Wallpaper’s Comeback
Wallpaper is having a moment, especially with the rise of removable and peel-and-stick options that make it easy to install and low risk. We’re seeing wallpaper making its way back into kitchens, and there’s nothing vintage about it — unless that’s the look you’re going for.
To determine how much wallpaper you’ll need for your next project, use our Wallpaper Calculator.
Why Use Wallpaper in the Kitchen?
It may seem counterintuitive to use wallpaper instead of paint or tile in your kitchen, but the reality is that wallpaper can be cleaned just like any other surface in your home. If you’re wary, you can seek out types of wallpaper that are designed to be easy to clean or resistant to staining and moisture damage to ensure you’re choosing something durable and long lasting.
Wallpaper is also a home accent that’s renter friendly. There are lots of removable and peel-and-stick wallpapers on the market that allow you to dress up your home without making too great of an investment or losing your security deposit on a rental. Unlike paint, these types of wallpaper are mess-free and won’t take extra time to dry.
If you’re considering using wallpaper in your kitchen but aren’t entirely sure how to incorporate it, we’ve compiled a few kitchen wallpaper ideas to inspire you.
Wallpaper the Inside of Your Cabinets
If you have cabinets with glass front panels or open shelving instead of overhead cabinets, the addition of wallpaper can act as a great backdrop for your dishes and glassware. If you have colored cabinetry, choose a coordinating wallpaper pattern that’ll complement the color of your cabinets.
Install Kitchen Backsplash Wallpaper
The wall space right above your kitchen counter is a great place for a backsplash or for a strip of eye-catching wallpaper. Choose something vibrant and interesting that’ll draw attention and become just as much of a centerpiece as any backsplash. You can cut removable wallpaper to the correct size or find a wallpaper mural that’ll suit your space.
Get the Look of Other Materials
Materials like tile, marble and wood can be beautiful accents in your kitchen, but they can also be expensive. If you love the look of a tile backsplash but need a budget-friendly alternative, consider wallpaper printed with a tile design. If you’re interested in marble or wood paneling, those looks can also be achieved with temporary wallpaper that won’t break the bank.
Create Zones With Wallpaper
If your dining table is in your kitchen, or if you’re trying to create a cozy breakfast nook in one corner, you can use wallpaper to help visually separate that area from the rest of the kitchen. For a table or booth in a corner, wrap the wallpaper around the corner to fully encapsulate the space.
Dress Up Your Island
Don’t neglect your kitchen island, particularly if it’s large and the focal point of your kitchen space. Make your island pop in a neutral kitchen by covering the base with a colorful, richly patterned or textured wallpaper that’ll add depth to the room.
Make Your Kitchenette Yours
You don’t need to have a sprawling kitchen to utilize wallpaper. In fact, if your kitchen is more of a kitchenette, consider choosing a brightly patterned wallpaper to make it stand out and give you a reason to smile when you make your coffee or cook dinner.
If you have a small kitchen, then covering all the walls might make it feel visually overloaded. Instead, consider choosing one accent wall and only applying the wallpaper to that wall. You can paint the adjacent walls a coordinating color to bring the room together.
Put Wallpaper in the Pantry
Even if your pantry is behind a door, you can still make it part of the décor. Liven up your pantry with a funky wallpaper behind the shelves for a playful pop.
Choose Travel-Inspired Prints
Turn your kitchen into an escape with wallpaper prints that evoke a favorite travel destination. Muted florals can conjure the French countryside, while Mediterranean tile prints will make you feel like you’re in Greece.