Wallpaper - Big Whale

Our Big Whale wallpaper presents an expansive profile of a sperm whale rendered with the fine linework and textural character of a historic woodcut print. Set against a deep, wash-toned navy blue ground with subtle atmospheric shifts in tone, the white and light linework gives the creature an arresting presence across the wall. The horizontal orientation of the animal creates a strong visual anchor, while the graphic contrast between the detailed figure and the dark backdrop keeps the overall composition clear and balanced. Printed to order on our made-to-measure, PVC-free paper, this design brings a distinctive maritime character to a room while remaining easy to hang.

In the room

Because the whale spans the width of the artwork in a single, large-scale horizontal composition, we find this wall mural works best on a wider, relatively uninterrupted wall where the full silhouette can be seen from head to tail. It makes a striking focal point behind a low-backed sofa in a living room, above a headboard in a bedroom, or along a main wall in a home office or study. In a dining room or library, the deep navy ground establishes an intimate, enveloping atmosphere, especially in spaces with softer, warmer ambient lighting that complements the richness of the dark blue.

The high contrast between the crisp white linework and the navy background allows the design to hold its own even in larger rooms. In spaces with ample natural daylight, the gentle shifts and watercolour-like variations in the deep blue background become more apparent, adding subtle depth behind the graphic form of the whale.

Styling it

When decorating around this design, we recommend letting the graphic scale of the wallpaper lead the space while keeping adjacent furnishings relatively grounded. Natural wood tones, particularly warm oak, teak, or richer mid-toned timbers, sit comfortably against the deep blue and help soften the high contrast of the print.

For surrounding materials, unbleached cotton, woven wool, or brushed brass hardware bring a classic, heritage-inspired feel that echoes the vintage illustration style of the motif. Low-profile furniture ensures the central silhouette remains unobstructed, allowing the horizontal movement of the whale to guide the eye across the room.

Colour combinations

The colour palette within the wallpaper centres on deep navy blue and off-white, with subtle gradations of midnight blue and slate blue in the washed background. When choosing colours for surrounding walls, woodwork, and decor, we suggest building directly on these tones.

A crisp off-white or soft chalky ivory on adjacent walls and trim provides a fresh, tailored contrast that picks up the linework of the whale. For a moodier, more cohesive look, matching the trim or adjoining walls in a deep navy or dark slate blue creates a seamless, wrapped aesthetic. Warm neutral accents in taupe, sand, or warm grey also work well to bridge the cool navy tones with natural flooring and upholstery.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are produced made-to-measure based on your exact wall dimensions, which helps reduce unnecessary excess paper compared to standard rolls. Our mural wallpapers are printed on PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure and are designed to be straightforward to hang, offering practical options for homeowners and renters alike.