Kitchen wallpaper can totally transform the look and feel of your cooking space. From pretty floral prints to geometric patterns and nature-inspired scenes, wallpaper offers a fun, unexpected way to decorate the heart of your home. Keep reading for lots of amazing kitchen wallpaper ideas to inspire your next remodel or decorating project!
Why Choose Wallpaper for Your Kitchen?
Wallpaper has made a major comeback in recent years as homeowners move away from sterile, all-white kitchens in favor of cozier, more personality-filled spaces. Here are some of the benefits of using wallpaper in your kitchen:
- Adds visual interest. Plain painted walls can feel uninspired. Wallpaper brings color, texture and pattern to create a focal point.
- Easy to change. Tired of your current wallpaper? Swap it out for a whole new look in no time. Much simpler than repainting.
- Durability. Today’s wallpapers are designed to withstand moisture, grease and daily wear-and-tear in busy kitchens.
- Affordable. With so many choices available, you can find stylish wallpaper for every budget.
- DIY friendly. Many papers have pre-pasted backs for easy application. No special skills needed!
Pretty & Feminine Kitchen Wallpapers
Floral prints, delicate prints, pastels and other pretty designs are a lovely choice for vintage-style and cottage kitchens. Here are some top picks:
Fresh Florals
What’s prettier than fresh flowers? Choose wallpaper splashed with colorful blooms, botanical prints or subtle floral textures to bring the beauty of nature indoors.
Pretty in pink! Peachy pink roses look gorgeous against white cabinetry. Source
A blue floral wallpaper border brings a taste of nature to this sunny kitchen. Source
Chintz
With their signature busy prints and vibrant colors, chintz wallpapers are the perfect way to create an English cottage-style kitchen.
This red chintz print looks positively cheery against the bright white cabinetry. Source
A classic blue and white chintz print coupled with antique-inspired furnishings gives this kitchen charming vintage appeal. Source
Delicate Prints
Subtle tone-on-tone prints, embroidered designs, textured patterns and more delicate options add a hint of femininity without overpowering the space.
The embroidered medallion design of this wallpaper is pretty without being too busy. Source
A textured paisley wallpaper in soft purple and gray is an elegant choice for a feminine kitchen.Source
Pastels
From minty greens to dreamy lavenders, pastel wallpaper colors feel perfectly at home in romantic kitchens. Consider layering pastels with white cabinetry for a light and airy look.
This mint green floral wallpaper pairs nicely with the marble countertops for a soft, feminine look. Source
Pale purple painted wallpaper let’s the adorable kitchen accessories shine. Source
Fun & Quirky Wallpapers for Kitchens
Why choose boring kitchen wallpaper when you can have fun? From bold graphic prints to playful themes, quirky and contemporary wallpapers are a great choice for modern kitchen designs.
Geometric Patterns
From triangles to zig zags and every shape in between, geometric wallpaper patterns add eye-catching visual impact to kitchen walls.
Make a bold statement with a zig-zag or chevron pattern. Here, a kelly green design gives the traditional kitchen a major pop of color. Source
Love hypnotic patterns? Try a cool geometric print like this one. The vibrant blue looks fantastic against the bright white cabinetry. Source
Pop Culture Prints
Let your personality shine with a pop culture wallpaper featuring fun icons, famous quotes or characters from your favorite TV shows and movies.
Pop art-inspired wallpaper like this comic book design is a fun, unexpected choice for kitchen walls. Source
For a dose of nostalgia, try wallpaper with retro TV or movie quotes and images, like this one referencing _The Brady Bunch. Source
Contemporary Prints
Bold, graphic prints in black, white and pops of color have a modern, trendy feel perfect for contemporary kitchen designs.
Make a bold statement with an abstract black and white print like this one. Contemporary meets glam! Source
For a punch of color, opt for graphic wallpaper in shades like teal, chartreuse, violet or mustard yellow. This large-scale abstract design really makes a statement! Source
Wallpaper Ideas for Small Kitchens
Don’t let a tiny kitchen deter you from using gorgeous wallpaper! You can help make a small space feel open and airy with these tips:
- Go light and bright. Choose pale wallpaper colors like white, cream, light grey or pastels.
- Skip large-scale prints. They can be overwhelming. Opt for smaller patterns instead.
- Add visual interest at eye level. Use a wallpaper border or decorative tiles to draw the eye up.
- Highlight one wall. Wallpapering every wall in a small kitchen can make it feel boxed-in. Stick to just one focal accent wall.
- Use clever illusions. Place a mirror or reflective wallpaper to add depth.
Wallpaper that mimics 3D ceramic tiles makes this small kitchen feel light and spacious. Source
A striped wallpaper border draws the eye upward in this petite kitchen. Source
Unexpected Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas
Looking for something truly unique? Get inspired by these unexpected, creative wallpaper ideas for one-of-a-kind kitchen style:
Blackboard Wallpaper
Chalkboard wallpaper lets you write fun messages, scribble down grocery lists or get creative! Use chalk to constantly change up the look.
Blackboard wallpaper provides the perfect space for playful scribbling and fun. Source
Faux Brick
Want exposed brick charm but can’t remove plaster walls? Faux brick wallpaper offers the look without the hassle. Go modern with white painted brick or traditional with red.
White brick wallpaper gives this kitchen warmth and an urban loft vibe. Source
Wallpaper “Rug”
Use wallpaper that mimics an area rug to zone your kitchen and give it a cozy feel without taking up valuable floor space.
This graphic black and white design resembles an area rug for a fun modern twist. Source
Faux Molding
Add architectural detail with wallpaper that mimics sculptural molding and trimwork. A budget-friendly alternative to the real thing!
This wallpaper creates the look of bold molding and shiplap for only a fraction of the cost. Source
“Open Shelving” Trompe L’oeil
Clever wallpaper creates the convincingly real look of floating open shelves stacked with dishes, cookbooks and cute kitchenware!
This wallpaper mimics builtin shelves and fun accessories without the work! Source
Tips for Installing Kitchen Wallpaper
Wallpaper can totally transform your kitchen, but it’s important to first prep your space properly. Follow these pro tips:
- Remove existing wallpaper and repair any damaged areas. Smooth textured walls for best results.
- Wash walls thoroughly then apply primer-sealer to prevent stains bleeding through wallpaper.
- For moisture-prone kitchens, use mold-resistant wallpaper and adhesive made for bathrooms/kitchens.
- Take exact measurements and cut wallpaper to fit each wall, allowing for pattern repeat and trimming.
- Always follow wallpaper manufacturer’s prep and installation instructions carefully.
- Use a plastic smoother to press out any air bubbles as you go to reduce wrinkles.
- For corners and edges, wrap wallpaper seam under and trim for a neat finish.
With the right prep and technique, wallpapering your kitchen is very doable! But if you prefer to leave it to the pros, hire an experienced wallpaper installer for optimal results.
FAQs About Kitchen Wallpaper
Still have questions about choosing and installing kitchen wallpaper? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is wallpaper durable enough for kitchens?
Yes, when properly sealed and cared for, today’s wallpapers are formulated to stand up to moisture, grease splatters and heavy activity in kitchens. Choose washable papers with a protective overcoat.
What’s the best wallpaper for kitchens?
Vinyl-coated papers clean up easily and resist water and stains, making them a great choice for kitchens prone to grease and food splashes. Pre-pasted papers are also handy for easier DIY installation.
Should I wallpaper just one kitchen wall?
A single accent wall with wallpaper can provide plenty of visual impact while keeping the look from getting too busy. But don’t be afraid to paper multiple walls if you want a cohesive patterned motif throughout the kitchen.