Kitchen backsplash ideas: how to choose form & functionality

Time really is flying and spring has almost sprung. Valentine’s Day is a distant memory and Easter is fast approaching. So there’s no time to lose in terms of kitchen TLC if you’re hosting friends and family over the Easter break. While it’s not as big as Christmas, Easter is still a significant social occasion, with plenty of food prep and planning required. So it’s vital your kitchen environment is up to the job, in terms of both function and form. And the kitchen backsplash has a key role to play.

Planning a big get-together for family and friends over Easter? Make sure your kitchen is ready for action and welcoming for guests

Backsplash tile ideas in an open-plan layout

One of the biggest interiors trends in recent years is the rise of the open-plan kitchen. This layout is now the norm for most households, and it offers plenty of benefits. With fewer walls, open-plan kitchens are light and bright, with a fabulous sense of flow. They also foster a really sociable atmosphere, perfect for spending more time with family and friends – and mingling with guests.

Have you chosen your Easter recipes yet? Easter lunch is just as important as Christmas Dinner for lots of UK households

Considering your kitchen backsplash

That pre-meal mingling, however, means that there’s nowhere to hide, even when you’re prepping food. Everything is always on display – including splashes and spills – so it’s important your kitchen walls can cope. Luckily, we have plenty of kitchen backsplash ideas to keep them protected.

If you love a subway tile backsplash as much as we do, then we think you’ll adore our Ca’ Pietra Foundry Porcelain Tiles in Smeraldo. As subway tiles remain a popular choice for many, this design features an iridescent shine which is reminiscent of aged, glazed bricks during the Victorian era for classic charm in your kitchen

Glass tiles for your kitchen backsplash

If you're looking for backsplash ideas, there are a variety of options, which are available, in terms of the materials you choose. A glass backsplash, for example, will provide a sleek, modern and reflective surface which will help to make your kitchen look larger and it will bounce natural light throughout your room. They are easy to clean and toughened glass tiles can create a perfect backdrop.

Mirror backsplash ideas

Mirrored backsplashes can instantly add glamour to your home, whether you choose distressed glass for an antique-style finish or clear for more contemporary appeal.

Other backsplash ideas

Brick backsplash for classic kitchens

Exposed brick is another one of those popular backsplash ideas, however they are porous so you'll probably have to seal them to prevent moisture absorption. The brick backsplash tends to add rustic charm to a classic kitchen.

These won't be so easy to keep clean although they offer a timeless aesthetic. A brick backsplash is heat resistant however, as are tiles, so they can make a good addition to a traditional kitchen scheme.

Wood backsplash ideas

If you pick wood, this can add a warm, natural look if you're planning a kitchen remodel. We love using this material in a kitchen however we think it tends to be a better option in the form of engineered wood for a cosy flooring solution. A wood backsplash will require regular maintenance, such as oiling, to protect it against water damage and staining.

Stainless steel backsplash ideas

You could choose stainless steel if you're looking for a contemporary, professional look in your kitchen. It's a durable material and heat resistant, too. In fact, this tends to be a popular choice for commercial kitchens. However, it can show scratches and fingermarks, which makes it less popular for savvy homeowners.

The role of a kitchen backsplash

First and foremost, a tile backsplash has a practical role to play. In theory, the kitchen backsplash can be sited anywhere. But they should be prioritised in the areas where mess is most likely, and that’s usually behind your hob and your sink.

Cleaning considerations with backsplash ideas

Because your kitchen backsplash has to cope with all sorts of food spills and splashes – including hot oil – it needs to be durable. So, the material you choose should also be easy to clean and maintain. The stainless steel backsplash has long been a preference for a commercial kitchen whereas homeowners tend to look for more homely aesthetics for their kitchens. And ceramic and porcelain are perennial tile backsplash favourites.

If you’re looking for the classic charm from an English country garden in your kitchen, our Original Style English Garden Magnolia Tiles from the Living Collection could be perfect for your tile backsplash.  Made from ceramic with a glazed surface, this design will work well as a kitchen backsplash with a timeless finish

Add design to your decor with a kitchen backsplash

However, modern kitchen backsplashes play an important design role too. And, just because they’re practical doesn’t mean they can’t be pretty! They can make a big visual impact, especially if the area they cover is large. An eye-level tile backsplash is often the first area visitors to your kitchen will notice, so it should be a key part of any project, as opposed to a last-minute afterthought.

Our Siminetti Alpine from the new Botanicals collection offer a different take on a tile backsplash as these come in the form of mother-of-pearl decorative panels. Showcased here in Golden Promise with POA, this design reflects the beauty of alpine plants and the serene landscapes they inhabit 

Cost-effective transformations with a tile backsplash

Updating your tile backsplash is a fast and very cost-effective way to transform your kitchen. Switching up that one area is an economical way to revamp the whole room. Contrary to popular opinion, a kitchen makeover doesn’t have to involve ripping everything out and starting from scratch, which is why backsplash tiles can play a key role. Modernising your kitchen backsplash can change the look and feel of the entire room and create a focal point, even if you’re on a tight budget.

Will you be decorating your kitchen diner with any special seasonal Easter decorations this year?

 Why choose tiles for kitchen backsplashes

Tiles are highly durable and resistant to water, heat and stains, making them ideal for this purpose. They are also easy to clean and tend to be smooth and non-porous. So you can easily wipe them down and clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent if necessary.

Wide variety of backsplash options

Tiles come in such a wide variety of colours, patterns, shapes and sizes. This way, you can choose a design, which complements your kitchen's aesthetics. You can use tiles to create a cohesive look or add a pop of colour to make a focal point between your kitchen cabinets.

The best kitchen backsplash ideas

The best kitchen backsplash ideas are the ones that work for your individual space, and appeal to your personal tastes. So there are no right or wrong choices, and different designs suit different clients.

 Considering your kitchen backsplash wisely

Before you select your tiles, be honest about what really appeals. Do you want something subtle, or is your goal for your kitchen backsplash a serious style statement? Do you like bold colours or subtle neutrals? Would you prefer a tile backsplash that tones in with the rest of the room, or one that contrasts and stands out? Pattern, texture and the size and shape of your backsplash tiles are the other key considerations.

The Seasons Collection is an exclusive collaboration between surface designer Christine McArthur and Siminetti, taking inspiration from each of the four seasons. Fan-shaped motifs feature on our Cascade mother-of-pearl decorative panels, which would make the perfect tile backsplash in a luxury, bespoke kitchen. These feature a polished smooth finish, for a luxurious take on the kitchen backsplash with a nod to winter. The Golden colour-way is showcased here  [LINK NEEDED]

The bold and bright tile backsplash

A kitchen backsplash featuring a bold, abstract pattern looks wonderful in contemporary kitchen settings. If you’re worried about overwhelm, choose a shade that co-ordinates with your cabinetry. You could pick a pattern motif with just a couple of colours for the perfect kitchen backsplash.

 The matt kitchen backsplash

A chic matt finish reduces glare. This type of kitchen backsplash is low-maintenance too, as it shouldn't tend to show smudges and fingerprints. This kitchen backsplash style is a popular contemporary option which looks smart, too.

Our Ca’ Pietra Lily Pad Porcelain Tiles in Eucalyptus are ideal if you’re looking for a geometric tile backsplash that packs a punch. This kitchen backsplash features a matt finish for a contemporary aesthetic and comes in a variety of colours to suit your design

Kitchen backsplash ideas with encaustics

Geometric tiles aren’t just for modern kitchens. Depending on your chosen shade palette and pattern layout, they can work equally well in more traditional settings. You can use this sort of tile backsplash to create a focal point in the heart of your home.

Encaustic tiles, which usually combine bright colours and eye-catching patterns, are a popular pick for kitchen backsplashes. They are easy to incorporate in creative design schemes, and bring character and charm to all types of feature walls, backsplashes and borders.

Bert & May’s newest collection called Angular includes Ascent tiles which feature on the geometric tile splashback in this kitchen. In a colour-way of Pearl and Marigold, our encaustic tiles feature timeless appeal if you're looking for backsplash tile ideas with longevity in mind. This design looks particularly striking as a backdrop against the painted cabinets and wood kitchen countertops and offers a contemporary finish with square tiles

Backsplash in kitchen ideas with patterns and pastels

Not all kitchen backsplash ideas have to be big and bold. There are options for every type of room style and ambience. So, if you’re a fan of country chic and pretty pastels, look for rectangular or square tiles with paler shades and/or subtle patterns, perhaps with a nature-inspired theme or motif.

A tile backsplash in the form of a wall mural can instantly create a striking feature. Ask your tile specialist or interior designer for a selection of options if you feel you're spoilt for choice.

Our Original Style Wildflower Rose Tiles from the Living Collection are perfect if you prefer classic styling in your kitchen. Featuring pretty countryside wildflowers, this kitchen backsplash in ceramic offers a colourful tile design which is perfect for modern living

Tile backsplash material matters

Marble tiles are hard to beat if your aim is to introduce a touch of luxury to your home. This natural stone is associated with opulence and elegance and is one of our much-loved backsplash ideas at Hyperion Tiles. To start, the unique patterns and veining it incorporates create an interior that’s unlike anyone else’s. This is because each marble slab offers a different design so you can benefit from a truly bespoke finish.

Backsplash tile ideas with marble

Whether you chose a marble countertop, marble backsplashes seem more appealing or you would like both in your home, this material will instantly add an air of luxury to any kitchen design. A marble backsplash can look super-chic in a traditional kitchen and will instantly add character to your wall space.

This look suits a neutral kitchen and will look smart, whether you choose square or rectangular tiles for your marble backsplash. If you're looking for backsplash ideas where natural materials are key, then marble could be perfect for you.

Make sure your kitchen looks egg-stra special this Easter, with pretty tableware – and perhaps a new tile backsplash?

 Choosing marble for your kitchen backsplash

As you’d expect for such a luxury option, marble kitchen backsplashes are not ideal if you're working with a tight budget, however. And while it is hard-wearing, marble is a porous natural stone, and untreated tiles are more vulnerable to damage from moisture and staining. We offer a range of marble-effect alternatives, that offer all the style of the stone within a more durable material format – and without the hefty price tag.

From a marble countertop to marble backsplashes, our new Minoli Marvel Meraviglia will give you the look of natural stone in your cooking space in an instant. Made from rectified porcelain, this new design features a textured finish, and it’s so versatile you can use it indoors and out [LINK NEEDED]. It will create a striking contrast against the warmth of wood cabinets or you can create a more streamlined look with white cabinetry

Modern kitchen backsplash ideas

Subway metro tiles are a great choice for kitchen backsplashes. And while they used to be associated solely with a white rectangular format, nowadays they come in all shapes, sizes and shades.

 Subway style for your kitchen backsplash

On a practical note, subway tiles are easy to clean, and these ones below are very resistant to stains and moisture, thanks to their smooth glazed surface. Best of all, this tile type is super versatile. You can lay them vertically or horizontally, and even mix and match them with other tiles and materials, depending on the desired effect.

Subway tiles are timeless and extremely versatile. We love our Bert & May Skinny Livid Pale Metro Tiles, which are ideal for kitchen walls. This subway tile backsplash features a gloss finish which creates a ripple effect on the surface

The bathroom backsplash

Our Bert & May Carmona Marron Tiles create the perfect backsplash in this wet room. Featuring a soft delicate pattern, these encaustic tiles are so durable they can be used on floors too

In a bathroom, backsplashes protect walls from water damage as this room is often exposed to high levels of moisture from showers, baths and even basins. This needs to be a hygienic space, so a tiled backsplash will be easy to wipe clean. A backsplash in this room will offer you wall protection from splatters too, such as the sink area, where you will be using water and toiletries on a frequent basis. 

Wherever you're planning to add a splashback to your home, it's key to consider the functionality of the room and the style you're trying to achieve. If you can upgrade key rooms in your home, such as your kitchen and bathroom, with the right backsplash, you should find this will increase your property value in the long-run too, making this a long-term, worthwhile investment.

If you're still unsure which backsplash to choose, speak to our team who can give you expert advice, whether you're looking for a traditional finish on your kitchen walls or you are planning a more unusual project, such as tiling a kitchen island to create a focal point. From mirrored backsplashes to standard subway tiles, we're bound to have something to suit your bespoke kitchen design.