Healing With Art: The Role of Murals in Healthcare Spaces
How Wall Murals Are Transforming Healthcare Environments
By: Ahroon Y.
Date: September 22, 2025
Art in medical spaces is no longer just decorative — it’s therapeutic.
Healthcare providers are increasingly turning to evidence-based design elements like wall murals to improve patient well-being, reduce stress, and create a calming, human-centered atmosphere. Whether in hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers, murals provide emotional comfort and a sense of place for both patients and caregivers.
The Science Behind Nature-Based Murals
Studies show that imagery of nature — forests, water, skies, and flora — activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce heart rate, anxiety, and even perception of pain. Key studies include:
Studies show that imagery of nature — forests, water, skies, and flora — activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce heart rate, anxiety, and even perception of pain.
Key studies include:
- Ulrich’s Theory of Supportive Design - A healthcare design framework by researcher Roger Ulrich that emphasizes using features like nature imagery, social support, and patient control to reduce stress and promote healing.
- Evidence-Based Design research from the Center for Health Design - A design approach that uses credible research to inform decisions about healthcare spaces — aiming to improve patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction through the built environment.
Wall murals bring these restorative visuals directly into treatment rooms, corridors, and waiting areas — no windows required.
Designing Murals for Different Patient Populations
Different care environments call for different approaches:
- Pediatric spaces: Use bright colors, animals, friendly characters, or fantasy themes to reduce fear and promote playfulness.
- Geriatric units: Soft nature scenes and subdued palettes help with orientation, reduce overstimulation, and soothe confusion.
- Behavioral health: Use non-stimulating artwork that avoids visual clutter, bright reds, or disorienting perspectives.
- Oncology centers: Calming natural elements or abstract visuals help promote peace during long treatments.
Wayfinding and Visual Comfort in Healthcare Settings
- Wayfinding aid: Visual landmarks help patients and visitors navigate complex layouts.
- Environmental zoning: Use mural themes to distinguish departments (e.g., forest wing vs. aquatic wing).
- Sensory therapy: Certain visual designs can support neurodiverse patients or trauma-informed spaces.
Real-World Examples of Healthcare Murals
- A pediatric dental clinic uses fun text and cartoon teeth and animals to educate little patients and make oral care fun.
- A hospital uses nature wall murals and cloud films to help relax patients using the medical linear accelerator (LINAC) in a radiation oncology treatment room.
- A medical offices uses a colorful abstract mural to create a comfortable space in an exam room.
- A dental office uses a colorful underwater mural to help relax patients.
Materials Matter in Medical Settings
- Durable & easy to clean: Our commercial-grade vinyl murals are cleanable, scratch - resistant, and moisture resistant.
- Removable options: Ideal for leased healthcare spaces or temporary renovations.
- Fire-rated and low-VOC: Safe for sensitive environment.
- Hygienic surfaces: Our MicroBloc Antimicrobial topcoat inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for creating unpleasant smells, staining and deterioration of our printed wall mural materials.
FAQs: Wall Murals in Healthcare Spaces
FAQs: Wall Murals in Healthcare Spaces
Are wall murals safe for hospitals and clinical environments?
Yes. We offer cleanable, durable, and fire-rated materials approved for commercial and medical settings.
What kind of mural designs work best in healthcare spaces?
Nature scenes, abstract calming art, and soft color palettes are most effective for reducing patient stress and creating therapeutic ambiance.
Can murals help with wayfinding in hospitals?
Absolutely. Strategic mural placement helps patients and families navigate spaces intuitively using visual landmarks.
Are murals appropriate for behavioral health or memory care units?
Yes — with the right design approach. Our team understands the needs of low-stimulation and cognitively appropriate visual environments.
Do you work with healthcare design teams and facility planners?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with architects, facility managers, and healthcare designers to meet code and brand requirements.
Explore Custom Healthcare Murals for Your Facility
Murals Your Way provides customizable, healing-centered murals for hospitals, clinics, senior living communities, and wellness spaces of all sizes.
Our expert team is here to help you choose the right design, material, and placement — all backed by proven results in healthcare environments. Give us a call at 888.558.0279 or send us an email.
Visit our specific healthcare pages for ideas and inspiration:
