Kitchen Splashback Tile Ideas – 6 creative ways to tile your kitchen walls
So you’ve picked out the kitchen cupboards, chosen the worktops and now it’s time for the
really tricky decisions, what tiles should you put on the wall?
The tiles you choose for your kitchen splashback can have a big impact. Whether you want
an eye-popping patterned look, or something more neutral, choosing the right tiles will tie
your kitchen together and create a space you love spending time in.
What is a splashback?
A splashback is an area of waterproof, protective material that’s used to protect plastered
walls from splashes. This can be from cooking or water. Splashbacks can cover the wall
partially or entirely.
Splashbacks are often tiled but can also be made from metal (copper or stainless steel),
glass, granite, wood, marble or brick. I once lived in an apartment that had mirrored glass
splashbacks, not super practical but they were very beautiful and mirror tiles can look
incredible in smaller spaces.
Why is it a good idea to tile a splashback?
Tiling a splashback is an effective way to keep your kitchen walls clean. No matter how
careful you are, it’s very difficult to avoid splashing tea, cooking oil or spaghetti bolognese up
the wall from time to time.
Tiles are a practical option for a splashback as they’re very easy to clean. With such a wide
choice of sizes, colours and textures available, wall tiles are a great way to create an
individual look in your kitchen. Tiles are also relatively easy to install yourself.
What tiles can I use for a kitchen splashback?
When it comes to kitchen wall tiles, there is an enormous range to choose from.
Splashbacks are often tiled with smaller tiles, but large-format tiles work extremely well too.
Just don’t forget about cutting holes for sockets if you are planning to lay the tiles yourself,
this is definitely easier with smaller tiles.
You can choose a tile that matches your floor or go for something completely different.
What colour tiles should I choose for a splashback?
Do a quick internet search for tiled kitchen splashbacks and you’ll find that many people opt
for muted tones of white, grey, beige or black. Often splashback tiles are chosen to match
the kitchen units and neutral colours are always a safe choice.
If you’re a fan of colour, pattern or texture, a splashback is a perfect place to show off your
creative side. Don’t be afraid to pair coloured glass, boldly patterned, or metallic tiles with
plain units, it could be a very smart design move.
Kitchen splashback tile ideas
We’ve put together some ideas for clever kitchen splashbacks to suit every style:
Make a statement with modern metro tiles
Metro or brick-style tiles are particularly popular for kitchen splashbacks and it’s easy to see
why. The vast range of colours, textures and sizes available means you can create a look
that’s breathtakingly bold or subtle and chic. Metro tiles also work equally well in a traditional
or contemporary-style kitchen.
Experiment with tile layout
Metro tiles are one of the most versatile tiles when it comes to layout, due to the sheer
number of different patterns that they can be laid in. From the traditional brick-lay pattern to
more modern stacked and herringbone designs, these small tiles can make a big impact.
Brick bond
One of the most popular ways to fit metro or subway tiles, the brick bond layout is timeless
and elegant. Offset light tiles with a darker grout to make more of a statement or match the
grout for a more fluid look.
Herringbone bond
Undeniably beautiful, the herringbone bond will add a touch of luxe to your kitchen
splashback. We love the contrast between the black tiles and the natural wood tops, a bold
choice that adds a quirky touch to this splashback.
Vertical stack
These vertically stacked tiles are laid in ‘portrait style’ with the shortest side at the top. The
straight lines help to elongate the space and create a clean, ultra-modern look. Choose a
grout that matches the tile or create a contrast with dark grey or black grout.
90-degree herringbone bond
If you love the herringbone look but fancy something a little different, why not try an angled
herringbone lay? It creates a completely different, contemporary look.
Mix it up with mosaic tiles
A kitchen splashback doesn’t have to cover all the worktop walls, you can just extend it
behind the oven or sink if you prefer. This grey mosaic splashback is a real focal point and
contrasts beautifully with the coloured units and simple tiled wall upstands.
Go for glossy glass tiles
Glass wall tiles are growing in popularity and their smooth, shiny surface makes them ideal
for kitchen splashbacks. Easy to wipe clean and beautiful to look at, glass tiles are available
in a range of rainbow colours and textures, as well as mirror style. You will need to keep
these tiles spotlessly clean for them to look their gleaming best.
Create character with patterned tiles
If you’re a fan of pattern, lily pad tiles are a strong style choice for a kitchen splashback.
Because a splashback is a small area – you can confidently pick a bolder tile design than you
might for an entire wall.
Add a touch of luxury with metallic tiles
Daringly decadent, metallic wall tiles will add a splash of splendour wherever they are
placed. Bronze, copper and gold tones will work particularly well with darker wall units, think
black, navy and emerald green.
Play around with coloured tiles
Last but definitely not least, mix colours together for a delightfully different splashback
design. Hexagonal tiles make a fantastic style statement and are one of the best shapes that
you can choose if you’d like to combine colours. Try adding random rainbow colours,
creating an ombre effect, or keeping it simpler with 2 colours. A bright, white grout will go
with every colour.
Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration to create a functional and ultra-stylish tiled kitchen
splashback. Don’t be afraid to try something a little different and remember that you can
create a completely different look by doing something as simple as changing the tile layout
or grout colour.
Atlas Ceramics has a huge range of beautiful and practical kitchen tiles to help you create
similar splashback designs. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for
advice.