Tile or natural stone might be the dream for a kitchen backsplash, but if it’s not in your budget, there’s a beautiful, budget-friendly alternative you might not have considered… wallpaper! With just a single leftover roll, we gave our kitchen a fresh pop of color, turned our backsplash into a show-stopping focal point, and did it all without the cost, mess, or permanence of tile.
In this post, I’ll share exactly how I pulled it off, made the wallpaper water-resistant, and created a durable, designer look that held up beautifully for years. Whether you’re looking for a quick refresh, a temporary upgrade before a bigger remodel, or a way to bring more personality into your kitchen, this project is proof you can have style, function, and affordability all in one roll of wallpaper! (post includes commissionable links; for more information, see my full disclosure statement {here})
The “Before” & Why We Went for Wallpaper
When we bought our house, the kitchen (like most of the rest of our house) was filled with dated, stained wallpaper:
Removing it gave our kitchen an instant update (see my post on how to remove wallpaper for a detailed how-to), but all that fresh white space ended up feeling a little too ultra-white and sterile. I already had some of {this patterned blue wallpaper} left over from another project, so I thought… why not try it on our backsplash?!
Wallpaper Installation
If you’re new to wallpapering, the backsplash isn’t a bad place to start because you’re working with shorter pieces of wallpaper. Unless of course you have arched windows like I did – they put my wallpapering skills to the test! If you’re tackling a tricky install yourself, check out my wallpaper installation tips for lots of helpful tips and tricks.
Once the paper was up, I was really happy with how it turned out. It added a fun dose of color and really made my white cabinets and windows pop:
And I only used a single roll of wallpaper! Your backsplash is actually a great spot to splurge on a wallpaper you love but might be too pricey for an entire room where multiple rolls are needed.
A Few More Kitchen Updates
While I was at it, I made several other budget-friendly changes to freshen up our kitchen:
- Swapped out the cabinet hardware, faucet, and pendant light
- Used marble contact paper on the countertops
- Painted the soffits Benjamin Moore Simply White (flat finish) instead of wallpapering them, which helped the space feel airy and open
You can see all the details in my post on kitchen remodel ideas on a budget.
Sources: Island pendant | Round woven tray | Faux leafy branches | Utensil holder
How to Protect Your Wallpaper Backsplash
You can use almost any wallpaper as a backsplash if you protect it. I double coated mine with {this flat varnish} that’s perfect for wallpapers in kitchens and bathrooms that could be exposed to water and moisture.
I love that it’s truly dead-flat, so it doesn’t make matte wallpaper look shiny. As with any coating, test it on a scrap of your wallpaper first to make sure you’re happy with the finish before applying it to your entire backsplash.
Update! We had our wallpapered backsplash for four years before we did our complete kitchen remodel and it held up beautifully, without a single stain!
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Other Options for Durability:
- Vinyl performance wallpaper – Durable and moisture-resistant, now available in beautiful designs from brands like Schumacher and Phillip Jeffries (check them out {here}. Just be aware that vinyl wallpaper can’t be exposed to high heat, so skip it if your backsplash goes behind your range or cooktop.
- Acrylic sheets over wallpaper – Adds serious protection but typically only seen in higher end homes because the materials + installation costs can get pricey!
Why Wallpaper a Backsplash?
There are several reasons why you might choose to wallpaper your kitchen backsplash:
- Budget-friendly – Much less expensive than tile and easier to replace.
- Endless style options – From bold prints to subtle textures, there’s something for every taste. It’s a great way to add personality to your kitchen!
- Low commitment – Easy to swap out if your style changes.
- Perfect for temporary upgrades – If you’re planning a bigger remodel down the road, this is a great in-between solution.
And you don’t have to limit your wallpaper to the backsplash – you could use it on all of the walls of your kitchen like they did here with Serena & Lily wallpaper:
Other sources: Rattan swivel stools
Budget Alternatives to a Wallpaper Backsplash
Other ideas for updating your kitchen backsplash on a budget are to use peel and stick subway tile stickers like {these} or tile stickers like you can find {here}. My favorite tile stickers that I’ve come across are {these beautiful tile stickers} that mimic Moroccan tile:
You can check out my post on vinyl wall decals where I share details on applying them to our laundry room walls.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper for a Kitchen Backsplash?
Yes! Peel and stick wallpaper is definitely an option for a kitchen backsplash. Check out my post on how to hang peel and stick wallpaper for links to some of my favorite wallpapers and installation details.
Any other questions? Let me know! Thanks for stopping by today!
Lori S H says
What an incredible transformation! I can’t believe you were able to get it all done in 5 days! It looks fantastic!
Denise says
This looks great! And welcome to NC! I used to live in Wilmington and loved it! I live about an hour away but it is just a wonderful place to be.
Gwen B says
Hi Your changes look great! Much more updated! I noticed you replaced your sink. I would like to know more about your sink, brand and type? Thanks and keep up the good work!!!!! Gwen
Kris Jarrett says
Actually the sink is the same (I would LOVE to replace it though because I’m not a fan of divided sinks…) but I did change out the faucet – here’s the affiliate link to that (it’s pretty nice for the price!): https://rstyle.me/+NZysQFsEoaptE4Z3v7Goag
Mary Lou Bertazon says
You always mix the metals which I am always afraid to do! You do it well!
Pam says
Kris, when I first saw your kitchen improvement, I noticed the dark box around the microwave, I was thinking you could cut some thin plywood to the adequate dimensions, cover them in your lovely wallpaper and ‘pop’ them in place behind the microwave. This would also cover the electrical cord A quick solution ( before you get around to building a new box-in cabinet front). Love your work. Love your style. Pam
Romeogirl says
Great idea not to paint soffits! We are doing same thing in S.C. Before larger remodel. Just changed out divided kitchen sink and it’s been life changing!!
Ana says
I was curious if your cabinets are a thermofoil? I have thermofoil in my mudroom and bathroom. The parts that have yellowed are a laminated pressboard vs the thermofoil portion. Thanks. Ana
Kris Jarrett says
They are kind of a mix of everything. The cabinet frames are wood but some portions of the fronts of the frames are laminated. And some of the cabinet fronts are thermofoil while others aren’t. A total hodgepodge!
Calypso in the Country says
Beautiful job Kris! Great idea to paint the soffits white. It really does extend the cabinets visually. I’ve used that same primer on cabinets and have been very happy with it! Love the bar stools too!
Shelley
Leigh Myers says
Where did you get the rug in front of your sink? I am looking for something similar.
Kris Jarrett says
It’s actually the same rug as the one we put in our master bedroom (I had bought a small version of it first to make sure I liked it and ended up finding a home for it here). It’s linked in this post: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/jute-rug/
risia says
looks amazing!! are the kitchen cabinets laminate?
Kris Jarrett says
The cabinets and frames are actually a mix of thermofoil, laminate, and wood!
Nancy says
What an amazing job, you are so talented!
Kris Jarrett says
That’s very kind – thank you!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Sandra! They are from Serena & Lily – the direct link to the exact ones is right above the picture of them near the end of my post. 🙂
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you! I considered painting the trim white but am actually loving the white washed look for now as something different. I might paint the trim of the island white though!
Kris Jarrett says
I actually considered that and even did an Instagram poll having followers vote on white paint vs whitewash. I decided to go with the reader vote and try out the white wash for something different. I might try white on my desk area though and see how it looks there.
Renee says
The updates made a huge difference. It all looks so good. I am going to update my kitchen (painting cabinets) in a few years but I need to purchase a kitchen table. I wanted to get something that would not look so bad for a few years until I do the work. I am eyeing an white cottage table from Create Barrell. Do u think white will look ok with my old oak cabinets? I haven’t picked out chairs yet. I enjoy your blog and you master bath is gorgeous.
Thanks
Renee
Elizabeth says
Wow! Kitchen looks wonderful! It’s amazing how just changing a few things can update a room!
Donna Marie says
You did a heck of a lot of work! and in a short amount of time! It’s nice to have everything like it is yours, even if you have to wait for the major renovations!!! You can appreciate every step.
Renae says
Absolutely gorgeous, my friend.
Lin Andis says
I need a backsplash but I cannot afford tile…Help!
Paige Clarke says
I had a question, let’s say your kitchen has higher ceilings like mine does, so not all of it has to be protected with varnish… is it possible to varnish part of the paper near the counters, and then stop at a certain point? Or does it change the tint of the wallpaper too much that you would notice a “stopping point”? i hope that makes sense, thanks!