Your travel photos are like little time machines, bringing back epic moments. Want to make those beach sunsets or mountain views into huge wall art? It’s super doable with peel and stick wallpaper. No pros needed, no permanent mess. This guide shows you how to make your fave travel snaps into murals that’ll level up your home, with easy tips to nail it.
Pick a Photo That Pops
Start with a killer photo. Not every pic works big. You need high-res shots, with bright colors and sharp details. Old blurry phone pics? Nope, they’ll look bad huge. Think landscapes—deserts or forests—because they feel deep and cool. City shots with dope buildings or markets work too. Decide the vibe you want: chill waves for your bedroom or lively streets for the living room. Save the photo to your laptop and check it’s at least 300 DPI for crispness.
Size Up Your Wall
Before you get all excited, measure that wall. Grab a tape measure, check height and width. Jot those numbers down—you’ll need them for your wallpaper sticker order. Watch out for stuff like windows or outlets. Weird wall shapes? Draw a quick sketch to stay organized. Peel and stick comes in panels, so figure out how many you need based on the wall size and panel size. Get a bit extra for cuts or oops moments.
Hunt for a Solid Wallpaper Company
Not every peel and stick is legit. Find a place that does custom murals with top-notch, removable stuff. Online sites let you upload your pic and add wall sizes for a custom fit. Read reviews to make sure the prints are sharp and it’s easy to stick. Some offer cool textures like green grasscloth, perfect for earthy vibes like jungle or savanna shots. Go for eco-friendly inks and stuff that won’t fade fast.
Upload and Tweak Your Pic
Got a provider? Time to upload that photo. Most sites are easy—drag, drop, done. You’ll see a preview of your mural. Mess with the crop or size so the best parts, like a sunset or mountain top, don’t get chopped. Some sites let you add effects—blurry for dreamy or bright for bold. Check your wall measurements again before you hit order. Not sure? Lots of companies let you approve a proof first.
Get Your Wall Ready
A clean, smooth wall makes your mural shine. Peel and stick loves flat surfaces, no texture. Wipe the wall with a damp cloth to zap dust or grease, then dry it. Bumps or cracks? Sand them lightly, maybe add primer. Don’t stick on fresh paint—wait two weeks. Grab tools: a level, utility knife, squeegee or old credit card for smoothing, and a ladder for tall walls. Lay panels out to check they line up.
Stick That Mural Up
Now the fun part—putting it up! Start in a corner, like top left. Peel a bit of the backing off, line up the first panel, use a level to keep it straight. Press it down gently, smooth bubbles with your squeegee or card. Keep peeling and sticking slowly. Mess up? No stress, it’s peel and stick—lift and try again. Line up panel edges tight, no gaps. Trim extra bits with your knife for a clean look.
Keep Your Mural Fresh
Your travel mural’s stealing the show, but keep it nice. Dust it with a dry cloth every few months. Got vinyl? Wipe it with a damp cloth, no harsh cleaners. Want to move or switch it up? Peel it off—no wall damage. Store panels flat if you want to reuse them.
Make the Room Match
Make your mural stand out with cool decor. Tropical beach pic? Add rattan chairs. City vibe? Go modern with sleek stuff. Lighting’s big—soft lights for cozy mountain feels, bright ones for bold colors. If it’s one wall, paint others a matching color. Toss in travel trinkets or plants to vibe with the mural.
Why Peel and Stick Rocks
Peel and stick wallpaper makes murals so easy. It’s cheap, renter-safe, and you don’t need a pro. Change it whenever you want, no commitment. From calm lakes to wild city festivals, your travel memories can take over your walls. Dig through your photos now and make your space epic.