Combining wallpaper of different colors is one of the most budget-friendly ways to create an original interior in the kitchen. By selecting them correctly, you can correct the design flaws. But to achieve this effect, you should follow some features of the color combination. Below are good examples of how to combine wallpaper with each other.
Photo of a successful design of combined wallpaper in the kitchen: plain yellow, floral and vertical stripes
Why combine wallpaper with each other in the kitchen interior
This design technique is used not only for the original design of a room. Shades and ornaments can adjust the features of the kitchen layout:
- visually increase the space;
- ensure zoning - this point is especially important for small kitchens or when combining rooms;
- focus attention on individual interior elements;
- dilute the monotony of the design, which is important for a Scandinavian or classic interior.
Wallpaper is the most budget-friendly option for wall decoration. This material is preferred by those who are used to frequently updating their interiors, and with them this can be done simply and without much expense - just look at the bottom photo of the design with combined wallpaper in the kitchen.
Light combi wallpaper will expand the cramped space
Basic rules for combining
When combining wallpaper, you need to proceed not only from personal preferences, but also take into account the size of the kitchen and lighting features. If you don’t adhere to certain rules when combining, the design may turn out tasteless:
- You should not place furniture against the background of wallpaper with a large pattern, because the ornament will not be visible and the space will visually become smaller.
- If wallpaper with a pattern was chosen for the combination, then the distance from the kitchen furniture should be at least 3-4 m.
- You cannot combine cheap and expensive wallpaper, otherwise the design will look tasteless. A combination of materials of different textures and colors is acceptable.
- When combining several wallpapers, you should choose them of the same thickness, then there will be no difficulties with gluing them.
- The ideal solution for the kitchen is a combination of pastel shades with bright, rich colors.
- Designers recommend combining floral patterns with wood texture;
- Geometric patterns look better with abstraction.
The kitchen should not have too many bright accents or wallpaper with patterns, otherwise it will not be possible to create a cozy homely atmosphere. Don’t forget about practicality: you need to choose materials that are easy to clean. Wall decoration should not only correspond to personal preferences, but also suit the chosen kitchen interior.
Thematic wallpaper highlights the wall in an original way
Combination options
There are several ways to combine wallpaper. In a modern interior, you should avoid combining dark shades, gloss with floral patterns, and the presence of more than two colors in the kitchen.
How to combine wallpaper with a pattern
Large ornaments on wallpaper look appropriate only if they are of the same color scheme. A large number of different patterns will make the kitchen uncomfortable.
Large ornament
Solid stripes go well with any pattern. Floral wallpaper motifs can be combined with stripes, polka dots or wood patterns. Stripes and abstract patterns are combined with geometric ones. Alternating types should be the same color, but different shades. If you combine wallpaper with a cage and a geometric pattern, you need to take into account the location of the lines so that they are in harmony.
Harmonization of geometric patterns
Plain and accent
Contrasting shades of the same color go well together, for example, blue and blue, brown and coffee with milk. The whimsical effect of light and shade allows you to zone or expand the space. You can insert bright accents between different shades.
Combination of shades of the same color
Another option for arranging combined wallpaper is to create an accent wall. Bright, saturated colors or large patterns are used. To decorate the remaining walls, you need to choose restrained colors. The apron on the headset should be monochromatic and dim.
This option can correct the design flaws. If the kitchen is narrow, it is better to make the far wall bright. It is better to decorate a wall niche with canvases with large patterns or denser textures. With a harmonious layout, the dining area stands out. In this case, it is better to place washable thick wallpaper above the sink. You can highlight the wall around the window, this eliminates the need to hang curtains.
Visual expansion of space
Vertical combination
Vertical combination of wallpaper is the most popular way to decorate a kitchen in an unusual way. More often stripes of the same color alternate after one or two. This creates a play of light, which gives the interior originality. This allows you to visually increase the height or expand the space. Vertical combination is suitable for small or narrow kitchens.
The stripes must be the same thickness. Then it will be easier to cover the wall without a noticeable transition between them. Wallpaper in the kitchen can be of different textures, for example, matte and glossy.
- The method of vertical combination of wallpaper is its symmetrical arrangement.
The walls begin to be covered from the middle, alternating one or two stripes of different colors, possibly contrasting ones. Suitable for narrow elongated kitchens. When designing walls in this way, you need to think about the placement of furniture and accessories so as not to disturb the symmetry.
- Asymmetrical combinations
Asymmetrical combinations of stripes of different widths enliven the kitchen interior and expand the space. Accent inserts can be placed in different corners or only on one wall. This method is suitable for highlighting a resting place, dining or work area.
- Interesting combinations of canvases with drawings of plants and plain ones that match the color. Multi-colored stripes can be glued with wide or narrow inserts.
- They add dynamism to the interior and neutralize incorrect layouts by combining contrasting colors. Black and white, blue and white, yellow and blue go well.
Horizontal combining
Horizontal combination is suitable for kitchens with high ceilings, otherwise dividing the wall in a horizontal plane will visually reduce the height. This technique is suitable for classic, country or Provence style.
You can combine wallpaper of different thicknesses with wood panels or tiles. It is better to make the lower section darker in color. To disguise the joint, moldings, borders, and strips are used, which should be the same color.
Combination of large pattern with panels
Walls are usually divided horizontally into two parts. The lower section is narrower; it is better to draw the border along the level of the window sill or table surface. You can decorate your kitchen with two types of wallpaper, combining them horizontally, in different ways:
- the top is plain, at the bottom there are stripes imitating wooden panels;
- at the top there are pastel colors, at the bottom there are floral motifs, ornaments or prints on the wallpaper;
- if there is a small pattern on the bottom, you can stick a coating on the top with a large pattern or stripes in the same colors;
- if there is a large expressive ornament at the bottom of the wallpaper, the top should be plain;
- Decorate the top and bottom with monochrome coatings that match in color.
Combination of vertical and horizontal
Vertical and horizontal combinations can be combined, making horizontal stripes on one wall and vertical stripes on the other. Also, with a horizontal combination, you can stick stripes of different shades at the top or bottom. The main thing is not to use bright, saturated colors, otherwise the variegation will have a depressing effect.
Combination of horizontal and vertical
Combination with photo wallpaper
Beautiful panels, bright paintings or photos are appropriate in kitchens of any size and style. The 3D effect or perspective on such wallpaper visually enlarges the space and creates a more comfortable atmosphere. Landscapes and city views look good. They are placed on the entire kitchen wall and surrounded by plain, dim wallpaper. This is usually how a recreation or dining area is designed; it is advisable that the panel is not covered by furniture.
Photo wallpaper with perspective effect
Recently, the use of small inserts of colored wallpaper enclosed in a frame has become popular. Geometric patterns, floral motifs, images of fruits and vegetables are suitable for the kitchen. They are placed on plain wallpaper, often limited to moldings or borders. Thick or textured fabrics are chosen, preferably on a non-woven basis.
Bright insert
Combination of textures
You can experiment with combining different textures. Plaster, cork, fabric or wood coverings should be placed far from the work area. The wall near the stove and sink is usually decorated with tiles. This coating often becomes an accent, so there should not be a large pattern on the wallpaper.
Different textures
Patchwork
Patchwork or patchwork techniques are popular in modern interiors. This is a combination of pieces of different sizes, colors, patterns. You can use no more than 4 varieties. Individual shreds should be in harmony with each other in color and thickness. To decorate a kitchen in this way requires imagination and patience. It is appropriate for interiors in country, Provence, and ethno styles. It is better to paste over no more than one wall or even a fragment of it.
Patchwork technique
Combination in a small kitchen
By correctly combining shades and patterns on wallpaper, you can visually enlarge a small kitchen. The basis should be a single-color coating, preferably light pastel colors. You can dilute it with bright inserts with patterns or geometric shapes. Photo wallpapers with landscapes and perspective effects are suitable. Vertical stripes are used to increase the height, and wide inserts are used to increase the width of the kitchen. You should not choose combinations with dark shades or large, heavy patterns on the wallpaper.
Note to the reader! You might also be interested in what wallpaper to choose for a small kitchen
What to consider when choosing wallpaper companions for the kitchen
When combining, it is important to take into account the nuances of the layout so that the selected combination does not highlight its shortcomings. Also, companion wallpaper should be not only aesthetic, but also functional. Therefore, when selecting materials, it is necessary to take into account all the parameters of the kitchen.
Ceiling height
If you need to increase it, light wall decoration is suitable. It is worth choosing a solid color, or vertical, or diagonal stripes. If the ceilings are high, then there is more choice: you can try combining bright colors or materials with unusual patterns. But designers do not advise combining rich shades and patterns, otherwise you can visually reduce the height of the ceiling. Therefore, it is better to choose a light color scheme with the addition of bright inserts.
Room size
Owners of modern, spacious, large kitchens are lucky: they have the opportunity to implement almost all design projects. For a small room in a Khrushchev-era building, you need to carefully select materials that will visually increase the space. Therefore, designers advise taking a closer look at light, calm tones with a slight shimmer. The same advice applies to kitchens with low ceilings.
To decorate small areas, light shades with vertical stripes are suitable - this technique visually increases the height of the walls. It is better to glue material with a pattern on a wall that has the most natural light. This will make the room seem more spacious.
Multi-colored wallpaper will look more appropriate on a white background
Texture
The most popular option for decorating walls in the kitchen is the use of vinyl wallpaper. Despite the fact that they are less permeable to moisture, mold does not form under them. They are dense and easy to clean, making them a practical solution for kitchen walls.
In addition to vinyl, non-woven fabrics are suitable. They do not fade and are also easy to clean. Acrylic material is also suitable for finishing the kitchen, but they need to be washed carefully and only with a soft cloth.
Lighting
The degree of lighting is another important factor that you need to pay attention to when decorating. If the kitchen is located on the north side, you should give preference to a bright and light palette. And on the southern and eastern sides, muted, restrained shades will look more appropriate.
Universal shades are light green, lemon, gray, metallic, and pearlescent.
Layout
The combination of wallpaper needs to be thought out in advance, taking into account the features of the kitchen layout. Bright colors or patterns are a popular way of zoning space, especially relevant for a studio apartment.
- A dark palette is suitable to highlight the workplace.
- For the dining area it is recommended to use light shades.
If the dining table is located against the wall, then it can be highlighted with a bright color or material with an unusual pattern. But the main thing is not to overdo it with rich shades so that the design looks aesthetically pleasing.
If you choose companion wallpaper taking into account all the features of the kitchen, the interior will turn out stylish and original. Correctly placed accents will help to adjust the features of the layout to emphasize its advantages.
Dividing the kitchen space is one of the problems that combi wallpaper solves
What wallpaper is suitable for the kitchen
Just a disclaimer:
Washable does not mean literally washable. The designation is conditional and different manufacturers make different numbers of layers and materials. There are washable, waterproof, moisture-resistant, abrasion-resistant, etc., but all this does not provide 100% protection.
That's why:
- No wallpaper can be glued in the work area. If the sink is near the edge, then the apron should always go to a perpendicular wall.
- If there is a dining table against the wall, then either do not glue it there, or use it as carefully as possible.
From the point of view of environmental friendliness and toxicity, all foreign wallpapers undergo strict certification and have no problems.
Washable and suitable for the kitchen
Almost all types have 2 layers: base and coating.
Can be glued:
- Non-woven wallpaper. Both the inner layer and the outer layer of non-woven polymer material are the most stable.
- Vinyl. They come with a paper base and non-woven base. The second ones can be used in the kitchen, the first ones cannot.
- Glass wallpaper. Fiberglass made of interwoven threads. Usually used for painting. Monotonous appearance.
In practice, waterproof wallpaper on a non-woven basis can be easily identified by bending the corner of the roll: non-woven wallpaper is denser and more flexible - there will be no crease.
If a visible bend line remains, then the base is paper and definitely cannot be used.
Below is a table of marking options. I marked the ones that are suitable depending on their resistance to water:
Combined wallpaper design
The classic solution is a combination of plain materials and wallpaper with a pattern. With their help it is easier to make the correct placement of accents. But you can limit yourself to using only plain wallpaper to update your kitchen interior.
Plain wallpaper
The most popular material used for wall decoration. In classic and Scandinavian styles, light or white shades are usually chosen. They visually enlarge the space, making it even brighter. However, monochromatic wall decoration is unoriginal and does not emphasize individuality. But if the kitchen owner is afraid of combinations with patterns, then you can combine several plain wallpapers.
- Cool colors - gray, blue, green visually increase the space. Suitable for classical, neoclassical, Scandinavian, high-tech styles. Such shades have a calming effect. Psychologists have also noted that a cold palette reduces appetite. But restrained muted tones should not be chosen to decorate a kitchen located in the northern part of the apartment/house.
- The most popular options are yellow, beige, and golden. They do not visually reduce the space and help create a homely atmosphere. But the abundance of such a range can be tiresome to perceive. Therefore, designers advise diluting it with bright colors.
- Red color is usually chosen for typefaces and rarely for wallpaper. It is too accentuated and can be an irritant to the nervous system. Therefore, it is recommended to choose it for one wall.
- Green is also a popular color for kitchen decor. It looks most appropriate in Provence or country style.
White color is considered universal because it adds spaciousness and always looks elegant and expensive.
However, such a kitchen evokes associations with a hospital ward, so designers recommend adding bright accents.
Yellow wallpaper in the kitchen brings comfort and warmth
Wallpaper with a pattern
Wallpaper with a pattern is often chosen to decorate an accent wall that delimits the kitchen space. To visually increase the height of the ceilings, choose vertical or diagonal stripes.
Ornaments need to be combined based on the overall concept of the kitchen. Plant inserts will harmoniously combine with each other, or with animals and birds. It is appropriate to combine a geometric motif with abstract designs.
To decorate small kitchens, designers do not recommend using wallpaper with a pattern, because it will visually reduce their space.
You should choose wallpaper based on the features of the interior so that they look harmonious. When gluing materials with a pattern, you need to look at how they combine with the overall color scheme of the kitchen.
The accent wall is successfully highlighted with photo wallpaper
Materials for gluing
What kind of wallpaper can be hung in the kitchen? As the strength of materials increases, the chances of their preservation on the walls of such premises increase, so first of all it is better to focus on vinyl, non-woven and fiberglass coverings.
Vinyl materials and compact vinyl are one of the most popular wallpapers for the kitchen and hallway. The first option is in demand due to its moisture-resistant properties, high quality paint that does not fade under the sun, and the ability to mask wall defects.
Vinyl is safe for health and non-toxic, and also has a fairly long service life.
Tip: don’t know what wallpaper to choose for the kitchen to highlight the stylish design? You can choose a textured option - compact vinyl, stylized to resemble realistic surfaces of stone, leather, plaster, and can withstand any mechanical stress.
Of all the types of wallpaper for the kitchen, you can opt for non-woven wallpaper with a vinyl outer layer. The advantages of such materials include wear resistance and strength, as well as the ability to visually level the surface. Silk-screen printing is considered one of the most stylish options for vinyl coverings: the smooth surface of such wallpaper does not deteriorate from the sun, moisture and mechanical damage, although it does not look resistant to such influences.
The range of vinyl wallpaper for kitchen walls also includes materials that can be repainted . Such coatings are especially in demand when finishing a work area: paint will not only update an outdated design, but also hide those stains that were not removed after cleaning the materials.
It is believed that fiberglass wallpaper is one of the most durable and high-quality wallpapers. In addition to their long service life, they will attract you with their environmental friendliness, fire safety, and resistance to alkaline-based detergents.
Fiberglass wallpaper is as easy to paint as vinyl, has reinforcing properties and prevents the appearance of fungus.
The only drawback of such materials is the monotonous design: glass wallpaper does not have patterns or designs, but retains a rich background color and attracts with its texture (there are both smooth and rough coatings with abstract or geometric patterns).
It is quite possible that when deciding which wallpaper is best for the kitchen, you will go cheap and choose insufficiently high-quality materials. For example, thin vinyl coverings may not be suitable for uneven walls, foamed vinyl wallpaper will lose its strength over time, and specially impregnated paper wallpaper, chosen because of price, will lose color.
Therefore, it’s not enough to figure out how to choose the right wallpaper for the kitchen - it’s important to know which materials should absolutely not be used in such a room if you are counting on durable and high-quality repairs :
- paper wallpaper: they cannot be cleaned from stains, and the structure of the materials deteriorates at the slightest contact with water;
- natural coatings: linen, cotton, veneer, bamboo and other natural materials not only absorb moisture and steam, but also retain the odors of food and fire;
- Embossed acrylic wallpaper with a stylish design will not suit you either: such materials have repeatedly formed a coating that is almost impossible to clean using conventional methods.
When choosing wallpaper for the kitchen, it is important to take into account decorative details. Since the kitchen is a place with a high risk of stains on finishing materials, the color of the wallpaper should be resistant to cleaning and able to hide minor stains . The wallpaper palette will also play a role in the correct perception of the interior.
How to properly and beautifully wallpaper your kitchen with different wallpapers: options
There are several ways to combine wallpaper to create an original interior design. They should be chosen based on the characteristics of the kitchen.
Vertical
This option is suitable for long and narrow layouts. Such gluing will increase the height of the ceilings and balance the length and width of the room. There are two ways of vertical combination: symmetrical and asymmetrical. A symmetrical combination is suitable for a classic style, and the second option is for creative individuals who want to add dynamics to the design of the space.
Vertical options are suitable for narrow areas
Horizontal
It looks more harmonious in spacious kitchens with high ceilings, because such a combination can visually narrow the space. You can alternate wallpaper from stripes of several shades. But the most popular option is to divide the wall into two halves, each of which is highlighted with different colors. The border between them is decorated with another finishing material.
Standard options:
- the lower half is covered with plain wallpaper or with a small pattern; to decorate the upper part it is recommended to use a large pattern or monograms;
- It is better to combine a bottom with stripes with a plain top or small ornament;
- It is better to choose shades from a similar color range.
Designers recommend using dark colors for the lower part of the wall or using an asymmetrical highlight that looks original.
How to combine wallpaper with each other (photo): kitchen with horizontal selection
Panels or decorative inserts
If the kitchen is already fully decorated, but you want to update it, an alternative could be panels or wallpaper inserts. Thick wallpaper is suitable for this, preferably flaseline-based. You can choose colors from a similar palette of shades or from a contrasting range. For greater effect, designers advise using frames to highlight the panels.
Horizontal and vertical combination
If you live in a Khrushchev-era building and the size of your kitchen leaves much to be desired, then the best option is vertically combined wallpaper.
This combination will visually raise the ceiling and slightly expand the room. Of course, all this is a visual illusion, but what difference does it make if this makes the kitchen more comfortable?
Wallpapers can be combined:
- symmetrically - from the center in different directions, a simpler and more practical option, ideal for narrow kitchens;
- asymmetrical - strips of different widths are used and placed in different corners of the room, significantly enlivening the space.
If you have a larger kitchen, then it makes sense to combine the wallpaper horizontally. It is often practiced to divide a wall into top and bottom, and moldings and borders are used to decorate the transition.
Accentuating kitchen areas with different wallpapers
By looking at real photos of examples of wallpaper companions for the kitchen, you can see how successfully you can delimit space. For your workplace, it is better to choose laconic, plain wallpaper or with a geometric pattern. The dining area can be covered with beautiful photo wallpaper or in retro style. The main thing is that they are combined with the overall concept of the kitchen.
In the area of the apron, wall decoration should be as practical as possible. But you can experiment in this area too. For example, designers advise highlighting the apron with photo wallpaper. Or use a material with a sandblasted pattern for this, only it should be in harmony not only with the workplace, but also with the overall interior of the kitchen. The most popular design option for an apron is a square or imitation tile. One of the fashion trends is to use lighting for the work surface.
Combination of shades
In order to mask the design flaws, you need to choose the right combination of colors:
- The beige palette is universal. If you combine it with white, you will be able to increase the space. In combination with dark shades, the design will become more sophisticated.
- Pink color looks harmonious with white, gray, brown and purple.
- It is better to combine the brown palette with warm shades, which will add a homely atmosphere to the kitchen.
- Purple color looks interesting with yellow, blue and white.
- Blue and green tones are recommended to be combined with a pastel palette.
Combining wallpaper of two colors in the kitchen is the safest option, especially if you choose shades from the same color scheme.
An insert of ornamental wallpaper always looks interesting
How not to combine
Sometimes, in an effort to impress with your originality, you can make mistakes when combining wallpaper in the kitchen. Here are examples of the most common mistakes:
- combining incompatible shades - this applies more to bright colors;
- combining patterns of opposite styles;
- the use of more than two types of patterns and textures (for example, polka dots, stripes and abstractions);
- simultaneous use of wallpaper of different price categories.
Therefore, designers advise thinking in advance about which materials for wall decoration will most harmoniously combine with the interior. You need to pay attention not only to color and design, but also texture and cost, so that the design turns out original.
Wallpaper companions for the kitchen are not only an opportunity to show your creative thinking, but also to correct the shortcomings of the layout. They are often used to zone space, especially in studio apartments, to separate the living room from the dining room. Wallpaper is also a practical material, because it makes it easy to update your kitchen interior in accordance with fashion trends. You can clearly see how to combine wallpapers with each other:
