Where to Hang Wallpaper in the Kitchen
Wallpaper is back, and it's bigger than ever! But in the kitchen? Here are 13 ideas for how – and where – to make it work
Wallpapered kitchens aren’t a thing of the past – these kitchens prove that wallpaper is as stylish as ever. And there are plenty of spots that can sport your favourite pattern, whether it’s behind your oven, on your ceiling or inside your pantry. If you’ve selected a wallcovering but haven’t decided where to put it yet, these 13 ideas will get your creativity cooking.
2. The island
It’s an unconventional spot for wallpaper, sure, but you can’t argue with the results. A graphic pattern along one side of the island is an ingenious alternative to standard wood panelling. The floral wallpaper here lends a mid-century mod feel to this cooking space.
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It’s an unconventional spot for wallpaper, sure, but you can’t argue with the results. A graphic pattern along one side of the island is an ingenious alternative to standard wood panelling. The floral wallpaper here lends a mid-century mod feel to this cooking space.
Browse more kitchen islands
3. The range hood
If you’ve already found a tile or stone you love, but still want to work wallpaper into the space behind your range, wrap your favourite pattern around a range hood. This can add flavour to your range design, as well as coordinate with the rest of your kitchen’s decor and surface finishes.
If you’ve already found a tile or stone you love, but still want to work wallpaper into the space behind your range, wrap your favourite pattern around a range hood. This can add flavour to your range design, as well as coordinate with the rest of your kitchen’s decor and surface finishes.
4. The ceiling
While the right light fixtures never fail to please the eye, they aren’t the only way to decorate the ceiling. A patch of wallpaper also adds dimension and character – and it pairs well with pendant lights.
While the right light fixtures never fail to please the eye, they aren’t the only way to decorate the ceiling. A patch of wallpaper also adds dimension and character – and it pairs well with pendant lights.
5. Behind open shelves
Wallpaper can enhance any open display in your kitchen. Not only will it create a visual break from your cabinetry, but it will also spruce up the dead space behind your shelving. Feel free to have fun and branch out when you’re selecting a pattern.
Create an unforgettable kitchen
Wallpaper can enhance any open display in your kitchen. Not only will it create a visual break from your cabinetry, but it will also spruce up the dead space behind your shelving. Feel free to have fun and branch out when you’re selecting a pattern.
Create an unforgettable kitchen
6. As a wainscot
Wallpaper can complement paint, tile or wood panelling, so don’t hesitate to incorporate it in your wainscot design. This white farmhouse kitchen achieves a classic look with blue patterned wallpaper combined with crisp white wood panels.
Wallpaper can complement paint, tile or wood panelling, so don’t hesitate to incorporate it in your wainscot design. This white farmhouse kitchen achieves a classic look with blue patterned wallpaper combined with crisp white wood panels.
7. Behind the oven
The area behind the oven is often prime real estate, so take advantage of the spotlight with a statement-making wall covering. Wallpaper can have a dramatic impact if you put it on your kitchen’s lone splashback wall. The designer of this contemporary Texas kitchen chose a rich wallpaper design that ties the space’s black-and-white motif together.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WALLPAPER: Many kitchen activities such as food prep and washing dishes can put your wallpaper at risk for stains, loose seams and marring from repeated cleanings. Small seams and nicks in wallpaper can absorb liquids and cause damage. The best time to protect wallpaper is before any damage is done. Here are some preventative tips:
1. Quick cleanup: Clean any splattered liquids from wallpaper immediately.
2. Specialised wallpaper: Select stain-resistant wallpaper designed for kitchens and baths.
3. Caulking: Caulk wallpaper seams with a clear silicone or latex caulk.
4. Wallpaper sealer: Coat your entire wallpaper with a clear acrylic sealer to create a water-resistant film.
5. Acrylic panel: For particularly high-use areas (behind the sink or stove, for instance), a clear acrylic panel may be the best protection for wallpaper.
The area behind the oven is often prime real estate, so take advantage of the spotlight with a statement-making wall covering. Wallpaper can have a dramatic impact if you put it on your kitchen’s lone splashback wall. The designer of this contemporary Texas kitchen chose a rich wallpaper design that ties the space’s black-and-white motif together.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WALLPAPER: Many kitchen activities such as food prep and washing dishes can put your wallpaper at risk for stains, loose seams and marring from repeated cleanings. Small seams and nicks in wallpaper can absorb liquids and cause damage. The best time to protect wallpaper is before any damage is done. Here are some preventative tips:
1. Quick cleanup: Clean any splattered liquids from wallpaper immediately.
2. Specialised wallpaper: Select stain-resistant wallpaper designed for kitchens and baths.
3. Caulking: Caulk wallpaper seams with a clear silicone or latex caulk.
4. Wallpaper sealer: Coat your entire wallpaper with a clear acrylic sealer to create a water-resistant film.
5. Acrylic panel: For particularly high-use areas (behind the sink or stove, for instance), a clear acrylic panel may be the best protection for wallpaper.
8. The entire splashback
If you’re hooked on the idea of a graphic splashback and are not so fond of tile and natural stone, wallpaper can do the trick. Opt for a floral pattern in soft pastel colours for a traditional and elegant design. Just take steps to protect the wallpaper, as outlined in the previous item.
If you’re hooked on the idea of a graphic splashback and are not so fond of tile and natural stone, wallpaper can do the trick. Opt for a floral pattern in soft pastel colours for a traditional and elegant design. Just take steps to protect the wallpaper, as outlined in the previous item.
9. An eat-in space
Have a built-in seating area in your kitchen? The surrounding walls are a perfect place for a dose of colour or an intriguing pattern. The geometric pattern here adds a vibrant touch to this contemporary kitchen, and coordinates with the space’s green accessories and artwork.
Have a built-in seating area in your kitchen? The surrounding walls are a perfect place for a dose of colour or an intriguing pattern. The geometric pattern here adds a vibrant touch to this contemporary kitchen, and coordinates with the space’s green accessories and artwork.
10. A bar area
Wallpaper doesn’t always have to exactly match your kitchen design. If you have a wet or dry bar tucked away in your kitchen, mix it up by adorning the interior walls and splashback with a unique or colourful covering.
Home bars in all shapes and sizes
Wallpaper doesn’t always have to exactly match your kitchen design. If you have a wet or dry bar tucked away in your kitchen, mix it up by adorning the interior walls and splashback with a unique or colourful covering.
Home bars in all shapes and sizes
11. Over the peninsula
Open peninsulas with bar-style seating are an entertainer’s calling card. The right kind of wallpaper will give you and your guests something to admire during happy hour. This contemporary kitchen’s warm striped pattern invites guests to pull up a chair and join the conversation.
Open peninsulas with bar-style seating are an entertainer’s calling card. The right kind of wallpaper will give you and your guests something to admire during happy hour. This contemporary kitchen’s warm striped pattern invites guests to pull up a chair and join the conversation.
13. The pantry
Fetching your food doesn’t have to be a boring task. Whether it’s contemporary, traditional, colourful or black and white, a wallpapered backdrop is a fun addition to the pantry.
TELL US
Have you cooked up interesting style with wallpaper in your kitchen? Share a photo in the Comments section.
MORE
Browse more whimsical wallpaper
Fetching your food doesn’t have to be a boring task. Whether it’s contemporary, traditional, colourful or black and white, a wallpapered backdrop is a fun addition to the pantry.
TELL US
Have you cooked up interesting style with wallpaper in your kitchen? Share a photo in the Comments section.
MORE
Browse more whimsical wallpaper
An accent wall with an eclectic pattern can be as much of a conversation starter as any piece of art. If you don’t have an art collection, turn to an abstract design to get your creative fix.