Wallpaper - On the Waves I Light Plank

Created by Sue Schlabach, our On the Waves I Light Plank wallpaper features a graceful, stylized sperm whale arching above soft painterly waves. The whale motif is rich in teal, turquoise, and oceanic blue tones, layered with subtle script lettering, weathered visual brushwork, and warm earthy undertones. Set against a white-washed horizontal wood plank background, this mural wallpaper delivers a distinctive coastal character with an artistic, vintage illustration feel. Made-to-measure on our PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure, it brings a calm and whimsical focal point to any space.

In the room

Because the design features a strong central subject with open space across the upper and lower planking, we see this wall mural working particularly well on an uninterrupted feature wall. In a child's bedroom, nursery, or playroom, it adds a playful oceanic theme that remains gentle and refined rather than overly busy.

In a primary bedroom, guest room, or casual living room, placing this wallpaper behind a low bed frame or a simple sofa allows the whale silhouette and wave motifs to remain fully visible. The horizontal plank lines naturally carry the eye across the room, which works nicely to visually anchor wider wall areas without overwhelming the surrounding space.

Styling it

To complement the coastal and vintage character of the design, we suggest pairing it with clean, tactile elements that echo its relaxed feel:

• Look to natural, unpainted lighter woods or crisp painted white cabinetry to harmonise with the weathered timber backdrop.
• Choose simple woven textiles such as washed linen or unbleached cotton in neutral tones to balance the graphic presence of the artwork.
• Incorporate subtle blue or seafoam accessories in ceramics or throws to subtly reflect the shades within the whale.

Colour combinations

The wallpaper is defined by its vibrant palette of deep teal, turquoise, and sky blue, accented with warm ochre script details and set against off-white, light grey plank tones.

Around the mural, we suggest pairing adjacent walls with soft chalky whites, muted sea glass tones, or warm coastal greys. If you prefer higher contrast, a deep navy or slate blue on adjoining trim or furniture pieces will pick out the darker ocean tones in the illustration while keeping the overall room grounded.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, all our wallpapers are made-to-measure based on your exact wall dimensions. Custom sizing ensures the design is tailored specifically to your wall, which also helps reduce unnecessary excess paper compared to standard rolls.

Our wallpapers are PVC-free and printed on paper featuring a subtle physical structure that gives a beautiful finish on the wall. Designed to be straightforward and easy to hang, our wall murals are created to help you transform your interior with confidence.