How Murals Trick Your Brain (In the Best Way)

Discover the optical illusions, artistic techniques, and psychology behind murals that make your brain say “wow.”

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Why Murals Captivate the Human Brain

Murals do more than beautify blank walls—they engage the human brain on a deep, almost primal level. From intricate illusions to bursts of bold color, large-scale wall art grabs attention and holds it. But how?

Let’s explore the fascinating ways murals play visual tricks—and why your brain loves every second of it.

Trompe-l’œil: The Illusion That Fools the Eye

Trompe-l’œil is one of the oldest mural techniques. The term is French for “deceive the eye”. This technique creates the illusion of 3D space on a 2D surface. Imagine windows that aren’t real. Picture doorways that open to nowhere. Visualize vines that look like they’re climbing right off the wall.

This visual trickery works because your brain automatically tries to interpret depth and light. When an artist masters shadow, perspective, and detail, your mind says: “That’s real.”

Murals Direct Your Attention—On Purpose

Ever notice how your eye naturally follows certain lines or shapes in a mural?

Artists use compositional techniques like:

• Leading lines
• Vanishing points
• Strategic contrast

These all guide your gaze and manipulate your focus—like visual choreography.

It’s not just art. It’s psychological design.

Color Psychology at Play

Murals use color to tap into emotion.

• Warm tones (reds, oranges) create energy and urgency.
• Cool tones (blues, greens) calm the mind.
• High contrast creates excitement and movement.

Your brain associates these colors with memories, moods, and even physical reactions. Muralists often use this intentionally—to make a statement, lift spirits, or provoke thought.

Murals Trick You with Scale

The sheer size of a mural can make you feel small, inspired, or immersed. This isn’t just because it’s big—it’s because large-scale art activates spatial awareness in your brain.

Murals often incorporate:

• Oversized objects
• Human-scale interaction
• Immersive designs that engulf your field of vision

Murals Spark Pattern Recognition

Your brain is wired to look for faces, patterns, and symmetry. That’s why murals with repeating elements or subtle faces hidden in clouds make you pause and stare.

This creates what’s known as a “reward response” in the brain—like solving a puzzle. It’s dopamine with a brushstroke.

Bonus: Your Brain Remembers Murals Better Than Most Art

Because murals often take up your entire field of view, your brain encodes them like environments, not just images. This makes mural experiences more memorable than a quick glance at a framed painting.

Final Thoughts: Why Your Brain Loves Murals

Optical illusions and bold color choices contribute to the impact of murals. Spatial trickery and subtle cues also engage your mind on multiple levels. That’s what makes them unforgettable—and powerful.

You should understand the psychology behind murals. Whether you’re an art lover or mural enthusiast, this knowledge is valuable. This understanding adds a whole new layer to your appreciation..

Want to See These Techniques in Action?

Check out some of our featured murals in Bucks County and beyond. They are designed to awaken curiosity. These murals stir emotion and may even trick your brain in the best way.
📬 Interested in a custom mural that plays with perception? Contact Dubus Studio

Related Links

• Color Your World
• Different Techniques for Mural Creation
• Here’s What Sets Us Apart
• Mastering Mural Sketching Techniques
• Artist Mission