Choosing the right size tile for your kitchen backsplash is an important decision that can dramatically impact the overall look and feel of your space. The size of your backsplash tiles will influence the visual flow, dimensions, and aesthetic of your kitchen. When selecting tile size, it’s crucial to consider your personal style, kitchen layout, and intended design goals. Evaluating the pros and cons of different tile sizes will ensure you end up with a functional, eye-catching backsplash.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tile Size
Determining what size tile is best for your unique kitchen backsplash depends on several key factors:
Style and Design Goals
- Smaller tiles like mosaics create busier patterns with more grout lines, ideal for making a design statement
- Larger tiles have a more seamless, sleek contemporary look with cleaner lines
- Subway tiles offer a classic vintage vibe, available in various sizes
- Consider the overall look you want – modern, rustic, traditional, etc.
Kitchen Size and Layout
- Smaller kitchens benefit visually from smaller tile sizes to avoid overwhelm
- Larger kitchens can accommodate more expansive tile sizes without looking out of scale
- Evaluate traffic areas and workflow to select appropriately sized tiles
Tile Material and Finish
- Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine and granite are commonly cut in larger sizes
- Porcelain, ceramic and glass tiles can be easily formed into mosaics and smaller dimensions
- Larger grout lines highlighted with mosaics work best for highly polished, reflective materials
Budget
- Smaller tiles require more grout and overall pieces, driving up material and labor costs
- Larger tiles have a more seamless appearance for a lower cost per square foot
- Handmade artisan tiles can be considerably more expensive than mass produced types
Personal Preference
- Assess your own affinity for either busy patterns or a more minimalist look
- Look at examples of both small and large scale tiles to determine visual appeal
Considering these factors will guide you to selecting the ideal tile size for achieving your desired aesthetic.
The Pros and Cons of Small Tile Sizes
Pros
Detail and Visual Interest
Small tiles like mosaics add intricate detail, creating a point of interest on your backsplash. The busier look provides plenty of design appeal.
Easier Installation
It is simpler for do-it-yourselfers to install smaller tiles that don’t require specialized cutting. Mosaics mounted on sheets are also fast and easy to apply.
Can Work in Small Kitchens
Amplifying visual complexity with tiny tiles stops a small kitchen from feeling sterile or overwhelmingly plain.
Easier to Replace and Repair
If a small tile cracks or chips, it is fairly simple to swap in a replacement. Touching up grout lines is also a manageable DIY fix.
More Affordable
You can cover more surface area with tiny tile pieces for a lower cost overall compared to larger tiles.
Highlight Niches and Odd Spaces
It’s easier to tile tricky uneven spaces with multitudes of little mosaic tiles that fluidly fit into corners.
Cons
Installation is Tedious
Applying hundreds of tiny tiles is labor intensive and time consuming, raising your material costs.
More Grout Lines
With small tiles, you’ll have increased grout lines that will need regular cleaning and eventual re-grouting.
Not Ideal for Moisture
The prevalence of grout lines gives water more entry points that can lead to mildew and damage.
Can Feel Busy
An overabundance of small details can make a kitchen feel cluttered if not well balanced.
Not Great for Resale
Some home buyers may view intricate mosaic tiles as dated and ripe for remodeling.
Highlight Flaws
The multitude of grout lines can draw attention to any installation imperfections or uneven walls.
The Pros and Cons of Large Tile Sizes
Pros
Seamless Look
Fewer grout lines and expansive tile surfaces make for a sleek, seamless aesthetic.
Easier Maintenance
Large tiles require less overall grout area, decreasing the need for frequent cleaning and re-grouting.
Modern Look
Oversized tiles communicate a polished, contemporary feel that aligns with current design trends.
Good for Resale
Large scale tiles have mass appeal and are unlikely to appear outdated to prospective buyers.
Highlight Wall Texture
Natural wall unevenness becomes a subtle design perk with less distracting grout lines.
Reflect More Light
Wider tile surfaces bounce back light, making kitchens feel open and airy.
Cons
Challenging Installation
Larger tiles call for precise cutting and placement requiring pro installation for best results.
Can Feel Sterile
Minimal grout paired with expansive tile can start to feel monotonous and uniform.
Show Flaws
Subtle wall imperfections stand out more on broad tile surfaces without busy grout lines to disguise them.
Prone to Cracks and Chips
Larger tiles have more surface area making them susceptible to cracks that are hard to remedy.
Can Feel Overwhelming
Oversized glossy tiles multiplied across walls and floors can seem imposing and cold.
Higher Cost
Bigger tile sizes mean pricier material per piece, resulting in higher installation costs.
Popular Tile Sizes for Kitchen Backsplashes
Mosaic Tiles
Dimensions: 1/4″ to 3/4″ sized individual tiles mounted in sheets
Look: Intricate pattern for a textured look full of visual interest
Great For: Making a design statement, adding detail, small kitchens
Subway Tiles
Dimensions: 3″ x 6″, though sizes range from 3″ x 8″ to 4-1/4″ x 10″
Look: Classic, vintage vibe, horizontally stacked bricks
Great For: Vintage charm, easy to install, timeless appeal
Mini Hexagonal Tiles
Dimensions: 1″ to 2″ for each mini hexagon piece
Look: Honeycomb pattern with vintage appeal
Great For: Adding retro character, works with many styles
Penny Round Tiles
Dimensions: 1″ to 2-1/4″ per tile
Look: Eclectic old-world vibe like river stones
Great For: Rustic and Mediterranean kitchen designs
Oversized Porcelain/Ceramic Tiles
Dimensions: Up to 12″ x 24″ or larger
Look: Sleek, contemporary, seamless
Great For: Minimalist modern designs, clean lined style
Marble Hexagons and Octagons
Dimensions: Octagons up to 4″ and hexagons 6″
Look: Elegant stone mosaic patterns
Great For: Organic yet polished aesthetic
Mini Cement Field Tiles
Dimensions: 2″ x 8″ miniature versions of popular field tiles
Look: Mini directional bricks, vintage field tile mimic
Great For: Mid-century flair, slightly rustic charm
Recommended Tile Sizes Based on Kitchen Location
Beyond your overall kitchen size and layout, the exact placement of your backsplash also guides what tile size suits each area best.
Behind Stove/Cooktop
The wall space directly behind stoves and cooktops benefits from wider tiles that are easier to wipe clean. Minimum 5″ x 5″ tiles or larger are ideal. Avoid glossy surfaces that show splatter and opt for grout lines that resist absorbing grease.
Full Wall/Background
Mosaic sheets seamlessly cover larger backsplash areas for endless visual appeal. Or make a statement with bold use of oversized tiles. Let big tiles enhance seamless surfaces and mosaics provide intricate accents.
Backsplash Niche
Thin subway tiles or smaller mosaics best line niche dimensions for effortless shaping. Have your tile installer precisely measure the niche size for custom cutting needs.
Countertop Boundary
Define the counter-to-backsplash divide with a decorative row of smaller accent tiles like penny rounds. Tiny tiles let you seamlessly match the exact shape of your countertop edge.
Upper Perimeters
Mosaic sheets easily manage wrapping rounded transitions and covering challenging odd angles at the tops of backsplashes. Flexible mesh backing aids in smooth installations.
What Size Tile is Best for Small Kitchens?
If your kitchen is on the smaller side, opt for smaller backsplash tiles to avoid overwhelming the limited space. Tiny mosaic tiles, subway tiles, mini hexagons, and penny rounds all keep the design looking proportional.
Key Tips for Petite Kitchen Tile Sizes:
- Stick with tiles under 4-inches for optimum scale
- Use mosaic sheets for easy install in tight spots
- Choose dimension-adding tiles like subway bricks
- Include a contrasting pencil trim around the backsplash perimeter
- Limit overly glossy tiles that magnify and crowd the area
- Introduce stone, marble or wood looks for depth over flat glazes
- Incorporate a range of complimentary colors for interest versus plain white
Going with smaller tile dimensions prevents your petite kitchen from feeling sterile, lifeless or uncomfortably imposing.
What Size Tile is Best for Large Kitchens?
For ample kitchens, you have the flexibility to install substantial tile sizes without overwhelming the generous square footage. Oversized 12 x 24-inch tiles, marble hexagons, and elongated subway tiles all suit bigger backsplash applications.
Key Tips for Spacious Kitchen Tile Sizes:
- Select tile between 6- to 12-inches for right-sized scale
- Use marble or granite stone for low-maintenance elegance
- Consider elongated sizes like 4 x 12-inch subway tiles
- Opt for few simple colors to amplify tile impact
- Pair with marble or quartz countertops for minimalist appeal
- Use sparing but bold accents of glossy metallics or mosaics
- Include movement-adding details like stacked or chevron brick patterns
- Limit busy mosaics to niche spaces for focal emphasis
The expansive square footage of a sizable kitchen provides the perfect opportunity to install larger tiles for standout style.
What Size Tile is Best for Behind Stove?
The cooking zone behind stoves and ranges needs a backsplash that can withstand splatter, steam and high heat. Larger format tiles over 4 inches are ideal for durability and easy cleaning.
Recommended Tile Types Behind Stoves:
- Porcelain or ceramic with low water absorption
- Marble or granite for heat resistance
- Matte finishes to disguise cooking marks
- Minimal grout lines for wipe-down convenience
- Polished stone for a seamless upscale look
- Solid colors without busy distractions
- Avoid glass due to temperature shock risks
Evaluate your cooking style and opt for appropriately hardy materials. For serious chefs and busy kitchens, bigger stoic porcelain, ceramic or natural stone tiles withstand demanding cooking loads. Their scale also visually expands cooking zones.
What Size Tile is Best for Shower Niches?
Shower niches provide convenient storage space for bath products and accessories. Lining niches with properly scaled tiles results in a finished integrated look.
Ideal Niche Tile Sizes:
- Thin bricks like 2 x 4-inch subway tiles
- 1-inch mosaic squares or hexagons
- Penny rounds from 1- to 2-inches
- Mini bricks around 2-inches for three dimensional detail
Have your tile installer precisely measure the dimensions of your niche prior to installing the tile. This allows custom cutting of border tiles for a tailored fit. Keep the niche tiles consistent with your overall shower tile design.
Tile Layout Patterns Based on Tile Size
Beyond just the scale, the underlying tile pattern dramatically impacts the aesthetic of your backsplash. Using these tile sizes creatively allows for varied layout options:
Mosaics
The multitude of tiny uniform tiles easily permits detail-oriented applications like:
- Intricate borders around niches and lighting
- Contrasting bands tied to countertop edges
- Graphic prints for artsy focal points
- Scattered accents against larger tiles
- Decorative geometric shapes and line work
Subway
The rectangular shape of subway tiles supports installing them in various grid arrangements:
- Classic horizontally stacked
- Vertical for contemporary feel
- Stacked or zig-zagged for modern edge
- Herringbone patterns
- Diagonal brick arrangement
Hexagons
Beyond rows, hexagonal patterns range from:
- Broad honeycomb installation
- Patchwork mixes with offset bricks
- Irregular orientations for eclectic vibe
- Pixelated video game and pop art motifs
Oversized Tiles
Limiting grout lines allows big tiles to be shown in:
- Sleek unified monolithic designs
- Graphic large scale prints
- Modern stacked configurations
- Alternating directional placement
- Frame insets of contrasting patterns
Cost and Labor Differences Based on Tile Size
Tile size significantly impacts your overall budget for purchasing materials and hiring installation. Evaluating the cost differences helps avoid unexpected expenses.
Typical Material Cost Ranges:
- Mosaic Tiles – $5-$50 per square foot
- Subway Tiles – $5-$30 per square foot
- Standard Ceramic/Porcelain – $5-$30 per square foot
- Natural Stone – $15-$100 per square foot
- Oversized Porcelain Slabs – $10-$60 per square foot
Smaller Tiles Cost More Due to:
- Requiring more individual pieces
- Increased grout needs
- More prep time and complex cutting
Larger Tiles Cost More due to:
- Higher price per individual tile
- Specialized tools and skills for prep
- Added waste from off-cuts
Typical Professional Installation Costs:
- Mosaic sheets – $5-$10 per square foot
- Subway bricks – $10-$25 per square foot
- Standard tiles – $10-$30 per square foot
- Natural stone – $15-$50 per square foot
- Oversized tiles/slabs – $15-$50 per square foot
Evaluate your DIY skill level when budgeting to determine whether professional installers are required. The intricate nature of small tiles makes hiring an expert advisable.
Enlisting an Experienced Tile Installer
Successfully installing a fashionable backsplash using the ideal tile size and layout patterns depends heavily on adequate skills. Consider enlisting tile professionals for:
Efficiency – They have specialized tools and knowledge to complete the job swiftly and correctly. DIY mistakes become costly do-overs.
Problem Solving Skills – Professionals can creatively overcome inevitable challenges around difficult corners, lighting blocks and switches.
Custom Cuts – Precisely sizing border tiles along countertops or niches takes exacting cuts best executed by experts.
When vetting prospective tile installation experts, review photos of past finished work to evaluate overall quality. Confirm they have liability insurance and the right tools for your particular tile type.
DIY Installation Considerations by Tile Size
Installing your backsplash tiles does not necessarily require paying for expensive experts. Assess your skill level to decide if DIY tiling for your application provides sufficient results.
Best Tile Sizes for DIY Projects:
- Pre-spaced mosaic sheets
- Subway bricks
- Porcelain, ceramic, or glass under 4 inches
Some Key DIY Install Tips Based on Tile Size:
Mosaics – Use painter’s tape grids for even spacing and leveling. Number tiles and work row by row.
Subway – Laser levels or ledger boards keep tiles straight. Use tile spacers consistently.
Porcelain/Ceramic – Account for recommended grout joint size based on tile dimensions. Cut holes for outlets before installing.
Natural Stone – Factor in greater skill needed for cutting brittle marble or granite. Soak before cutting.
Oversized – Consider renting wet saws to execute professional straight cuts. Allow for excess tile waste.
Assess the complexity of the proposed design before attempting the work yourself as a novice. Be ready to put in ample time for careful installation.
How Tile Size Can Impact Long-Term Maintenance
Beyond just aesthetic considerations, the size of backsplash tile also impacts ongoing maintenance over time. Evaluate how different tile types stand up to wear and tear.
Key Tile Size Maintenance Factors:
Grout Lines – Smaller tiles mean more grout area requiring sealing and inevitable re-grouting.
Surface Area – Larger tiles have expansive areas more prone to damage from cracks and chips.
Textured Finishes – Bumpy surfaces better disguise staining or cooking marks over time than smooth.
Dark Grout – Pigmented grout resists the appearance of dirt better than white or light colors.
Gloss Finish – Reflective tiles accentuate water spots, splatters and signs of aging.
Porosity – Denser tiles like porcelain resist moisture absorption leading to deteriorating grout and mildew.
Consider your cleaning habits and kitchen use to pick appropriately resilient tile surfaces and finishes. Schedule annual tile sealing to protect porous materials from stains over their lifecycle.
Designing Backsplashes Using a Mix of Tile Sizes
Rather than sticking with just one uniform tile size, many homeowners elect to showcase a winning mix of shapes and scales. This adds appealing visual dimension through contrast.
How to Combine Tile Sizes:
- Frame mosaic sheets with subway tiles
- Outline oversized porcelain tiles with penny rounds
- Use a bold row of m