🔪 How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash
Adding a kitchen backsplash redefines your kitchen’s aesthetic – it can even act as the kitchen’s main focal point. However, many people still ignore upgrading the kitchen backsplash (or do not put any backsplash) while upgrading or renovating their kitchen.
Kitchen cabinets, appliances, countertops, etc., get all the budget, but often people overlook the backsplash.
A modern kitchen design that includes a backsplash is integral to interior design and should not be overlooked. A backsplash saves your kitchen wall from all the dirt and grime of cooking and meal prep.
Besides serving a functional purpose, it adds great aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. These can be completely customized to make your kitchen space look unique!
A backsplash for your kitchen has become quite popular recently, and choosing the right one can sometimes be confusing. Consider the following kitchen backsplash ideas to find the perfect backsplash that compliments your kitchen design.
Table of Contents
What is a Kitchen Backsplash?
A kitchen backsplash is a vertical surface installed behind a kitchen countertop, typically between the countertop and the wall cabinets.
Its main purpose is to protect the entire wall from splashes that occur while cooking and cleaning.
Backsplashes can be made from various materials, such as tile, stone, glass, or metal, and are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles to suit different design preferences.
In addition to their functional benefits, kitchen backsplashes can add visual interest and appeal to the kitchen.
🔪 Varieties Of Kitchen Backsplash
While tiles have been the traditional choice of material for backsplash tiles for homeowners, there are plenty of other tile options on the market now.
Technology has made it easier to install these new backsplash materials.
You could even turn your backsplash into an interactive touchscreen with this cool concept from GHSP.
Each backsplash material can be capable of evoking style & class when designed in the right way. Some of the trendiest kitchen backsplashes are:
1. Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tiles are one of the most common kitchen tile backsplashes.
This type of geometric tile backsplash comes in small sizes & shapes.
These 1×1″ (25×25 mm) or 2×2″ (50×50 mm) size tiles help impart a gorgeous look in the kitchen.
A mosaic tile can be made of clay, porcelain, or ceramic.
These are sometimes called marble tile if made from marble, of course.
Because of their small size, these patterned tiles are easy to design & customize.
2. Subway Tile
Also on the list of most common designs for kitchen backsplashes.
These subway tiles come in a staggered brick fashion.
A subway tile backsplash is very minimalistic in design.
Their simplicity makes them ideal for any kitchen – especially if you need a more muted element to balance out a busy kitchen.
That’s not to say you cannot add some visual interest with subway tiles.
Diagonal or vertical alignment of the subway tile pattern will add a unique twist to this look.
You could also go with a large format tile to minimize grout lines.
3. Stone Slab
If you are tired of using tiles & want to try out something unique, natural stone slabs could be what you are looking for.
They are made of granite, marble, quartz, etc and look great if you want to cover the entire kitchen wall.
You can further customize the stone slabs to complement your kitchen’s theme.
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel can be another excellent option for a backsplash.
Although the use of stainless steel in the kitchen is mostly used in industrial-grade kitchens like in a restaurant, nothing stops you from adopting this industrial look for your home kitchen.
This backsplash style is limited in its aesthetics and can rarely be customized to meet a specific look.
However, you can rest assured that this backsplash is durable and easy to clean.
5. Glass Tile
The use of glass tiles as a backsplash emerged a few decades ago.
Since its arrival, it has had a significant impact on kitchen designs.
Because of its 100% waterproof nature, it’s an excellent choice for those who need to tackle steam, splashes & moisture every day.
Moreover, you can get various colors with glass tiles.
The natural transparency of these can create a dazzling shiny effect. The bonus is they are scratch-free.
However, a professional-grade installation is a must for glass tiles.
Otherwise, the adhesive or grout will be visible.
6. Peel & Stick Tile
These trendy peel & stick tiles are excellent cheap-and-cheerful backsplash options for a budget-friendly kitchen makeover.
However, remember they are not the most durable, and you may have to replace them more often than traditional materials.
These tiles work well on adhesive walls.
All you need is to buy these stick tiles from any hardware shop & apply them to the wall.
The cleaning process is also the same & hassle-free.
If you get bored with the design, you can rip it off & replace it in an afternoon—a no-fuss, no-mess way for an instant makeover.
🔪 Things to Consider Before Buying That Perfect Kitchen Backsplash
1. Material & Color
Most people struggle to choose the perfect color for their backsplash.
The best way is to take a sample of tiles and place that sample of tile against the wall and cabinets and judge for yourself how it will look.
🛑 Remember that a kitchen countertop should be a large part of your consideration when choosing a backsplash – they have to complement each other.
Also, consider other kitchen finishes, such as the cabinets built around your stove, oven and kitchen countertops.
2. Don’t Leave a Spot
When it comes to a tile backsplash, every little imperfection can be quite glaring.
So, be sure not to leave any spots on the wall uncovered – and pay extra attention to the corners and edges.
Using different tiles patterns like horizontal, diagonal, staggered brick-shaped, etc., can provide an aesthetic appeal to the kitchen.
3. Wear & Tear
Before installing your new backsplash, it is important to research and learn how the material will wear and tear over time.
If you have a ceramic-based tile backsplash, you won’t have to worry about it.
For stainless steel-based backsplashes, keep in mind that they scratch easily when coming into contact with anything abrasive.
It also depends on the kind of person you are.
If you cook a lot and like to make a mess, a harder-wearing surface would be better for you.
4. Quality Grout
There’s no alternative to buying quality grout.
After all, grout is what holds the backsplash to your wall.
Don’t forget about grout color as well.
Lighter color subway tiles can look dramatically different if you use colored grout instead of white grout.
Using white will give your tiles that seamless look.
Colored grout can give you a different effect if matched with the kitchen walls and countertops to help the tile color pop!
So, don’t cheap out on grout and resist the urge to cut grout costs because it is not something you feel is important to the aesthetic.
QUICK TIP: Just remember, white grout is harder to keep clean.
5. Don’t Forget Your Countertop
Your kitchen backsplash & countertops don’t necessarily need to match.
However, you need to choose backsplash styles that complement the countertop.
🛑 As a general rule, you shouldn’t mix a busy countertop with a busy backsplash design.
There are a couple of looks you could achieve.
One where your design matches the surrounding decor. A white tiled backsplash would look great with a black countertop.
Secondly, you could go for a look that sharply contrasts your existing decor and have it stand out.
If only one of these is to be the focal point of your kitchen, then choose that one over the other.
Our best advice will be to bring a sample of the backsplash tile and compare it with your countertop material.
✅ PRO TIP: If you are replacing your countertop, always put in the backsplash after your countertop has been installed.
6. Determine Your Budget
Budget is crucial in choosing the best kitchen backsplash.
However, if you are tight on budget, there’s no need to overspend on the backsplash.
You could even just put in a backsplash behind the range hood.
Instead, you can rely on the traditional subway or mosaic types.
However, spending depends on personal preference.
So you have to balance out your budgetary restraints with the look you want to achieve.
🔪 Other Practical Considerations
Don’t forget to include the actual needs of your kitchen in your design choice.
Price points, types of material, and the type of aesthetic you are looking for need to be considered holistically.
Do your foreign relatives love to come over and cook up a storm, or do you prefer some quiet baking time?
Either way, you need to understand the types of meals and cooking you will be doing in your kitchen.
If you’re into frying spicy chicken on a hot stove, you need a taller backsplash that’s more durable and easier to clean, like a stone slab or stainless steel.
If you love cooking Asian meals in a wok that produces a lot of steam, a surface like a glass backsplash that’s 100% resistant to water should be your best preference.
There’s a lot to think about in the design process, including the color scheme.
There are a sea of colors and accents as well as materials and designs.
All of this can be an overwhelming process.
🔪 Ready to Design Your Next Dream Kitchen?
The kitchen backsplash is one of the easiest things to switch up to change your kitchen’s look.
But if done otherwise, it can be a disaster if you have chosen the backsplash as the kitchen’s focal point.
Choosing the perfect kitchen backsplash can be a fun and rewarding process.
With so many materials, colors, patterns, and styles to choose from in 2024, there is sure to be a backsplash that fits your personal style and complements your kitchen.
Remember to consider the size and layout of your kitchen and your budget when making your decision.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box – a unique and eye-catching backsplash can really make your kitchen stand out.
So take the time to research and explore your options, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect kitchen backsplash for your home.
Engaging an interior designer can help you maximize your kitchen’s aesthetic and have your home looking like million dollars!
Want to learn more about your home’s kitchen? Feel free to check out our other articles on home improvement!
