What to cover the walls in the kitchen with – types of wallpaper and their features

The kitchen serves as more than just a space for cooking—it’sthe center of the house, where loved ones congregate. Making a room that is both practical and welcoming requires careful consideration of wall covering options. Choosing the right wallpaper for a kitchen can be challenging because there are so many different styles to choose from.

There are differences amongst wallpapers, particularly with regard to the demands of a kitchen. You must consider both practicality and style when making your decision because of elements like heat, moisture, and the possibility of stains. We’ll look at several wallpaper options for kitchen walls in this post to help you choose the ideal look for your room.

Understanding the characteristics of each type of wallpaper will help you make the best decision, whether your goals are to add some personality to your kitchen, make it easy to clean, or both. Let’s examine the choices that offer both strength and style.

Type of Wallpaper	Features
Vinyl	Durable, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, ideal for kitchens.
Washable	Easy to wipe clean, resistant to grease and stains, suitable for areas near the stove or sink.
Non-woven	Breathable, easy to install, hides wall imperfections, but less resistant to moisture.
Glass fiber	Extremely durable, fire-resistant, washable, great for high-traffic areas.
Textile	Offers a luxurious look but requires careful maintenance and is less practical in the kitchen.

Recommendations for choosing wallpaper

Despite the fact that the kitchen is typically thought of as a place where family members congregate and that its interior design should be warm and contemporary, the primary criteria for kitchen wallpaper are practicality, ease of upkeep, and functionality.

You must select moisture-resistant, washable wallpaper for the kitchen. You should use the following advice to select the ideal wallpaper based on its technical specifications:

1. First of all, you need to read the information on the roll label, which reflects the technical and operational features of the selected wallpaper. Wallpaper for the kitchen should have the following qualities:

• Moisture resistance;
• Light resistance;
• Vapor permeability;
• High coating density.

1. Preference should be given to a smooth surface of the wallpaper, since wallpaper with a pronounced texture of the pattern will accumulate dirt in its folds, which is inevitable in the kitchen;

1. There is a fundamental difference between waterproof and washable wallpaper. Waterproof wallpaper cannot be washed – therefore, it is necessary to choose those products that can be washed with a damp cloth;

1. An important quality is resistance to odors, which should not be absorbed into the outer layer of the wallpaper;

1. When purchasing wallpaper, you must make sure that the seller has a quality certificate and that the product meets hygienic requirements.

Wall surfaces should be easily cleaned without breaking down, especially those that are close to cooking surfaces. The fact that the material is able to undergo aesthetic repairs is also excellent.

Take painting, for instance. There are such materials. They are appropriate for completing the kitchen because they are constructed of contemporary materials with strong performance qualities.

Modern kitchen wallpaper, however, can be used to create any kind of interior design, depending on what the owner wants. These consist of paintable wallpaper, glass wallpaper, compact vinyl, non-woven vinyl, silk-screen printing, and vinyl wallpaper.

The space and lighting are the primary considerations when choosing kitchen wallpaper and design. Light, possibly monochromatic wallpaper will be a true rescue for tiny, dim kitchens.

The recent trend of vertical borders will aid in visually "raising" a low ceiling.

It is not advisable to attempt decorating a small kitchen in an antique or classic style. Kitchens with wallpaper featuring charming English patterns or Provence-style borders with rustic elements will appear more cohesive. Additionally, you could use a photo collage to adorn the wall above the dining table and delicate pastel wallpaper for the kitchen’s walls.

Large, light-filled kitchens with lots of windows or balconies allow owners to design practically any interior, from a high-tech space to a kitchen fit for a mediaeval castle. A traditional kitchen would have light-colored walls. Additionally, contemporary designers suggest utilizing a variety of wall coverings.

In the dining area, a sizable pattern contrasts with the white surfaces and is the same color as the tiles on the wall across from it.

For instance, you could use a sizable pattern in the dining area that complements the color of the other wall art.

Washable wallpaper in the kitchen

The surfaces in the kitchen that are most prone to contamination are the walls. Whether or not the kitchen has a hood, combustion products still land on them and are periodically sprayed with liquid products like oil.

Practically speaking, wall paint or tiles will be the most appropriate. What should you do, though, if you want to design a warm and inviting kitchen that only wallpapered walls can produce? Special washable wallpaper is made for this purpose.

Among their principal attributes are the following:

1. Judging by the name, the main quality is moisture resistance. Such wallpaper can be frequently washed with a sponge soaked in water with detergent;
2. With proper use, such wallpaper has a fairly long service life;
3. There are a wide variety of types of washable wallpaper, which allows you to choose the material for a specific interior solution;
4. The price of many wallpapers is affordable.

Although the wallpaper in the work area and the dining area is different, they both stick to the same color palette.

Remember to include the ornamental elements on the kitchen’s open walls. What should I put up on the kitchen wall? As an illustration, consider a decorative clock that doubles as a kitchen helper and decoration.

Types of wallpaper

What should I choose for the kitchen walls? Consider the following elements when selecting kitchen wallpaper:

1. General style solution for an apartment or house;
2. Kitchen area;
3. Degree of natural light;
4. Individual preference regarding wallpaper color and texture is taken into account.

The interior of a kitchen can accommodate a variety of wallpaper types because of their unique qualities.

Paper

Although paper wallpaper is the most common and affordable option, not all paper wallpapers are appropriate for use in kitchens. Because regular wallpaper will quickly start to peel off the walls and lose its appearance when exposed to steam and condensation. Paintable paper wallpaper is the only choice that is suitable.

In this instance, the paint coating that has been applied will dependable shield the paper from moisture, and the paint itself can withstand repeated wet washings without becoming discolored. Anyhow, it’s best to apply this kind of wallpaper away from the stove and cutting board in the kitchen. The dining area can have them pasted there.

Preparing the walls

Paper wallpaper is not thick, so when you paste it, you will be able to see every flaw in the wall. Using premium putty on the base will prevent this (see. How to apply wallpaper to walls without a paste job).

Should the wall’s surface not be flawlessly smooth, the wallpaper will not stick firmly when it is pasted and will undoubtedly peel off over time.

The following is the order of work:

1. First, it is necessary to dismantle the old wallpaper and clean the walls from dirt;
2. Deep cracks must be widened and sealed with starting putty;
3. Then beacons are installed and beacon lines are stretched, which will be used as reference points;
4. The first layer of putty is applied, which will hide all the unevenness of the surface. The plaster should dry within 24 hours;
5. The second layer is applied a day later, when the bottom layer is completely dry. Its purpose is to hide all the unevenness of the lower layer;
6. After 24 hours, apply the finishing layer of putty. It has a finer texture, so after sanding, its layer becomes smooth, and any subsequent layer of coating will adhere to it quite firmly.
7. When the walls are ready, all that remains is to apply a layer of primer, wait until it is completely absorbed – and you can start gluing the wallpaper.

Non-woven wallpaper

These wall coverings are of excellent quality, long-lasting, and visually appealing.

Crucial! The non-woven foundation doesn’t sag or contract. The wall becomes a monolithic coating with undetectable seams when pasted end to end.

The foundation of non-woven wallpaper is non-woven fabric, which is composed of cellulose and mineral fiber. This fabric isn’t woven. This kind of covering can be painted more than ten times using latex or acrylic paints and has soundproofing properties.

The furniture and lamp’s natural material is highlighted by the subtle non-woven wallpaper.

Crucial! Gray paint colors are not advised for kitchen interiors as they can worsen digestive issues in addition to aiding in appetite suppression.

There can be two or more layers in non-woven wallpaper. The upper decorative layer of two-layer wallpaper can be made of paper, vinyl, or even textile. Non-woven fabric makes up the bottom layer.

Multiple non-woven layers make up multi-layer wallpaper. In this instance, the upper layer is paintedable and has relief, allowing you to use the wallpaper with any interior color scheme. The lower layers are smooth.

Positive attributes of non-woven wallpaper include the following:

1. When pasting walls, there is no need for their careful preparation, since the dense base of non-woven wallpaper effectively hides minor defects of the base;

1. This material is fire-resistant – non-woven wallpaper is very difficult to set on fire;
2. Such wallpaper is vapor-permeable, which is important in conditions of high humidity in the room. When treating the walls before pasting with antiseptic compounds and natural micro-ventilation of the material, the formation of mold and mildew is excluded;

1. Non-woven wallpaper is easy to paste. Due to their high density, they are a fairly durable material that is not subject to deformation. Due to the fact that the roll is wider than standard paper wallpaper, the process of pasting the walls is faster;
2. Since the material does not absorb moisture at all, the adhesive is applied to the wall surface, not to the wallpaper. This also affects the speed of repair work;

1. Non-woven does not accumulate static electricity on its surface, so dust is not attracted to the wallpaper, which allows this material to be positioned as hypoallergenic;
2. Contamination from the surface of such wallpaper can be easily removed with a sponge and liquid detergents;

1. This material does not fade under the influence of direct sunlight;
2. Due to the fact that non-woven wallpaper can be painted, the interior can be transformed into various colors, and for this you will not need to start serious repair work;

1. The material is resistant to steam and high temperatures;
2. The surface of non-woven wallpaper does not absorb unpleasant odors.

The material’s performance qualities justify its high cost, which is the only drawback.

Wallpaper that is not woven will look great as a backdrop for ornamental wall elements. What is able to be mounted on the kitchen wall? Mirrors with ornate frames are one example. The room will appear lighter and larger as a result.

Vinyl wallpaper

Without a doubt, wallpaper is the most widely used method for enhancing the decorative appearance of wall surfaces. Vinyl-based wallpaper is, of course, the most widely used type.

This kind of wallpaper is different from regular paper products in that it comes in a much wider range of textures, has stronger durability and resistance to light, and can be cleaned with water.

Vinyl-based wallpapers have become nearly universal and can be used in rooms for any purpose because of all these features.

This kind of wallpaper is also included in the roll finishing materials category with multiple layers. These wallpapers start with a sheet of paper or fabric, and polyvinyl chloride is applied on top. These wallpapers are the best choice for the kitchen since they have excellent strength and resistance to moisture.

Crucial! Vinyl wallpapers have a surface that is resistant to both hard brushes and abrasive cleaning solutions.

The degree of moisture resistance of vinyl wallpaper varies, so it’s crucial to pay close attention to the wave-like marking on the roll while making your selection. For the kitchen, use materials with designs that show three waves. This shows that the front coating has the highest level of strength and resistance to moisture.

Kindly take note! This kind of wallpaper is excellent for interior decoration because it is essentially vapor-proof. This characteristic gives the material priority when finishing cellular concrete walls, which, for example, are tightly faced with brick but lack an external ventilated facade.

How can I use vinyl wallpaper to cover a blank wall in the kitchen? It can be used to hang a slate. You can embellish the wall in the dining area with this chic and creative solution.

Varieties

It is crucial to choose the exact style of wallpaper that will work best in this particular scenario before making this kind of purchase. Today’s consumer has access to a variety of vinyl wallpaper options that, although polyvinyl chloride serves as the primary decorative layer in all of them historically, differ significantly in terms of quality attributes because of various processing techniques:

1. Wallpaper with a special foamed vinyl coating, have a fairly soft relief surface, and have the ability to perfectly imitate the textures of many other materials, for example, decorative plaster. The main feature of this type of wallpaper is that they are extremely lightweight and almost do not require careful alignment of the work surface (due to their features, such wallpaper allows you to easily mask various minor defects);

1. Silk-screen printing can also be classified as a vinyl lightweight wallpaper. However, this material already requires very careful preparation of the work surface, since under such very thin wallpaper not only minor irregularities will be perfectly visible, but even color shade differences. It is because of this that the walls, before gluing them, must be thoroughly putty and high-quality sanding;

1. Compact vinyl, is usually characterized by increased complexity in work. But at the same time, it is considered the most practical type of such wallpaper – after all, such products perfectly tolerate washing and are extremely resistant to scratches. As for heavy vinyl, it, as the name suggests, is also incredibly difficult to use. However, at the same time, it allows you to create a very sophisticated and original finish.

Liquid wallpaper

This is a contemporary material with texture and technical qualities similar to wallpaper and plaster in terms of application technique. Thus, the moniker.

This substance is applied as a dry mixture that has been diluted with water. Applying acrylic varnish to such material once it has dried will ensure its moisture resistance and surface strength.

When applied, liquid wallpaper forms a seamless, vapor-permeable, monolithic coating. It is not advised to use it to cover walls in kitchens where the work surface is subjected to high temperatures, moisture, and dirt.

Counseling! These days’ "Skinali," or transparent tempered glass kitchen aprons, let you keep your wall décor in place while still providing dependable protection against damage.

A kitchen apron can be made from a variety of materials. What can be utilized to arrange the kitchen’s working wall? Traditional ceramic tiles or mosaics, prefabricated PVC or glass aprons, panels, and ornamental or natural stone can all be examples of this.

Liquid wallpaper pairs well with PVC panels or ceramic tiles, among other finishing materials.

This material has the ability to insulate sound and is resistant to high temperatures.

Using this material requires the fulfillment of the following requirements:

1. It is necessary to apply liquid wallpaper to the wall at +10 degrees;

1. The drying speed of wallpaper depends on the thickness of the layer, its texture and room humidity;

1. It is recommended to purchase liquid wallpaper with a small reserve;

1. Due to the fact that such wallpaper resembles plaster, special leveling of the walls is not required, since they can hide some defects in the base;

Against the backdrop of muted walls adorned with shimmering wallpaper, uniquely shaped furniture and vibrant accent pieces appear particularly striking.

1. To improve the adhesion between the composition and the wall surface, the latter is subject to preliminary treatment with a primer twice – horizontally and vertically.

The following are some advantages of liquid wallpaper:

1. Wallpaper is easy to prepare and apply. The powder is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 kg to 6 l. Apply the wallpaper to the wall with a spatula, like plaster;

1. It is an environmentally friendly material, thanks to its natural components;
2. A wide range of colors allows you to choose a material for any interior. It is also possible to change its texture by adding stone chips or glitter;

1. All the work can be done with your own hands without outside help;
2. An important quality is the seamlessness and monolithicity of the coating. No roll material gives such a result;

Crucial! Applying liquid wallpaper to a white surface is recommended. The wall can be pre-painted with water-based paint to achieve this.

1. Like plaster, the material fills small irregularities on the wall;
2. Due to the vapor permeability of the material, microcirculation in the room is ensured, which prevents the formation of fungus and mold;

1. The coating is durable and resistant to mechanical damage. Even if this happens, the situation can be easily corrected – just remove the damaged fragment and apply a new layer in its place. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase wallpaper with a small margin;

1. With the help of liquid wallpaper, you can create a variety of patterns on the wall surface, combining materials of different colors and textures.

The material’s exorbitant cost and the impossibility of wet cleaning unpolished wallpaper are drawbacks. If there is contamination, a fresh layer can be applied after the fragment is cut out with a knife.

Crucial! Paint is applied to any protruding reinforcement fragments on the wall surface that cannot be removed in order to prevent rust from eventually showing up on the wallpaper’s surface.

Application method

There are no particular skills required to apply liquid wallpaper to a wall; all you need to do is follow these easy guidelines and the order in which they should be completed:

1. First you need to prepare the base. Old decorative coating must be removed. The wall must be cleaned and degreased;
2. If there are large gaps, they are embroidered and plastered;
3. The wall is covered with water-based paint to give it a white color;
4. The surface is carefully treated with a primer, first moving the roller horizontally, and then vertically, controlling the uniformity of the primer distribution on the wall. The application of the material begins only after the primer has completely dried;

Crucial! Instructions on how to dilute the composition are included in the packaging for the liquid wallpaper and must be closely followed. The primary requirement is the order in which the ingredients are mixed; for the composition to have a consistent consistency, add the necessary amount of water to the mixing container after adding the powder.

1. The material is applied to the wall, like decorative plaster – with a spatula. You can take a small amount of material in your hand and attach it to the wall, and then smooth it with a tool or collect the composition with a spatula. The layer thickness should not exceed 3 mm;

1. If the edge of the previously applied composition begins to dry, it can be slightly moistened with water;
2. For uniform distribution of cellulose fibers, which are contained in the composition of liquid wallpaper, the movements during their application should have a small amplitude of different directions;

1. Corner areas are processed using a float or spatula in the direction "from the corner", and then the composition is distributed in the selected direction;

1. To remove irregularities, after the entire wall is covered with the composition, go over it with a wet float;
2. After 3 days, when the wallpaper is completely dry, they can be covered with acrylic varnish.

Important: Wallpaper loses its vapor permeability when it is processed with acrylic varnish.

What should I do with the free wall that has liquid wallpaper in the kitchen? Alternatively, these could be ornamental shelves, which are never unnecessary in the kitchen.

Varieties

Liquid wallpaper comes in three primary varieties:

1. Cellulose liquid wallpaper has the most affordable cost. They are able to hide minor defects in the walls, and are suitable for finishing even unheated rooms. The disadvantage is that such material is not able to withstand the effects of direct sunlight, and over time its color fades;

1. Silky liquid wallpaper contains natural silk. This is the most expensive version of liquid wallpaper, resistant to ultraviolet light, and creates a silky decorative surface;

1. Combined liquid wallpaper based on silk and cellulose is the golden mean in terms of price and quality. May contain natural cotton.

Tips for choosing a material

You should consider that a material comes in two varieties when selecting one. This could be an already-made, color-coded dry mixture that just needs water to dilute it.

In the second scenario, the material is supplied as a kind of white raw material that needs to be combined with dye and other ingredients to create texture. To achieve the desired shade in this instance, some experience working with dyes will be necessary.

The ceiling can be finished with liquid wallpaper. Since a lot of condensation gathers on the ceiling in this instance, they need to be treated with acrylic varnish.

Information regarding the material’s level of moisture resistance and drying time—which can range from 12 to 72 hours—is always included on the packaging.

Self-adhesive wallpaper

This kind of material is a film that has a protective backing that is peeled off before the adhesive layer is applied to the wall.

Among its favorable attributes are the following:

1. The material is impact resistant;
2. Moisture resistant;
3. The decorative surface can imitate a variety of artificial and natural materials;
4. The surface is resistant to chemical reagents and alkali;
5. Ease of application and maintenance – dirt is easily washed off from a smooth surface.

This material can be cut to the exact size you need by simply cutting off an even fragment from rolls that have markings on the back. The material is pasted and smoothed onto the wall, gradually removing the protective paper backing on the back.

Acrylic wallpaper

This material is composed of paper with a velvety polymer coating on the front. Because of its high density, the material is very durable.

Because of the upper layer’s resistance to wear and moisture, it is appropriate for use in the kitchen. Avoiding using synthetic brushes to clean such wallpaper is a crucial requirement.

Glass wallpaper

This is a very strong and aesthetically pleasing material. Dolomite, soda, quartz sand, and lime are among the ingredients that guarantee this material’s environmental friendliness. Glass fiber wallpaper is a material that can be cleaned.

It is hard to rip or scratch them, so they don’t fear mechanical impacts. The substance is resistant to both heat and moisture. Acidic and alkaline detergents can be used to treat them. Such wallpapers maintain their texture when painted.

Metalized wallpaper

This contemporary wallpaper falls into the washable wallpaper category. They may be made of paper or fabric, onto which a thin layer of embossed aluminum foil is applied to create a design.

This type of wallpaper looks expensive and can handle any wet cleaning with grace. One drawback is that the material is completely airtight, meaning that well-ventilated rooms are appropriate for their use.

Cork wallpaper

This kind of wallpaper is made from pressed cork and is natural. It is made up of sheets that are varnished and affixed to the wall.

They maintain their original appearance for a considerable portion of their lengthy service life. They could go through wet processing. They are a material that is friendly to the environment.

Achieving a balance between style and durability in your kitchen walls requires careful wallpaper selection. Kitchen wallpapers must endure moisture, oil, and regular cleaning, so it’s critical to know the various varieties and their unique characteristics. Each type of wallpaper, from fashionable non-woven options to washable vinyl, has special advantages that can improve your kitchen’s appearance and functionality.

It’s important to take both style and functionality into account when selecting wallpaper for your kitchen. It’s important to choose wallpaper that can resist spills and splashes because kitchens are high-traffic areas.

Because vinyl wallpaper is durable and low maintenance, it’s a popular choice that works well in busy kitchens. Textile wallpapers add warmth and texture for those who want a more opulent look, but they may need more maintenance. Consider wallpaper with a special coating that is washable and impervious to moisture and grease if you’re searching for something different.

Don’t forget to consider your kitchen’s overall design. The wallpaper you select ought to go well with your countertops, cabinets, and other interior design elements. Selecting patterns and colors that complement your personal style and the mood you wish to create is important because they can significantly alter the atmosphere of the room.

Ultimately, the ideal kitchen wallpaper strikes a balance between style and utility. You can find something to suit your needs and turn your kitchen into a place you enjoy spending time in with so many options available.