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44 Best Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas

By
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 10/09/24
Kitchen wall decor ideas

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Elevate your space with kitchen wall decor that will make this functional room warmer and more inviting. You can decorate a small or large kitchen with budget-friendly or DIY ideas, collections of anything from cutting boards to cake molds, or decor that complements the rest of your interior. Using artwork, mirrors, decorative plates and baskets, wall-mounted storage pieces, and more, there are kitchen wall decor ideas to suit every space and style, from modern to farmhouse and traditional.

Get inspired with these kitchen wall decor ideas in a range of styles.

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    Decorative Plate Collection

    china plates on wall

    Marian Louise Designs

    Decorating with plates will complement an eat-in kitchen or dining room. If you're a collector or even recently inherited a beautiful set of china from a relative, consider featuring it prominently for a cozy look.

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    Colorful Diptych

    nautical split canvas

    Interior Impressions

    Make a visually engaging statement by displaying a diptych on your kitchen wall. This nautical image blends with the soothing off white walls perfectly. A triptych would also look lovely on a wall like this one.

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    Botanical Print Collection

    matted prints

    JNR Designs

    If you're struggling with how to best fill a large, open wall space, consider hanging a collection of botanical prints in neat rows. Stick with coordinating frames and mats for a cohesive look.

    Tip

    If you're looking to save some cash, you don't need to shell out the big bucks for one-of-a-kind prints—framed pages from an old book or digital downloads can also look fantastic when placed in matching inexpensive picture frames.

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    Large Framed Mirror

    mirror on wall

    Georgia Zikas Design

    Whether hung horizontally or vertically, decorating with mirrors will amplify light in your kitchen and help the space appear larger. Go modern or vintage, just make the style you choose complement your overall kitchen design.

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    Family Photo Wall

    family photos

    Think Chic Interiors

    The kitchen is likely where your family spends the most time all together—so why not honor your loved ones with a family photo wall. Focus on your immediate crew or honor relatives living far away—you can feel like you're all gathered around the dinner table together.

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    Themed Artwork

    landscape art

    @purehappyhome / Instagram

    If you're unsure about the type of artwork you'd like to showcase in your kitchen, see if a common theme stands out among your pieces. Maybe you own a lot of artwork that features natural elements, or maybe you have a thing for vintage portraits. Landscape art adds calm and color to this kitchen.

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    Cutting Board Gallery Wall

    cutting board wall

    @myrusticmodernliving / Instagram

    Cluster cutting boards together on the wall, using nails to hang them for a pretty and practical display. These pieces won't take up precious storage space, and they will make a visual impact when grouped together.

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    Black and White Photography

    nyc artwork

    @ginfizzinteriors / Instagram

    Celebrate your love for travel without leaving your own home. Pick a print that represents a favorite destination and allow it to do the talking, like this Empire State Building photograph.

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    Personal Travel Photos

    travel photo

    @alpine_spaces / Instagram

    Honor a favorite memory from a past trip by printing out a photograph you took while traveling and giving it a special place to shine in your kitchen. Utilizing your own images is a wonderful way to tackle a blank wall and save money in the process.

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    Colorful Artwork

    canvas art

    Michael Hunter for Kim Armstrong

    Hang a colorful painting on the wall to energize your kitchen. Invest in a favorite artist, or grab some paint and DIY the wall art for a budget-friendly route.

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    Vintage Sign

    hanging sign in hallway

    Michael Hunter for Kim Armstrong

    Hang a sign on the wall that adds a bit of whimsy to your kitchen. Food-related phrases like "eat" or "coffee" can be a bit overdone, but a thrifted vintage hotel sign adds charm without being too on the nose.

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    Mixed Media Wall Decor

    plates and framed art

    JL Design

    Mix paint, decor objects, and framed art to create a personalized display. This black-and-white kitchen features black painted stripes, a half circle of wall plates, and a framed photo.

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    Food-Themed Prints

    food art in kitchen

    @sweetvanillajamilla / Instagram

    Food-related prints, photography, illustrations, or artwork are a natural fit for kitchen walls. Create a small gallery wall or scatter framed pieces throughout the space as desired.

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    Small Framed Painting

    art above oven

    @suzannahstanley / Instagram

    Hang a small framed painting on a plain white range hood to add an unexpected design element. Just be sure it's not a valuable piece that could be harmed by smoke and splattering oil.

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    Open Shelving

    plate wall

    Tony Soluri for Jessica Lagrange

    If you crave extra storage, hang shelves that can be styled with a mix of practical and decorative items. There's no reason that your favorite kitchen accessories can't double as art, after all.

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    Abstract Art

    abstract canvas art

    Jenifer McNeil Baker for Maestri Studio

    Abstract art will complement a number of decor styles, whether your aesthetic leans modern, eclectic, or somewhere in between. This piece stands out in a mostly neutral contemporary kitchen but could be used to modernize a traditional space as well.

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    Collected Artwork

    small art

    Janet Mesic for M Lavender Interiors

    Kitchen artwork doesn't necessarily need to be large to make an impact. If you have a few small pieces that are just begging to be hung up, consider grouping them together to better fill a wall. Don't worry whether frame shapes or colors differ—the look will be more collected that way.

    The 6 Best Online Framing Services
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    Color-Coordinated Art

    beach artwork

    @houseofchais / Instagram

    If your kitchen features a few different dominant shades, look for artwork that features both of them. These beachy scenes touch on the copper from the light fixtures as well as the calming blue from the island.

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    Painted Wall Accent

    green arch wall with art

    @the_mumma_bear_diaries / Instagram

    Invite a new hue into your kitchen in the form of a painted arch or geometric design, then tie things together with artwork that also features that shade. If you're feeling ambitious, hang some kitchen wallpaper to create an accent wall.

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    Black and White Photos

    black and white photos

    @_homeonthecorner_ / Instagram

    Framed photographs of your little ones can easily be swapped out as they grow. Stick to black and white for a cohesive look.

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    Moody Artwork

    saturated art

    @erinzubotdesign / Instagram

    If your kitchen features saturated tones, let your artwork reflect that. A muted floral piece looks wonderful in this moody kitchen.

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    Pair of Display Shelves

    landscape artwork

    Urbanology Designs

    Hang a pair of bracketed wooden shelves on the wall in lieu of a cabinet. Style them with everyday items like a brass watering can as well as plants and small decor items for a cozy look.

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  • 23 of 44

    Kitchen Utensils

    gold kitchen utensils

    Olga Hanono

    Basic pieces like kitchen utensils can definitely be made to look artful if they're hung intentionally and are aesthetically pleasing. In this space, gold serving utensils pop against marble walls.

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    Gallery Wall

    gallery wall

    Rebekah Westover for Etch Design Group

    Decorate a blank wall in an open-plan kitchen and living room with a colorful gallery wall. Start building a gallery wall that can be added to over time as your collection grows.

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    Leaning Artwork

    leaning wall art in kitchen

    @fabulouslyexhausted / Instagram

    Not every kitchen features walls that are easy to nail into. Don't be shy about leaning artwork on the countertop against the wall rather than hanging it up to decorate your space.

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    Thrift Shop Art

    thrifted art

    @dommdotcom / Instagram

    A thrifted portrait above your dining table could lead to some pretty interesting dinner party conversation. We love the large gallery wall across the way from the table, too.

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    Miniature Easel

    art on easel

    Ashley Webb

    If your walls aren't nail-friendly but leaning art isn't quite your style, try a miniature easel. This one looks ultra sophisticated and can easily be moved around if you worry about damage while you're cooking.

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    Portrait Light

    hanging picture light

    @houseofchais / Instagram

    Hang a portrait light above a special piece (or two) that's worthy of some extra attention. It'll add a cool, museum-like quality to your space.

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    Modern Wall Art

    black and white abstract art

    Alvin Wayne

    A modern black and white abstract piece is the perfect finishing touch to a sleek kitchen space. Just keep anything super luxe away from your food prep area—you don't want any tomato sauce splatters ending up on the canvas.

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    Wall Baskets

    baskets on wall

    Chelius House of Design

    Decorative wall baskets will add textural interest to your walls. Or try hanging a collection of decorative serving trays on the wall that can be taken down and used when it's time to entertain guests.

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    Frameless Canvas

    face portrait

    Louis Duncan-He

    Create a casual feel with a frameless canvas. It will save you money on framing and be easier to hang as well.

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    Photo Ledge

    hanging picture ledge

    mStarr Design

    If you're someone who likes to redecorate and switch around your artwork frequently, hang a photo ledge and use that to display your frames of the moment. This makes it easy to transport artwork from room to room if you wish.

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    Framed Recipe

    framed recipe card

    @therusticdesert / Instagram

    If you have a favorite family recipe that you'd like to feature in your space, pop the handwritten note card into a frame for all to admire. This is a great way to honor a relative whose cooking you always appreciated growing up.

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    Painted Accent Wall

    kitchen accent wall ideas

    @anna_m_stark / Instagram

    If you're looking to go the extra mile, jazz up a painted accent wall with an arrangement of pretty plates. Don't hesitate to opt for a bold hue.

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    Round Mirror

    mirror in kitchen

    @hungermama / Instagram

    A round mirror adds interest above the stovetop in this kitchen, reflecting the artwork in the background to boot.

    Design Guide to Putting a Mirror Over the Fireplace
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    Neon Sign

    neon sign

    @littleeastview / Instagram

    Energize your kitchen walls with a neon light. This one has a sweet little message and fits perfectly between kitchen cabinets.

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    Framed Poster

    neutral wall decor

    @butiksofie / Instagram

    Artwork doesn't need to be bold and bright to add style, though. If neutrals are more your thing, this setup is a great place to look for inspo.

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    Variations on a Theme

    neon lights

    @hardcastletowers / Instagram

    Celebrate a love for neon signs by hanging one up and then opting for a neon sign inspired print to hang below. After all, you can't have too much of a good thing, right?

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    Retro Artwork

    retro kitchen artwork

    @prettypocketprojects / Instagram

    Keep the retro kitchen theme going with artwork that is all about having fun. This trio of prints is full of electric hues.

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    Kids' Artwork

    kid art on wall

    @bejdesigns / Instagram

    Give kids' drawings pride of place in your kitchen. But keep them off the fridge and tack them up on a wall instead. Or frame your favorites using inexpensive frames to create a gallery wall.

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    Vintage Advertising

    vintage sign

    @thathomewiththepugs / Instagram

    Vintage advertising signs are crowd-pleasing and nostalgic. Throw it back to the good old days with a vintage soda fountain sign that will make you want to kick back with a root beer float, or whatever floats your boat.

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    Word-Based Wall Art

    cheeky kitchen art

    @wilder_eden_design_company / Instagram

    Hang typographic art that focuses on the beauty of lettering or features a lighthearted slogan or family motto. Or hang a letter board sign with a meaningful message or phrase.

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    Vintage Travel Poster

    travel posters

    @rosieandlukegaff / Instagram

    Hang vintage travel posters for a nostalgic feel. Hang them in a vertical stack in identical frames for a cohesive look.

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    Random Portrait

    portrait artwork

    @edwardian_property_parade / Instagram

    Source inexpensive portraits of random humans at thrift shops and flea markets. Hang just one portrait or a whole wall of them—they're always bound to add tons of charisma to any room.

What Can I Use to Decorate an Empty Wall in My Kitchen?

Decorate your kitchen walls with art, mirrors, cutting boards, family photos, decorative plates, vintage signage, wall baskets, or a gallery wall. Choose pieces that speak to you and work with your home’s decor style.

What Are Good Paint Colors for Kitchen Walls? 

Paint your kitchen in a light neutral like white, beige, or gray for a versatile look that can work with any style. Go for a more dramatic look with black walls, or add bold colors for a blue, green, or red kitchen.

Should My Kitchen Walls Be Lighter or Darker Than the Cabinets? 

Use dark painted or stained wood cabinets on white walls in a large kitchen or one with tall ceilings to ground the space. Lighten up dark walls with light cabinets for a high-contrast look. Or use the same shade on both walls and cabinets for a streamlined tonal look.