Can you wallpaper a kitchen? Yes — with the right material and placement
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it is often the last room people think to wallpaper. That is usually down to one worry: grease, steam and splashes. Choose the right material and place it sensibly, though, and wallpaper brings warmth and personality to a kitchen like nothing else — softening all the hard surfaces of cabinetry and appliances. This guide covers which material to choose, where to use it, and the designs that suit a kitchen best.
Choosing the right material
As in a bathroom, material is the most important decision for a kitchen, where you want a surface that wipes clean. Every design can be printed on four materials, and two are made for busier, damper rooms.
Heavy-Grade Wallpaper (water-resistant)
A paste-the-wall paper with a textured vinyl coating that is extra-durable and water-resistant, and wipes clean. A solid choice for most kitchen walls away from direct splashes.
Removable Vinyl (waterproof)
A peel-and-stick material that is fully waterproof and durable, with a wipe-clean crystal-matte finish. The one to choose for the busiest spots and for a genuinely waterproof, low-fuss finish, and it comes away cleanly later.
Where to use it in a kitchen
A feature wall away from the hob and sink is the easiest and most popular choice — a dining nook, a breakfast area, an alcove, or the wall above open shelving all work well. For zones that get direct heat, grease or regular water, such as the splashback behind the hob or directly around the sink, wallpaper is not a substitute for tile, glass or a proper splashback — keep those areas protected and bring the wallpaper to the surrounding walls. Good ventilation and an extractor over the hob help any kitchen wallpaper last.
Kitchen wallpaper ideas
Botanical and leaf designs are a natural fit, bringing a fresh, garden-room feel that suits a kitchen beautifully and pairs well with plants and natural wood.
Marble effect gives a high-end, tiled look for less, and its wipe-clean, stone-like finish feels right at home in a kitchen.
Tropical designs bring colour and a lively, sociable energy to a kitchen or breakfast area.
Warm terracotta and earthy tones make a kitchen feel welcoming and rustic, especially in a country or farmhouse style.
Vintage and retro designs add character and charm, perfect for a relaxed, lived-in kitchen.
Geometric and textured designs bring a clean, modern edge that works well with contemporary units.
Choosing your colour
Green is a favourite for kitchens, from sage to deep forest, for its fresh, natural feel. Warm neutrals and terracotta make a kitchen cosy and inviting, blue feels calm and classic, and a dark design turns a dining area into a dramatic, intimate space for the evening.