The backsplash is one of the most impactful design elements in a kitchen, but it can be challenging to find the perfect tile. This guide offers tips on color, pattern, and texture options to help you choose the best kitchen backsplash for your home. Backsplashes typically go from the countertop to cabinets but can be installed on the ceiling if desired.
Choose a Color Palette
The color you choose for your backsplash can dramatically impact your kitchen’s look and feel. Light colors can open up a small space and make it feel bigger, while dark hues create a cozy, inviting feeling.
Choosing the color of the kitchen backsplash tile is also an opportunity to introduce an accent color to your kitchen decor. Whether cobalt, teal or a bright and cheerful green, a backsplash is a great place to experiment with a bold shade. Some homeowners prefer to coordinate their backsplash with their countertops, a decision that can elevate the look of your kitchen. Others want to contrast the counters to allow the backsplash to shine as its visual focal point.
Consider Your Countertops
When selecting your backsplash tile, keep in mind your countertops. Some homeowners prefer to match their countertops and backsplash for a cohesive look, especially when choosing a natural stone material such as granite or quartzite. Others may opt to contrast. If your countertops have movement or patterns, consider running your backsplash tile pattern over the countertop for a visually appealing design that protects the wall from splatter and mildew.
You should also ensure your kitchen backsplash tiles complement your countertops based on color, sheen, and size. For example, a white backsplash with marble counters looks classic and timeless. A black backsplash with natural stone can make a dramatic statement if you have a darker-colored countertop.
If you’re having trouble deciding, tape color and texture samples to your walls to see what they look like throughout the day as the light changes. Always measure your space before ordering a new backsplash to ensure you get the right material! This will help prevent costly mistakes and give you peace of mind when completing your remodel.
Create a Focal Point
A backsplash is a perfect opportunity to add an attention-grabbing focal point. Whether you want to showcase a unique pattern or add a splash of color, plenty of options are available to fit your style and budget.
One way to create a focal point is to limit the size of your tile and focus it around the area where people tend to gather in your kitchen, such as above the sink or range. This gives the eye something to focus on and is also an excellent spot for showcasing a more expensive, intriguing tile.
Another way to create a focal point is to extend your backsplash tiling around the entire room to draw the eye upward. While this will increase the cost, it is a great design trick to expand your space and can make even small kitchens feel open and airy. Make sure to balance the look with the rest of your backsplash in a more neutral or monochromatic tone. Also, remember that the color grout you choose can drastically alter how your kitchen backsplash will appear. For example, dark grout will blend in and complement darkly shaped modern tiles, while white grout will highlight the shape and make it pop.
Go Vertical
Backsplashes have traditionally been installed horizontally, but breaking the rules and going vertical can add a unique touch to your kitchen design. It’s also one of the easier ways to make a bold statement in this typically 2-x-3-foot space. Many tile types are available in various patterns and shapes, offering many creative possibilities. For instance, if you opt for glass or ceramic backsplash tiles, you can choose from various herringbone shapes currently on trend. But if you want something more timeless, you can’t go wrong with classic field tile sizes such as 3 x 6 subway tiles or 4 x 4 straight-set options.
Remember to start collecting ideas early when picking out your new kitchen backsplash tile. It’s helpful to tape samples onto your kitchen walls and observe them in different lighting throughout the day before making final decisions. It’s also a good idea to talk with an experienced professional who can help you narrow your options.
Paint Your Existing Tile
If you have outdated tile, painting it is an affordable and easy way to change the look. Unlike replacing the backsplash, this project doesn’t require removing existing tile and repairing cracks or chipped sections. It’s also a much faster project, with most homeowners completing it in just a few hours.
Before you paint your existing backsplash, properly prep the surface for the new coat of paint. Ensure it’s fully clean and free of mold stains, grease, or food residue that could prevent the paint from adhering correctly. You can use a tub and tile spray, a scouring pad, or even light sanding to remove any buildup and give the surface a fresh look.
Use a special epoxy paint explicitly made for tiles and countertops for best results. These paints are highly resistant to stains and cleaning solutions, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like backsplashes.