When decorating a home, kitchen artwork often gets overlooked. But if we add art to every other room, why not the kitchen? After all, kitchens aren’t just for cooking—they’re where we spend a lot of time, and they deserve just as much visual interest as our living rooms and bedrooms. Thoughtfully selected kitchen wall art can warm up the space and make it feel more complete, without sacrificing function.
Kitchen & bathroom spaces tend to feel colder or more utilitarian, but art is the perfect way to soften those edges. Mixing decorative elements like a small piece of art or painting into your kitchen design adds character and charm—and it doesn’t take much. Even a single art piece can transform a small space.
When selecting kitchen wall decor, consider natural elements to bring warmth to, what tends to be, a sterile room. A wooden frame adds texture and warmth, and I guarantee you can find one for next to nothing at a local flea market or thrift store.
I thrifted a wood frame myself and printed a charming fruit artwork from my free art domain at Walgreens. Now, it sits on our quartz backsplash ledge—the perfect place for a pop of personality. It’s simple, it fits the color theme of our kitchen, and it elevates the whole room.
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Where to Put Art in the Kitchen?
There are many great places to hang art in the kitchen, even if wall space is limited. Here are a few creative options:
Side of cabinets: These often-overlooked spots are great places for small kitchen wall decor. Add a mini frame or two for a cozy look.
Backsplashes: Hanging art on a backsplash is an easy way to add warmth and personality to focal paint of your kitchen and really make it feel curated. A small vintage still life or print above the stove can bring charm.
Kitchen walls: Whether above a countertop or next to the pantry, art can act as a focal point that draws the eye and adds visual interest.
Kitchen hood: If you’re blessed with a beautiful vent hood, this is a fantastic focal point to add a beautiful vintage print. Esp, in a neutral or white kitchen, this could be a great way to break up some of the coolness and bring a pop of color and interest.
Open shelving: If your kitchen design includes open shelving, slide in a small kitchen picture or two between dishes. It’s an easy way to incorporate decorative items into your everyday display.
Backsplash ledge or countertop: A ledge is a perfect place for a dainty framed piece. In our all-white kitchen, the natural tones of the wood frame and vintage-style artwork bring warmth and a lived-in feel.
What type of artwork works best for the kitchen?
Fruit prints: A classic choice for kitchen walls. These tie in well with the room’s purpose and offer timeless appeal.
Seasonal art: Swapping out prints by season is a great idea. I rotate between a bunny for spring, pears for fall, and a fox in snow for winter. When using a thrifted wooden frame, it’s easy to just switch out the image—a super affordable refresh.
Florals: These can soften a space and complement both modern and traditional kitchen decor.
Abstract art: If your unique taste leans more contemporary, abstract art pieces add sophistication and intrigue.
Family photos: They can bring a personal touch, but be mindful of clashing color schemes. An easy way to blend them into your kitchen color theme is to convert them to black and white or sepia tones.
Decorative plates: A nod to tradition, hanging a few curated plates adds character and can even become a mini gallery wall.
Landscape: Landscape art seems to work well in just about any room with a variety of styles! Mix it with a bridge faucet for a classic look or incorporate it in a slightly more modern kitchen for a nice transitional touch.
OUT OF STYLE ALERT!
I’d encourage you to avoid word art and kitchen canvas prints. According to many interior designers, these are quickly going out of style. Instead, try to select a picture or painting portraying what those words mean to you.
Whatever you choose, keep the scale of your kitchen artwork in mind. Large paintings or oversized frames can overwhelm a small kitchen. Save those for living rooms or hallways. In the kitchen, focus on compact pieces that complement rather than compete with the main focal points like the hood, open shelving, or a built-in hutch.
A Few More Tips for Using Art in the Kitchen:
Layer your decor. Mix a small frame in with your kitchen tools, cookbooks, or dishware for a curated, interior designer-inspired look.
Think about your color palette. Pick art that works with your existing color theme. If your kitchen leans neutral, try adding soft greens, warm oranges, or muted blues through art.
Kitchen Art Favorites
I’ve gathered a few favorites that would be great in nearly any style of kitchen.
Budget Friendly Kitchen Art Options: Free Art Domain
My favorite free art domains are packed with beautiful vintage-inspired artwork, fruit illustrations, florals, and more that work perfectly for kitchen wall decor. Just download, print, and frame!
FREE Printable Art Domain
Decorating your kitchen doesn’t need to be complicated. We spend a lot of time in these spaces, and they’re the heart of the home—a place to gather, cook, and create memories. Adding a few art pieces is a great way to enhance your kitchen’s ambiance while making it feel styled and intentional.
Whether you thrift a frame, swap out seasonal images, or purchase a piece from a favorite artist, kitchen wall art is a small change that makes a big difference.
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Photo disclaimer: Some of the images featured in this post were created using AI tools and are intended solely for visual inspiration. These images are not meant to replicate or replace the work of any specific artist. I use AI as a creative tool to help visualize ideas and design concepts, while always encouraging support for original artists and makers.
Girl Behind the Blog
I’m Jess, the creator of Oak & Grain. A mid-west girl at heart who now resides in Raleigh, NC. I love finding old things and giving them new purpose by way of refinishing or incorporating unexpected, overlooked thrift store finds in the modern home. I work full-time in medicine and I love dipping into my creative side and in the process, keeping my sanity. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more behind the scenes action.
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