Should You Paint Your Kitchen or Add Wallpaper?

Homeowners tend to obsess over layout and appliances when remodeling a kitchen, but the walls often get overlooked. That’s a missed opportunity. The right wall treatment can tie together the design, brighten up the room, or introduce color, texture, and visual interest without a major investment. Two popular routes, paint and wallpaper, offer very different looks, maintenance levels, and price points. Here’s how to decide which makes the most sense for your kitchen.

Painting a Kitchen: Fast, Flexible, and Forgiving

Paint is still the go-to option for many kitchens, and for good reason. It’s budget-friendly, widely available, and easy to update if your taste changes. A gallon of premium interior paint typically costs between $35 and $70, and most kitchens require two to four gallons depending on size, coverage, and number of coats. If you hire a professional house painter, labor generally runs $300 to $1,000, with high-end jobs topping out around $1,500 for larger or more detailed spaces.

The biggest advantage of paint is its flexibility. You can go with a clean neutral, a dramatic moody hue, or something bold like teal or marigold. Color trends shift every few years, but right now, muted greens, soft creams, and smoky blues are showing up in modern kitchen designs. You’ll also find a lot of matte or satin finishes, which tend to hide imperfections better than glossy sheens.

For high-traffic zones like the kitchen, it’s worth choosing a washable, scrubbable paint that resists moisture and grease. Brands like Benjamin Moore’s Aura or Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald line offer these qualities, and they hold up well in kitchens with poor ventilation or high humidity.

Wallpaper in the Kitchen: Character and Texture With a Twist

Wallpaper has made a strong comeback, especially in kitchens where open shelving or minimalist cabinetry leaves large areas of wall exposed. Today’s options range from textured grasscloths to peel-and-stick murals to traditional vinyl rolls. Prices vary, but most high-quality wallpapers run from $30 to $150 per roll, with a mid-sized kitchen typically requiring six to ten rolls depending on coverage. Installation costs often start around $500 and can climb to $2,000 if the space includes corners, archways, or heavy pattern matching.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper has opened the door for renters or commitment-wary homeowners. It installs more like a decal, doesn’t require paste, and can be removed without damaging the wall. That makes it a popular pick for accent walls, temporary makeovers, or seasonal design updates.

Traditional wallpaper, however, still holds the crown. You’ll see it in French country kitchens, Victorian homes, and upscale transitional designs. Some patterns mimic the look of tile, brick, wood, or shiplap, offering texture without the material cost. Others go for bold florals, geometric motifs, or vintage-inspired prints. Many vinyl or vinyl-coated wallpapers are now designed to resist moisture and are labeled as "kitchen safe."

Combining Both Approaches

Paint and wallpaper aren’t mutually exclusive. Many kitchen remodelers recommend a mix—paint for the majority of the space, wallpaper for one wall or the breakfast nook. You might choose a textured neutral paint on most walls and add wallpaper behind open shelving, inside a pantry, or above a tile backsplash for a splash of contrast.

Designers also play with paintable wallpaper, which offers raised textures like linen, tin ceiling tiles, or latticework. These can be painted over in any shade, giving you texture and color without fully committing to a print.

Comparing the Long-Term Maintenance

In kitchens that see a lot of cooking, moisture, or traffic, maintenance matters. Scrubbable paint finishes are easier to clean and touch up. If a chair scuffs the wall or spaghetti sauce splatters the corner, you can usually fix it with a sponge—or a new coat.

Wallpaper, while durable, is less forgiving. Once torn or stained, a section might need full replacement. Seam peeling can also occur in high-humidity kitchens, especially near windows or over the sink. Vinyl-coated wallpapers handle this better than traditional paper or fabric-backed options.

What’s Trending Now?

In current kitchen design, homeowners are leaning toward paint for simplicity and clean lines, especially in contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired kitchens. But wallpaper is rising in more eclectic or heritage-style spaces. We’re also seeing wallpaper used to bring in natural elements like botanical prints, forest greens, and watercolor florals.

On the paint side, soft sage, mushroom beige, and navy remain popular. Some designers are even painting walls and cabinets in matching tones for a monotone look with depth.

Are There Alternatives?

If neither paint nor wallpaper feels quite right, other options include tile, beadboard, tongue-and-groove paneling, or Venetian plaster. In mid-century or industrial kitchens, some homeowners expose the wall materials themselves—brick, concrete, or shiplap—as a visual element. These options typically involve more cost and construction but provide lasting texture and architectural detail.

Another growing trend is the use of large-format decals or wall art panels. These bring in color and scale like wallpaper but are easier to remove. And for kitchens with limited wall space, a feature ceiling can offer a similar pop without overwhelming the room.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between paint and wallpaper often comes down to your goals. Do you want something timeless and easy to maintain? Paint might be the better route. Are you aiming for a memorable focal point or a style statement? Wallpaper could carry more personality.

Either way, think about how the walls interact with the cabinetry, floors, and fixtures in the room. A balanced palette can tie the kitchen together without clashing or fading into the background.

If you're still not sure, try paint samples or a wallpaper swatch board on a small area before committing to the whole room. With a bit of planning, you can create a kitchen that feels polished, personal, and perfectly suited to your daily life.

Related Articles:

• An Easy Guide To Remodeling Your Kitchen
• Commercial Painting vs. Wallpaper_ What to Consider When Designing Your Space