How to Create a Removable Wall Mural Using Vinyl Birch Tree Decals

When I was originally planning my baby boy’s nursery, I wanted to include an original birch tree wall mural and had intended to break out my trusty paint brushes to create it (I’m an art teacher, after all). After he was born though, I quickly realized that I might not have the time to devote to painting a wall of trees, so I decided to try to create a removable wall mural using peel and stick vinyl decals instead. The final result was a unique and beautiful nursery wall mural that also saved me time to spend with my little guy.

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At first, I was hesitant to try vinyl decals. In the past, I’ve thought they looked cheap and awkward. I had heard that they’ve come a long way in the past few years in terms of durability and style though, so I decided that it couldn’t hurt to try some.

Creating a Removable Wall Mural

I was excited when I found these birch tree decals that had customizable branches and leaves, allowing me to make a semi-custom mural even though I was using decals. The decals came in packs of three trees and included an assortment of branches and leaves. I bought two packs at around $16 each ($32 total), which is probably around the same as or less than the amount I would have spent on various paint colors and supplies for a wall mural.

The mural was easy to assemble. I started at the top of my wall, making sure the tree trunk extended straight down. You can tell which part is the top because it has a rippled edge. I then pressed with my hands, smoothing from the center out to avoid any air bubbles. Finally, I burnished the decals with my scissor handles to make sure they stuck on the wall. Then I just lined up the next piece and repeated the process.

The walls in our old Victorian house are extremely tall so I knew that the trees wouldn’t extend fully from top to bottom. I made up for this by cutting off a small part of the bottom of trees that would be hidden eventually by furniture. I then added those parts to the trees that would be fully exposed.

Making a Unique Wall Mural

Even though I was using wall decals, I was able to assemble them in a unique way because of the customizable branches and leaves.

I placed some leaves on branches and some right onto the trunks of the trees. I even placed some in between the trees to make it look like they were falling. I also cut off the end of a branch and placed it going off the top of the wall to make it feel like the trees extended beyond the wall.

The positioning of the trees themselves was important as well. I made sure that I didn’t space the trees evenly so the final scene had a more realistic feel. I also varied the order of thick and thin trees.

I could have extended all of the trees to the bottom of the wall if I had purchased one more decal set, but I decided to strategically place my furniture in front of the incomplete trees for the time being. Our baby currently sleep in a pack n play in our room so we haven’t assembled his crib just yet. When we do, I’ll position it in front of the short trees.

Using Vinyl Decals for a Wall Mural

I couldn’t be happier with how the wall turned out. Everyone who sees it asks if it’s painted, and you really have to scrutinize it to tell that it’s just vinyl decals. And, because I didn’t paint, I can easily change up the room design when our son gets a little older and decides he wants something different.

I also love that I could do this project while my baby napped. It’s one of the few projects I’ve been able to complete with my now very limited time. If I had tried to paint it, I might have never completed the project.

All told, I’d highly recommend going the peel and stick route to create a wall mural, as long as you get a good set of decals and plan it out well. It may not be paint, but that’s quite alright by me when it looks this good.