Texture + Color: How to Choose a Wall Mural That Complements Wood Grain Finishes

Written by : Jo Rierson, limitlesswalls.com

Pairing a statement wall mural with wood slat panels is one of the most effective ways to add personality, warmth, and depth to a room. At LimitlessWalls.com, we specialize in large-scale wall murals that make a space unforgettable — and when you combine them with the rich texture of CraftivaArt’s wood slat walls, the result is a designer-level finish you can achieve at home.

But how do you blend two bold features — printed mural and natural wood — without clashing?

Here’s your guide to pairing texture and color the right way.

1. Match the Mood First, Then the Hue

Before worrying about color matching, consider the feeling you want in your space. Do you want something bold and contemporary? Calming and natural? Vibrant and fun?

• Want a cozy retreat? Pair warm oak or walnut slats with a forest mural in soft greens and browns.
  
  
• Going modern and dramatic? Try dark walnut or black slats with abstract murals in neutral tones or monochrome color palettes.
  
  
• Creating a playful space? Light-toned wood like ash or beech blends well with colorful, high-contrast murals (think: rainbows, outer space, or graphic art).
  
  

Start with the vibe, then narrow down your color choices.

2. Use Undertones to Guide Your Palette

Both wood and murals have undertones — subtle hints of color beneath the surface.

• Warm woods (like walnut, cherry, or red oak) pair best with murals that include reds, golds, oranges, and earth tones.
  
  
• Cool woods (like ash, gray-wash, or bleached oak) work beautifully with blues, greens, grays, and even soft lavenders.
  
  
• Neutral woods (like natural maple or birch) are versatile and pair well with nearly any mural, especially ones with white backgrounds or minimalist art.

Tip: If you’re unsure about undertones, hold a paint swatch or printed mural sample next to your slats in daylight. Your eye will instantly notice whether they feel harmonious or not.

3. Balance Texture With Visual Simplicity

Wood slat walls bring texture and rhythm into a space. To keep things from feeling too “busy,” aim for contrast in visual density:

• Choose more minimal mural designs (like watercolor landscapes, large florals, or soft gradients) when using vertical slats across a full wall.
  
  
• On the flip side, pair highly detailed murals (like maps, cityscapes, or abstract art) with simple wood slats installed in small doses or just as framing.
  
  

This helps both elements stand out instead of fighting for attention.

4. Think in Layers: Slats as Frames or Dividers

You don’t have to choose between a mural and slats — let them play together in clever ways:

• Use CraftivaArt slats to frame a mural like a piece of art.
  
  
• Run slats on the lower third of a wall and use a mural above to create a wainscoting effect.
  
  
• For media rooms or offices, create zones: mural on one wall, slats on another.
  
  

This adds architectural depth and ensures the mural doesn’t overwhelm the space.

5. Sample First — It’s Worth It

LimitlessWalls.com offers sample swatches of our mural materials, and CraftivaArt provides wood samples for all their finishes. Trying them side-by-side in your actual room lighting is the best way to feel confident before committing.

Bring It All Together

When mural color, slat tone, and overall mood are in harmony, you’ll achieve a wall design that feels cohesive and luxurious, whether you're working on a cozy bedroom, a modern living room, or a stylish office.

Ready to try it?
🖼️ Explore mural designs at  LimitlessWalls.com
🌲 Shop wood slats at  CraftivaArt

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About the Author:

This post is brought to you by the team at LimitlessWalls.com, creators of premium peel-and-stick and traditional wall murals designed to turn any wall into a work of art. Whether you want nature scenes, abstract art, or custom uploads, we make walls unforgettable.