What’s the Difference Between Wall Decals and Peel and Stick Murals?

When it comes to transforming the look of your home, wallpaper is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to do it. But with so many options out there, it can get confusing to choose between different types of wall art. Wall decals and peel-and-stick murals are two popular choices, each with its own set of benefits. So, what’s the real difference between wall decals and peel-and-stick murals?

Understanding Wall Decals

Wall decals are essentially vinyl stickers designed to be applied directly to your walls. They are typically smaller in size and come in various shapes, patterns, or quotes. Wall decals are a great option if you’re looking to add simple, personalized touches to your space. They are available in many designs and are especially popular for adding accents to a wall, like quotes or little images of nature, animals, or geometric shapes.

What Are Peel and Stick Murals?

Peel-and-stick murals, on the other hand, are larger wallpaper designs that cover a significant portion of your wall. They come in a wide range of styles, from nature-inspired scenes to cityscapes and abstract art. One of the biggest advantages of peel-and-stick murals is their ability to make a statement in any room. Whether you want to bring the outdoors inside or create a bold feature wall, peel-and-stick murals are the go-to option.

These murals are designed to be easy to install, making them an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts. They’re repositionable, so you don’t have to worry about perfect alignment during application. You can learn more about why peel-and-stick murals are the easiest way to refresh your space in this article Why Peel and Stick Wallpaper Murals Are the Easiest Way to Refresh Your Space.

Key Differences Between Wall Decals and Peel and Stick Murals

1. Size: The most noticeable difference is size. Wall decals are typically small and are often used for accents or creating smaller focal points. In contrast, peel-and-stick murals cover much larger areas, making them perfect for transforming entire walls or creating feature walls in your home.
2. Design Impact: Wall decals are subtle and often used to add decorative elements or personal touches to a room. Peel-and-stick murals, however, are meant to make a bold statement. They completely transform the atmosphere of a room and can serve as the focal point of your decor.
3. Ease of Installation: Both wall decals and peel-and-stick murals are easy to install compared to traditional wallpaper, but peel-and-stick murals may require a little more effort due to their size. For anyone looking for a budget-friendly project to update their space, DIY accent walls using peel-and-stick wallpaper are an excellent option. Check out this DIY Accent Wall with Peel and Stick Wallpaper for more details.
4. Durability and Versatility: Peel-and-stick murals tend to be more durable due to their larger, high-quality prints. They are perfect for making a lasting impression in a room. Wall decals, while durable, may not have the same long-lasting impact if you're looking for something that covers more surface area.
5. Aesthetic Choices: Both wall decals and peel-and-stick murals come in various styles. Wall decals may offer more flexibility in terms of small motifs or patterns that you can mix and match. On the other hand, peel-and-stick murals often deliver immersive, large-scale designs like panoramic views or intricate artwork, like the cozy cottage aesthetic seen in this Best Peel and Stick Wallpaper for a Cozy Cottage Aesthetic post.

Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between wall decals and peel-and-stick murals comes down to your style preferences and the impact you want to create. If you're after small, personalized touches, wall decals are perfect. They’re easy to apply, remove, and reposition, and they can work wonders for accenting areas of your room. However, if you’re looking to transform an entire wall and make a bold design statement, peel-and-stick murals are your best bet. They're perfect for giving your space a complete makeover without the hassle of traditional wallpaper installation.

No matter which option you choose, both wall decals and peel-and-stick murals are fantastic ways to express your personality and elevate your interior design.