Original Posters for Kitchens: Food, Drink and Advertising That Actually Works

Kitchens are unusually good places for posters. Food and drink advertising belongs there naturally, but the best result is usually less literal than filling every wall with pictures of things you can eat.

Start with graphic design, not a theme

Vintage drinks advertising often has bold colour, strong typography and simple compositions designed to register instantly. Those qualities work in a kitchen regardless of whether you actually drink the product.

Campari is an obvious starting point

Campari commissioned remarkable designers across generations. Milton Glaser's 1992 poster gives you colour and humour without feeling like generic kitchen décor.

Think about the room itself

A narrow wall may suit a vertical European advertising format; a long dining wall can take something much larger. Measure the framed dimensions, not just the paper size.

Keep originals away from heat and moisture

Do not hang valuable paper directly above a hob, sink or other source of steam, grease or repeated temperature changes. Kitchens can be harsher environments than living rooms.

Our framing guide and conservation guide cover protection in more detail.

Mix categories

A railway poster, exhibition design or film poster can work just as well as food advertising. The room does not need to dictate the subject.

If you do love classic advertising, our food and drink poster guide explains how to buy originals rather than later reproductions.

Explore the posters featured above: Perrier · 7-Up · Campari L'Aperitivo · Cinzano. You can also explore our collecting guide, authenticity guide, condition guide and framing guide.