A mural is an extremely large work of art, most often a painting, applied to the surface of a wall, ceiling, or floor. A mural can be one of several different styles, but all are designed to bring beauty to the building, whether inside or out. Many major cities feature murals along freeway sound barriers or underpasses. You might also spot a mural on the side of a downtown building. Refineries and energy companies sometimes use an outdoor mural to introduce color and brightness and to distract the eye from industrial stacks and machinery.

Though most of us are likely familiar with outdoor murals, we might only associate an indoor mural with works like Michelangelo’s famous Creation or Last Judgment, both adorning the inside of the Sistine Chapel. The Renaissance embraced artists who excelled at realism in murals, leaving works unrivaled to this day. Today, the indoor mural is most often used to open up a wall by extending an outdoor landscape or by transforming a room into an exotic jungle, Roman bath, or scenic mountaintop. A fleur de lis-inspired mural over a doorway adds an authentic French flair and can tie in antique furnishings, creating a nice theme.

In addition to art, a mural can also be used to create a faux finish. A wall can be painted to resemble worn brick, rich paneled wood, or white Greek plaster complete with vining plants, balcony, and a view of the Mediterranean. Trim and molding can take on any look for a tasteful accent. Use a mural to create marble pillars, ornate tile, or the warm feel of adobe.

Restaurants often use indoor murals to drive home a theme. Mexican restaurants frequently feature murals of a festive Mexican village. For smaller businesses, an outdoor mural on a wall that faces traffic can double as an advertisement.

If you are good with a brush, consider painting your own mural. Would you like to camouflage a door, create a reading space, open up a room, or soften the right angles of the walls? A mural can accomplish all of this and more. If you don’t feel up to the task or don’t consider yourself creative, a mural artist can paint the area for you. He or she will be happy to offer suggestions as to what kind of design can accomplish the intended affect.

An indoor mural should harmonize with the theme of the house and its colors and furnishings. If you plan to change these, it’s best to do so before painting the mural. A good mural artist should have pictures of his or her work. If the portfolio includes any local public buildings, it is a good idea to view the artist's work in person.