Updated on Nov. 15, 2024
From intricate and eye-catching to simple and clean, a backsplash can help you express your style in the kitchen. Get inspired with these amazing ideas.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
For an attractive, inexpensive DIY backsplash that you can install in a weekend, try beadboard. Painted or raw, it packs a punch, especially when installed in a jazzy pattern, like this chevron design. Be aware that wood isn’t for everyone, though, or every kitchen.
“Given the warmer, moisture-prone atmosphere, they tend to be less durable and harder to clean over time,” Scheck says. To keep your wood backsplash looking great, protect it with washable paint or marine varnish.
If you haven’t been blessed with exposed brick accent walls in your home, create your own brick kitchen backsplash with gorgeous brick veneer. Easy to install with construction adhesive, brick veneer is thin enough to cut around receptacles and light switches for a seamless look. Brick backsplashes are one of our favorite non-tile backsplash alternatives that give any home a fresh, updated look.
White tile is one of the most popular, versatile kitchen backsplashes around. Choose classic squares, sleek subway tile or put a new twist on an old favorite with with eye-popping designs like this fish-scale backsplash. It’s neutral enough to work with a variety of kitchen decor, but unusual enough to give your kitchen a fresh, fun look.
Warm, earth-toned terracotta is in this year, and Scheck expects it to remain popular for years—making it a great choice for your new kitchen backsplash. Terracotta is durable and easy to care for, so it can take the heat of your busy kitchen. A natural, eco-friendly choice, terracotta comes in multiple shapes and textures to complement any kitchen design.
If the real deal is out of your budget, create the timeless look of tin with decorative ceiling tiles. Easy to install, these faux tin tiles can be cut with regular scissors and installed with construction adhesive, making this a reasonable weekend project to tackle. Once done, pressed tin kitchen backsplashes really wow!
Once relegated to exterior applications, installing stone facing indoors has become a hot trend in recent years. The warmth of real stone adds a distinguished vibe to any kitchen, but make sure to pick a thin stone to avoid putting too much weight on your walls. Bonus: Scheck says stone backsplashes require less maintenance than wood, paint and wallpaper.
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. Best of all, you can apply chalkboard paint on top of magnetic paint. Just think of all the organizing you’ll do!
Photo: Courtesy of John & Melanie
Wallpaper isn’t Scheck’s first choice for kitchen backsplash, because kitchens are prone to moisture and heat. But, if you choose the right kind of wallpaper, it can work. That’s where vinyl wallpaper comes in. The color and pattern choices are endless, giving you an unexpected pop of color that’s easy to install. Today’s wallpaper is high-tech and durable, and easy to remove or cover when you decide to try a new look.
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! Just remember to paint the wood with a waterproof varnish.
Another current trend, according to Scheck, is slate kitchen backsplashes. Slate’s sleek sophistication (say that three times fast) looks fantastic against white marble countertops and dark cabinetry, and the tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes for a fully customizable kitchen backsplash that will last for as long as you own your home.
Arranging thin tiles into a herringbone design elevates plain white tile into a more sophisticated look. We love the all-white version in this light and airy bar area, but there’s no reason you couldn’t do the same in your kitchen. And taking the backsplash all the way to the ceiling brings the final look up a notch. Looking for more ideas? Check out this Mexican tile backsplash project to really make your kitchen pop.
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. (And again, make sure to waterproof this backsplash to prevent warping and mold.)
Peel-and-stick tiles provide homeowners with the look and feel of luxury tile, for a fraction of the cost. The application is as simple as, well, peel and stick! These tiles can be installed over existing tile and many other surfaces, making it an easy way to boost the value of your home.
A one-of-a-kind masterpiece that is a literal testament to the affordable home improvements you’ve made over the years. To install this eye-catching backsplash, bring your patience—cleaning and installing pennies is painstaking work. If you’re looking for a similar vibe without all the labor, look for tiles that duplicate the look, called “penny round.”
A staple of farmhouse style, this Victorian chic tile backsplash is all about delicate patterning and muted colors. The soft blue and white tile, paired with a natural wood exhaust hood, complements the sleek stainless appliances and brushed gold drawer pulls. There’s nothing old-fashioned about this look!
Talk about a focal point! This mosaic sunburst may be monochromatic, but it packs a big punch. Pair this glass mosaic accent wall with complementary-hued cabinets and countertops in black or white, or go with a muted color that picks up the subtler tones in the tile. Stainless steel appliances add flair to this modern look, but a sleek black stove would also be stunning.
They say everything old becomes new again, and after viewing this geometric tile backsplash, we’d agree. The colorful accented tile is a perfect match for the whimsical range hood, and is a great way to add a punch of color to a basic subway tile backsplash. For this type of kitchen backsplash, you’ll want to know how to cut tile with a grinder for a perfect fit every time.
Who says backsplash tiles have to be expensive? This DIY mosaic is made of dyed mason jars, smashed and rearranged into a one-of-a-kind treasure. Choose color-contrasting mortar for a bright, cheery backsplash idea that’s uniquely you.
Who says backsplashes need to be a solid wall? If you’re doing an entire kitchen renovation, consider adding a window where a traditional backsplash would be. It’s a big project, so check with your local building inspector before digging in. With our guide on how to install a window, you’ll be one step closer to a kitchen that is light, bright and airy.
Also, check out these shiplap backsplash ideas for the kitchen.
It depends on the material, the labor and the size of the backsplash, Scheck says. “Classic tiles like porcelain and ceramic are typically very cost friendly and easy to install,” while materials like handcrafted marble, quartz and zellige tile are more expensive.
Audrey Scheck is the founder and principal designer at Audrey Scheck Design in Austin, Texas. She developed her love of design as a child, and after renovating her home in California, moved back to Texas to start her own firm. Now one of the top interior designers in Austin, Scheck’s projects can be found across the United States, covering a range of styles and budgets.
