Wallpaper - On The Waves

Created by Sue Schlabach, our On The Waves wallpaper captures an artistic maritime motif rendered in soft, weathered chalky white against a warm, neutral eggshell backdrop with a woven-looking canvas visual texture. The central illustration depicts a stylized mermaid gracefully floating in profile, complete with sweeping linework through the hair and tail alongside a subtle anchor crest in the corner. As part of our collection of mural wallpapers, this design is made-to-measure to your exact wall dimensions and printed on PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure.

In the room

Because the motif centers on a single sweeping figurative illustration with generous negative space around it, we find this wall mural works best when given an uninterrupted feature wall. In a primary bedroom or guest room, placing the design behind a low headboard allows the curve of the mermaid’s tail and silhouette to remain fully visible. It also brings a gentle, nostalgic character to a nursery, children's room, or playroom, where the storybook quality can take center stage. For a dedicated dressing room or bathroom wall away from direct splashes, the quiet neutral tone keeps the surrounding space feeling open while still introducing distinct artistic character.

Styling it

We recommend pairing this design with relaxed, natural interior elements that echo its vintage maritime charm. Unfinished or lightly whitewashed woods, such as weathered pine or pale oak, complement the warm canvas-like background without competing for attention. Simple, tactile linen drapery and soft cotton bedding in off-white or unbleached tones help maintain an airy, coastal cottage feel. If you prefer to incorporate metal accents in mirrors or cabinet hardware, brushed antique brass or matte dark bronze provides an understated contrast that grounds the lighter palette.

Color combinations

The artwork itself relies on a minimal palette of warm eggshell, soft sandy beige, and chalky white. When choosing paint colors for adjacent walls and moldings, we suggest leaning into creamy neutrals, soft linen tones, or gentle warm off-whites to let the wallpaper feel like a seamless part of the room. If you want to introduce subtle contrast through textiles, painted accent furniture, or trim, muted sage greens, dusty ocean blues, or soft driftwood grays pair naturally with the coastal theme without overwhelming the artwork's quiet restraint.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are made-to-measure based on your specific wall dimensions. Producing each order individually helps reduce unnecessary excess wallpaper compared to buying standard pre-packaged rolls. Our wallpapers are PVC-free, printed on paper with a subtle physical structure, and designed to be straightforward to hang. We offer wallpaper solutions suited to different living situations and interior projects, whether you own your home or rent.