Kitchens are busy spaces filled with cooking, moisture, and daily activity, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners wonder: Can wallpaper really be used in the kitchen?
The answer is yes — with the right material and in the right locations. Wallpaper can add warmth, pattern, and personality to a kitchen, but it’s important to understand where it performs well and where it’s better to choose more moisture-resistant surfaces like tile or paint. Here’s what you need to know before adding wallpaper to your kitchen design.
Where Wallpaper Works Well in a Kitchen
Wallpaper doesn’t have to be limited to bedrooms and living rooms. In fact, it can look stunning in kitchens when used thoughtfully. Great places to use wallpaper include:
✔ Breakfast Nooks and Dining Areas
Spaces that are part of the kitchen but not directly exposed to cooking splatter are ideal. Wallpaper can make a breakfast nook feel cozy and defined, especially in open-concept homes.
✔ Accent Walls
A single wallpapered wall can add visual interest without overwhelming the room. Choose a wall away from heavy cooking or water exposure.
✔ Upper Walls Above a Backsplash
If you have tile or another durable backsplash material protecting the lower wall, wallpaper can work beautifully above it where it’s less likely to get wet or greasy.
✔ Open Shelving or Built-In Areas
Wallpaper used inside shelving alcoves or on the back of built-ins adds depth and a custom look while staying relatively protected.
Where Wallpaper Is Not Recommended
Being honest about limitations is important. Some kitchen areas are simply too demanding for wallpaper.
Avoid installing wallpaper:
❌ Directly behind sinks – Frequent water splashes can cause edges to lift over time
❌ Behind stoves or cooktops – Grease, heat, and food splatter are hard to clean without damaging the surface
❌ In areas with heavy steam and poor ventilation – Excess moisture can weaken adhesive and seams
In these zones, tile, stone, glass, or washable paint are usually more durable choices.
Best Types of Wallpaper for Kitchens
Not all wallpaper is created equal. In kitchens, durability and clean-ability matter.
Vinyl Wallpaper
One of the best options for kitchens. Vinyl wallpaper is more resistant to moisture and can typically be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper
This has a protective surface that makes it more washable than traditional paper-based wallpaper while still offering a wide range of designs.
Scrubbable Wallcoverings
Some higher-performance wallcoverings are designed to handle light cleaning, making them a smart choice for busy households.
Delicate grasscloth, silk, or heavily textured natural materials are usually better suited for low-traffic, low-moisture areas rather than kitchens.
Is Kitchen Wallpaper Easy to Clean?
Kitchen wallpaper can be cleaned, but gently. Even washable wallpaper isn’t meant to handle constant scrubbing, which is another reason to avoid installing it in heavy-splatter zones. To lightly clean the kitchen wallpaper:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge
- Mild soap and water are usually safe for washable wallcoverings
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers
- Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines
Wallpaper vs. Paint in the Kitchen
Both wallpaper and paint have their place in kitchen design.
Paint is simple, durable, and easy to touch up. It’s often the go-to choice for areas close to cooking and water.
Wallpaper adds pattern, texture, and personality that paint alone can’t always achieve. It can make a kitchen feel more finished and connected to the rest of the home’s design.
Many kitchens successfully use a combination: durable paint or tile in high-impact areas and wallpaper in more protected sections.
Tips for Long-Lasting Kitchen Wallpaper
If you decide to use wallpaper in your kitchen, a few smart steps can help it last longer:
✔ Make sure walls are properly prepped and primed
✔ Choose a durable, washable wallcovering
✔ Install in areas away from direct heat and water
✔ Maintain good ventilation to reduce moisture buildup
Professional installation can also make a big difference, especially in kitchens with lots of corners, cabinets, and trim.
Get Help Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Kitchen
Wallpaper can absolutely be used in a kitchen — it just takes the right product and placement. Seeing materials in person and talking through your kitchen layout with a design expert can help you choose options that are both stylish and practical.
Before starting your project, visit a local Loconsolo Paints store for all your wallpaper and paint needs. Come by and explore kitchen-friendly wallpaper options and get guidance on selecting materials that will look beautiful and hold up in your space.