Deciding on the perfect backsplash for your kitchen can be an exciting yet daunting process. With so many options to choose from – materials, colors, patterns, and styles – it’s important to consider what will pair best with your existing kitchen design. This comprehensive guide provides tips to choose the ideal backsplash and ensure it ties your whole kitchen together.
Assessing Your Needs
Before selecting a backsplash, take time to assess your needs and kitchen setup.
Consider the Purpose
Your backsplash should be functional and enhance your culinary experience. If you love to cook, opt for a durable and stain-resistant material. For a bakery or messy chef’s kitchen, choose a backsplash that cleans up nicely. If your kitchen is more for display, pick a backsplash that packs visual impact.
Measure the Space
Carefully measure the entire backsplash area – from countertops to cabinets – including any awkward angles or indentations. This allows you to purchase the right amount of materials and properly visualize proportions. For a unified look, select a backsplash that can span the entire area without odd seams.
Evaluate Current Elements
Examine your existing kitchen layout, cabinetry, countertops, appliances and overall decor. Your new backsplash should complement these design elements rather than compete with them. Look for a backsplash that matches or adds to the current style.
Assess Lighting
Consider the type and amount of natural and artificial lighting in your kitchen. Certain materials and colors show best in ample lighting, while others thrive in low light. Test backsplash samples during different times of day to see how light affects them.
Determine Your Budget
Backsplash materials and professional installation can significantly impact cost. Measure the space to estimate needed materials, then research prices and labor. Consider doing a DIY install for vinyl, ceramic tile or wood. For higher-end materials like stone or metal, the investment may be worthwhile to have it professionally installed.
Establish a Focal Point
Strategically using backsplash to draw the eye to a particular spot can enhance your kitchen’s focal point. Use a colorful glass mosaic tile backsplash to spotlight a luxurious stove. Allow a textured stone or marble backsplash to serve as the backdrop for an ornate range hood.
Selecting a Style
With endless options for colors, patterns, textures and materials, it helps to narrow down general style preferences before choosing a specific backsplash.
Modern and Sleek
For contemporary kitchens, sleek styles like glass, metal and polished stone add shine and sophistication. Options like mirrored glass or stainless steel backsplashes complement modern decor seamlessly.
Rustic and Traditional
In cottage kitchens, go for backsplashes with rustic charm like weathered wood planks, brick veneer, or rough-cut stone. Handmade ceramic or terra cotta tiles also provide an earthy, traditional look.
Bold and Vibrant
Make a dramatic style statement with vibrantly-colored glass, hand-painted tiles, or mosaics in daring hues. Pair with glossy white cabinets and modern metals for stylish contrast.
Natural and Organic
Natural elements like stone, wood grain, cork and bamboo instantly add warmth. Consider marble slabs, limestone tiles, or bamboo panels paired with eco-friendly cabinets.
Minimalist
For an understated look, select single sheets of glass or stone, solid-colored ceramic tiles or painted panels. Simple white subway tile is a classic minimalist backsplash.
Choosing Materials
The material you select for your backsplash impacts its look, durability and cost. Compare the pros and cons of various options to discover your best fit.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Pros:
- Durable, water-resistant and easy to clean
- Range of colors, shapes, textures and patterns
- Affordable, simple DIY installation
Cons:
- Grout requires sealing to prevent stains
- Vulnerable to chipping
Best for: Eclectic styles on a budget
Natural Stone
Pros:
- Elegant, classic material that makes a statement
- Granite, marble, travertine, limestone, slate options
- Withstands heat and resists scratches
Cons:
- Expensive material and professional installation
- Needs resealing to prevent staining
- Can be porous
Best for: Luxury kitchens
Glass Tile or Mosaic
Pros:
- Sleek, shiny and modern
- Range of colors including metallics
- Easy to wipe clean and moisture-resistant
Cons:
- Expensive material, especially for large areas
- Not as durable as stone or ceramic
- Grout staining can be an issue
Best for: Contemporary styles with pops of color
Stainless Steel
Pros:
- Sleek, polished professional look
- Highly durable, water-resistant and easy to sanitize
- Modern appeal for contemporary kitchens
Cons:
- Expensive, requires expert installation
- Prone to fingerprints and smudges
Best for: Commercial kitchens or modern designs
Metal Tiles
Pros:
- Eye-catching accent tiles in tin, copper or nickel
- Makes bold visual impact with shine and luster
- Can mimic look of metal sheets at lower cost
Cons:
- Softer metal prone to dents and scratches over time
- Grout requires extra sealing
Best for: Adding pops of metallic shine
Wood Planks
Pros:
- Warm, natural look at affordable prices
- Eco-friendly and easy to install yourself
- Variety of wood species and finishes
Cons:
- Prone to water damage, warping and staining
- Resealing required to prevent moisture issues
Best for: Cottage or farmhouse kitchens
Brick, Concrete, or Faux Tiles
Pros:
- Achieve industrial chic or vintage flair
- Inexpensive, lightweight faux options available
- Porous concrete brick allows paint customization
Cons:
- Vulnerable to chipping
- Grout and faux materials may stain easily
Best for: Adding a pop of texture
Selecting Colors
Choosing the right backsplash colors pulls your entire kitchen palette together – mix and match with confidence.
Match Cabinetry
Selecting a backsplash color that matches your cabinetry creates a streamlined, unified look. For light cabinets, opt for a light backsplash. For dark cabinetry, pair with a darker backsplash hue.
Complement Countertops
Look to tie in the tones of your countertop into the backsplash for a coordinated finished. Pair white quartz with crisp white subway tile. Allow dramatic black granite to stand out against a neutral backsplash.
Contrast Appliances
Use a bold backsplash color to make stainless steel appliances really pop. Vibrant blue or green glass backsplash tile looks vibrant against silver appliances.
Accent the Wall Color
Bring out undertones in your wall color by selecting a backsplash in the coordinating shade. Warm tan walls come alive with neutral cream stone tile. Cool gray walls glow with glossy white subway tile.
Consider Lighting
Factor in how lighting affects color. Natural light brings out a backsplash’s vibrance. In low light, bright or dark colors show up vivid and dramatic. Soft colored backsplashes look illuminated under lighting.
Establish a Focal Point
Strategically place a bold pop of color tile, like an orange glass accent strip on a neutral backsplash, to draw the eye where desired.
Match Flooring
Tying in backsplash color with the flooring creates unity and flow. Rich wood flooring pairs nicely with natural stone tile. Vibrant patterned vinyl floor pops against solid white backsplash.
Patterns and Textures
Layers of shape, form and texture elevate a simple backsplash into an artistic focal point.
Mosaic Tiles
Tiny glass, stone or ceramic pieces in mosaic patterns add visual intrigue. opt for subtle neutral mosaic or make a colorful splash. Metallic mosaics sparkle.
Subway Tiles
This rectangular shape creates clean lines and structure. Go for classic white or bold colors. Stack for interest. Use creatively – herringbone, bricklaid, etc.
Hexagons
Interlocking six-sided hexagon tile packs interest with geometric appeal. Made from ceramic, glass or stone. Looks great in patterns or single bold color.
Penny Rounds
Copper penny tile adds retro flair. Can be pricey for real copper but faux options recreate the look affordably. Also comes in ceramic, glass and stone.
marble slab
A marble slab backsplash makes a luxurious statement, showcasing natural veining and depth. Needs proper sealing and care but timeless elegance.
Metal Sheets
Stainless steel, copper, nickel or tin sheets add modern industrial edge. Great for professional kitchens. Consider pressing texture into metal for added dimension.
subway brick
Subway brick veneer backsplash creates urban edge. Buy authentic reclaimed brick or realistic faux versions. Laid in stacked pattern.
Travertine
Travertine brings Tuscan warmth with rustic holes and rough natural edges. Available in tile or slab. Durability and style.
Baked Clay
Terracotta tiles offer traditional handmade character, with natural clay imperfections that add charm. Available glazed or unglazed.
Wood Planks
Reclaimed barn wood planks, shiplap or bamboo boards add homey character. Can be left natural or given stained pop of color.
Design and Installation
Proper installation and design of your backsplash ensures it enhances your kitchen aesthetics and functionality.
Layout
Figure the exact backsplash layout and tile placement before installing. Mark the center and plan outward. Decide on standard grid, diagonal, herringbone or unique pattern.
Grouting
Grout provides stability and clean visual separation between tiles. Consider color coordination and opt for grout that resists staining.
Cutting
Measure precisely and use proper tools to expertly cut tiles – like a wet saw – for clean edges. Cut border and niche tiles snugly to fit.
Prepping the Surface
Thoroughly clean and sand the backsplash area first. Apply appropriate primer and let dry fully. This helps tiles adhere properly.
Setting Materials
Use recommended mortars and adhesives suited for the backsplash material you’re installing – like mastic for ceramic tile. This prevents slipping and damage.
Sealing
Seal natural stone, grout and porous materials with appropriate sealant. This is crucial to preventing costly moisture damage and stains down the line.
Accent Lighting
Consider installing lighting to accent your new backsplash like LED strips or directional bulbs to showcase details.
Backsplash Alternatives
Beyond traditional tiled backsplashes, some creative alternatives add personality.
Painted Surfaces
Painting the backsplash area or stenciling patterns is budget-friendly. Use high-quality, properly primed cabinet paint. Easy to change up down the road.
Wallpaper
Self-adhesive wallpaper allows affordable customization. Peel and stick patterns, textures and colors complement any decor. Easily changed.
Metal Panels
Sleek metal like antique copper, galvanized tin or stainless steel make arty backsplash panels. Can find discrete designs or go bold.
Recycled Glass
For an eco-friendly ambiance, recycled glass tile contains LEDs or colored glass fragments encapsulated in resin. Illuminated appeal.
Corrugated Materials
Metallic corrugated steel and translucent corrugated plexiglass add edgy appeal. Interesting texture plays with light reflections.
Pegboard
Vintage charm using pegboard panels to mount hooks, shelves or art. Customize with paint or stain. Useful for an organizer aesthetic.
Maintaining Your Backsplash
Properly caring for your new backsplash ensures it stays beautiful for years.
- For tile, regularly reseal grout and make repairs immediately to prevent moisture damage.
- Speak to pros about appropriate sealants and cleaning practices for your material. Harsh chemicals may damage some.
- For high-use kitchens, clean backsplashes frequently to prevent grease buildup and staining over time.
- Use gentle materials, never abrasive scouring pads, on delicate surfaces like glass tile.
- Check for loose tiles or damage during regular cleaning and repair appropriately to avoid further issues.
- Protect wood or raw materials prone to water damage with cutting boards or other barriers during food prep.
Backsplash Design Inspiration
Wood Plank Statement
Rich wood planks in an extra wide statement pattern create inviting warmth against crisp white cabinets. Perfect for a natural elements kitchen.
Sophisticated Marble
Elegant marble slab backsplash and opulent gold finishes give this luxury kitchen an ultra-sophisticated air. Beauty and durability.
Rustic Brick
A real brick backsplash with weathered charm and earthy red tones pairs perfectly with stainless steel and worn wood elements for cozy rusticity.
Cool Contrast
Crisp navy blue backsplash tile energizes this otherwise neutral kitchen. The bold color beautifully contrasts the stainless appliances.
Chic Shiplap
Tongue and groove shiplap boards give vintage-inspired coastal cottage flavor. Calming whitewashed finish allows pops of ocean blue and green accents.
Retro Revival
Vintage turquoise and red penny round tiles laid in retro chevron pattern bring 1950s flair. Nostalgic with a fresh, bright palette.
Minimalist Marvel
Clean lined white quartz countertops and matching slick subway tile backsplash results in serene, fuss-free minimalism. Elegant simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best backsplash for a dark kitchen?
In a dark space, lighter backsplash materials like glass, ceramic or metal tile help reflect light and keep things bright. Avoid bold dark colors.
How do I make a small kitchen backsplash look bigger?
Using larger tile with clean grout lines rather than small mosaic tile can give the illusion of expanded space. Installing backsplash tile vertically also draws the eye up to seemingly increase height.
What backsplash goes with oak cabinets?
Natural wood cabinetry pairs nicely with stone backsplashes in hues like cream, beige, brown and terra cotta. Or pick a colorful tile that contrasts and complements the wood tone.
Can you use peel and stick tile for backsplash?
Peel and stick backsplash tile offers an affordable, DIY-friendly option. Ensure product is high-quality and the area is properly prepped for best adhesion. Seal grout to prevent moisture damage.
What is the most popular kitchen backsplash?
White subway tile remains the most popular choice for its clean, classic look. But bold patterns like geometric mosaics are also trending, along with organic textures like wood and stone.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect backsplash brings your whole kitchen together aesthetically while also serving practical purposes. Assess your existing design, materials, budget and style preferences. From sleek glass mosaics to cozy wood planks, the options are limitless. Use these tips to confidently install a beautiful, high-functioning backsplash tailored to your unique taste and needs. With proper planning and care, your backsplash can be a focal point you enjoy for years to come.