Mosaic Tile Backsplash Ideas

If you're preparing to install a brand new tile backsplash or just looking to update your current kitchen backsplash, you'll likely want to explore mosaic tile backsplash ideas.

Why Mosaic Tile?

This classic tile style is popular in all types of kitchen designs, as it can lend a significant amount of visual diversity, color and appeal to any space.

If you've decided on mosaic tile for your kitchen backsplash, you've already got a jump on the planning phase, having chosen the exact tile style you'll feature.

Determine the Scope of Your Project

Your next move will be to decide on the scope of your project — to define, in other words, exactly how much mosaic tile you'll need for your backsplash design. Additionally, you'll need to settle on the material, style, pattern and color of the tile.

Planning for Tile Amount

When it comes to the amount of mosaic tile you'll need, you'll first need to determine how much surface area will be covered by your backsplash design. Some homeowners choose to cover the whole wall above the kitchen counters with backsplash, while others decide on a reduced scope that covers only a portion — just enough to keep cooking splash off the walls, for example. Once you've decided how much surface area you want to cover, you'll simply need to mark off the area and measure the square footage to determine the amount of tile you'll need.

Choosing the Right Style

Now that the scope of the project is clear, it's time to think about the style of mosaic tile you'll use. You'll have a great deal of choices in this area, from glass and ceramic to many types of granite or stone. In general, ceramic and synthetics will be the cheapest materials; glass, stone and other natural materials will be more expensive. Ultimately, the style you choose may be defined by whether or not you plan to match the existing design of your kitchen or if you'll use the mosaic backsplash as a bit of a style departure. For example, an understated, contemporary kitchen could be complemented with a simple, black-and-white design — or you might choose to add color with a vibrant, multicolored mosaic. Using glass will generally create a brighter and more reflective design, whereas stone or granite may offer a more matte feel.

The Installation Phase

When you've decided on a style for your mosaic tile backsplash, it's time to stop planning and start installing. You can choose to hire a contractor to install your backsplash, or you can go the DIY route. Many homeowners find mosaic tile to be one of the more DIY-friendly styles of tile, since the small tiles are generally placed on an adhesive mesh backing that sticks to the wall — this eliminates the need to cut tiles (a tedious process) and add grout between them. That said, although hiring a contractor to install your backsplash will be more expensive, it's almost guaranteed to save you time, frustration and exertion.