Should You Put Wallpaper in the Kitchen?

Wallpaper can take a room from boring to stunning by adding color, pattern and texture. But is it ever a good idea to install it in the kitchen?

Kitchen surfaces need to be able to withstand a lot. Cooking spills, dish water splashes, steam and grease aren’t exactly wallpaper-friendly. But with the right type of wallpaper and a few precautions, you can make your kitchen wallpaper dreams a reality!

Can you put wallpaper in the kitchen?

Yes, you can definitely put wallpaper in the kitchen. Whether installed on every wall or used as an accent, wallpaper is a great way to add character and whimsy to your kitchen design. But, choosing the right wallpaper is key.

Look for wallpaper labeled as washable or scrubbable. This means the wallpaper is highly durable and can withstand firm cleaning—essential for kitchen use. Avoid uncoated, fibrous or flocked wallpapers, which can attract stains and can usually only stand up to gentle dusting. If you’re a renter or don’t want to mess with wallpaper paste, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a good option. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is made from vinyl, which is durable, washable and perfect for kitchens.

Can you use wallpaper as a kitchen backsplash?

Yes, wallpaper can be used as a backsplash. But again, we recommend using a highly durable, scrubbable wallpaper. And it’s essential your walls are clean of grease before installation to ensure it sticks properly.

There are some key backsplash areas you still might want to steer clear of. Most wallpaper brands recommend avoiding placement near direct heat or open flames, like the backsplash to a stovetop. And don’t place wallpaper where it will be in direct contact with water, like near the kitchen sink. However, if you have your heart set on installing wallpaper behind the stove or sink, you can protect it with tempered glass. A transparent glass splash guard will shield the wallpaper without covering up the design.

How do you clean wallpaper in the kitchen?

Once your beautiful kitchen wallpaper is installed, it inevitably will come in contact with cooking splashes and other spills. Kitchens get messy! Remove stains with a sponge and a gentle cleaning solution made with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.

Use the technique from top wallpaper brand Graham and Brown: “Dampen a sponge in the solution you made and use gentle downwards motions to clean the wallpaper. It’s best to work from one side of the wall to the other, cleaning in ‘strips’. Take care when cleaning and avoid any loose ends or joins.”