It is easy to overlook the kitchen backsplash as a purely functional tool (to protect the walls) whilst redecorating your kitchen. Truth be told — kitchen backsplashes have great potential to be utilised as a decorating tool, too!
Beyond covering the space between your cabinets and countertops, it can become the focal point of your kitchen whilst serving as an aesthetic backdrop. In that regard, we’ve put together all you need to know on how to choose a kitchen backsplash!
Know The Different Types Of Backsplashes
Educating yourself on the different types of backsplashes is the first step en route to choosing the right one for your kitchen. The most common types used for kitchens are as follows:
Stone Slab — a big slab of stone (e.g. marble) mounted onto the wall. This is especially ideal for kitchens with stone countertops — matched with the backsplash, this creates a stunning look.
Credit: The Granite Shop
Glass Tile — for a high-end look in your kitchen. And no, it won’t crack as easily as you think! Glass tile is perfect for you if you have a lot of moisture in your kitchen, as it is impervious to water. Most of the time, glass backsplashes are scratch-resistant, too.
Credit: Belktile
Mosaic Tile — these are mostly made of ceramic or porcelain. Both come in small sizes (at times, 1 inch x 1 inch / 2.5cm x 2.5 cm) and hence have a detailed appearance. If you’re into intricate patterns, this one’s for you! Fun fact: Porcelain is denser than ceramic and hence has higher durability and moisture-resistance.
Credit: E-mosaic Tile
Subway Tile — these are often laid in a brick-like pattern, and their simplicity helps tone down the ambience. From plain white to subtle pastels, you can find them in a variety of colours.
Credit: Ubuy
Peel and Stick Tile — these are exactly what they sound like: peel and stick. They’re ideal for you if you’re looking for a good DIY project and a budget-friendly kitchen remodel. Plus, they’re easier to change up when you want a new design!
Credit: Amazon
Stainless Steel — a practical solution for your kitchen, stainless steel is durable and easy to wipe clean. It may not be the classiest-looking option though, so if you’re chasing aesthetics, you may want to skip this one.
Credits: Deforest Architects
Choose Colours Wisely
When choosing your kitchen backsplash, make sure the colour complements the overall theme of your kitchen (plus the countertops beneath) whilst also keeping in consideration your practical needs.
For example, you may want an all-white tile backsplash for your neutral-hued kitchen. But if you have children around — or you tend to do messy cooking — you may want to reconsider your choice. Either go for a darker colour that wouldn’t show stains easily or choose a backsplash that is easy to wipe clean.
Figure Out The Sizing
You must know the sizing of your wall (that translates to the amount of backsplash you’ll need) before you go backsplash shopping. Start off by multiplying the height of the wall(s) with the width to calculate the square footage.
Next, you need to figure out which type of kitchen backsplash is right for you: standard or full backsplash. Standard usually rises three to six inches above the kitchen countertops, whilst full backsplashes can go all the way up to the upper kitchen cabinets (or the ceiling for vacant walls).
To choose the right one for you, consider your budget and practical needs. If you’re not investing too much, a standard backsplash can save you quite some money as compared to its full counterpart. But the standard option doesn’t provide full coverage and leaves part of your wall exposed, so it isn’t the right way to go if you’re looking to protect your walls from splashes and damage across a broader range.
Consider The Focal Points
Some spaces on your kitchen walls have more of an impact than others, and keeping this under consideration is essential for a successful backsplash upgrade.
Firstly, you have to decide if you wish to make the backsplash the focal point or not. If you have a minimalist kitchen with no eye-catching points of interest, you may want to make the backsplash the centre of attention. This can be done by, for example, a bold-coloured tile backsplash or a patterned mosaic one.
It is useful to bear in mind that some points in the kitchen naturally draw the eye more than others. These are usually the spaces above the sink and the kitchen range. So, if you’re looking to create an accent wall with a patterned or colourful backsplash, these are the spaces to consider!
If, on the other hand, you already have one or more focal points in your kitchen, you may want to keep the backsplash minimal. Using a plain-white tile can do the job.
Final Words
Choosing the right type and size of kitchen backsplash makes all the difference. Whether or not you’re fond of cooking, backsplashes offer a fantastic way to upgrade your kitchen space, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality!
If you feel stuck and need an expert to help you identify the best kitchen backsplash for you, just book one of our Interior Design Gurus here! They can look at your space, understand your needs and preferences, and help pick the best option for you.