Kitchen Guides
8 Top Tile Types for Kitchen Splashbacks
Backsplash doesn't have to be set in stone; glass, mirror and mosaics can create kitchen beauty in a range of styles
The backsplash could be considered the most important part of your kitchen’s design. No matter what material you choose, it’s a focal point. Tile tends to be the most popular choice – for its flexibility in style, budget and application. Whether your backsplash goes up to the bottom of the upper cabinets, reaches all the way up to the ceiling or falls somewhere in between, using one of these inspiring and intriguing tiles can add to your kitchen’s unique look.
Mirror tile
Tiny mirrored tiles all assembled into one design create a mirrored backsplash with texture. Something like this is perfect for that area in your kitchen that requires an extra-special touch –like a buffet area, serving station or butler’s pantry.
Browse through images of kitchen backsplash tiles
Tiny mirrored tiles all assembled into one design create a mirrored backsplash with texture. Something like this is perfect for that area in your kitchen that requires an extra-special touch –like a buffet area, serving station or butler’s pantry.
Browse through images of kitchen backsplash tiles
Diagonal tile
Give ordinary tile a spin by placing it on the diagonal. Keep in mind that a diagonal layout means you’ll need to order about 10 percent more tiles to complete your backsplash. Diagonal tile layouts also tend to be more labour intensive – more cuts are required at the top and the bottom – so the installer may up the price a bit.
Give ordinary tile a spin by placing it on the diagonal. Keep in mind that a diagonal layout means you’ll need to order about 10 percent more tiles to complete your backsplash. Diagonal tile layouts also tend to be more labour intensive – more cuts are required at the top and the bottom – so the installer may up the price a bit.
Large-pattern tile
Big, bold patterns are in vogue right now – try placing one on your kitchen walls. Many companies produce overscale patterns that can be customised to repeat, much like wallpaper.
With a large-patterned tile, it’s very important to lay out your wall space thoughtfully, so that your design ends up looking even throughout the installation.
Take a look at these 9 steamy backsplash tiles
Big, bold patterns are in vogue right now – try placing one on your kitchen walls. Many companies produce overscale patterns that can be customised to repeat, much like wallpaper.
With a large-patterned tile, it’s very important to lay out your wall space thoughtfully, so that your design ends up looking even throughout the installation.
Take a look at these 9 steamy backsplash tiles
Herringbone tile
Add loads of texture to your kitchen with tile in a herringbone pattern. Many tiles in the herringbone pattern can be purchased on a mesh backing (usually a 12- by 12-inch backing material on the underside of the tile that holds several pieces together), which means you won’t have to lay out each and every individual piece.
Add loads of texture to your kitchen with tile in a herringbone pattern. Many tiles in the herringbone pattern can be purchased on a mesh backing (usually a 12- by 12-inch backing material on the underside of the tile that holds several pieces together), which means you won’t have to lay out each and every individual piece.
Subway tile
One of the most beloved tile designs to date is the timeless and classic subway tile – so named because this type of tile is often used in subway stations worldwide.
Tile all the way to the ceiling to give this classic tile a fresh and more modern look.
Here’s how you can design with subway tiles
One of the most beloved tile designs to date is the timeless and classic subway tile – so named because this type of tile is often used in subway stations worldwide.
Tile all the way to the ceiling to give this classic tile a fresh and more modern look.
Here’s how you can design with subway tiles
Specialty-shaped tile
Don’t limit yourself to a square. Many manufactures take pride in offering unique shapes and colours. You should have no problem finding a manufacturer near you to get the colour and shape you need.
The oval shape in this kitchen has a great retro feel.
Don’t limit yourself to a square. Many manufactures take pride in offering unique shapes and colours. You should have no problem finding a manufacturer near you to get the colour and shape you need.
The oval shape in this kitchen has a great retro feel.
Custom mosaic tile
If you have the budget for it, consider going with a design that is all your own. The design here was created with mosaic tiles, expertly trimmed piece by piece to create a stunning custom design.
Some designs can be purchased directly from a tile manufacturer, and others can be designed and installed by an artist who specialises in custom mosaic tile design. It all depends on the look you’re going for.
Read more:
Tile Talk: An Alphabetical Guide to Tile Terms
Tell us:
What style of backsplash tiles do you have in your kitchen? Share images and your thoughts in the Comments below.
If you have the budget for it, consider going with a design that is all your own. The design here was created with mosaic tiles, expertly trimmed piece by piece to create a stunning custom design.
Some designs can be purchased directly from a tile manufacturer, and others can be designed and installed by an artist who specialises in custom mosaic tile design. It all depends on the look you’re going for.
Read more:
Tile Talk: An Alphabetical Guide to Tile Terms
Tell us:
What style of backsplash tiles do you have in your kitchen? Share images and your thoughts in the Comments below.
These tiles are intricately cut with lasers to produce elaborate designs that are pieced together like a puzzle, as shown here.
Beware of the price tag on these tiles, as many of them are made of precious materials like quartz and marble, or handmade gold- or silver-backed glass.