Peel and Stick Wallpaper Inside Kitchen Cabinets

Looking for kitchen wallpaper ideas? Today’s post is about adding peel and stick wallpaper inside kitchen cabinets!

I recently gave our coffee and tea station a makeover by installing floral wallpaper in the back of the cabinet where we keep mugs. This was a quick DIY project that is bringing me a lot of joy. I love seeing the cheerful pattern each day!

Keep reading for peel and stick wallpaper installation tips, plus pretty wallpaper options for the inside of your cabinets. You could also use wallpaper inside of bathroom cabinets or living room built-ins!

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Why Put Wallpaper Inside of Cabinets?

So, why install wallpaper in the interior of your cabinets? The main reason for me was to add visual interest. With our white cabinets and white countertop, our kitchen was begging for a splash of color.

I’ve been embracing more color in our home lately and adding wallpaper inside of the kitchen cabinets seemed like a perfect solution that doesn’t require making any permanent changes. I also just love the whimsical vibe that the wallpaper creates!

Installing peel and stick wallpaper in a small area requires minimal effort, but makes a big impact. Many people feel that a kitchen is the heart of the home, and this kitchen wallpaper idea can help you infuse your personal style into a space you see everyday.

Finally, adding wallpaper to the back of your cabinets can spruce up an older kitchen if you do not want to replace or paint your cabinets. It can mask scratches or minor damage on the inside of cabinets. I have used this same wallpaper as a liner for the bottom of lower cabinets, too!

What Type of Wallpaper to Use Inside of Your Cabinets

This section covers basic information about wallpaper application and materials.

I Used Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Peel and stick wallpaper, also called self-adhesive wallpaper, is a good idea for the inside of kitchen cabinets. It is typically made of smooth vinyl, or vinyl-free “non-woven material.” Both materials are washable, easy to maintain, and easy to remove in large strips.

Non-pasted or pre-pasted wallpaper may also be made of vinyl, but some traditional wallpaper is made of fabric, paper, or grass cloth. These materials are not the best option for the inside of cabinets because they can be more delicate and difficult to clean.

The most important factor is the wallpaper material. Be sure to read the product description and choose a wallpaper that is made of vinyl or non-woven material that is washable. Also look for an indication that the wallpaper is removable / repositionable.

I will share lots of pretty wallpaper options at the bottom of this post!

(This post is about installing peel and stick wallpaper, but you could also use non-pasted or pre-pasted wallpaper as long as the material is suitable for a kitchen.)

Peel and Stick Wallpaper vs. Contact Paper

You may be wondering, what is the difference between peel and stick wallpaper and contact paper? These two materials are very similar and can both be used inside of cabinets.

Contact paper is typically used to line a drawer or the bottom of a cabinet. Peel and stick wallpaper tends to be thicker and higher quality than contact paper, and as the name suggests, it is generally used for walls or vertical surfaces.

I went with peel and stick wallpaper because I loved this pattern by Rifle Paper Co. Their peel and stick wallpaper is made of a premium non-woven material that looks like traditional wallpaper. But you can also use contact paper if you prefer!

How to Install Wallpaper Inside Kitchen Cabinets

If this is your first time installing wallpaper inside of a cabinet, I’ve got you covered! Here is a step-by-step walkthrough to help you put adhesive wallpaper in the back of upper cabinets.

1. Remove Shelves from Upper Cabinets

The first step is an easy one. Remove the shelves from the cabinet, as well as the small plastic or metal anchors that hold the shelves in place.

2. Clean Surface to Prep for Wallpaper

Secondly, for the best results be sure that the surface you are working with is clean.

The inside of our cabinet was pretty clean, so I simply wiped it down with a damp cloth and allowed it to dry. If needed, you can use mild soap to remove the grease or dust that sometimes builds up in kitchens.

3. Measure the Back of the Cabinet

Thirdly, measure the back of your cabinet with a measuring tape. Then, add an extra inch to each measurement. These are the dimensions you will use to cut your piece of wallpaper.

(Cutting a slightly bigger piece than you need allows for the cabinet not being perfectly square. We will trim the excess wallpaper at the end!)

4. Trim Peel and Stick Wallpaper to Size

Next, roll out the wallpaper on a clean, flat surface. Make sure that the pattern is oriented correctly. Use the measuring tape and a pencil to mark the dimensions on the wallpaper.

5. Begin Peeling Off the Back of the Paper

Check the pattern and find the side of the wallpaper that will go at the top of the cabinet. Beginning with a corner, peel back a few inches of the backing to get started.

6. Align Strip of Wallpaper at the Top

Here we go! Align the wallpaper to the top of the cabinet. It is okay if there is a little overhang on either side as we will trim the wallpaper at the end. Most importantly, make sure that the pattern appears straight.

This is where the “repositionable” aspect of peel and stick wallpaper is helpful. If at first you don’t succeed, simply remove the piece and try again. Confession: I never get it right the first time.

7. Slowly Pull Down Back of the Paper

Once you have the top of the wallpaper positioned correctly, press down starting from the top center and moving outward to the top corners.

Then, begin peeling the backing downward a few inches at a time, pressing out air bubbles from the center to the sides as you go.

At the end, you will finish with the bottom corners. Then, press the wallpaper all the way into the edges and corners, all the way around the back of the cabinet.

8. Trim and Remove Excess Wallpaper

The best part! Carefully use a precision utility knife (such as an X-ACTO knife or box cutter) to trim the excess wallpaper and create a straight edge. Cut along the corners of the cabinet and peel off the overhanging pieces of wallpaper.

I cannot get over this new look for our mug cabinet! What was once a plain white cabinet is now so fun and cheerful. Stay tuned for another post with a full tour of our coffee and tea station!

Using Wallpaper as a Liner Inside of Cabinets

Another kitchen wallpaper idea: you can use this same method to install peel and stick wallpaper as a cabinet liner.

Peel and stick wallpaper is basically thick contact paper, so it is perfect for this use. I may need to try this in my bathroom drawers and cabinets next!

Related: How to Organize Pots and Pans in Kitchen Cabinets

Beautiful Wallpaper to Use Inside Kitchen Cabinets

Here are my favorite options for kitchen cabinet wallpaper!

1. Bramble Garden | non-woven material, 20′ L x 27” W
2. Cool Cats | non-woven material, 20′ L x 27” W
3. Menagerie | non-woven material, 20′ L x 27” W
4. White brick | vinyl, 18′ L x 20.5” W
5. Blue branches | vinyl, 18′ L x 20.5” W
6. Pink animals | vinyl, 18′ L x 20.5” W
7. Geometric | vinyl, 18′ L x 20.5” W
8. Neutral floral | vinyl, 18′ L x 20.5” W
9. Primrose | non-woven material, 20′ L x 27” W
10. Green blooms | vinyl, 16.5′ L x 20.5” W
11. Willowberry | non-woven material, 20′ L x 27” W
12. Sage blooms | vinyl, 18′ L x 27” W

Wallpaper Inside Kitchen Cabinets: Conclusion

Installing peel and stick wallpaper made such a huge difference in our white kitchen. It is a small thing that brings a little cheer to each day. I think I have enough paper left to do the rest, so I will be working on that slowly but surely over the coming weeks.

If you follow this tutorial, leave me a comment below or tag me on Instagram so that I can see!

Hope you have a cozy day,