Wall decals are an accessible, stylish way to transform a space and express personal style. But when you’re ready to refresh your wall décor, you’ll face the decision: should you go with a pre-designed decal (ready to order and apply) or a custom design created just for your room? In this post, we’ll explore the advantages and trade-offs of each option, help you decide what’s right for you, and show how to make the most of either choice—especially with the wide selection available at Kraftmatics.
What do we mean by “pre-designed” vs “custom”?
- Pre-designed decals are ready-made from the inventory of a brand or retailer. You choose a design, a size (or maybe from a few size options), and then apply it. The design, shape, color palette, and layout are fixed (or nearly so).
- Custom decals are made to your specifications: you may choose your own artwork or request a unique layout, custom size, bespoke color, or even personalized text (e.g., your name, a quote, a family logo). The manufacturer prints to your specs.
Why the choice matters
Choosing the right type of decal matters because it affects:
- How well the decal fits your space (size, shape, layout).
- How much effort, cost, and lead-time you’ll incur.
- How unique or personal the result will feel.
- How much flexibility you have (in terms of size, colors, or repositioning).
- Whether the outcome aligns with your budget and timeline.
At Kraftmatics, we offer a broad collection of ready designs (check out the All Products page) but also encourage customization when needed—either by selecting size/color variations or working with custom specs. Our Our Vision makes clear that we believe in design that adapts to your space, not the other way around.
Pros of Pre-Designed Wall Decals
- Cost-effective
Because the design work is already done, pre-designed decals generally cost less than custom jobs. The printing and manufacturing are standardized, which keeps costs down. For example, many sources cite that ready-made decals transform spaces affordably. (Layer Play) - Faster turnaround
Since you pick a design and size and it’s shipped directly, you don’t wait for design proofs or custom manufacturing. If you want to apply the decal now, this is often the easier path. - Proven designs
Retail-ready decals may have been used by many customers already, so you can see examples, reviews, and how they look in real spaces. This reduces risk. - Ease of selection and installation
Because the design is set, you only need to pick size and color (in some cases). Installation tends to be straightforward. Many guides on decal application focus on ready-made decals. (Urban Splatter) - Less decision‐fatigue
If you’re not a designer and you just want a good result without making many creative decisions, pre-designed is a safe bet.
Cons of Pre-Designed Wall Decals
- Fit may not be perfect
The size, shape or layout may not align ideally with your wall. Maybe the decal is slightly too large, too small, or the colors don’t match your palette exactly. - Less uniqueness
Because it’s a stock design, others may have used the same decal. If you’re looking for something unique or personal (e.g., a family name, custom quote, specific artwork) then you may feel limited. - Less control over color/size/placement
Some pre-designed decals offer variations, but you may not get full control over all the parameters (e.g., custom color shade, exact shape).
Potential for mismatch in décor
If the design was made for a “typical” wall but your wall has odd dimensions, windows, niche cut-outs, or special lighting, you might face challenges.
Pros of Custom Wall Decals
- Perfect fit for your space
With custom decals you can specify exactly what size, shape, color and design you want—so that it fits your wall, your décor, and your vision. For example, design guides stress the importance of sizing, color palette and complementary décor when doing custom work. (hyper-creative.co.uk) - Unique and personalized
A custom decal allows you to express your personality, brand, or story. For example, you might include a family name, a quote that’s meaningful to you, or a bespoke illustration. This makes your space one-of-a-kind. - Branding or specialized use
If you’re decorating a business, studio, or want a statement piece, custom decals allow you to incorporate logos, mission statements, or specific visual identity. Sources highlight how custom vinyl graphics are used for branding and identity. (blog.huetion.com) - Flexibility in design features
You can choose special finishes, unusual shapes, or adapt the design to tricky surfaces (e.g., wrap around a beam, go above cabinets). The expressiveness is high.
Cons of Custom Wall Decals
- Higher cost
Because you’re designing something specific and likely manufacturing it to custom specs, cost is usually higher than ready-made. There’s design time, proofing, sometimes setup fees. - Longer lead time
Custom means you may wait for design proofs, approvals, and manufacturing. If you’re on a tight schedule, that can be a factor. - More decisions to make
You’ll need to make choices—design, color, layout, size, surface compatibility—that you might not be comfortable doing alone. Mistakes in these decisions can affect outcome. - Potential for something not quite as expected
Since it’s bespoke, you may not have as many real-room examples to preview. Even with mock-ups, unexpected issues (surface irregularities, lighting) may affect how the final product looks.
How to decide: Custom vs Pre-Designed for your space
Here are some questions to help determine which option is right for you:
- What’s your budget?
If budget is tight, pre-designed is more economical. If you have flexibility and want something unique, custom is worth the investment. - How unique do you want it to be?
If you’re content with a great design that someone else may also have, pre-designed works. If you want something personal—your name, your phrase, a brand logo—go custom. - What are your wall dimensions and conditions?
If your wall is a standard size and shape, pre-designed may fit fine. But if it’s odd-sized, has many cut-outs/windows, or you want the design to wrap or integrate with architecture, custom may be better. - What’s your time-frame?
Need the decal quickly? Pre-designed wins for speed. If you have time for a custom process, go that route. - How confident are you in the design process?
If you’re comfortable selecting colors/benchmarks and you like decision-making, custom is viable. If you’d rather someone “choose the design and it just works,” pre-designed is simpler.
What’s the purpose of the space?
For a bedroom or a child’s room, a beautiful pre-designed decal may be perfect. For a business lobby, brand café, or a statement living-room wall you’ll photograph, custom might give you the edge.
How Kraftmatics helps with both options
At Kraftmatics, we recognise both paths: the convenience of pre-designed decals and the creative freedom of custom. On our All Products page you’ll find an extensive collection of ready-to-order decals in various styles and sizes. If your space or vision demands something special, our team is ready to assist. We can talk through your dimensions, suggest color adjustments, or explore custom quote options.
Our commitment to quality, as outlined in our Our Vision, means that whether you choose pre-designed or custom, you get premium materials, easy installation, and a product that looks as good as the vision you had.
We provide helpful resources like our How to Apply Wall Decals guide to ensure your installation goes smoothly—whether stock or custom.
For questions, measurement help, or special requirements, feel free to reach out on our Contact Page. We’re here to support you from design to application.
Installation & Compatibility Considerations (applies to both)
Whether you go pre-designed or custom, keep in mind these installation and surface factors:
- Surface must be clean, dry, and smooth. Dust, grease or textured walls reduce adhesion. Many sources highlight this. (Urban Splatter)
- Freshly painted walls should have 2-3 weeks cure time before applying decals.
- Irregular surfaces, heavy texture, or high-humidity rooms may pose challenges (and may benefit from custom material choices).
- Color palette: your decal’s colors should complement the wall color and room décor. Custom design can help you match exactly; pre-designed may require you to adapt your décor.
- Scale: the decal size should suit your wall—too large may overwhelm, too small may look lost. Guides for custom design stress this. (hyper-creative.co.uk)
- Removability: One of the key benefits of decals is that they can come off cleanly, especially if the adhesive is high quality and no damage is done to the wall underneath.
- Maintenance: Vinyl decals are low-maintenance, easy to dust. (hyper-creative.co.uk)
- Lighting and viewing angle: If a decal is in direct sunlight or under strong lighting, colors may fade or contrast may reduce over time.
Cost Comparison – What to Expect
While exact pricing varies widely depending on size, material, design complexity and customization level, here’s a rough guideline:
- Pre-Designed Decal: Fixed design, standard sizes (e.g., 24″ x 36″, 48″ width). Cost may be in the lower to mid range for wall décor, with minimal extra fees.
- Custom Decal: You may pay for design time (custom artwork, layout), custom sizing or color adjustments, and possibly special material or finishing (e.g., metallic vinyl, textured finish). Lead time may be longer.
In many cases, the premium for custom might be moderate (e.g., +20-50 %) if you’re simply selecting a non-standard size or color. But if you require very large scale, intricate artwork or unusual finish, the cost can be significantly higher.
When Pre-Designed Is the Right Choice
- You have a standard-sized wall and found a design you love that fits well.
- Your budget is limited and you want a quality result without high cost.
- You want a fast turnaround and minimal decision-making.
- You’re decorating a room where uniqueness is less critical (e.g., a rental or a guest room).
- You like one of the designs in the ready-made collection (check All Products) and it fits your décor.
When Custom Is the Right Choice
- Your wall is non-standard (odd shape, cut-outs, architectural feature) and you need a tailored fit.
- You want to express a personal or brand-specific message (family name, quote, logo).
- You’re decorating a high-impact space (e.g., feature wall, business lobby) and want something unique.
- You have a flexible budget/timeframe and are willing to work through creative decisions.
- You want to match exact colors or finishings in your décor.
- You foresee long-term usage or expect the décor to be photographed or featured (so uniqueness matters).
Hybrid Approaches
Sometimes the best solution lies in a hybrid approach:
- Choose a pre-designed decal, but request a custom size or custom color variant. Many companies, including Kraftmatics, support this kind of variation.
- Start with a pre-designed template and add a personal element (e.g., your child’s name, date, a small custom accent) to combine economies of scale with personalization.
- Use pre-designed decals for multiple rooms (to save cost) and reserve custom decals for a focal wall (where uniqueness matters).
This gives you a balance of cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and personalization.
Real-Life Example Scenarios
- Rental Apartment Living Room: You find a living-room friendly decal on the All Products page that fits the wall above the sofa. The size is standard, the color palette works with your furniture, and you want it fast and affordable. Pre-designed is perfect.
- Home Office Brand Wall: You have a remote-work setup and want the wall behind you (which appears on video calls) to carry your business logo, a tagline, and match your brand colors. The wall is slightly wide and has a niche. Custom makes sense.
- Kid’s Room with Unique Shape: The wall includes a slanted ceiling, window alcove and built-in shelf. A pre-designed decal may not fit nicely. Custom allows the decal to wrap the shape and integrate with shelf height.
Business Reception Area: The space is photographed frequently, you want wow-factor, and you have branding guidelines (logo size, color Pantone, finish). Custom decal gives you creative control and high impact.
Questions to Ask Before You Order (Either Option)
- What are the exact wall dimensions (width, height, cut-outs, niches)?
- What surface is it (painted drywall, textured wall, glass, tile)?
- What colors are in the room, and how will the decal colors work with them?
- What finish do you want (matte, gloss, texture)?
- What is the expected usage / lifespan? (Temporary décor vs long-term installation).
- Can the decal be removed cleanly in future?
- Installation (who will install, what tools needed)?
- Lead time and cost—what’s included?
- Does the decal manufacturer provide installation guidance (see our How to Apply Wall Decals page for reference)?
- If custom, what is the proofing process? Are you comfortable making design decisions (layout, color, scale)?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Choosing a design that’s too small or large for the space. Make sure to measure and check scale.
- Ignoring the wall surface (texture, paint finish, moisture): this affects adhesion and longevity. Pre-designed might assume a flat surface, whereas custom gives you the chance to choose a material suited to your wall.
- Picking colors that don’t read well under room lighting: Always test or view a mock-up if possible.
- Rushing installation: Whether decal is pre-designed or custom, proper surface prep and careful application matter (see “How to Apply” guide).
- Thinking you’ll reuse a decal designed for a different space: Fit and finish may suffer.
- Leaving oversized decals unbalanced: A huge decal on a narrow wall may feel heavy; a tiny decal on a large blank wall may feel lost.
- Not considering future changes: If you plan to repaint or redecorate soon, a less-expensive pre-designed solution might be wiser.
Final Recommendation
If you’re looking for a beautiful, efficient solution that fits standard walls and doesn’t require heavy customization, go with a pre-designed decal. Browse the collection at Kraftmatics, select a design that speaks to you, and apply with confidence.
If instead you’re aiming for a unique, tailored solution that reflects your personality or brand and fits a specific wall scenario, invest in a custom decal. Accept the higher cost and design effort for the reward of uniqueness and perfect fit.
Remember: at Kraftmatics, we support both routes. Whether you choose a ready-to-go design or want to explore custom options, we’re here to help you create a space that you’ll love. Visit our Contact page for any questions or custom requests.
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