How to Choose the Best Kitchen Backsplash

In the kitchen world, cabinets and countertops get all the attention. Although they may take up a substantial chunk of your budget, that doesn’t mean they are the only focal points. Also, a perfect kitchen backsplash is a key component of your kitchen makeover. 

In this article, we will walk you through the various types of kitchen backsplashes and how to choose the perfect kitchen backsplash for your upcoming makeover. Let's get started!

What Are Backsplashes?

Typically, backsplashes are a vertical expanse of materials that fills the gap in a bathroom or kitchen wall between cabinets and countertops. The use of a backsplash is principally functional. This means it protects the wall behind the sink against water damage from inadvertent splashing.

Also, it can serve as an aesthetic focal point or backdrop in your kitchen, depending on the design. So, what style of backsplash should you choose? Let's answer that query in the next session.

What are the Types of Kitchen Backsplash?

There are numerous attractive types of kitchen backsplash tile that will give your kitchen the perfect touch. These tiles can evoke both traditional and modern kitchen design styles. Some of the best tiles for kitchen backsplashes include:

• Subway tiles

• Mosaic tiles 

• Stainless steel

• Peel-and-stick tiles

• Glass tile, and many more.

Having listed the various types of kitchen backsplash tiles, let's delve into the focus of this guide, which is how to choose the best kitchen backsplash, below.

Top 5 Tips to Choose the Best Backsplash Material

Every kitchen design is peculiar to the homeowner's sight. However, there are various design tips to follow to stop your space from looking too busy, clinical, or simply in cheap taste. Below is how to choose the right backsplash for the kitchen for your home.

1. Consider the Height

4 inches is considered the “standard” height for a kitchen backsplash. For some, this is way too low, exposing the walls to splashes and damage. So, most people raise the backsplash to the height of their wall kitchen cabinets, leaving no wall exposed above the main countertops.

It is a smart idea to opt for a taller kitchen backsplash if you're going to create a lot of mess in your kitchen. However, if a mess isn't a considerable factor for you, the 4-inch standard size might just be big enough.

2. Focus on Your Countertops

Remember, your countertops and backsplash meet in the middle, so you must ensure that they complement one another or work in harmony. If your countertops and your backsplash tile clash, it may disrupt your entire kitchen design. 

So, you must go for a backsplash color that complements the countertop. Ideally, avoid pairing a “busy” countertop with a backsplash with equally busy designs. However, if you want one of these features to be a focal point, you should choose one or the other.

3. Be Budget Savvy 

When looking at kitchen backsplash tiles, you're likely to pay around $10 to $20 per square foot on average. But, if you start investing into stainless steel, glass, and more expensive materials, then there might be a hike in price.

Simultaneously, if money is tight and your kitchen walls are adhesive-friendly, you should consider a cheap peel-and-stick backsplash design featuring an easily removable tile. On the contrary, if you're looking to spend more, then one of the backsplash options you may go for is opulent scratch-resistant glass tile. This gives your space an elegant aesthetic while protecting the walls.

4. Consider Your Focal points

Having a focal point in a room is one of the basic tenets of interior design. Most kitchen designs revolve around a focal point that catches the eye as soon as you walk in. So, you must decide if you want to make your backsplash the focal point or not. 

However, If your kitchen already has one or more focal points, it's advisable to opt for a minimal backsplash design that doesn't catch the eye. For instance, a mosaic tile with a busy kitchen could easily become an assault on the eyeballs.

5. Practical Considerations

Although every material has a unique aesthetic and price point to consider, you mustn't forget your kitchen needs. Ask yourself important questions like how you cook, the types of meals you prepare, and many more.

For instance, if you make a lot of mess when cooking, then you need a relatively tall kitchen backsplash made from a durable material like stone, stainless steel, or ceramic. Conversely, if you produce a lot of water and steam when cooking, you should go for a glass tile that is 100% resistant to water, thereby preventing problems with dampness.

Conclusion

Regardless of the kitchen backsplash choice you make, we hope that you find the perfect kitchen backsplash tile design that perfectly complements your kitchen aesthetics and turns it into your dream kitchen.

Thankfully, this guide has walked you through the different backsplashes and the must-know tips to select the best one. Good luck with that!

Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Backsplash 

1. What Is the Most Common Kitchen Backsplash?

Recently, white subway tiles have increasingly gained popularity. The white subway tile is an incredible way to tone down your busy kitchen design. Furthermore, the white kitchen backsplash tiles never seem to go outdated.

2. Should Your Kitchen Backsplash Match Your Countertop?

Yes, your kitchen backsplash should complement your countertop, but they don't need to match exactly. In most cases, countertops and kitchen backsplashes are different colors and designs, contrasting or complementing each other in some way. 

3. What Is the Easiest Kitchen Backsplash to Install?

The peel-and-stick is the easiest kitchen backsplash to install. This tile sheet can be attached to adhesive-friendly kitchen walls, giving you a tile design that is easy to install even with a limited DIY experience. Also, the peel-and-stick tiles are relatively cheap and easy to replace.   

4. What Is the Easiest Kitchen Backsplash to Maintain?

Owing to stain resistance and nonporosity, ceramic, porcelain, and glass kitchen backsplash tile top the easy-care list. These tiles do not require any special form of cleaning.