Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas

Get inspiration from these kitchen backsplash design ideas, and get ready to install an eye-catching and useful backsplash in your kitchen.

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By: Sean McEvoy

Whether you're getting ready to install a brand new kitchen tile backsplash or just want to update your current one, equip yourself with the info to choose the right style by exploring the full range of kitchen tile backsplash ideas.

One of the great benefits of kitchen backsplash tile—apart from the utilitarian aspect of protecting your kitchen's walls from food spatter—is that it can add a ton of visual appeal, variety and color to your kitchen design. In many contemporary homes, cabinet designs feature simple, clean lines and monochrome colors—so the kitchen tile backsplash is often a great place to experiment with bold designs, patterns and colors.

Another benefit of a tile backsplash, aside from its protective qualities, is that tile is often simple to clean—a must, especially if yours is an active kitchen where lots of cooking takes place. Most tile backsplashes will simply wipe clean after preparation from a big meal has left them spattered and splashed with all manner of foodstuffs.

In addition to its ease of use, tile presents an attractive kitchen backsplash option for many homeowners because of its customizability. It's available in an almost endless array of styles, colors, shapes and sizes, and it can be purchased at just about any home improvement store, online or in-store. In addition, many tile specialty retailers are available to suit your every custom need in terms of shape, color and texture. So whatever style of tile you're looking for, it's doubtful you'll have too much trouble finding it among the many options.

Speaking of style, there are several common types of tile that appear again and again in homes because of their attractiveness, durability and trendy appeal.

First up is subway tile, a classic choice that can be found in many commercial and residential kitchens. This simple, straightforward style consists of rectangular ceramic tiles, usually in white or light colors, with light grout. While this color scheme is popular, many other colors are available to suit any kitchen design, and the simple, rectangular shape can be arranged in just about any pattern as well.

Mosaic tile is another classic kitchen backsplash design, especially for those looking to add some visual interest to their kitchen. Often made of glass or stone, these small tiles adhere to a mesh backing and appear in a diverse pattern. The mesh backing negates the need for the placement of individual tiles and grouting, which makes mosaics a popular choice among DIY-ers looking for a simple-to-install but attractive choice.

Finally, penny tile is a popular choice for those looking to incorporate a vintage style into their kitchen design. Often featuring small, light-colored tiles bordered by dark grout, this attractive style presents a design that's reminiscent of bygone eras.

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