Kitchen Backsplash Ideas: Trends, Timeless Options And How To Choose The Right One For Your Kitchen

Once upon a time, kitchen backsplashes were an afterthought. Homeowners would put up whatever tile they had laying around merely to protect their kitchen walls against water and splattering oil. But today, backsplashes are an opportunity to get creative and assert your individual tastes.

Moreover, home interior designers are also concerned with a kitchen décor that seamlessly blends with the overall interior and exterior design of the home. Of the dozens of backsplash designs we’ll discuss, they can be roughly characterized as either traditional, transitional, modern, coastal or industrial design kitchen backsplash applications.

Let’s briefly discuss each of these design theories and present several kitchen backsplash ideas that will work well in a home of that genre.

Traditional Kitchen Backsplash Ideas 

Traditional is the most dominant kitchen design genre. It has many variations, but common elements are painted or stained wood cabinets, granite countertops and wood or laminate flooring. Here are some backsplash ideas that work well in a traditional kitchen.

1. Staggered Subway Tiles

So named due to their use in the New York City subway, subway tiles are a common favorite in traditional kitchens. Their clean lines and staggered layout can enhance any space and blend with various kitchen styles while maintaining a timeless look. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and tend to cost $7 – $13 per square foot. Although they're highly durable and easy to clean, the exposed grout lines can be more vulnerable to mold.

2. Waterproof Wallpaper

Believe it or not, wallpaper has made a comeback in interior design. With the advent of waterproof paper that is able to withstand the inevitable splashes and spills, you can now use wallpaper as a backsplash in your kitchen. There are plenty of designs in all colors available, ranging from subtle patterns to bold prints, allowing you to find the perfect wallpaper to enhance your traditional kitchen's ambiance.

3. Stone Slab

Marble slab or other natural stone backsplashes have a timeless look that is unparalleled by other materials. The unique veining and patterns add depth and character to your kitchen. Although you'll have to pay $50 – $100 per square foot, these natural materials will certainly add value to your home. A classic statement piece that will instantly elevate the overall aesthetic.

"These materials are nice. If you already have a granite countertop, you can carry the granite up onto the backsplash, creating a larger feel countertop," says April Struhs, licensed general contractor and real estate agent in Florida. "The disadvantage of these materials is the price. Being that these materials are natural, they tend to cost more. Plus, these materials will need to be sealed periodically to maintain the quality of the surface."

4. Painted Ceramic Tiles

Inject some color and personality into your traditional kitchen with painted ceramic tiles. These tiles come in a multitude of colors, patterns and designs, allowing you to customize your backsplash to suit your desired taste. Whether you prefer hand-painted art or a vibrant mosaic, painted ceramic tiles can add a focused visual element to your kitchen. 

5. Beadboard

Beadboard paneling can bring a cozy and inviting atmosphere to your traditional kitchen. This style features wooden planks with vertical grooves. Paint it in crisp white for a classic look or experiment with soft pastel shades to create a charming cottage ambiance. Beadboard backsplash tends to cost  $2 – $10 per square foot.

Modern Backsplash Designs For The Kitchen

In a house built with a modern design philosophy, the kitchen will typically feature clean lines and sharp edges, with plenty of natural light. Cabinets may be steel. Floors and counters may be concrete or stone. There will be little ornamentation and plenty of neutral colors. Here are some backsplash styles to consider for a modern kitchen.

1. Laser-Cut Tiles

If you’re looking to bring a contemporary and unique look to your kitchen, consider using a laser-cut tile backsplash. Laser-cut tile backsplashes are particularly eye-catching due to their smaller, precise shapes and intricate patterns. Also, you can choose from a variety of materials such as porcelain, ceramic or even metal to achieve your desired look.

2. Metal Paneling

Metal panel backsplashes can create a sleek, contemporary look in your kitchen. However, they're not always recommended for kitchens that already have a lot of stainless steel, as the panels can clash with appliances and create an overly heavy feel. Despite this, metal paneling is both visually appealing and easy to clean, so it’s worth checking out. Instead of stainless-steel appliances, consider pairing this backsplash with minimalist cabinetry and colored appliances for a sleek, modern look.

3. Shiplap

Shiplap is a popular design choice in modern farmhouse kitchens. This backsplash adds texture and depth and can be paired with a variety of countertop materials, such as marble or wood. Consider dropping the traditional wood shiplap and try a bright tile instead. This combination of modern and rustic elements will give your kitchen a warm and inviting atmosphere.

4. Hexagon Tiles

If you’re looking for a backsplash that can be arranged to create unique, eye-catching designs, you should consider hexagon tiles. Hexagon tile backsplashes are popular choices for modern or contemporary kitchens because of their versatility and geometric appeal. They come in an array of colors, materials and sizes, giving you the opportunity to mix and match to your personal design. Due to its versatility, this unique design option can be paired with both light and dark cabinetry.

5. Mirrored Tiles

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, adding mirrored tiles can create the illusion of more space, while also providing a contemporary feel. This tile choice is unique and versatile, as it can be used as a full backsplash or as an accent behind the stove or sink. Combine mirrored tile backsplashes with dark countertops, such as soapstone, to create a stunning and modern look.

Transitional Backsplash Tile Ideas

A house designed in the transitional style will blend traditional and contemporary elements. More modern materials like metal and glass exist in balance with warmer materials like wood and rattan. Here are some backsplash ideas that might gel in a transitional kitchen.

1. Penny Tiles

Although penny tile is a common element in bathroom designs, it’s recently become a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes. That’s because these small, round tiles come in various colors and can be arranged in an array of patterns to create a timeless look. Use penny tiles to add texture and a visual appeal to your kitchen, bridging the gap between traditional and modern design.

2. Picket Tiles

Picket tiles, also known as fish scale or scallop tiles, are a unique option for a transitional kitchen backsplash. These tiles have two long parallel sides and ends that come to a point, similar to a picket fence pattern. They can be arranged in a horizontal or vertical pattern and are available in a wide range of colors and materials, allowing you to create a personalized and stylish look. Pair picket tiles with natural wood cabinets and brass fixtures for a warm and inviting ambiance.

3. Custom Mosaics

For a touch of luxury and elegance, consider using custom mosaics for your transitional kitchen backsplash. Custom mosaics allow you to create a truly unique design that reflects your personal style. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as glass, marble or mother-of-pearl to create a stunning visual effect. Whether you prefer a monochromatic color scheme or a vibrant mosaic, custom mosaics will transform your kitchen into a true work of art.

4. Stone Tiles

Since stone is so timeless and sophisticated, these tiles would be a perfect choice for a transitional backsplash. Stone tile can create a look similar to a stone slab backsplash, although a stone slab may be less expensive. These tiles can be arranged in a variety of patterns, such as subway or herringbone, to create a classic and elegant look. Pair them with wooden cabinets and sleek fixtures for a warm and inviting projection.

5. Herringbone Subway Tiles

Herringbone subway tiles add an interesting visual effect to any kitchen. They are simply rectangular tiles that are arranged to create the illusion of movement. They come in various colors, materials and sizes, so your transitional backsplash can be as personalized as you’d like. You can pair them with a contrasting grout color to make the pattern stand out or choose a matching grout color for a more subtle effect. Herringbone subway tiles are a versatile option that can be paired with both traditional and contemporary cabinetry.

Coastal Kitchen Backsplash Styles

A kitchen done in the coastal style has a “beachy” vibe, with soft colors like beige, blue, green and white suggesting elements of the seashore. Consider these backsplash ideas for your coastal kitchen.

1. Back-Painted Glass

Back-painted glass panel backsplashes provide kitchens with pops of color. Because the paint is on the back of the glass, these backsplashes supply kitchens with a glossy, translucent finish that can brighten the space and cause it to appear bigger. But these backsplashes are often expensive, at $100 – $200 per square foot, and are best installed by a professional due to their larger size and tendency to expose imperfections.

"Back-painted glass panels are water-resistant and can be seamless, making for an extremely clean installation that can nearly disappear into the wall," says Justin Riordan, interior designer, architect and founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency, a home staging company.

2. Wooden Slats

A wood backsplash creates a warm, cozy look. Using reclaimed wood can enhance the texture of your backsplash and make a trip to the kitchen feel like a rustic retreat. As a material, wood can be a very affordable option. However, the wood must be effectively sealed to prevent corrosion and staining. "Wood warps and rots with moisture, and the kitchen environment can often be moist. However, wood backsplashes are beautiful," says Jake Lizarraga, writer for Interior Charm, a design and decorating blog.

3. Glass Tiles

Glass tiles make an ideal kitchen backsplash because of their nonporous properties and stain-resistance. This also means it won't harbor bacteria and germs. It’s easy to clean, and it’s versatile. Glass mosaic tile comes in an array of shapes, sizes and colors, allowing you to truly customize the appearance of your kitchen backsplash. Whether you want to create a uniform appearance with similar shapes and tile sizes or you’re looking to add dimension with varying shapes and sizes, mosaic glass tile allows you to do just that. Its versatility offers complete flexibility while designing your dream kitchen.

4. Fish Scales

Fish scale tiles are more commonly applied in showers and bathrooms, but they can be a fun idea for a coastal kitchen as well. So named because they resemble the pattern of scales on a fish, these tiles also evoke the ripples caused by wind on water. The fish scale pattern is believed to have its origins in the Islamic architecture of Morocco. The curved side of the tile can be installed face up, down or sideways to create different moods and movements.

5. Glazed Iridescent Tiles

Iridescent glass tile is a magnificent decorating material that infuses a kitchen backsplash with color and drama. The prismatic effect is achieved by transfusing tin or lead oxides into the molten glass or by applying chemicals to the finished product and refiring the glass. The result is a beautiful surface that is often said to resemble the inside of an oyster shell or a pearl. Even used sparingly, when strategically placed as a border or accent, iridescent glass has a magical way of making a room come alive. Strong and long lasting, iridescent glass will remain a classic style for as long as the tile will hold up.

Industrial Backsplash Ideas  

A home with an industrial interior design tends to lean toward minimalism and has lots of open space, raw and unfinished surfaces, concrete, glass and steel. Here are some backsplash ideas that might apply to an industrial design kitchen.

1. Exposed Bricks

Exposed brick backsplashes give kitchens a chic, industrial or rustic feel, but installing solid brick can be time-consuming and costs $12 – $20 per square foot. Of course, in some industrial spaces, such as a loft, the wall might be brick to begin with. Barring that, designers looking to do a brick backsplash may choose to use brick veneer panels. They're a lighter and thinner alternative that can create the same effect for a lower price and easier installation process. But be warned, brick is a very porous material and should be coated with a sealant to help fend off splashing water, food, grease and other staining liquids.

2. Faux-Concrete Tile

Concrete is a cornerstone material of industrial design. Many industrial buildings have lots of this material, including, but not limited to, the floors. One of the reasons concrete has been so popular since the early 20th century is that it can be mixed as a semi-liquid slurry and poured into virtually any form you want. Industrial designers realized this and began designing forms for countertops and backsplashes.

The trouble with this type of concrete construction is that it requires a craftsman and can be very expensive. Enter faux-concrete tiles. These are lighter weight ceramic or porcelain tiles that look like cement, are easy to install as a DIY project and very affordable. As they’ve become more popular, faux concrete tiles are available in more sizes and designs.

3. All Black

Especially as a contrasting color in a minimalist space with lots of neutral color, black can make a dramatic design statement. All black tiles with a black grout can create the illusion of a dramatic, seamless black surface. Choose a matte black tile for another visual. Or, perhaps even easier and less expensive, paint any over-counter/under cabinet wall space in all black.

4. Waterproof Stucco

Sometimes a backsplash surface may be that of an existing stucco wall. Stucco can be an acceptable backsplash but it must be protected from spills and splashing. If you like your stucco surface and would rather not install a backsplash over it, you can waterproof the stucco with a clear concrete masonry sealer, usually made of silicone. Waterproof, elastomeric paint can also preserve and protect stucco. Choose either of these products for a pretty easy DIY project.

5. Tin Panels

You may be familiar with tin ceilings in older buildings. These are often “discovered” hiding beneath a drop ceiling in old buildings undergoing renovation, having been deemed out of fashion at some point decades ago. In most cases when this happens, these old tin ceilings are restored and left exposed because they bring elegance and texture to the building.

Well, a tin backsplash is now possible too. You can purchase tin panel tiles in different sizes, colors and patterns. These tiles are easy to install and can add a visual pop in an otherwise muted modern kitchen.

The Bottom Line

At a base level, the kitchen backsplash is functional. It is there to provide a barrier for the wall material, typically plaster or drywall, against splashes and grease that may ultimately stain or damage it. It covers an area roughly 18 inches high above the countertop and below the cabinets, and for some time it was a simple material such as Formica or plain tile.

Today, however, designers ask, “Why not have fun with it?” Modern kitchen backsplashes come in a myriad of materials and colors, and some are quite expensive. If you’re approaching a kitchen restoration project and want to leave no stone unturned, consider applying for a personal loan with Rocket Loans^SM to get the finances you’ll need to do it right.