I Tried a Mural in My Dining Room — Here's What I Did Wrong

Apartment Therapy

by Heather Bien

March 1, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Trying to add some personality to your dining room? Installing a mural might seem like an exciting way to transform the space, but it’s not always as easy as it looks. In this article, the author shares their experience of attempting to incorporate a mural into their dining room and highlights the mistakes they made along the way. From choosing the wrong design to struggling with placement, the journey reveals valuable lessons for anyone considering a similar project. The author begins by explaining how they were drawn to the idea of a mural as a bold statement piece. However, they quickly realized that selecting the right design was more challenging than anticipated. They chose a vibrant, intricate pattern that ended up clashing with the room’s existing decor and lighting. The result? A space that felt overwhelming rather than inviting. This mistake emphasizes the importance of considering your room’s ambiance and how a mural can either enhance or disrupt it. Another key takeaway revolves around placement. The author admits to placing the mural in a spot that made it feel awkward and out of proportion, especially when guests were seated at the table. They learned that murals should be positioned strategically—taking into account the flow of the room and how people will interact with the space. This mistake highlights the need for careful planning and measurement before committing to a design. For those interested in interior design, this article underscores the importance of balancing creativity with practicality. While murals can add character and personality to a dining room, they require thoughtful consideration of factors like color schemes, scale, and placement. The author’s experience serves as a helpful reminder that less is often more, especially when trying to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Ultimately, this article offers valuable insights for anyone looking to refresh their dining room with a mural. By learning from the author’s mistakes, readers can avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions about how to incorporate murals into their own spaces. Whether you’re considering a subtle accent or a bold statement piece, planning and intentionality are key to achieving a balanced and visually appealing design.

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Originally published on Apartment Therapy on 3/1/2026