The 30 Backsplash Ideas Your Kitchen Can’t Live Without
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
From intricate and eye-catching to simple and clean, a backsplash can help you express your style in the kitchen. Get inspired!
Wood
Beadboard is a lightweight and versatile product perfect for backsplashes. Painted or raw, it really packs decor punch, especially when installed in a unique way, like the chevron design pictured. An easy DIY project, you can install this yourself in a weekend and with our guide on how to scribe for a perfect fit, you’ll be sure to have professional results. And for durability, protect the wood with washable paint or marine varnish. Plus: You need to see these 27 incredible kitchen storage solutions.
Pegboard
It’s no secret that you can organize anything with pegboard, so why skip the kitchen? Pegboard is paintable, inexpensive and easy to install—and it makes a statement. Paint it a soft pastel and stencil for a vintage look, or stain dark and accent with raw metal for an industrial edge. Pegboard kitchen backsplashes allow for plenty of organization! (Psst: It’s what Julia Child used!)
Pressed Tin
If the real deal is out of your budget, you can create the timeless look of tin with Decorative Ceiling Tiles. Easy to install, these faux tiles can be cut with regular scissors and installed with construction adhesive, making this a reasonable weekend project to tackle. Once done pressed tin backsplashes wow!
Pennies
A true one-of-a-kind masterpiece that is a literal testament to the affordable home improvements you have made. As far as backsplashes go, the results are incredible. But bring your patience, as cleaning and installing pennies can be painstaking work.
Sticker Tiles
The recent influx of sticker tiles to the market has provided homeowners with the look and feel of luxury tile for a fraction of the cost. The application is as simple and peel and stick, and these tiles can be installed over existing tile, making it an easy way to boost the value of your home. And these tiles will instantly updated any kitchen backsplashes.
Brick
If you haven’t been blessed with exposed brick accent walls in your home, you can easily recreate the rustic feel with brick veneer. Which can be installed with construction adhesive. And veneer brick is thin enough to cut around receptacles and outlets for a seamless look. Brick backsplashes will give any home an updated kitchen. Ever consider trendy subway tile for your backsplash? Read this first!
Windows
Who says backsplashes need to be a solid wall? With our guide on how to install a window, you’ll be one step closer to a kitchen that is light, bright and airy. Just be sure to check your local building inspector to make sure that any planned window additions meet local planning guidelines.
Stone
Once relegated to exterior applications, installing stone facing indoors has become a hot trend in recent years. The warmth and look of real stone adds a distinguished European vibe to any kitchen and is an easy DIY backsplashes project.
Mirror
For kitchens with low-lighting conditions, installing a mirrored backsplashes can be a great way to lighten the space and add a modern touch. And learn how to drill a hole in a mirror, and you can even customize your backsplash to hang utensils or other kitchen tools.
Wallpaper
Install a wallpaper backsplash for an unexpected pop of color that is easy to install. Today’s wallpaper is high-tech and durable, making it a cinch to install, and easy to remove when you decide to try a new look.
Plywood
Industrial-chic is all the rage in home décor, which is great news for frugal homeowners who want to renovate on a budget. Plywood can be a perfect choice for kitchen backsplashes. But be sure you understand the different grades of plywood and their applications before tackling this job.
Chalkboard
Chalkboard paint is a trendy way to spice up your walls, but it’s also practical for kitchen backsplashes. Jot down your grocery list, daily menu or just write yourself a happy quote to ponder over morning coffee. And best of all, chalkboard paint is perfect over magnetic paint, making the organization possibilities endless.
Victorian Chic
A staple of farmhouse style, this Victorian chic tile backsplash is all about delicate patterning and muted colors. And the soft blue with natural wood accents hearkens to yesteryear, yet the sleek gold handles and stainless appliances make sure the look doesn’t appear dated.
Art Deco Backsplash
Defined by geometric styles, sharp lines, and bold colors, Art Deco is nicely updated with this tile without being overwhelming. For a seamless look, pull colors from cabinetry and countertops to create cohesiveness that will impress. And installing a backsplash is the perfect time to add extra kitchen electrical outlets to make your space more functional.
Sunburst
This mosaic sunburst may be monochromatic, but it still shines brightly as the focal point of this kitchen. The area behind a stove is the perfect place for a kitchen accent wall. If you’re considering your first tiling project, check out our article on how to grout tile for the best results.
The New Basic
White subway tile is a classic and elegant choice of backsplash—which is why it’s not on thislist. Put a new twist on basic white with these concave white tiles. Reminiscent of fish scales, these tiles are neutral enough to go with any décor but unusual enough to not appear cliché. Learn how to install a new backsplash in six hours with this ingenious project.
Mix and Match
One of the best kitchen backsplash ideas is to mix and match coordinating tiles for texture and effect. The muted color of these brown tiles contrasts beautifully with the glittery mosaic for a perfectly elegant statement. Check out more expert tile installation tips here.
Retro Chic
They say everything old becomes new again, and after viewing this tile, we’d agree. The colorful accented tile is a perfect match for the whimsical range hood and is an effortless way to add a punch of color to a basic subway tile backsplash. For this idea, you’ll want to know how to cut tile with a grinder for a perfect fit every time.
3D Subway Tile
Adding texture by way of three-dimensional tile is a fantastic way to update any kitchen. The ridges on these tiles create great color variation and make the tile look luxurious. And before replacing any tile, read these dos and don’ts of a first-time subway tile installation.
Metallic
Metallic tiles continue to be a hot trend, especially in deep copper, gold and bronze. The mix of patterns and textures in this metallic backsplash make it sparkle. Here are more kitchen upgrade ideas that can be completed in a weekend.
Marble and Mother of Pearl
If you’re looking for understated elegance, this would be it. White marble tile with vining strands of mother of pearl is a stunning choice for a backsplash. It would look incredible paired with a marble countertop and light gray cabinetry, and while you’re dreaming of that, read up on our best grouting tips to make your project a success.
New Floral
Long gone are printed porcelain tiles with floral and fruit motifs. Today’s tile takes floral to a new level with dimensional shapes that make the wildflower pattern pop. Speaking of flowers, check out these eight succulents that make pretty garden groundcovers.
DIY Mosaic
Who says backsplash ideas have to be expensive? This DIY mosaic is made of dyed mason jars, smashed and rearranged into a one-of-a-kind treasure. If glass tile is your thing, check out this beautiful glass-tiled vanity top and learn how to make your own.
Monochromatic Magic
A single-color backsplash can be boring, but in this kitchen, it is anything but. By using monochromatic subway tile in a pretty blue with an intricate mosaic inlay, this kitchen went from drab to fab in a cinch. And if you’ve wondered what it takes to tile a backsplash, read this. (Hint: you can do it yourself in a few days.)
Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
If there’s a pattern you’ve seen on fabric, dishes or in print, and you want to surround yourself in it, recreate it as a one-of-a-kind backsplash. It takes considerable effort to transfer the pattern onto something you can use as a guide for buying, cutting and setting the tile, but the payoff will be a work of art you’ll see every day. And when the grout gets a little grimy, read this article on how to whiten even the grimiest grout.
Chevron
Tile set in a chevron pattern is bold and beautiful. This vibrant teal and white tile is a perfect accent wall, that can easily be coordinated with plain white chevron in the rest of the kitchen. For more great accent wall ideas, you need to read this.
Faux Marble Backsplash
Get the marble look on a budget with this peel-and-stick backsplash. Here are more of our favorite peel-and-sticks.
Damask-Look Wall Tile
Get the copycat look of a damask backsplash on a budget with this peel-and-stick product.
Herringbone-Look Tile
The pattern elevates the style for a more sophisticated look. We love the all-white version in this light and airy kitchen. And taking the backsplash all the way to the ceiling brings the final look up a notch.
This post is brought to you by Taste of Home editors, who aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about? Submit your thoughts, here.
