How to choose wallpaper by color
When choosing the color of the wallpaper, you should focus on the chosen style of kitchen decor. Don't ignore the size of the kitchen either. A wallpaper color that is too dark will make the kitchen interior even smaller and gloomier, while a wallpaper color that is too light and monochromatic in a spacious kitchen will create the impression of a hospital ward. White wallpaper is great for creating a feeling of order and cleanliness. To get rid of the hospital aftertaste, choose textured wallpaper or replace the white with a different shade of white.
If you've already purchased dark kitchen cabinets, choosing wallpaper won't be as easy. What wallpaper to choose for a kitchen with dark furniture? Choose a beige color. This neutral color is associated with coziness and does not get boring over time.
Green wallpaper will look good in the kitchen. Those who love bright, grassy or lime tones will feel comfortable. Calmer shades of moss and pistachio will give the kitchen an aristocratic look.
Orange and red tones are ideal for the kitchen. These colors lift your spirits, improve appetite and metabolism.
If you are wondering how to combine wallpaper in the kitchen, choose black or black and white wallpaper for one of the walls. This design move looks good in brightly lit rooms and kitchens with white furniture.
White wallpaper in the kitchen
A versatile color that goes well with any furniture and other decorative wonders of interior designers. It provides additional lighting and a little more space.
However, white colors can make a kitchen look like a hospital or factory. Therefore, all shades of this beautiful color were used: elegant pearls, exquisite champagne, white sand, light ivory, baked milk and milk dessert.
These shades go well with metal objects that are sure to be found in every kitchen.
Yellow wallpaper in the kitchen
Yellow has long been synonymous with joy and sunshine. Lighter shades are a worthy companion to vibrant kitchen units, while lighter shades help create a comfortable backdrop for delicately colored kitchenware.
Brown wallpaper for the kitchen
Natural shades from dark chestnut to beige, including all wood palettes, are the optimal choice for those who do not chase fashion, but prefer cozy classics.
Unlike cold achromatic colors, brown always brings a certain warmth. Plain or printed wallpaper in the form of a tree, bamboo wallpaper, with painted autumn leaves, coffee beans, straight lines or in an English check - this color will always remind you of something peaceful, of home and family.
Blue and light blue wallpaper in the kitchen
Light or deep shades of blue that will fill the kitchen with depth and calm. It will pair well with yellow floors and wood cabinets.
Gray and blue tones will bring a cool coolness to the kitchen.
Gray wallpaper in the kitchen
Until recently, shades of gray were considered boring and dull and were found only in public reception areas. Currently, this color is gaining popularity due to its wide range of shades.
Gray shades in the most unusual way will reduce the brightness of textiles or furniture, give an atmosphere of amazing calm and confidence, make a large room harmoniously balanced, and give a small room coziness and comfort.
The only thing gray wallpaper will ask for is bright accents that will add life to a dull finish.
Beige wallpaper in the kitchen
Until recently, beige color was considered the most suitable color for kitchen decoration. It is not very flashy, but not entirely modest either; it does not tire the eyes and brain, but has a calming effect on the nervous system.
For large rooms, darker shades closer to wood tones are used. Today, beige has lost its leading position, but is still quite popular in kitchen design.
Orange
Orange is one of the brightest and most active colors, so all additional shades should balance and “even out” it. Blue, turquoise and dark blue wallpapers will refresh an orange kitchen, gray ones will make it more elegant, and green and white ones will add coziness. Colors such as red, yellow, pink, purple and lilac also pair well with orange and its shades.
Red (burgundy)
Nowhere does red furniture look as harmonious as in the kitchen, as this color stimulates the appetite and makes the room more cozy. However, in large masses, red can be irritating, so it should be combined with softer shades (white, green, beige) or with cool, restrained tones (blue, indigo, turquoise). Wallpaper in a red kitchen can also be printed in yellow, orange, brown and burgundy.
Red kitchen with beige wallpaper
How to combine wallpaper color with furniture
Furniture color: white
Suitable combinations
Guide your style:
For traditional interiors - a calm palette (beige, blue, mustard, green). For modern designs - a play of contrasts based on bright lime, pink, turquoise, purple.
Furniture color: gray
Suitable combinations
Good options are yellow, white and pink.
Furniture color: blue/blue
Suitable combinations
Colors such as milky, beige in combination with orange, yellow prints can be used to get rid of excessive cold.
Furniture color: brown, including options with wood up to dark wenge.
Suitable combinations
All warm colors. Ideal option: mustard, vanilla, olive, blue, turquoise, blue.
Furniture color: beige, cream.
Suitable combinations
White, green, brown, blue. Looks good on blue, turquoise walls.
North - West
In a kitchen with windows facing west, northwest, north, where it can be quite dark and gloomy in the morning, especially in the cold season, the following look good:
- light pink, peach, beige, cream shades, ivory, orange, terracotta, yellow, golden tones;
- wallpaper with gold accents that will help overcome autumn drowsiness and melancholy.
It is advisable to drape windows in the north with fabrics of lighter shades.
Delicate tones contribute to the appetite and good mood of the household.
For additional impact on pleasure centers, it is advisable to focus on bright photo wallpapers in contrasting tones with images of gastronomic delights, fruits, vegetables, berries, flowers, chocolates and candies, coffee beans, cups of coffee.
Types of wallpaper for the kitchen
The modern market provides a huge selection of wallpaper, but given that the kitchen is a rather specific room, it is very important to pay attention to the material when purchasing. High humidity, steam, temperature changes, dirt, which is often difficult to remove - all these conditions make it necessary to give preference to moisture-resistant, washable fabrics.
Textured wallpaper in the kitchen - trend 2022
The trend towards texture can be seen in the interiors of all rooms: from the bedroom to the bathroom, dining room and kitchen - without exception. A variety of textures are in fashion, including concrete, marble and all types of stone, as well as abstractions.
Textured wallpaper is suitable for those who want an accent wall but don't want it to be too bright. It stands out against the background of the main decoration, but does not distract from it.
It is important that the materials match the backsplash and countertop. It is safest to choose neutral tiles or stone for your kitchen countertops. If you like the idea of a patterned effect, try pairing tiles with accent wallpaper.
Non-woven
Made from compressed cellulose, but have a denser structure than conventional paper wallpaper. During the production process, a hydrophobic coating is applied to the lining, which adds strength and protects the wallpaper from fading in the sun. The coating is breathable and does not swell upon contact with water. Thick fleece hides minor defects on the walls and is easy to paste over.
Liquid wallpaper for the kitchen
A relatively new type of coating on the finishing materials market. Liquid wallpaper is applied in the same way as decorative plaster, and the end result resembles a fabric covering. This is perhaps the densest material, which allows you to hide even significant surface defects, as well as create various patterns. However, not all types of liquid wallpaper are resistant to moisture - check this indicator when purchasing.
Silkscreen printing
The wallpaper is made on a vinyl base with an outer smooth layer of silk threads. This coating has a smooth surface, is wash-resistant, and does not lose color in the sun. The material is very beautiful, which will become a “decoration” of any interior.
Especially stencil decors are widely used by designers in kitchens in the form of coatings that imitate natural materials such as wood, stone and granite.
Vinyl
This material is dense and durable. With proper care, vinyl wallpaper can last 8-10 years and will not lose its original appearance. The coating is breathable and does not accumulate moisture, which eliminates the possibility of the formation of fungi and mold on the walls. The material is easy to clean and can be used for painting.
If you don't want to renovate every ten years, pay attention to hard vinyl, which will not require replacement for a long time, is easy to clean and will not fade in the sun.
Glass wallpaper
Excellent material for use in the kitchen. The fiberglass plate is very durable and can easily withstand high humidity and cleaning with any detergents. It is available in both a colored version, with ornamental patterns, and in white, which can be used for painting.
Wallpaper hides unevenness and voids in the walls, further strengthening the surface and preventing the spread of fungi. Wallpaper is usually slightly textured, but for those who like smooth textures, you can choose fiberglass wallpaper with a bright and beautiful pattern.
Cork wallpaper for the kitchen
Of all the types considered, cork wallpaper is the most expensive material, the main value of which lies in its naturalness. Cork wallpaper has a service life of up to 20 years and is easy to clean with water and any detergent. The canvases are not endowed with a variety of palettes and designs, but in the interior they look quite noble.
Loft
The loft style arose when American artists and designers began to live in former industrial premises. Since then, the main features of the style have been untreated concrete and brick surfaces. It is not at all necessary to leave a bare wall during renovation. You can choose a coating that will imitate it. Vinyl wallpaper is perfect. Choose a coating with imitation brick and cover one of the walls in the kitchen with it.
Some manufacturers offer ready-made wallpaper sets for creating an interior. For example, one wall is brick, and the rest are neutral gray or beige. Combined wallpaper for the kitchen in finished form is quite expensive. However, you can easily choose a beautiful combination for your interior and save money.
Classification of wallpaper by functionality
All types of wallpaper are divided depending on their purpose. Some types are designed to be dyed, others are classified as washable.
For painting
Some of this group require a final coat of paint after installation on the base. They are made from various types of raw materials such as paper, non-woven fabric, glass fiber or synthetic particles. The main market share is occupied by dyed non-woven wallpaper.
Available in large size rolls (1 m by 25 cm), suitable for 5-10 repaintings. The base varnish is white.
Subsequent coating properties depend on the type and quality of paint used. The main thing is not to skimp on the composition, as this can worsen the appearance and performance characteristics of the wallpaper.
Washable
Washable wallpaper can be used to cover walls and kitchen furniture. It is intended for use in wet conditions only. The wallpaper consists of rubberized vinyl, which is very dense and has good dirt- and water-resistant properties.
Wallpaper can be installed above countertops, where there is often steam and high temperatures. But it is not recommended to use washable wallpaper for walls in other rooms. Due to its large thickness, it looks rough, and regular washing prevents free air circulation.
Fashionable style solutions
Among the various interior styles, the most popular are Scandinavian and minimalist styles.
Classic
If you are planning a classic interior, choose wallpaper with stripes, checkered patterns, floral or coffee wallpaper, or wallpaper with a floral motif.
Pastel or dark colors suit this style. Wallpaper that imitates historical frescoes, borders or architectural structures will also be a good decoration.
Loft
Can be plain or multi-colored, textured or smooth. Different types of wallpaper are acceptable, but it is better to purchase companion wallpaper of identical composition and texture, which is easy to wash and glue.
Wallpaper for the kitchen in a modern style
If you see a design that is neat and tidy, then it is most likely modern. For a modern kitchen interior, wallpaper should be plain and muted colors, such as white, grey, black, beige or light blue.
Also acceptable are photo wallpapers, discreet monochrome designs, alternating glossy and matte textures, polished stone, wood effect, and metallic shine.
Minimalism
Minimalism is still at the peak of popularity. His motto: “Nothing superfluous.” Minimum accessories and maximum functionality. Its colors are white, gray and black. This is diluted with bright accents and carefully thought out lighting. Ceilings in kitchens are often multi-level, adding creativity to the room.
Japanese style
In Japanese cuisine, this is a place of relaxation, rest for body and soul.
To create a relaxing and calm interior, it is best to use natural colors such as ocher and green. Wallpaper with an imitation bamboo wall or a wall fresco with ethnic motifs and calligraphy, drawings with exotic flowers and birds will enliven your kitchen.
You can choose a design in the spirit of Japanese minimalism, or you can give preference to bright colors by choosing wallpaper that contrasts with the furniture.
Country
Wallpaper with floral prints, vegetables, fruits and berries fit harmoniously into this style. It is better to choose natural shades (wheat, green, olive, beige).
Provence
Colorful designs require bright and light colors. In such a room you can use canvases with floral prints and natural accents (tree branches and leaves, images of insects, etc.).
Modern
Shades of romanticism, classics, retro and other styles are possible. Asymmetrical graphics, waves and flowing lines are used to create accents that can be combined with sleek wallpaper. Ideal for modern times are options with imitation of natural finishes, such as brick or masonry stone, leather.
High tech
He suggests using a bright palette, laconic lines and the absence of excessive luxury. Wallpaper with unobtrusive relief, discreet design and imitation of aged plaster, tiles or concrete soil are suitable for interiors.
Wallpaper for a Scandinavian-style kitchen
The cool freshness of Scandinavian design is guaranteed by walls whose colors and textures are reminiscent of the winter landscapes of Norway, Sweden or Denmark. It can be the sparkling purity of virgin snow, the mysterious depths of lakes and rivers, the smoky airiness of the sky, the mystical glow of the sunset.
Add a warm note to your kitchen with bleached oak textures, wool knits and deep red ethnic patterns on a linen background.
Current ornaments
Modern production methods make it possible to apply almost any design to the wallpaper. When choosing what wallpaper to buy for the kitchen, consider what designs are currently trending so that your kitchen doesn’t look like “hello from the 90s.” The following patterns are currently relevant:
- Wallpaper with a brick pattern;
- Wallpaper imitating natural wood;
- Imitation of small ceramic tiles in patchwork style;
- Geometric patterns in Scandinavian folk style;
- Vegetation in light colors (stems, leaves, flowers in pastel colors).
When choosing wallpaper with patterns, it is better to highlight one area or part of the wall with them. It is better to cover the remaining walls with monochrome wallpaper. Any ornament affects the visual perception of the room to varying degrees. When choosing, you need to remember the rules:
- A large print makes the room visually smaller, this also applies to photo wallpapers;
- Small grains expand the space, especially in light colors;
- Small checks and tartan create a sense of perspective;
- Does your kitchen have low ceilings? Vertical stripes will visually stretch them;
- Horizontal stripes are permissible only in kitchens with high ceilings; such a pattern eats up the height of the room;
- Diagonal ornament makes the interior more mobile and modern;
- Textured coatings are best chosen for kitchens with active natural or artificial lighting.
Choosing wallpaper for the kitchen-living room
The kitchen-living room is a lot of space for the imagination. Since there will be several functional zones in the room, wallpaper can act as markers of a particular zone.
For the kitchen, choose washable, moisture-resistant wallpaper. The cooking area is often decorated with plain wallpaper or imitation stonework or wall tiles. For the living room walls, choose a more dramatic dressing. Don’t skimp on materials—everything here should look quite rich, even single-color wallpaper.
The highlight of the interior can be natural wallpaper - upholstery made of fabric, bamboo or cork will definitely attract the attention of guests. In the living room, you can make an accent wall in the area of the TV or sofa. Use brighter fabrics, large patterns, photo wallpapers or original combinations of materials for this.
Classic
For classic interiors, you can choose vinyl or non-woven wallpaper with rich floral patterns or intricate monograms. Liquid wallpaper that imitates fabric or glass wallpaper imitating decorative plaster looks good in the classics.
In a large room, you can use a combination of wallpaper in the kitchen. For example, a free wall can be highlighted with wallpaper with a different pattern, which will be in tune with the main covering. Photo wallpaper also looks good in the dining area. They can depict the streets of the old city or a view of the sea.
Wallpaper for small kitchens
Small kitchens require a different approach. For such rooms, choose a light palette of colors and patterns with a little brightness. It would look great here:
- narrow stripes that raise the ceiling or lengthen the walls;
- contrasting color combinations on an accent wall;
- Cool tones.
The simplicity of wall decoration can visually increase the free space and emphasize the sophistication of the design.
What wallpaper is suitable for the kitchen
Washable does not literally mean washable. The term is relative and different manufacturers use different coatings and materials. There are washable, waterproof, moisture-proof, abrasion-resistant, etc. products, but all of them do not provide 100% protection.
From the point of view of environmental friendliness and toxicity, all foreign wallpapers have passed strict certification and do not pose any problems.
- Wallpaper should not be pasted in the work area. If the sink is located close to the edge, the splashback should always face a perpendicular wall.
- If there is a table against the wall, either do not place it, or be as careful as possible.
What types of wallpaper are best not to use in the kitchen?
We have already found out that kitchen interiors are demanding when it comes to wall coverings. The following will not work here:
- paper (do not wash, afraid of moisture);
- Soft textured versions (easily peel or scratch when cleaning);
- single-panel models (preferably 1-3 wavelengths + brushing, 3 wavelengths are acceptable);
- does not fade (choice: sun, plus sun, two suns).
As for the areas inside the kitchen - super washable fire retardant materials are suitable even for the backsplash, but are not the best option for this area. If you want to leave wallpaper between kitchen cabinets, protect it with clear peels.
What to look for when purchasing
Follow our recommendations if you don't want to buy low quality wallpaper:
- First of all, remember that good building materials are rarely cheap. See what online stores offer and read our article where we list good brands. Have you been offered something much cheaper? There is a chance that the wallpaper will fall off in the first month or the colors will lose their brightness.
- Do not buy wallpaper at bazaars or dubious stores. Storage conditions are not always met, so you risk purchasing a soggy product.
- Measure carefully before purchasing and make sure you have a roll to spare. No matter how carefully you apply wallpaper, there is always a risk that you will damage something in the process.
- Have you decided to buy embossed wallpaper? Carefully inspect each roll: scuffs and scratches may appear not only during operation, but also due to manufacturing defects. Replacing such a roll will not be easy.
- Please read the technical specifications carefully. Not every coating is suitable for use in the kitchen.
Cork
Cork wallpapers are the most expensive. Their cost is due to the fact that they are made from natural material. When buying a cork, you will spend a lot of money, but this wallpaper can last for decades.
The cork can be washed even with non-acidic detergents; dust can be removed from them with a rag or even a vacuum cleaner. If you're on a budget, you can cover only part of the wall with cork, such as the dining area.
In general, natural materials for wall decoration are highly valued in design. They are natural, safe for nature and human health, and always look expensive and noble.
However, they also have several disadvantages. First of all, it is high cost. Secondly, natural materials easily absorb kitchen odors and it becomes difficult to ventilate the room. They spoil easily if you have a cat, dog or small children in the house.
Wallpaper care
In order for the new decoration and design of the kitchen to satisfy the hostess for a long time, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness. You should also follow the instructions for working with wallpaper in the kitchen. First of all, remember not to brush your wallpaper too often, because even the hardest, most durable washable wallpaper will become damaged from frequent use.
If a stain occurs, it should be wiped off immediately with a damp sponge. If you remove dirt in a timely manner, it will not remain on the wallpaper for long.
Do not use laundry detergent as a detergent. When choosing a detergent, test it first. To do this, add detergent to water, lather, clean a small area of wallpaper and leave for a while. If the surface has not changed, you can safely use a cleaning agent.
If the surface is heavily soiled, has stubborn stains or heavy dirt, most likely removing the dirt the first time will not give the desired effect. The procedure may need to be repeated after the wallpaper has had time to dry.
Photo wallpaper
Most often, photo wallpapers are used in living rooms, where there is usually more free space, which is eaten up by photo wallpapers. If your kitchen allows for its size, you can highlight a free wall or dining area with photo wallpaper. To get inspired by new ideas, look on the Internet for photos of kitchen wallpaper with images of beautiful landscapes and cities. Photo wallpapers with images of fruit or coffee also look appropriate in the kitchen.
Photo wallpaper does not have to be glued from ceiling to floor. You can choose a different size option. It is worth noting that although photo wallpapers look impressive in photographs, in real life they lose the battle with frescoes. Moreover, the technique of photo wallpaper has been used for quite a long time and may soon become obsolete. So, if you're on a budget, consider commissioning a mural or accenting a spare wall with other wallpaper.
Useful tips from designers
- Focus on one thing at a time. If your kitchen is simple, you can choose a bright wallpaper, while a neutral tone will suit a kitchen with statement fittings.
- The colors of wallpaper and furniture should be combined, and not mix cold and warm colors.
- If you choose wallpaper with vertical stripes, the ceiling will appear high. Horizontal stripes optically enlarge the kitchen, but lower the ceiling.
- If the kitchen windows face south, use warm-colored wallpaper; if they face north, it is better to use cool colors.
Nonwoven
Wallpaper made from this modern material can be painted with special paint. You can choose non-woven wallpaper with a finished pattern or white. If you get bored with the white wallpaper in your kitchen interior, you can repaint it at any time.
You just have to pay attention to the presence of relief on such wallpaper. It is better to mount them on walls that are located away from the stove. Soot may become embedded in the relief.
How to glue wallpaper
If you plan to apply wallpaper yourself, manufacturers always include instructions for using their products. The label will usually indicate whether the adhesive should be applied to just the wallpaper, just the wall, or both surfaces. There are also self-adhesive wallpapers that only need to be dampened before pasting. The label also indicates whether you need to select wallpaper according to the pattern. Wallpaper with an abstract pattern or without a pattern can be glued at all. Some patterns will need to be selected so that they look beautiful on the wall.
Some wallpapers require each sheet of wallpaper to be flipped 180 degrees. If the manufacturer's instructions are not enough, you can always watch video instructions online.
Material selection
Choosing wallpaper for the kitchen
Let's imagine that you have already come to the store, and there are hundreds of different rolls there. Wide and narrow, white and colored, with prints and monochrome. They are all different, and it’s difficult to understand right away what you want.
Let's start with the main thing. Before choosing a color scheme and width, you need to decide on the material.
There are several main types of wallpaper:
- paper;
- vinyl;
- non-woven;
- textile;
- fiberglass.
Each option is good in its own way. To understand what exactly you need, consider the characteristics of each type. And this is a small summary of the marking icons that you can find on wallpaper. This will be 100% useful to you.
Interesting ideas and beautiful examples in the interior
Users actively share their work related to kitchen wallpapering or contact details of designers. Ready-made ideas will help you decorate the room yourself.
