According to one recent report, upgrading your kitchen can yield an impressive return of nearly 70% on your investment. If you’ve been brainstorming ways to transform the heart of your home, why not start with the backsplash?
More affordable and accessible than a large-scale remodel, updating your backsplash is a great way to add personality, charm, and style. While most homeowners go directly to the tile aisle, you might be surprised to find that’s far from your only option.
Today, we’re taking a look at some of the best alternate backsplash ideas on the market. Use these for inspiration as you get started!
1. Paint, Wallpaper, and Decals
Wallpaper and decals are a great way to capitalize on the latest kitchen design trends without spending too much money. You can find these products in designs that look like real tile, including unique colors and patterns. The best part is that they’re re-positionable and won’t damage your walls if you decide to swap them out down the road.
You can choose streamlined designs for a more traditional look, or opt for a bright geometric look if you want something a little bolder. As you shop, look for items that are designed for wet areas, like the bathroom and kitchen. This way, you can be sure they’ll stick tightly and maintain their appearance, even as the humidity creeps up.
Another way to remodel your kitchen on a budget is to use washable paint! A gorgeous wash of color behind your countertop instantly enhances the look of the space without the cost or complication of tile. Plus, if the paint is washable, then it’s a cinch to wipe down those spills and splatters that will inevitably occur.
2. Solid Slabs and Stone Alternatives
When it comes to modern kitchen decor, the top designers are swapping conventional tile backsplashes for something a little more eye-catching and dynamic: stone slabs.
Compared to smaller, individual stone tiles, a large single piece of stone is easier to clean and maintain because you don’t have to worry about grime, dirt, and food debris getting stuck in the thin grout lines.
While natural stones like granite and marble are certainly attractive, you save money and get the same effect with stone alternatives. Consider using a large slab of concrete, stainless steel, or quartzite to beautifully offset your counter.
Our HIMACS Solid Surface is also an excellent pick. Desgined to be heat-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain, it’s the ideal way to get the look of stone at an affordable price point. As an extra bonus, this material also naturally resists bacteria, chemicals, and viruses — making it a safe and sanitary solution for your backsplash.
3. Metal Sheets and Panels
The industrial look has long been a mainstay of interior design. No matter where you live, you can give your home a chic and contemporary makeover by using sleek accents and rustic fixtures. Metal accessories are especially popular in this space, bringing to mind an uptown city loft with their cool tones and slick textures.
If this aesthetic appeals to you, then one of our best kitchen renovation tips is to head to the sheet metal section of your local hardware store! Today, you can find pressed metal backsplash sheets in a range of different finishes and styles.
Browse the different patterns to find one that suits your tastes. From completely smooth surfaces to intricate tile shapes, there’s no shortage of options to shop.
Metal is easy to clean, doesn’t take a lot of time to polish or maintain, and doesn’t react to water the way that some materials can. It’s also flexible enough to blend seamlessly into your current kitchen design.
4. Wood Accents and Shiplap
Wood adds natural texture and an inviting, warm tone into your kitchen. You may have already incorporated this material through butcher block countertops, but you don’t have to stop there. Wooden accents are also a welcome addition to the backsplash!
If you like the look of subway tile but want something more unique, then you can add wooden mosaic tiles to this space. Featuring various shades and types of wood, they give you the warm look of tile with a unique twist. You can also find wooden wall panels in various designs including hexagon patterns.
If the modern farmhouse style strikes your fancy, then you might be eyeing shiplap when browsing backsplash ideas for kitchen spaces! Put simply, shiplap is a specific kind of wood paneling that involves installing each panel with an overlapping joint that’s tight and waterproof. Over the years, it’s gone from a shipbuilding staple to an exterior siding material and now, a trendy interior touch.
White shiplap is a great way to brighten up your kitchen and give it a clean, minimalistic appearance. You can also paint the shiplap in a color that coordinates with your current tones.
5. Exposed Brick and Rustic Looks
There’s something special about exposed brick in a kitchen. Especially when combined with other rustic accessories, it creates the feel of an old-world eatery. You just want to grab a stool and cozy up to the island with a mug of something warm.
When going this route, there are two main options to consider. The first is to create a backsplash using real brick pavers.
This will naturally give you the most realistic look, because you’re actually creating an authentic brick wall. While this can be beautiful, keep in mind that it will also be thick and heavy. You may wind up losing a few inches of counter space, and you’ll need to make sure your kitchen can withstand the extra weight.
Another backsplash replacement idea is to use a thin brick or brick veneer surface. These are also real bricks, but they’re only about 3/4 of an inch thick. Both kinds of brick can easily be arranged into different patterns, like herringbone and basketweave designs.
Brick is a gorgeous backsplash option and is sturdy enough to take a ton of wear and tear. You also don’t have to worry about heat but stains can be an issue. Brick is naturally absorbant so liquids can seep into it. To keep moisture out, you may need to coat yours with a polyurethane sealant.
6. Glass and Mosaics
One of the best ways to create a seamless and streamlined look in your kitchen is to incorporate a glass backsplash. Compared to darker and more textured materials, the sleek appearance of glass adds a sparkling touch to the space. It also reflects natural light to make the room look bigger, which can be a definite plus for small-scale kitchens!
Glass tiles are available in many different designs, colors, and patterns. Choose pieces in the same color family for a cohesive look or use multiple complimentary shades to create a special mosaic. You can also install a single piece of glass if you prefer a simpler look.
The top benefit of glass is that it easily wipes down and doesn’t take much time to clean with soapy water or a gentle cleanser. However, you’ll need to be careful when installing or moving it, as it could crack if mishandled. It’s not as easy to replace a large panel of glass as it is to individually swap out damaged tiles.
7. Plaster, Concrete, and Unique Coatings
While these are some of the most popular kitchen wall ideas, you can also make this room your own by applying a unique coating to your backsplash! Plaster and concrete are two of the top options.
A plaster backsplash is a stunning, natural and eco-friendly alternative to a conventional painted backsplash. It allows you to inject a little color into your kitchen while also incorporating texture and coziness. Look for plaster paint that’s designed to be applied in moist areas.
If you’re renovating an existing backsplash, then you may need to gut the whole surface before you begin. Removing any trace of tiles, marble, or wood will help the plaster adhere strongly and more evenly.
A concrete backsplash will give you a similarly rustic appearance, and is relatively easy to install once you know the right process to follow. Cement is incredibly long-lasting and is more durable than ceramic tiles. It’s also resistant to water and staining as long as you seal it properly.
8. Creative DIY and Chalkboard Ideas
Creating a new backsplash can be a fun weekend DIY project if you have the right tools and know-how! Some of the most common options include:
- Adding beadboard
- Using peel-and-stick tile
- Stenciling a design
- Installing laminate flooring as a wall covering
Another creative idea is to turn your backsplash into a one-of-a-kind chalkboard! While this tutorial shows you a step-by-step guide, you should have most of the tools in your garage. The main supply you’ll need is chalkboard paint, which is readily available at most hardware stores.
This is a great way to display the day’s menu options for all of the family to see! You can also use the space to draw, save inspirational quotes, or simply express your artistic side.
9. Vintage and Artistic Backsplash Ideas
Speaking of artistic, have you considered taking a more imaginative approach to your backsplash design? Your home is where you spend most of your time and it should be a beautiful extension of your heart and personality.
Feel free to use any materials that speak to you and allow you to engage your playful and creative side. For instance, if you want a shiny backsplash that feels unique, then arranging lots of small copper penny tiles might be the perfect solution! You could also use unexpected materials, like wine corks or collected seashells, to add texture and visual interest to this space.
If you use a loose material like shells, remember to apply the right kind of sanded grout to make sure everything stays in place. This can be a lovely way to display a favorite collection so you can see it and enjoy it all the time.
If you want your home to have a vintage vibe, then take a cue from the retro playbooks. Add real or peel-and-stick tiles in a fun throwback pattern, like paisley florals or geometric shapes. You can also use timeless punched tin pieces or distressed metallic tiles for a classic look.
10. Subway Tiles & Classics
Of course, you can’t go wrong with simple subway tiles when you want to give your backsplash a fresh makeover. Today, you can find subway tiles in lots of different colors and patterns. There are even different materials that can give you a smooth or more textured appearance.
For instance, glass tiles will give you that sleek appearance many homeowners love, while marbled tiles add a touch of modern sophistication.
For a fun twist, arrange the tiles in a head-turning pattern, like a herringbone layout. You can also look for special finishes like beveled edges, to help each piece stand out from the rest. If you love the streamlined look of subway tile but want to use a solid piece instead, consider our TERACANTO Porcelain Surface.
Porcelain is a classic kitchen pick because its refined kaolin clay makes it non-porous, durable, and reliable. For decades, homeowners have used this material to elevate the look of their homes. While it’s an excellent countertop surface, it can look spectacular as a backsplash, too!
You could even match your porcelain countertop to your backsplash for a cohesive look that’s calming and beautiful to admire. This one change can completely transform the room’s entire look and feel.
Alternate Backsplash Ideas That Work
The kitchen is one of the most frequently used and hardest working rooms in your home. You deserve to have a backsplash that’s as special and original as your family. If yours is ready for a redo, then this list is a great place to start.
Whether you lean toward conventional tile options or you’re considering some of our alternate backsplash ideas, you can’t go wrong when you choose a style you love!
At LX Hausys, we’re proud to offer premium materials for every room in your house. From our top-quality flooring to our quartz, solid, and porcelain surfaces, we’ll help you turn each space into one you love coming home to. Contact us to talk about your next project.
