Nailing Graffiti Murals In Design

Most people hesitate to bring graffiti murals into their interiors because they worry they will feel too loud or chaotic. Bold colors and large scale seem liable to dominate the room and limit future decorating changes. Some assume murals only belong in ultra modern lofts and cannot work in traditional or layered settings.

I assure you they can. Graffiti murals layer color texture and movement in ways that demand attention and shape a room’s personality. Unlike other art genres they carry a sense of rebellion and spontaneity that can’t be copied or faked. I am not saying murals are right for every home, however with intention and an understanding of scale, color, contrast and texture they can bring vibrancy to almost any space.

This is for those of you out there who love graffiti murals but fear they won’t work in their spaces.

PLACEMENT

Murals like these carry a lot of visual energy so where you install them matters. They work best in communal spaces like dining rooms, living areas or dens where movement and conversation happen. These canvases are not meant to fade into the background so avoid placing them in intimate or quiet rooms like bedrooms or studies.

Introduce Shape & Color

Visually, the mural should act as an anchor in the room, introducing bold shapes and colors or reflecting subtle tones already present in architectural details, furniture, or decor. We’re not talking about matching your art to your sofa, but the mural will be the dominant focus and naturally influence other choices in the space. That might mean repeating a color in small accents or balancing vibrant areas with neutral elements. The goal is a balanced relationship where the mural and the room feel connected without looking forced or overly coordinated.

NEGATIVE SPACE

Murals of this scale need space around them. It's recommended not to crowd them with other artworks or too much decoration that distracts or competes with it's strong presence.  Give these canvases room to breathe and you’ll find that they will settle into the space.

PROPORTION & SCALE

When most people think of graffiti murals in interiors, they imagine clean white gallery walls with a Corbusier leather sofa and a Noguchi coffee table. While that is a cool, minimalist look, these murals are much more versatile. Believe it or not, they pair well with Victorian era furniture and architecture, which share a similar scale, weight, opulence, and presence. The proportions work because neither element feels delicate or secondary, creating a unique, timeless aesthetic.

Is Graffiti Just For The Streets?

What do you think about graffiti murals? Ready to bring one of these radical pieces into your space or do you still think they are for the streets? I have a collection of Pop Art Graffiti murals from contemporary Hungarian artists based in Budapest including Kovacs, Budha Tamas, and Ferenc Balint available for purchase. No need to import on a container from Europe. These works are ready for pick-up in New Orleans and Cincinnati with white glove delivery options for those outside local pick up areas.

Reach out if you are interested or need help finding and styling the right artwork for your space.

All images designed, styled, and photographed by House of No Era