When you think of wallpaper, the kitchen might not be the first room that pops into your mind. But it’s actually one of the best places to add character and style. Whether you're aiming for a bold feature wall or a subtle pattern to soften the space, the right wallpaper can completely transform your kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll share our favourite kitchen wallpaper ideas to spark your creativity, plus expert tips on making the right choice from Caroline Woolmer, Head of Product Design at I Love Wallpaper.
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Can you wallpaper a kitchen?
"The short answer is yes, you absolutely can wallpaper a kitchen," says Caroline. "In fact, it's a brilliant way to add character, colour, and pattern to a space that most people wouldn't really consider."
"But there's one golden rule: choose the right wallpaper for the environment. Kitchens are busy spaces that deal with heat and steam, so it's important to go for something durable. Think vinyl finishes or specialist washable designs that are made to handle a bit of moisture and everyday mess. That said, we wouldn't recommend wallpapering areas prone to splashes, like directly behind the sink or hob. Tiles or splashbacks are still the best option there."
At I Love Wallpaper, we have washable designs that are easy to care for. Occasional marks can be simply wiped away with a damp cloth. For tips on keeping your wallpaper looking its best, read our guide on how to clean walls.
How to choose kitchen wallpaper
Whether you're giving your kitchen a complete refresh or just adding an eye-catching feature wall, choosing the right wallpaper is all about balancing style with practicality. Here’s what to consider:
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Material — Before falling in love with a design, check the product details carefully. Caroline explains: “In a kitchen, you’ll want something that can handle heat, humidity and the odd splash. Look out for vinyl wallpapers or those described as washable — these are designed to be more hardwearing and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making them ideal for busy kitchen environments.”
“However, if the wallpaper will be used in a dining area or further away from the kitchen, you don’t need to worry too much about it being washable.”
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Size and layout of the room — Your kitchen’s size and layout can help guide your wallpaper choice, but don’t feel restricted. Lighter shades and subtle prints are great for opening up smaller spaces, but dark wallpaper can work too, especially when paired with light cabinets and good lighting.
Also, consider how much wall space is actually on show. In kitchens with lots of cabinetry, a bold print in a small area can add real impact without feeling overpowering. For open-plan spaces, you might use wallpaper to define zones, like a dining area or the space around a breakfast bar.
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Colour schemes — When choosing wallpaper, think about how it will work with your existing kitchen cabinets, worktops, flooring and even appliances. Aim for colours that complement rather than compete. If your kitchen features bold-coloured cabinets, a simpler wallpaper — such as a plain texture or soft neutral — can help balance the space and tie the overall look together.
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Style of your kitchen — The style of your kitchen should influence your wallpaper choice. In modern spaces, geometric prints, clean lines and minimalist textures work well. If your kitchen leans more traditional or rustic, wood-panel or botanical wallpapers can bring warmth and charm. And for something a little more elevated, wallpapers with marble or metallic finishes offer a luxurious feel.
4 kitchen wallpaper ideas
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of our top kitchen wallpaper ideas to consider:
Wall murals
@mrandmrrose_athome styles Oriental Cranes Mural (Stone with Gold Effect)
Wall murals are a fantastic way to make a bold statement in your kitchen. Whether it’s tropical, a peaceful landscape, or something abstract, a mural can really bring the room to life.
Caroline adds: “Kitchens with dining spaces often have that one big wall that’s tricky to style. Wall murals are an easy way to create a focal point, especially if you’ve got a blank wall near your dining table that could use some attention.”
"If the wall you're decorating is away from the kitchen area, like in a dining space, you don't need to worry as much about choosing a washable wallpaper. You'll have more freedom to focus on the style."
“Try tying your mural into your colour scheme or complementing your cabinets. If you pull out some colours from the mural that match your cabinets, it’ll create a cohesive, balanced look throughout the space.”
Tone-on-tone layering
@the_bellway_victoria styles Lucia Wallpaper (Warm Gold)
“Mixing different shades of similar colours in your kitchen is a simple way to create a stylish, cohesive look,” says Caroline. “Have a look at the colours already in your kitchen and choose a wallpaper in the same shades.”
“For example, if you have a neutral kitchen with warm cream cabinets and gold handles and taps, you might choose a neutral wallpaper with subtle gold accents. Adding prints on the walls in the same tone is also a nice touch to really help tie everything together.”
And if you want to go all in, colour drenching is an excellent option. It’s when the entire room is ‘drenched’ in the same single colour. It creates a sleek, unified look and works especially well in smaller kitchens, making the space feel a little more open.
For more tips and inspiration on embracing this trend in your home, read our guide on what colour drenching is.
Brick-effect wallpaper
“If you love a more industrial or rustic style, brick-effect wallpaper can instantly add texture and warmth,” suggests Caroline. “Getting your wall back to brick isn’t easy, and you can achieve the same effect with wallpaper instead.”
“White brick works beautifully in modern kitchens with sleek lines and minimal colour, while red brick brings charm to more traditional or farmhouse-style spaces.”
“I also love when people layer prints or mirrors over brick-effect wallpaper. It adds depth and gives the space a more personalised feel, all without competing with the backdrop.”
Marble wallpaper
Caroline suggests: “Marble wallpaper is a great way to add a bit of luxury to your kitchen. The veining brings texture and depth, making your space feel more high-end. It works very well in modern kitchens, where the clean lines and sleek finishes really let the marble shine.”
“For a bit of drama, try accenting one wall with marble and keeping the rest of the kitchen fairly simple. It creates an elegant contrast that makes the wallpaper stand out.”
“You could also consider marble wallpaper with metallic accents for a really luxurious feel. Take a look at your kitchen hardware, like taps and cabinet handles, and choose a wallpaper with accents that match. For example, if you’ve got chrome handles, look for marble wallpaper with silver-toned veining. This will help tie everything together.”
Frequently asked questions
What are some modern kitchen wallpaper ideas?
“Modern kitchens are often all about sleek lines and clean finishes, but that doesn’t mean the wallpaper has to be plain, “says Caroline. “Geometric patterns or textured wallpaper can add subtle interest and create a striking backdrop in your kitchen.”
“The key is to complement the contemporary feel while introducing some warmth and character. But don’t be afraid to step outside the usual neutral palette. Bold colours or patterns, like deep blues or metallic accents, can really bring a modern kitchen to life, especially when paired with clean, minimalist lines in your fixtures and furniture.”
What are some small kitchen wallpaper ideas?
“In small kitchens, you’ll probably want to make the space feel bigger,” explains Caroline. “Lighter coloured wallpapers are your best friend — soft pastels, whites, or light greys can create the illusion of more room. Opting for subtle patterns, like fine lines or delicate textures, instead of bold patterns, can also help with this.”
“You could also use wallpaper on a feature wall. By drawing the eye to one focal point, it helps make the space feel more expansive.”
“Vertical stripes are a clever trick, as they create the illusion of height, making the room feel taller.”
“Another great option is colour drenching — using the same tone for the walls, cabinets, and trims. This creates a unified look, which works wonders in a compact kitchen, making it feel more spacious.”
What is the best wallpaper for a kitchen?
“When it comes to the best kitchen wallpaper, durability is key,” says Caroline. “You need something that can handle heat, humidity, and occasional splashes. Vinyl wallpapers are an excellent option, as they are easy to clean, moisture-resistant, and come in a wide range of designs.”
“As for the style, it really comes down to personal taste! If you’re after something timeless, soft, muted patterns, tile-effect, brick-effect, or even wood panel wallpaper are all great options that never go out of style.”
“Or, if you're looking for something more modern, geometric prints or wallpapers with metallic accents like gold, silver, or copper pair beautifully with minimalist kitchens.”
