How to Choose the Right Kitchen Backsplash
The options may be vast, but it's easy to select your ideal backsplash with these professional tips and tricks
Anne Ellard
27 September 2018
Houzz Australia Contributor. Kitchen designer at Kitchens by Kathie in Brisbane, Australia. I strongly believe that above all else, the most important thing when designing a kitchen is creating something that the client loves!
Houzz Australia Contributor. Kitchen designer at Kitchens by Kathie in Brisbane,... More
The seemingly endless choices for kitchen backsplashes can sometimes feel overwhelming. These five simple tips and tricks will help you narrow down the choices so you are better prepared to select the perfect backsplashes for your space.
1. Choose the right material
Some of the most common materials for kitchen backsplashes include glass, stainless steel, pressed metal and tiles.
If you would like to go for a more traditional look, then consider tiles or pressed metal. Think about cleaning when you are choosing your backsplash material. Mosaic tiles look beautiful but they are more difficult to clean than larger tiles which will have less joins and less grout to clean.
Some of the most common materials for kitchen backsplashes include glass, stainless steel, pressed metal and tiles.
If you would like to go for a more traditional look, then consider tiles or pressed metal. Think about cleaning when you are choosing your backsplash material. Mosaic tiles look beautiful but they are more difficult to clean than larger tiles which will have less joins and less grout to clean.
It’s also worth thinking about using the same material as your benchtop for your backsplash. This will create a lovely, consistent look in your kitchen.
Consider having a shorter backsplash in lighter work areas and a full-height backsplash behind the cooktop (this will save on cost considerably if you’ve opted for stone, for example) and also looks quite smart.
Browse through images of kitchen backsplashes
Consider having a shorter backsplash in lighter work areas and a full-height backsplash behind the cooktop (this will save on cost considerably if you’ve opted for stone, for example) and also looks quite smart.
Browse through images of kitchen backsplashes
If you are after a more contemporary and streamlined look, then glass is a great option. It can be colour-matched to pretty much any colour in the world, it’s super easy to keep clean and it has great reflective qualities which will help to bounce light around the room.
2. Select the right colour
You will have already narrowed down your choices if you have selected your benchtop material first.
Depending on the material you have chosen, you can decide whether you want your benchtop to take centre stage, in which case, you should opt for a more subtle, perhaps even very minimal backsplash that won’t draw attention away from the benchtop.
You will have already narrowed down your choices if you have selected your benchtop material first.
Depending on the material you have chosen, you can decide whether you want your benchtop to take centre stage, in which case, you should opt for a more subtle, perhaps even very minimal backsplash that won’t draw attention away from the benchtop.
If you have chosen a neutral colour benchtop, you could opt for a feature colour for your backsplash to add some drama and a focal point to your kitchen.
Check out these tile types for kitchen backsplashes
Check out these tile types for kitchen backsplashes
Choose colours that are either similar tones to your benchtop for a more consistent look, or colours that are complementary or contrasting if you want to add interest. This light-coloured tiled backsplash is a nice contrast to the darker benchtop, however by choosing similar tones, the look is tied together.
3. Use your splashback to add extra light
Want something a bit different that will help to open up the kitchen space? If the scope of your renovation will allow, why not install a backsplash window and let the view outside bring colour to your kitchen. This is an easy-to-clean option that adds natural light and brightens your work area during the day.
Want something a bit different that will help to open up the kitchen space? If the scope of your renovation will allow, why not install a backsplash window and let the view outside bring colour to your kitchen. This is an easy-to-clean option that adds natural light and brightens your work area during the day.
If a backsplash window is not an option for you, why not think about a mirror backsplash. This is a great way to make a kitchen feel bigger than it really is. It will reflect both natural and artificial light around the room. Plus, it can be a great way to introduce colour, especially if the mirror reflects a view through a window opposite.
See these stunning alternatives to tiled kitchen backsplashes
See these stunning alternatives to tiled kitchen backsplashes
4. Try a feature backsplash
You may already have your heart set on a bold backsplash colour, an eye-catching material or you may even want to consider a glass backsplash with a digitally printed image. You can design the rest of your kitchen around this!
You may already have your heart set on a bold backsplash colour, an eye-catching material or you may even want to consider a glass backsplash with a digitally printed image. You can design the rest of your kitchen around this!
Choose a benchtop colour that will complement your feature backsplash but won’t fight it for attention – allow your spectacular backsplash to take centre stage in the kitchen.
5. If in doubt – wait!
If you are really struggling with backsplash choices, rest assured that you don’t need to decide straight away.
Your new backsplash will be one of the last components to be installed in your new kitchen, so you will have an opportunity once your cabinets and benchtop have been installed. Once they’re fitted, you can assess the overall look of your new kitchen, which can be difficult to visualise in the planning stages. This will help you to decide what material and colour to choose to tie the whole look together.
Read more:
4 Best Materials for a Kitchen Backsplash
Tell us:
What are some of the considerations you are mulling over for the backsplash in your kitchen? Tell us in the comments below.
If you are really struggling with backsplash choices, rest assured that you don’t need to decide straight away.
Your new backsplash will be one of the last components to be installed in your new kitchen, so you will have an opportunity once your cabinets and benchtop have been installed. Once they’re fitted, you can assess the overall look of your new kitchen, which can be difficult to visualise in the planning stages. This will help you to decide what material and colour to choose to tie the whole look together.
Read more:
4 Best Materials for a Kitchen Backsplash
Tell us:
What are some of the considerations you are mulling over for the backsplash in your kitchen? Tell us in the comments below.
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atom INTERIORS, Bangalore
What is the material in photo 2, please?
Great post, Very helpful article.