of modular tiles and Instagram trends, a mural is one of the few things in a home that truly reflects the heart of its people. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. A hand-painted reminder that your home is not just a place, it’s a feeling.

So the next time you think your wall needs something, don’t just hang a frame. Maybe let the wall itself speak. In color. In culture. In your language.

At Livin Interiors, we help you plan spaces that blend beauty with practicality. Whether you want an open, closed, or hybrid kitchen layout, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. Let’s make your kitchen the heart of your home, no matter the walls.

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