Kitchen Wallpaper Dos and Don'ts

Yes, Wallpaper Belongs in the Kitchen

Kitchens have become more than purely functional rooms, and wallpaper is a wonderful way to add warmth and character. The trick is choosing the right material and placement so it stands up to the realities of cooking: heat, steam, splashes, and grease.

The Dos

A few smart habits set you up for success.

• Do choose durable, wipeable papers, such as washable or vinyl-coated options.
• Do place wallpaper away from the wettest, greasiest zones, like directly behind the stove and sink.
• Do consider an accent wall on a breakfast nook or a wall set back from work areas.
• Do ensure good ventilation to manage steam.

Peel-and-stick options from Tempaper or Chasing Paper can be practical for accent areas, and broad ranges from York Wallcoverings include durable choices.

The Don'ts

Equally important is knowing what to avoid.

• Don't put delicate, uncoated paper near splash zones, where grease and water will damage it.
• Don't skip a protective backsplash if you want pattern behind the stove or sink; glass or tile can shield the paper.
• Don't ignore ventilation, since steam shortens the life of any wallpaper.

Smart Placement Ideas

Think about where wallpaper adds charm without taking abuse. A breakfast nook, a pantry, the wall around a dining area, or an open shelf backdrop are all lower-risk spots. These let you enjoy pattern in the kitchen while keeping it away from the messiest tasks.

Maintenance

Wipe wipeable papers gently and promptly when splashes happen. The combination of a durable material, sensible placement, and good ventilation will keep kitchen wallpaper looking fresh for years.