by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Ever walked into a local coffee shop or restaurant and immediately felt a sense of warmth and personality? Chances are, it had something to do with the decor. Creative murals and decorative painting are an easy way for businesses to showcase their brand's character and connect with customers. You've probably seen plenty of murals around town and maybe even snapped a photo or two. Their vibrant colors and visual interest transform ordinary walls into works of art.
As a business owner, murals are an opportunity to share your story in a creative way. They give customers a glimpse into your values, passions, and community. A mural inspired by your location or industry helps to strengthen your brand identity. Not to mention, they make popular social media fodder and are a subtle way to boost visibility. If you're looking for ways to add life to your space without a major renovation, murals and decorative painting should be at the top of your list. A coat of paint can go a long way.
Introduction to Murals and Decorative Painting
Adding character to your business space is easy with murals and decorative painting. Murals are large paintings directly applied to walls that can transform an area and reflect your company culture. Decorative painting uses artistic techniques like stenciling, sponging or freehand painting to embellish a space.
You have endless options for subjects and styles. Nature scenes with leafy trees or ocean vistas are always popular and help create a relaxing vibe. For an urban look, consider cityscapes or abstract geometric patterns. To highlight your industry or location, incorporate related images like vines and grapes at a winery or beach scenes at a resort.
Murals and decorative painting are also extremely versatile. They work in reception areas and hallways, on exterior building walls, and even on floors. An oversized company logo in an entryway makes a bold statement, while a mural behind the front desk warmly welcomes visitors. Painting an accent wall in a conference room or staining concrete floors in a warehouse space brings life to an otherwise mundane area.
The best part is, murals and decorative painting are often more budget-friendly than other design options. And unlike wallpaper or fabric, painted designs won’t fade or peel over time with proper sealing. An experienced muralist or decorative painter can work with your ideas and budget to create a custom look that reflects your unique brand and space. Transforming your business into an inspiring place doesn’t have to be expensive when you incorporate the creative use of murals, decorative painting and other artistic touches.
Benefits of Having Murals in Commercial Spaces
Murals are a great way to give your business space personality and character. They create an inviting atmosphere for customers and employees alike. Here are a few of the main benefits of having murals in commercial spaces:
You can showcase your brand. Murals are an opportunity to visually represent your brand’s story and values. You can incorporate your logo, brand colors, and key brand messages into a custom mural design.
It sparks conversation. An interesting mural will capture people’s attention and give them something to talk about. This word-of-mouth marketing and social sharing can help raise brand awareness.
Improves mood and productivity. Artwork has a way of lifting our moods and making spaces more inspiring. Murals can have a positive impact on employee mood, motivation, and creative thinking.
Creates a memorable space. A mural helps make your location more visually compelling and gives people a reason to remember your business. This memorability factor helps your brand stick in customers’ minds.
You stand out. In a world of sterile white walls, a mural helps your business stand out from the competition. It shows you value creativity and are willing to do something different to create an amazing experience for your customers.
Murals are an investment that can yield big returns for your business. They create a inviting space, spark conversation, lift moods, make your brand more memorable and help you stand out from the crowd. If you're looking for ways to add more personality and character to your commercial space, a custom mural is a creative solution with meaningful benefits.
Popular Mural Themes and Styles for Businesses
Murals come in all styles, themes and subjects. For businesses, some popular options include:
Geometric Shapes and Patterns
Simple shapes, lines, and repeating patterns are an easy way to add visual interest without a complicated theme. Geometric murals have a modern, minimalist feel that works well for many business types.
Cityscape or Landscape
Painting a mural depicting a stylized city skyline, mountain vista or other landscape can make a dramatic statement. These murals create an open, airy feel and a sense of connection to the local area. They tend to have broad appeal and work with most decor styles.
Product or Industry Themes
For some businesses, choosing a mural theme directly related to their products, services or industry is an obvious choice. A brewery may opt for hop vines and beer steins, a salon for vintage hairstyling tools and portraits, or a restaurant for food illustrations. These highly tailored themes strongly reinforce the business’ brand and identity.
Local Culture or History
Murals featuring elements of local culture, history or architecture are a great way for businesses to show their community spirit. Images of local landmarks, public art, historical events or natural features create a sense of place and help customers connect to the area’s heritage. These murals tend to be very popular and help to set businesses apart.
Abstract or Whimsical Designs
For a fun, whimsical feel, consider an abstract mural using splashes of color, swirls and eddies or playful shapes. Whimsical murals with fantastical illustrations, dreamy skies or nonsense shapes and patterns create visual delight. While more challenging to pull off, these murals are highly memorable when done well. They work best for creative businesses with a sense of humor and whimsy.
Whatever style you choose, a custom mural is one of the most effective ways to give your business a memorable personality and leave a lasting impression on customers. With so many options, you can find a mural perfectly suited to reflect your brand’s unique identity.
Custom vs Pre-Designed Murals: Which Is Best?
Custom murals are designed specifically for your business and space. An artist will visit your location, discuss ideas with you, and create a mural tailored to your brand and style. Pre-designed murals are more generic, ready-made designs the mural company has already created. They offer a quicker, more budget-friendly option but less customization.
Pros of Custom Murals
A custom mural is a unique work of art created just for you. It can incorporate your logo, product, location or mission. It makes a bold statement about your brand and helps create an experience for customers. Customers will know right away they’re in for something special. A custom mural is also more likely to generate social media shares and interest which leads to more exposure for your business.
Pros of Pre-Designed Murals
Pre-designed murals are more affordable since the design work has already been done. They’re ready to go, so installation happens faster. If you need to get a mural up quickly, a pre-made design is ideal. The murals also come with a proven, professional design that is sure to elevate your space. You’ll still achieve an eye-catching result without the higher investment of a custom mural.
Which is Best for Your Business?
It depends on your needs, timeline and budget. If making a statement and standing out is most important, a custom mural is your best choice. If costs and speed matter more, consider pre-designed murals. You could also start with an affordable pre-made mural, then later commission a custom design as your budget allows.
The most important thing is choosing a mural that reflects your brand and resonates with customers. Whether custom or pre-designed, a mural creates an experience and leaves a lasting impression. With the right mural, your business will be that much more memorable.
Where to Place Murals in Your Business
One of the best places for a mural in a business is a large, blank wall in a high-traffic area like a lobby, hallway or waiting room. As customers or clients pass by, a mural will capture their attention and spark their interest in your company’s creativity and culture.
Reception Area
What’s the first thing customers see when they walk in your door? Having an eye-catching mural in your reception area creates an awesome first impression. It sets the tone for your business being vibrant, modern and forward-thinking.
Hallways
Long, boring hallways are perfect spaces for murals. As people walk down the hall, a mural gives them something interesting to look at. It can even help with wayfinding by highlighting certain doors or pathways. Themed murals in office hallways boost employee morale and pride in the company too.
Conference Rooms
For a creative conference room, have a mural painted on one or more walls. It could reflect your company’s mission, values or industry. A nature scene mural provides a calming backdrop for productive meetings. Geometric shapes and patterns are bold, stimulating options. Murals turn an ordinary conference room into an unforgettable space.
Stairwells
If you have stairs in your building, murals are ideal for adding character to large stairwell walls. As people go up and down the stairs each day, an artful mural gives them an energizing mental boost. Styles featuring outdoor views, cityscapes or abstract designs work great for stairwells.
Murals breathe life into commercial spaces, leaving a memorable impression on all who enter. With so many options for placement and style, you can find a mural that reflects your company’s unique personality and brand. Transforming your business into an artful space that inspires creativity and sparks conversation.
Hiring Professional Muralists vs DIY Murals
When choosing how to add character to your business space with murals or decorative painting, you have two options: hiring professional muralists or doing it yourself. Each has its pros and cons, so weigh them carefully based on your needs, budget, and skills.
Hiring Professionals
Working with experienced muralists and decorative painters guarantees a high-quality result. They are trained artists with the technical skills to handle large-scale painting and the creativity to design something unique to your brand. However, commissioning custom artwork can be expensive, often costing several thousand dollars or more for a large, complex mural. If cost is a concern, discuss your budget upfront and look at options to scale down the size or simplify the design. Some muralists may charge less for a stenciled or pre-designed mural.
DIY Murals
If you have artistic talent and time, you can save money by painting a mural yourself. This allows for maximum creativity and control over the design. However, large-scale painting requires technique and patience. Without proper preparation and skills, a DIY mural can end up looking unprofessional, uneven, or incomplete. Start with a small mural, use painter’s tape for clean lines, consider using stencils or projectors, and take your time. If a complex mural seems too daunting, decorative painting techniques like sponging, ragging, stenciling or freehand graphics may be easier to DIY.
In the end, the option you choose comes down to balancing cost, quality, design control and your abilities. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional muralist for guidance to ensure your DIY mural achieves the best possible result. A well-executed mural, whether by a pro or yourself, can be a source of pride and an effective way to showcase your brand's personality.
Maintaining and Caring for Commercial Murals
Once your mural is complete, it’s important to properly maintain it to keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Commercial spaces in particular require extra care since the mural is exposed to more environmental factors. Here are some tips to keep your mural mural in tip-top shape:
Cleaning
Gently wipe down the mural every few months with a damp, soft cloth to remove surface dirt and debris. For stuck-on grime, you can use a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Be very gentle when cleaning around the edges of the mural. Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners or solvents which can damage the paint.
Protecting
Apply a protective sealant, like an acrylic polymer or polyurethane, over the mural. Re-apply every 2-3 years or if you notice water no longer beads on the surface. The sealant protects against moisture damage, dirt, pollution and UV exposure. For outdoor murals, a weather-resistant sealant is best.
Touch-ups
Check the mural regularly for any chips, cracks or fading and perform touch-ups as needed. Use the original paint colors and techniques to seamlessly blend in repairs. It’s a good idea to keep leftover paint from the original mural in case you need it for future touch-ups.
Repainting
If the mural becomes very faded or damaged over time, you may need to repaint sections or the entire mural. Take photos of the original to use as a reference. You may need to do minor repairs to the wall surface first. Be very careful when repainting around the edges of the remaining mural. With proper maintenance, most murals can last 5-10 years before needing extensive restoration or repainting.
Keeping on top of mural care and maintenance will help to maximize the lifespan and vibrancy of your mural. Your mural is a work of art and a representation of your business’ brand and values. Protect your investment by dedicating the necessary time and resources to keep it looking as good as new. Customers and clients will surely appreciate your attention to detail!
Costs and Budgeting Considerations for Business Murals
Business owners are often hesitant to invest in custom murals due to perceived high costs. However, murals don’t have to break the bank and can fit into even modest budgets. There are a few ways to save money on a business mural.
Hire New or Up-and-Coming Artists
Established muralists will charge premium rates for their work. New or up-and-coming artists are still developing their skills and portfolio, so they often charge lower rates. You may be able to find an art student or recent graduate in your area looking to gain experience. Their rates will likely be much more affordable.
Provide the Paint and Supplies
Ask the artist if you can provide the paint, brushes, and any other supplies needed to complete the mural. This can potentially knock hundreds of dollars off the total cost. The artist will charge mainly for their time and talents. Just be sure to get the exact type, amount, and color of paints required for your mural’s design.
Keep the Design Simple
Complex, hyper-realistic murals with lots of details will take longer to complete and cost more. A simple, stylized design with blocks of color, geometric shapes or line art is often much more budget-friendly. Minimal color palettes also tend to be cheaper than murals with many colors.
Negotiate the Price
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the artist, especially if you’re working with a lower budget. Explain your budget constraints and see if they’re willing to work with you on a price you can afford. They may suggest some ways to simplify or modify the design to lower costs. It never hurts to ask, and many artists will try to accommodate customers with smaller budgets.
With some upfront planning, you can have a custom mural created for your business without spending a fortune. A well-designed mural will give your space loads of personality and become a focal point for customers and employees alike. The investment in public art is well worth the rewards.
Murals for Businesses FAQ
When it comes to murals for businesses, you probably have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones:
How much do business murals cost?
The cost of a mural can vary quite a bit depending on the size, detail, and artist you choose. As a rough estimate, you can expect to pay between $500 to $5,000 for a small mural (less than 100 square feet). Larger or more complex murals will be $10,000 or more. Some artists charge by the square foot, while others charge a flat project fee. Get multiple bids from artists you like to compare.
How long do murals last?
With proper protection and maintenance, a high-quality mural can last 5-10 years or longer. Using premium, UV-resistant paints and sealants specifically designed for outdoor murals will maximize the lifespan. The mural should be inspected regularly and touched up as needed to repair any damage or fading. Avoid placing murals in areas with extreme weather exposure which can cause them to deteriorate more quickly.
Can I get a custom mural design?
Absolutely, most muralists will work with you to create a custom, one-of-a-kind design for your business. Provide photos of your building exterior, ideas about themes or subjects you like, brand colors, and any other inspiration. The artist can then create a mural concept tailored to your needs. You’ll have the opportunity to review the design and request any changes before the work begins. A custom mural is a great way to showcase your unique brand personality.
Do I need permission for a business mural?
In most cases, yes. Before commissioning a mural, check with your city’s regulations regarding murals and signage. You will typically need permits for murals over a certain size. The permits help ensure the mural meets all zoning and building code requirements. It’s best to go through the proper channels to avoid potential fines or having to remove an unpermitted mural. Your mural artist or sign company should be able to help you through the permitting process.
Does this help answer some of your questions about murals for businesses? Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help in any way I can!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, some creative ways to add personality to your business space with murals and decorative painting. Whether you want to highlight your company culture, share your brand story, or simply give customers an engaging space to enjoy, murals are a great option. The possibilities are endless when you tap into the talent of artistic professionals. Why settle for bare, boring walls when you can make a memorable impression with custom art? Take a chance and do something different - your business and customers will thank you for it. Liven up your space and show the world what makes your company unique. Murals can do that and so much more.