When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, there are tons of options ranging in cost and style, but, since you want to get it right the first time, you’re probably looking for a bit of direction. Well look no further—our guide to choosing the perfect backsplash has all the advice you need when it comes to finding something that’s both functional and beautiful.

What to choose for your kitchen backsplash?

Whether you’re into classic subway tiles or something more modern, we’ll dive into all the possibilities when it comes to materials, styles and design inspiration. So let’s get started with three important considerations when updating or installing a new backsplash;

Budget

Determine how much you can realistically afford for a kitchen backsplash and stick to it. It’s always good to plan ahead so that you don’t get overwhelmed while shopping by all the wonderful possibilities the market offers.

Style

Do you prefer something modern? Classic? Vintage? Artistic? Choose based on the style of your kitchen cabinets and countertop and what role you’d like the backsplash to play in the overall theme of the kitchen.

Should it be neutral to contrast with the bolder colors of the cabinetry or be colorful and artistic, creating a centerpiece to contrast with the neutral surroundings?

Should it continue the style of the surrounding kitchen walls or be a unique feature?

Every style has its own pros and cons, so make sure to research before making any decisions.

Maintenance

Some backslashes require more maintenance than others – such as grout cleaning or regular treatment with a sealer. If this isn’t something you want to deal with regularly, look for materials with minimal upkeep requirements like stainless steel or glass.

Evaluating Kitchen Backsplash Materials

When it comes to choosing a kitchen backsplash, the possibilities are almost endless. From materials to colors and textures, there is no shortage of design options to inject your own style into the room.

Before you get started, it’s important to understand the different types of materials available and what qualities they bring. For example, ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean, while natural stone can offer a unique look to your kitchen design but may require special cleaning products or techniques. If you want something a little more low-maintenance, consider using glass tiles as they are easier to wipe down and offer high levels of water resistance. And if you’re looking for an affordable option with great style potential, opt for Thermoplastic which comes in a variety of colors and finishes.

No matter which material you choose, the most important thing is that you select something that complements your lifestyle and current kitchen aesthetic.

Ceramic Backsplashes

Ceramic is a great choice for backsplashes because it’s highly durable and comes in tons of colors, designs, and finishes. You can get a plain white tile if you want something neutral and low-maintenance, or go for something with a unique pattern to make your kitchen stand out.

When designing your kitchen with ceramic tiles, here are some things to keep in mind:

Measure the wall space carefully – it’s important to make sure you have enough tile for the whole backsplash area before you buy but not too much. Online you can find many “Tile Calculators” to help work out exactly what you need.

Consider grouting – choosing the right grout color to contrast with your tiles can help make them pop and make the whole cohesive. Also, choosing an epoxy grout can add an extra layer of protection against splashes and spills.

Seal the surface – check with the manufacturer, some ceramic tiles are porous and will soak up liquids if not sealed with a glaze or sealant.

Choose wisely – make sure to select tiles that have consistent designs, sizes, shapes and glazes so they look cohesive when put together.

Ceramic tile is one of the most popular options for kitchen backsplashes because it offers so much flexibility in terms of style, function, and maintenance requirements—and it’s easy on your budget too. When paired with the right grout and sealants, ceramic tiles are guaranteed to last and look good for many years to come.

Porcelain Tiles

When it comes to kitchen backsplash designs, porcelain tiles are a perfect choice—they offer a classic and timeless look that can blend in with any décor. Here are some tips for creating an eye-catching design with porcelain tiles:

Select a Pattern – Porcelain tiles come in many shapes and sizes, making it easy to create a variety of looks. Whether your style is modern and sleek or traditional and ornate, you’ll be able to find the perfect tile to suit your design. For example, if you’re looking for something subtle yet chic, try using square tiles in a herringbone pattern.

Choose the Right Color – The color of your tile makes or breaks the design, so you want to pick one that complements your overall aesthetic. A neutral one like white or cream can make your space look larger by reflecting light; while a bolder hue like navy blue or emerald green will add drama to any room. For something different, try incorporating two colors in a checkerboard pattern!

Consider Texture – Porcelain tiles come in many textures too—smooth matte finishes are great for modern spaces, while textured finishes are great for adding interest and depth. You can even mix and match textures for an eclectic look.

So whether you’re aiming for a classic or contemporary look, porcelain tiles are sure to give your kitchen backsplash an extra dose of style.

Glass or Mirrored Tiles

Adding some sparkle to your kitchen backsplash can be achieved with glass and mirrored tiles. Not only do they look beautiful, but they are highly versatile too, allowing you to create a unique pattern or texture to fit the design of your kitchen.

Glass and mirrored tiles are also incredibly easy to maintain, they can be wiped down with just a damp cloth and mild detergent if needed, so no scrubbing is necessary. The reflective properties of the material also mean that it is likely to hide most marks and stains from food preparation, allowing you to keep your kitchen looking like new for longer.

Alternatively, instead of tiles, you can also use a solid glass sheet for a hyper-modern and fresh look. These are available in a range of colors and work well in small kitchens or dark kitchens where the reflective nature of the glass can bring more light into the scene.

When considering glass or mirrored tiles, here’s what you need to consider:

• Use tempered glass near any hot areas like the stove.
• Choose between opaque, translucent or transparent glass depending on the look you’re going for.
• If using colored glass, be sure that it compliments the other elements in your kitchen while still making a statement — neutrals such as white, gray or black are popular but it’s up to you. If it’s a large area, be careful using strong colors or mosaics of colors unless you are contrasting it with neutral colors in your walls/cabinets.

Metal or Stone Backsplashes

Metal and stone both make great choices for kitchen backsplashes if you’re looking for something timeless or distinct.

Metal backsplashes – come in a variety of materials, copper or bronze for example, and they can be molded into different shapes and sizes. They are easy to clean, provide a great reflective surface to brighten up the kitchen, and can provide a modern yet classic look. Stainless steel is another option but it is usually too “cold” for use in the home unless you want a utilitarian look.

The only downside is that metal backsplashes can be quite expensive and require special maintenance like cleaning with the right products — so you’ll want to think about whether it’s worth the extra effort.

Stone backsplashes – can give a unique texture to your kitchen thanks to their natural elements. Depending on your room’s design style, you may choose from limestone, travertine, marble or granite. All of these options are beautiful—it just depends on what fits your space best! Stone usually requires sealing or treating once in a while to prevent discoloration and staining, but you’ll be able to enjoy its beauty for many years with minimal upkeep.

Brick Backsplashes

If you’re looking to add a timeless and classic look to your kitchen, then brick is the perfect backsplash choice. Whether it’s real or faux brick, this material can instantly transform any space with its rustic charm. Plus, there are so many options available – from peel-and-stick tiles to traditional mortar installations.

Each type offers advantages depending on how much time and money you want/can spend on installation. For example, Peel and Stick or Faux Brick offer the convenience of easy installation and low cost while real brick offers more authenticity and texture with grout lines creating depth within the overall design scheme.

Fro real brick, there are two options including traditional full-size brick and mortar plus brick veneer backsplash with the latter being easier to work with at a third of the width of traditional brick.

Other considerations for using real brick are that you’ll need to seal it afterward with a polyurethane sealant, either clear to show off the texture of the brick or color to match the decor. Next is the extra work required to keep all those nooks and crannies of the grout and brick clean.

As for Faux or Peel and Stick brick panels, they are readily available and low cost, and reasonably easy to install. The trade-off is that they will always be faux brick.

Wallpaper Backsplashes

Wallpaper is a trending option for kitchen backsplashes offering a huge array of designs and colors to choose from and within reach of DIY’ers.

Wallpaper used as a kitchen backsplash in prep areas will need to be sealed with a Decorators Varnish and if it’s used near a range or stove then you’ll likely want to use something else in that area or cover it with clear tempered glass.

Affordable backsplashes with Laminate

Good news for budget-minded homeowners—laminate is an affordable material for kitchen backsplashes. Laminate comes with a variety of options in terms of colors, textures, and patterns, so it’s easy to find something that will look great in your kitchen and fits your budget.

Laminate backsplashes are also surprisingly resilient. They can easily stand up to stains, scratches, and heat without damage. Plus they’re easy to clean and maintain since they don’t require any special treatments or sealants. All you need is a soft cloth, warm water and mild detergent.

When picking out the perfect laminate kitchen backsplash for your kitchen, here are things to consider:

• Choose an attractive color and pattern that complements the rest of your kitchen décor. What looks good on the website or in the store may not look so great when it contrasts with your kitchen space.
• Explore different manufacturers as there are a lot of new processes that are bringing new and quite attractive laminate designs to the market.
• Look for high-quality laminate that is heat-resistant and scratch-resistant which last and stays looking good for longer.

Laminate is an affordable and practical choice when it comes to selecting a perfect kitchen backsplash, once considered cheap and tacky, new designs are making it popular once again.

Using Thermoplastic for Kitchen Backsplash

When deciding what material to use for your kitchen backsplash, you might want to consider thermoplastic. It’s a combination of plastic and vinyl that can withstand heat, abrasions, and impact. It’s also chemical resistant, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning products affecting it.

Simple & Safe – Thermoplastic is great for areas prone to lots of moisture and heat, like your kitchen. It comes in different colors and styles so that you can find the perfect match for your backsplash design. You can even get it in a variety of designs like mosaic patterns.

Low-Maintenance & Versatile – The great thing about thermoplastic is that it’s low-maintenance; all you need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally. It also is versatile enough that you can cut and shape it into your desired design without any fancy tools or skills.

Thermoplastic is an ideal option for the budget and easy DIY job.

Modern Kitchen Backsplash Trends

In the search for the perfect kitchen backsplash, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of trends and styles available. So here are a few picks of what we feel is trending in current times.

We’d recommend looking into geometric designs and shapes—it’s an incredibly stylish look that can make any kitchen feel modern without being too flashy. But, be sure the colors used and the overall design contrasts well with the other major elements like wall, cabinetry etc.

For something a bit more subtle, take a look at chevron backsplash tiles. Subtly textured and full of depth, they’re a great way to add some visual interest to your kitchen without being too loud or busy.

If you’re going for something more practical than fashionable, try tiled subway backsplashes—these are great for everyday use since they require very little upkeep. Plus, you can go for classic white or jazz it up with brighter colors and unique patterns!

If you are chasing a modern look and need to lighten up the space, we really like full sheet glass backsplashes with a background color that contrasts with the cabinets and walls. Another option here is to use clear glass over wallpaper opening up a range of patterns and designs to choose from.

Easy Budget DIY Backsplash Ideas

Choosing the perfect backsplash isn’t just about style—it’s also about practicality. And there are plenty of easy DIY backsplash ideas that can add a real wow factor to any kitchen.

Here are some ideas to get you started, all of which require minimal skill and equipment:

Mosaic tiles: Whether you’ve got old CDs and records, or broken china and pottery, it’s easy to create a unique mosaic from all sorts of materials. With a bit of glue and grout, you can upcycle your materials into something wonderful and very unique.

Wallpaper backsplash: Wallpaper has made a huge comeback in recent years, with so many prints and textures to choose from, so why not use some for your kitchen backsplash? It’s an easy way to inject personality into your cooking space.

Geometric shapes: If you’ve got the patience (and the wall is flat) then it could be worth creating geometric shapes with painter’s tape, or stencils, and then using spray paint over the top. It’ll add a cool 3D effect and create an eye-catching feature wall in your kitchen.

At the end of the day, whatever design choices you make for your kitchen backsplash will be up to you. But these are just a few quick ways that can give any tired kitchen an instant lift!

Conclusion

As we have covered, there is a diverse array of options available in materials with style and design limited only by one’s own imagination, budget, and practicality. But when you find the perfect backsplash, it can pull your kitchen together, give it a unique touch, and also make it more functional.