Using Wallpaper in Your Kitchen
Wallpaper has made a comeback, and it’s a great design choice for any area of your home — including the kitchen. If you’re surprised that wallpaper can be used in the kitchen, you’ll be even more surprised to discover all the different ways you can use it to bring style, color, texture, pattern and more to the heart of your home. If you’re unsure about the durability of wallpaper where splashes, spills and spatters are prone to happen, you can find wallpaper specifically designed with washable, scrubbable and stain-resistant features. For renters, removable and peel-and-stick wallpapers give you just as much opportunity to use wallpaper in your space without making a big investment or worrying about damage. These types of wallpaper are easy to install, so you can get a new look without the mess or dry time.
Whether you’re considering something subtle, bold, floral or modern, there are many wallpaper patterns, themes and colors to choose from. The style of your wallpaper combined with where you decide to hang it are key factors in transforming your kitchen. We’ve compiled 10 wallpaper ideas for your kitchen to inspire you to give your kitchen a new look. Check them out below.
Add Wallpaper to Your Cabinets
Lining the backs of your cabinets with wallpaper creates a beautiful backdrop for dishes and glassware, especially if you have glass-front cabinets. But even if you don’t, you’ll reveal a hint of style every time you open the cabinets. For colored cabinetry, keep the look cohesive by choosing a coordinating wallpaper. Or bring the print or pattern to the outside of your cabinets and cover the front panels — an easy cabinet update, especially for shaker-style cabinets.
Use Wallpaper as a Backsplash
With wallpaper, you can update your backsplash without the hassle of tile and grout — but you can still achieve a tiled look using a wallpaper that mimics the material, if that’s your goal. If you’re thinking about using the backsplash as a statement, patterned wallpaper is a good choice, and you can go as bold or subtle as you want with the design. Want a different take? Instead of an entire backsplash, you can zero in on a specific space to let wallpaper shine, like behind the range or kitchen sink. Keep in mind that these areas are prone to things like high heat and splashes, which can damage your wallpaper.
If your cabinets don’t go all the way to the ceiling, extend the wallpaper used for the back splash so that it fills the blank space above your cabinetry.
Dress Up Your Island
Give your kitchen island some character by covering the base with wallpaper. If it’s already the focal point of the room, make it stand out even more with a colorful, richly patterned or textured wallpaper. Your wallpaper choice can also play into the existing color scheme, adding interest without overwhelming the overall look.
Define an Eat-In Kitchen Nook
Breakfast nooks and other built-in dining spaces off the kitchen can come to life with a little bit of wallpaper. Though they’re technically part of the kitchen, enhance these cozy places with a look of their own to enjoy meals.
Make Your Pantry Pretty
Purely functional spaces like pantries don’t have to be boring. Add wallpaper behind pantry shelves to make the space more fun, even if it’s behind closed doors. Not only will it make the space feel less like storage, but it’ll create a nice backdrop for the dry goods, extra dishware and small appliances you keep there.
Wallpaper the Ceiling
A wallpapered ceiling is a great way to make a statement in your kitchen. Draw wallpaper color inspiration from any accents or accessories in the kitchen to tie everything together and make the space feel unified.
Accent Open Shelving
Make open shelving really pop by lining the wall behind the shelves with wallpaper. Since the area being covered probably isn’t too large, this is a good opportunity to try out a bolder wallpaper color or pattern — just make sure it still complements the overall look of your kitchen.
Enhance a Small Kitchen
Wondering about small kitchen wallpaper ideas? Even if your space feels more like a kitchenette, you can still bring wallpaper into its design. To keep the pattern or color from overwhelming the space, choose an accent wall to paper and paint the other walls in a coordinating shade to match. Or opt for a wallpaper design that’s lighter and airier to keep the space feeling open.
Choose a Fun Pattern or Theme
Kitchens can be hotspots for showcasing a fun theme. Whether the print is food related, travel inspired, botanical or something else, wallpaper can take an ordinary kitchen and turn it into a space that makes cooking and mealtime so much more exciting.
Get Ready to Wallpaper Your Kitchen
Wallpaper is a versatile and stylish way to update your kitchen, offering color, texture and personality in both bold and subtle designs. Options include washable, scrubbable and stain-resistant materials, as well as removable peel-and-stick varieties that are ideal for renters or easy updates. Whether you’re lining your cabinets and pantry, dressing up your island, using it as a backsplash, accenting open shelving, refreshing a breakfast nook or wallpapering the ceiling, there are many creative ways to enhance small kitchens and large ones alike. Wallpaper can be a way to embrace a fun theme or mimic high-end materials like marble, brick or wood for a budget-friendly alternative. Find wallpaper selections online as well as all the tools and supplies you need to install it. Use our Wallpaper Calculator to help determine how much wallpaper you’ll need. You can also stop by your local Lowe’s store where a Red Vest associate can help ensure you find everything you need to transform the heart of the home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Wallpaper in Your Kitchen
Can You Use Wallpaper in a Kitchen?
Yes, you can. Wallpaper is becoming more of a popular design choice for kitchens, but since these areas are prone to heat, moisture and grease, it’s important to consider placement. Look for wallpaper that can handle these conditions, like washable, scrubbable and stain-resistant options, and think carefully about using it in areas directly exposed to water or heavy splatter and heat.
What Type of Wallpaper is Best for Kitchens?
Vinyl wallpaper is the most durable choice. It's easy to clean and there’s no shortage of patterns and colors to choose from. Peel-and-stick vinyl options, especially for rentals, are good since they’re easy to remove and replace, as well as wallpapers that are washable and scrubbable.
Can You Put Wallpaper Behind a Stove or Sink?
Heat, grease and water splashes can damage wallpaper and cause it to peel, so consider adding a clear glass backsplash panel over the wallpaper behind sinks and stoves or keep it out of these areas altogether.
Will Humidity Make Wallpaper Peel?
It can. To try and prevent damage from humidity, use moisture-resistant wallpaper, prime your walls properly before applying wallpaper, ensure your kitchen has good ventilation and seal edges carefully during installation.
How Do You Clean Wallpaper in a Kitchen?
It depends on the material. For vinyl and washable wallpaper, wiping with mild soap and water should do the trick. Scrubbable wallpaper can handle gentle scrubbing. For wallpapers listed as non-washable, simply dust lightly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive pads when cleaning.
Can Wallpaper Replace a Backsplash?
Visually, yes. Functionally, no. Wallpaper alone isn’t designed to fully replace a tile or solid backsplash, especially in high-splash areas. However, it can still be used as a backsplash but consider adding a glass panel over the wallpaper or wallpapering above a tile backsplash to enhance protection.
Is Wallpaper a Good Idea for Small Kitchens?
Yes. It can add personality without a major renovation. Use vertical patterns to make a small space feel taller, horizontal or light patterns to make it feel wider, or use a bold pattern or print to create a focal point.
What Are the Most Popular Kitchen Wallpaper Styles Right Now?
Some of the most popular wallpaper styles include botanical prints, subtle textured neutrals, faux tile or brick, modern geometric patterns and vintage florals — all of which you can find at Lowe’s.