Can you use wallpaper in a kitchen? Yes say the experts and it's pretty easy to get it right, when you know how

While wallpaper is a great way of adding a wow factor to your home decor, wallpaper in a kitchen was once considered forbidden fruit. The good news is, with the right products to hand, adding it to your list of kitchen ideas is now far more accessible then it ever was.

But, what are the best types of wallpaper in a kitchen, are there still places where you should consider an alternative finish instead and how can you make sure it stands up to everything your kitchen can throw at it?

From choosing wallpaper through to applying it, here's what the experts recommend.

Applying wallpaper in a kitchen

In the same way as researching 'can you use wallpaper in a bathroom?', you'll find the answer is yes – but with some clear guidelines. The first being the best type of wallpaper to use and what to do if you decide to choose a standard wallpaper instead.

With kitchens prone to heavy traffic, food and drink splashes and generally higher moisture levels, a product specific wallpaper is usually considered the better option – especially if you are looking at using it close to sinks or cooking zones.

However, if you do opt for a standard wallpaper the best advice we can offer is to use an extra strength mildew resistant wallpaper paste such as this one from Amazon to ensure the wallpaper adheres to the wall well. Then, cover it with a decorator's varnish, a good range of which can also be found at Amazon. This will add a layer of protection to the wallpaper. Before you apply the varnish however, make sure you test a small piece of scrap wallpaper first.

Kitchen wallpaper types

Search online for wallpaper that's suitable for kitchens and you'll likely come across plenty of lovely images to choose from. In fact we've even curated our own list of kitchen wallpaper ideas filled with delicious ideas ranging from simple texture led designs through to flamboyant and eye-catching murals.

But, what defines a kitchen appropriate wallpaper?

In the main, you're looking at vinyl wallpapers, such as this Vasari Serafina Marble Wallpaper from B&Q. Vinyl papers are heavier, durable and more resistant to moisture. They're no less impactful in terms of design, but can withstand the daily rigours of kitchen life.

The majority will be wipeable, and some will even be washable, putting them on a par with other types of kitchen wall coverings. They could even be one step ahead of paint, which, depending on the type of paint you choose, doesn't always stand up a lot of cleaning.

Some companies have also recognised the growing trend for wallpaper across the home and now only produce options that can be used anywhere.

"All Graham & Brown wallpaper is designed to be used in any room so you have plenty of choice to pick from and is also spongeable, making it easier to clean," confirms Iona Graham, community and social manager at Graham & Brown. "We also produce murals in durable fabric effect substrate which are a great choice for high traffic areas in the home such as kitchens and bathrooms," she adds.

This could be an added bonus if you're renovating a house with walls that have seen better days. "The gorgeous texture will help to mask wall imperfections," explains Iona, "but is still hard-wearing due to its heavyweight nature."

Another product we've spotted recently is the Aquabout wet system, a fully waterproof product that can even be used outdoors, making it more than suitable for using as wallpaper in a kitchen.

Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, one of the UK companies stocking the product, explains how it can be used in both self builds or renovations, and can even improve your eco credentials.

“The company behind the collection offer a personalised surface, so whether you have a window that interrupts the pattern, or a plug socket that is ruining the flow, they can take plans and alter the pattern so that it isn’t interrupted by these types of things, unlike other traditional wallpaper," says Louise.

Keen to leave your tiles in place to avoid the mess and disruption? “It can also be fitted straight over existing tiles using fine motor or plaster board," she adds, "so you don’t have to worry about taking old kitchen tiles down.

“For those who are looking at ways to be more sustainable, then choosing a wallpaper like this also can be a great option," she confirms, "as it incorporates water-based resins that reduce environmental impact.”

Iona Graham

Iona Graham is the Community and Social Manager at Graham & Brown, an interiors brand that has been family run since 1946. As the fourth generation to join the business, she seamlessly combines the brand’s heritage with innovation and technology through compelling storytelling, strong brand engagement, and a keen eye for design.

Louise Ashdown

Louise is Head of Design at West One Bathrooms, having worked in the industry for over 18 years. At West One Bathrooms, she heads up the design and creative teams, overseeing all the design projects, as well as sourcing the latest products.

Where to use wallpaper in a kitchen

While the location of wallpaper in a kitchen may come down to personal preference, there are some basic steps to adhere to before you start as it's about getting the right balance between aesthetic appeal and practicality.

If you aren't using a fully waterproof wallpaper, "to protect your wallpaper from dirt, avoid high-moisture zones," says Caroline Woolmer, head of design at Lucie Annabel. "Refrain from applying wallpaper in areas frequently exposed to water, such as directly behind the stove or sink.

"Also, proper kitchen ventilation is key to protecting your wallpaper," adds Caroline. "Ensure the kitchen is well-ventilated to reduce humidity and allow the wallpaper to dry properly after installation. This will also help prevent moisture buildup, which could damage the wallpaper over time.

"When choosing wallpaper for a kitchen, it’s of course important to consider both practicality and aesthetic appeal," she adds. "So, when deciding where to use wallpaper, consider accent walls, where a bold pattern can inject personality without overpowering the entire room.

"Alternatively, a striking feature ceiling design can serve as a standout centrepiece without overwhelming the space," she suggests.

Caroline Woolmer

Caroline Woolmer heads up design at leading wallpaper company, Lucie Annabel.

Think you might give wallpaper in a kitchen a go? Make sure have these wallpaper tools in your DIY kit to get the most professional looking finish.

Or, if you're not sure if wallpaper in a kitchen is the right trend for you, check out these other kitchen trends designers say will be big this year for more inspiration.