The boundary between
custom wallpaper and
photo wall murals has blurred dramatically in recent years. At Printed Today, we treat them as complementary services rather than separate products—because most customers don't think in those terms. They think: "I want my wall to look exactly like this." Whether that's a repeating
personalised wallpaper pattern or a single sweeping
photo wall mural, we deliver both using the same fundamental approach: upload your design, specify your wall dimensions, and we'll print a made-to-measure solution.
This guide explains the differences, similarities and practical considerations between
custom wallpaper printing and
photo wall murals—and why choosing the right format for your vision matters.
Custom Wallpaper and Photo Wall Mural Printing: Understanding the Difference
Before diving into our service, let's clarify what makes
custom wallpaper and
photo wall murals distinct—and where they overlap.
What is Custom Wallpaper?
Custom wallpaper (also called
personalised wallpaper or
bespoke wallpaper) is a repeating pattern or design that covers an entire wall or room. Think of traditional wallpaper—but instead of a manufacturer's stock pattern, you're designing (or uploading) your own.
Key characteristics:
- Repeating Design: The pattern tiles across the wall, creating visual continuity
- Coverage: Typically used to cover full walls or entire rooms
- Pattern-Focused: Works best with geometric designs, abstract patterns, textures, subtle graphics or small-scale imagery
- Aesthetic Impact: Creates atmosphere through repeated visual rhythm
- Material Options: Available in standard non-sticky material, peel-and-stick self-adhesive, or vinyl wrap finishes
Common custom wallpaper applications: Accent walls in bedrooms, full room coverage in living spaces, office environments, commercial branding in retail or hospitality, nurseries with repeating characters or shapes.
What are Photo Wall Murals?
Photo wall murals (also called
photo wallpaper murals,
picture wall murals or simply
wall murals) are large-format, single-image prints that cover a wall or section of a wall. The image does not repeat—it's one continuous photograph or artwork.
Key characteristics:
- Single Image: One large photograph, artwork or scene stretches across the wall without repetition
- Panoramic or Scene-Based: Works best with landscapes, cityscapes, family photographs, artistic compositions or dramatic single images
- Impact-Focused: Creates a focal point and transforms the space visually
- Detail Preservation: Large photos maintain clarity and detail at 300 DPI HD printing
- Flexible Sizing: Can be custom-sized to fit any wall dimension without pattern constraints
Common photo mural applications: Bedroom feature walls, living room focal points, office branding with company photography, hotel and hospitality spaces, retail environments showcasing products or lifestyle imagery.
When to Choose Custom Wallpaper vs. Photo Murals
The choice often comes down to your design intent and the effect you want to achieve:
| Choose Custom Wallpaper If: |
Choose Photo Wall Murals If: |
| You have a repeating pattern or design |
You have a single, large photograph or artwork |
| You want to cover an entire wall or room consistently |
You want to create a focal point or feature wall |
| You're designing an abstract, geometric or textured aesthetic |
You're showcasing a specific image, scene or photograph |
| Your design involves small-scale, intricate patterns |
Your design benefits from large-scale visual impact |
| You want a cohesive, all-over visual effect |
You want to draw attention to one specific area |
Reality check: Some customers end up ordering both. For example, a master bedroom might feature a
photo wall mural of a landscape as a focal point, with
custom wallpaper covering the remaining walls in a complementary repeating pattern. This layered approach creates depth and visual interest.
Print Your Own Wallpaper from Artwork or Photos
The democratisation of design technology means anyone can now "print your own wallpaper." You don't need a degree in interior design, access to manufacturer catalogues, or budget constraints that force compromise. If you can imagine it—and capture or create it digitally—we can print it.
The Three Routes to Custom Wallpaper
Route 1: Upload Your Own Design
You've already designed your wallpaper. Perhaps you created a pattern in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva or even Figma. You have the file ready to go. All you need to do is:
- Export your design at high resolution (300 DPI minimum)
- Specify your wall dimensions (height and width in metres)
- Upload the file to Printed Today
- Review the preview to confirm sizing and pattern alignment
- Order and we'll handle printing and delivery
Design considerations for upload: Ensure your repeating pattern tiles seamlessly if you've designed wallpaper (not a mural). If seams are critical, we can guide you on layout to minimise visible transitions. For
photo wall murals, a single high-resolution image is all you need—no tiling required.
Route 2: Design Your Own Wallpaper with Our Tools
Not everyone has design software. That's where web-based design tools come in. Some customers use simple platforms to upload photographs, add text, choose colours or arrange elements—then export for printing. We accept files from most modern design tools. If you're unsure whether your file format will work, contact our team and we'll advise.
Route 3: Upload a Photo for Wall Mural Printing
This is the simplest route. You have a photograph—perhaps a family portrait, a landscape you captured, a travel memory, or stock photography you've licensed. You want it printed large across your wall as a
photo wall mural. Simply:
- Upload your photograph to Printed Today
- Specify your wall size (we'll scale it to fit)
- Choose your material (standard, peel-and-stick, or vinyl wrap)
- Review the preview and order
Photo quality matters: For best results, provide the highest-resolution version of your photograph. A smartphone photo (typically 12-16 megapixels) works well for murals up to 2-3 metres wide. For larger installations, a professional photograph or high-resolution image (20MP+) ensures sharpness across the entire wall. We print at 300 DPI, so larger photos = sharper results.
Tip: If your photograph is smaller than ideal, we can sometimes upscale using modern interpolation techniques. Contact us with your image and wall dimensions—we'll assess feasibility and advise on quality expectations.
Personalised Wallpaper Murals for Feature Walls
A
feature wall is one wall in a room that stands out—visually distinct from the others. It's where design happens. Personalised wallpaper and photo murals are perfect vehicles for feature walls because they command attention without needing to cover the entire space.
Feature Wall Strategy: Wallpaper vs. Murals
Custom Wallpaper Feature Walls: Work best when you want pattern and texture to define the space. A striking geometric pattern, a botanical design, or a textured repeating element on one wall creates visual anchoring. The eye naturally focuses on that wall because the pattern is deliberately different from the other walls (which might be painted solid colours).
Photo Mural Feature Walls: Work best when you want a dramatic, singular image to command the room. A large landscape, a family photograph, an abstract artwork, or a branded image (for offices) creates an immediate focal point. Unlike wallpaper, the mural doesn't repeat—it's the anchor.
Practical Considerations for Feature Walls
Wall Selection: The best feature wall is typically one that's visible as you enter the room or one that sits behind a sofa or bed. Avoid walls with many windows or doors—they compete for visual attention and break up the design.
Scale and Proportion: For bedrooms, a feature wall behind the bed works perfectly. For living rooms, the wall opposite the seating area. For offices, the wall behind a desk or reception area. Choose a wall large enough to do your design justice—small walls diminish the impact.
Colour Coordination: If your wallpaper or mural features specific colours, consider how adjacent walls (which might be painted) complement those hues. A coordinated colour palette creates cohesion; clashing colours create chaos.
Lighting: Natural light changes how wallpaper and murals appear throughout the day. Test how your design looks at different times. Matte finishes (our standard) diffuse light evenly; glossy finishes (if available) can create reflections that might distract from detailed imagery.
Bespoke Wallpaper Printing Made to Measure
The term "
bespoke" means custom-made to precise specifications. When we talk about
bespoke wallpaper printing, we're emphasising that nothing about your order is off-the-shelf.
What Makes Wallpaper Truly Bespoke?
Your Exact Size: We don't force your design into standard widths or heights. Tell us your wall is 3.47 metres wide and 2.8 metres tall—we'll print to those exact dimensions. No leftover material, no awkward cuts, no pattern misalignment. Precision to the millimetre.
Your Exact Design: Not a variation or interpretation—your design, as you created or envisioned it. No compromises, no limitations, no stock patterns pretending to be custom.
Your Exact Material Choice: Standard non-sticky mural material, peel-and-stick self-adhesive, or vinyl wrap. Your application method, your timeline, your requirements. We adapt our service to fit you.
Your Exact Quantity: Some wallpaper printing services require minimum orders or penalise small quantities. We don't. Order one wall mural, one repeating wallpaper design, or 100—each receives the same precision and care.
The Bespoke Process
- Design Upload: Provide your artwork, photograph or wallpaper pattern at high resolution
- Specification: Tell us your wall dimensions in metres (height × width). We'll calculate material needs
- Material Selection: Choose standard, peel-and-stick or vinyl wrap. We'll explain the best fit for your space and application
- Preview: We'll show you how your design scales to your wall size. You'll see exactly how the pattern tiles (if applicable) or how the image aligns
- Approval: Confirm everything matches your vision. We make adjustments if needed
- Production: Printed-to-order at our facility using premium equipment and inks
- Delivery: Packed securely and delivered to your address with application instructions
Turnaround: Most bespoke wallpaper orders are produced within 5-7 working days. Rush options available upon request.
Upload a Photo for Wall Mural Printing
This is the most intuitive route for customers with a specific photograph in mind. "Upload a photo, we print it large"—simple as that. But there's depth to doing it right, particularly around image quality, resolution and scale expectations.
Photo Upload Best Practices
Resolution Requirements: We print at 300 DPI (dots per inch), which is the standard for photo-quality printing. Here's what that means:
- A 4000 × 3000 pixel photograph prints sharply at approximately 33 × 25 cm at 300 DPI
- For a 2-metre wide wall mural, you'd want at least 6000 × 4500 pixels (or similar aspect ratio equivalents)
- For a 4-metre installation, aim for 12,000+ pixels on the longest edge
File Format: We accept JPEG, PNG, TIFF and PDF. JPEG is fine for photographs. PNG works if you have transparency. TIFF offers the best quality for archival purposes. Avoid heavily compressed formats.
Colour Space: Upload in sRGB (standard for web and printing). If you have CMYK files, let us know and we'll ensure accurate colour conversion.
Aspect Ratio Flexibility: Your photo doesn't need to match your wall's exact proportions. We can crop, scale or position the image to fit your wall size. You control how the photo maps to the space.
Common Photo Upload Scenarios
Scenario 1: Family Portrait as Bedroom Wall Mural
You have a professional family portrait (high resolution, properly lit, professional composition). You want it printed as a feature wall in your master bedroom (3 metres wide). We'll scale it beautifully and print it at 300 DPI HD quality. The result is a personal, gallery-quality display that transforms the bedroom.
Scenario 2: Travel Photography for Living Room
You've captured a stunning landscape photograph from a trip. You want to recreate that memory on your living room wall (4 metres wide). We'll print it large, preserving every detail, colour and texture. Your wall becomes a daily reminder of that experience.
Scenario 3: Licensed Stock Photography for Office Branding
Your office needs a professional-looking wall mural that reflects your brand aesthetic. You've licensed a stock photograph (mountain landscape, modern cityscape, abstract design) and you want it printed as a feature wall in your reception area (2.5 metres wide). We'll produce a professional installation that impresses clients and staff alike.
Material Options for Custom Wallpaper and Photo Murals
Your choice of material affects durability, application method, removability and long-term appearance. Let's break down your options.
Standard Non-Sticky Wall Mural Material
Our
custom printed wallpaper and
photo murals are available on premium 510 GSM vinyl PVC with a matte finish. This is the professional standard.
Specifications:
- 510 GSM vinyl PVC material (thick, durable)
- Matte finish (no gloss or reflections)
- 300 DPI HD printing for sharp detail
- Wipeable surface (suitable for light cleaning)
- Permanent installation (adhesive-based, stays put)
Best for: Permanent installations in homes, offices, retail and hospitality. Bedrooms, living rooms, feature walls, commercial interiors.
Application: Requires wallpaper paste or spray adhesive (applied to wall or material). Professional installation recommended for large areas, though DIY installation is possible with care.
Longevity: Long-lasting with proper care. Colours remain vibrant for years. Not suitable for high-moisture areas like direct shower walls (steam can damage seams).
Peel and Stick Self-Adhesive Wall Mural Material
Our
peel-and-stick wallpaper murals are printed on premium 180 GSM vinyl with residue-free adhesive. Perfect for temporary installations.
Specifications:
- 180 GSM vinyl with pre-applied self-adhesive backing
- Matte finish (matches standard material)
- Residue-free adhesive (removes cleanly from painted walls)
- Non-reusable (once removed, adhesive cannot be re-applied)
- Easy application (peel backing, stick to wall—no tools needed)
Best for: Renters, temporary installations, seasonal displays, testing a design before committing to permanent wallpaper.
Application: Peel the backing and stick directly to your wall. Requires smooth, clean surfaces (not recommended for textured wallpaper or heavily patterned walls).
Removal: Removes cleanly without leaving residue—tested on painted drywall. Always test a small area first. Not suitable for delicate finishes or wallpapered walls.
Longevity: Lasts several years in stable conditions. Best for indoor, temperature-stable environments. Not weatherproof—not recommended for outdoor use.
Vinyl Wall Wrap Material
For maximum durability and outdoor applications, our
vinyl wall wrap option is available.
Specifications:
- Premium vinyl material (thicker than standard wallpaper)
- Weatherproof finish (suitable for outdoor exposure)
- Fade-proof (colour-locked against UV damage)
- Professional appearance
- Adhesive-based application (professional installation recommended)
Best for: Outdoor installations, shop frontages, high-traffic commercial areas, permanent external displays.
Application: Professional installation recommended due to material thickness and outdoor durability requirements.
Longevity: 5+ years outdoors with proper installation. Designed to withstand sun, rain, temperature fluctuations and weathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between custom wallpaper and photo wall murals?
Custom wallpaper uses a repeating pattern that tiles across your wall (geometric designs, textures, small-scale imagery). Photo wall murals are single, large-format photographs that don't repeat. Choose wallpaper for all-over pattern coverage; choose murals for dramatic focal points.
Can I upload my own photograph or design?
Yes. That's the core of our service. Upload a high-resolution image (300 DPI minimum), specify your wall dimensions, and we'll print it exactly as you envisioned. We accept JPEG, PNG, TIFF and PDF files.
What resolution do I need for a photo wall mural?
For best results, provide the highest-resolution version of your photograph. A 12-16 megapixel smartphone photo works for murals up to 2-3 metres. For larger installations (4+ metres), aim for 20MP+ or a professional photograph. We print at 300 DPI—higher resolution = sharper results.
Can you print custom wallpaper with a repeating pattern from my design?
Yes. If your design includes a repeating pattern, we'll tile it across your wall dimensions. Ensure your pattern tiles seamlessly (no visible breaks or misalignments). We'll show you a preview before production to confirm alignment.
What sizes are available for custom wallpaper and photo murals?
We have no size limits. Whether you need a 1-metre accent wall or a 10-metre commercial installation, we'll print to your exact specifications. Provide your wall height and width in metres.
How long does production take for a custom wallpaper or photo mural order?
Most orders are produced within 5-7 working days from design approval. Rush options available upon request. Delivery timelines depend on your location.
Can I use a photo I found online or from stock photography?
Yes, but you must own the rights or have a valid licence to use the image. Ensure you're not infringing on copyright, trademark or photographer rights. We don't print designs that violate intellectual property laws.
Is peel-and-stick wallpaper reusable once removed?
No. Our self-adhesive wall murals are residue-free and remove cleanly, but the adhesive cannot be re-applied once removed. They're designed for single-application use. If you need a reusable solution, standard wall murals may be more suitable.
Can I apply custom wallpaper myself, or do I need a professional?
Standard wall murals typically require wallpaper paste or spray adhesive—manageable as a DIY project if you have patience and care. Peel-and-stick murals are easier (peel and stick, no tools needed). For large installations or perfect results, professional installation is recommended. Vinyl wraps may require professional installation due to material thickness.
Are custom wallpaper and photo murals suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
Our standard material is wipeable and durable for most rooms. However, kitchens and bathrooms with high steam or moisture may pose challenges. Avoid direct contact with water or steam on seams. For high-moisture areas, consult with our team about placement and material suitability. Vinyl wraps are more moisture-resistant than standard material.
How do I care for my custom wallpaper or photo mural?
Light cleaning with a soft, damp cloth is fine for most materials. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing. Keep moisture away from seams and edges. Regular dusting maintains appearance and longevity.
Can I order samples before committing to a full wall mural?
We provide high-resolution digital previews showing exactly how your design will look at your wall's dimensions. Contact our team if you'd like to discuss your specific design before ordering.
Do you offer design services, or do I provide my own design?
We specialise in printing your designs. If you need design help, consult with a graphic designer first, then upload the final artwork to us. For commercial projects, contact our team to discuss custom design services availability.
Explore Related Services
Depending on your project, you might also be interested in:
Ready to print your custom wallpaper or photo wall mural?
Upload your design today. Tell us your wall dimensions, choose your material, and we'll produce your made-to-measure wallpaper or mural at HD quality. Whether it's a
personalised wallpaper design that repeats across your room or a
photo wall mural that captures a single, dramatic image, Printed Today brings your vision to the wall with precision, quality and expert guidance.
