57+ Best Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for 2023 (2023)

By: Andrew Saladino | min

There are so many decisions to make when remodeling your kitchen. From picking the right cabinetry for your space to finding a countertop that fits your lifestyle, redesigning your kitchen can be stressful.

Whether you're looking to remodel your entire kitchen or just want to add a little pizzazz, a new backsplash can make all the difference in your space. With hundreds of options to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the right backsplash for your kitchen and design style. That's why we created this comprehensive guide to the most popular kitchen backsplash ideas expected to gain popularity in 2023.

We cover everything from timeless classics to charming and cozy concepts to unorthodox, statement-making applications. We also include tips to consider like durability and cleaning practices.

1. Tile Backsplash Ideas2. Wood Backsplash Ideas3. Stone Backsplash Ideas

4. Unique Backsplash Ideas5. DIY Backsplash Ideas6. FAQs

17 Tile Backsplash Ideas

Let's start off with a classic: tile backsplash! There are plenty of reasons why so many homeowners opt for a tile backsplash over any other material. Tiles are easy to clean and maintain, can be found in a variety of shapes, colors, and styles, and you can create your own patterns—allowing for even more versatile design options.

Whether you're looking for ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile, we've compiled a comprehensive list of all kinds of shapes and styles. That way, you can make an informed decision when choosing your backsplash and show your tile installer exactly how you want your backsplash to look.

Classic White Subway Tile

It's not a coincidence that this is the first backsplash option on our list. White subway tile has become an increasingly popular choice and it's easy to see why. It's versatile yet classic, always in stock and one of the easier patterns to install for a professional or experienced DIYer. To achieve this look, the white tiles are laid in an offset pattern and can be finished off with white, gray, or black grout depending on the effect you're looking to achieve. Classic white subway tile looks great in modern farmhouse kitchens, modern, and traditional spaces.

Source: Jungalow

Colored Subway Tile

Source: Jungalow

If you like the pattern of the subway tile but are looking for a bit more oomph, draw inspiration from this beautiful jungalow style kitchen. Jungalow is a style created by lifestyle blogger Justina Blakeney who combined the terms “jungle” and “bungalow” to describe her design aesthetic. The emerald colored backsplash covering the wall from the counters up to the rustic wooden shelves creates a beautiful contrast to the white shaker style cabinets. You can pick from a variety of colors to complement the other elements in your kitchen and your personal style. From green to blue or even a dark red, a colored backsplash will certainly spruce your kitchen up.

Spanish Tile

To bring some mediterranean flair into your home, opt for Spanish, Moroccan, or Portuguese tile. This type of backsplash looks beautiful in rustic or eclectic kitchens and can be used to cover the whole surface or an accent wall behind the stove. Colors like a dark blue, rich green, or lively terracotta characterize the beautifully crafted clay or ceramic tiles. Because there are so many interesting patterns and colors available, this tile will turn your backsplash into a gorgeous eyecatcher.

Recycled Glass Tile

Glass tiles are the perfect choice for an eco-friendly kitchen design. They're non-absorptive making them easy to clean, reflect light into the room, and are available in an array of colors. While they are on the more expensive side (up to $20 per square foot compared to prices as low as $2 for regular tile), they help the environment because the material is generally recycled from old bottles, windows, or jars.

Colorful Mosaic Tile

If you want to add a fun element to an otherwise simplistic kitchen, a colorful mosaic tile is a great choice. Pick a color palette that complements the other elements in your kitchen like your counters and cabinets. In this kitchen, the butcher block countertops and light wood cabinets pair beautifully with the white, mint green, and dark green mosaic tiles. In a contemporary kitchen, a simple black and white mosaic tile can create a dramatic yet elegant feature. Order a few different samples and hold them up next to your countertops and cabinets to find out what color palette looks best and makes you happy.

Source: House Mix Blog

Diamond Shape

Source: House Mix Blog

If you're looking to add drama to your kitchen, a bold backsplash can do the trick! In this case, the charcoal-colored backsplash creates a perfect contrast to the white shaker style cabinets. The grout color matches the tiles which creates a soft look and helps balance the geometric diamond shape of the tiles. Depending on which way you lay your tile, you can create the illusion of a longer or taller backsplash.

Source: See & Savour

Hexagon Tile

Chevron Pattern

To achieve this gorgeous pattern, you will have to cut your tiles at just the right angle. Cutting tiles can be tricky and if you don't know what you're doing you may end up breaking them. In this case, hiring a professional for help may end up saving you money. To achieve the chevron style you'll have to lay the precisely cut tiles next to each other forming a joint 45 degree angle. Installation will cost you slightly more than regular tile, but you'll end up with a stunning backsplash.

Horizontally Stacked Pattern

In a contemporary or modern home, stacked backsplash tile can create a gorgeous feature. Rather than installing each tile slightly offset like you would for the classic subway style, the tiles are horizontally stacked on top of each other. This pattern can look quite sleek or very modern depending on the type of tile you use. A longer, dark tile will elongate the space and create a sophisticated feature while a thicker, white tile will keep your space more on the traditional side.

10. Vertically Stacked Pattern

If you want to create the illusion of space, try stacking your backsplash tiles vertically. This style can add a refreshing touch to your kitchen and will look phenomenal if carried all the way up to the ceiling. If your space feels very busy, opting for a vertically stacked tile pattern will help create more balance.

11. Herringbone Pattern

Although this pattern looks a lot like chevron, you won't have to cut your tiles for this backsplash design. The herringbone pattern looks beautiful whether you chose white, gray, black, or colored rectangular tiles. It's not the easiest pattern to lay, especially if you're doing it yourself and don't have prior experience with this kind of work. Hiring a tile installer may be your best choice if you want a clean finish and a backsplash you love. Because you can use standard rectangular tiles for this look, the herringbone pattern is a great way to create a showstopper backsplash when you're on a budget.

12. Floral Tile

For a refreshing and certainly unique backsplash, consider a floral tile. Whether you go for a subtle pattern that's barely noticeable or pick a more obvious tile that becomes the focal point of your design, floral tile looks great in eclectic, bohemian, or contemporary kitchens.

13. Penny Tile

Penny tile got its name from the size of the individual tile pieces but don't worry, you won't have to install this backsplash piece by piece! This tile usually comes in sheets that are at least 10” x 10” large and are relatively easy to install. You can move the individual tiles before the mortar dries so the backsplash looks perfectly even. This tile can look quite busy even when choosing a simple color and matching grout, so it looks best in an otherwise simplistic kitchen.

14. Squared Tile

Squared as opposed to rectangular tile is a great option for a traditional, farmhouse, or retro kitchen. This shape can give off a slight vintage vibe so pair it with a butcher block, quartz, or concrete countertop and sleek cabinetry to avoid an outdated finish. In a retro kitchen you can contrast white tile with dark grout and in a modern farmhouse kitchen, pick a lighter grout color to achieve a fresh and modern feel.

15. Beveled Tile

For anyone who loves to add small design details that make a significant difference in a space, beveled tile is a great option. This tile is characterized by the gentle slopes that run down the edges. An entire backsplash with beveled tile gives the feature more depth and creates an interesting and elegant texture.

16. Antique Tile

Using antique or reclaimed tiles to create your kitchen backsplash has many benefits. The tiles carry a unique history that you can bring into your home, they tend to be more durable because they're often made from high-grade marble dust, sand, or cement, and they're an environmentally friendly choice. Whether you create an eclectic mosaic out of a variety of tiles or find enough of the same material to install a cohesive backsplash, this option can save you money and will guarantee a unique design.

17. Blue And White Tile

In a cottage style kitchen, a soft blue and white backsplash can bring warmth, charm, and character into the space. Pick a soft blue hue that complements the color of your cabinets and hardware to achieve a cohesive look.

5 Wood Backsplash Ideas

Wood backsplash looks fabulous in modern farmhouse kitchens, rustic, and industrial spaces. On its own this material may not be the best choice for a feature that's inevitably going to get splashed on with grease and water, so make sure your wooden backsplash is protected with a proper seal.

This material is one of the easier ones to install on your own. However, if you've never used a nail gun before or are worried about an uneven finish, hire a professional to build your dream backsplash. Here are our favorite wood backsplashes for your reference and inspiration.

White Shiplap

If your dream kitchen is a rustic but modern farmhouse style, white shiplap à la Joanna Gaines can be a great backsplash option. Whether you use it for a feature wall, to surround your stove top or for the entire length of your backsplash, the white wood planks add charm and warmth to your space.

Wood Planks

If you're not a fan of the shiplap style but want to incorporate wood into your backsplash, consider wood planks instead. You can install them without an overlay and stain the wood however you like. Depending on the way you orient the planks you can elongate the room (horizontal) or make the ceilings feel taller (vertical).

20. Beadboard

The beadboard style is characterized by long slats of wood that are usually 2 1/2 inches wide and are arranged vertically. Because each slat has a tongue on one side and a groove on the other, the planks are connected in a distinctive pattern that is a popular choice for wainscoting (wall paneling), cabinet door, or a backsplash.

21. Reclaimed Wood

Another beautiful way to use eco-friendly material and reconnect with nature is by incorporating reclaimed wood into your backsplash. For an easier installation and a better hold, you can attach the scrap or reclaimed wood pieces to a panel. To protect the wood from grease and grime, sand it down and apply an even coat of walnut oil, tung oil, or linseed oil. Let it cure for one day and apply at least 3 coats total.

22. Plywood

The biggest advantage of using plywood over wood planks is the price tag. A sheet of plywood typically costs around $15 and is 4' x 8' large. Cut the pieces to size and install them with construction adhesive and nails. You can caulk any gaps and then paint the engineered wood for an even finish.

11 Stone Backsplash Ideas

From natural stone like granite to engineered stone such as concrete or quartz, this material is a great option for your kitchen backsplash. Properly sealed, this material won't stain, absorbs heat, and gives your kitchen a beautiful and sophisticated finish. You can choose between natural shapes, stone tiles, or entire slabs to create the perfect kitchen backsplash.

If you want a flawless look and want to match your backsplash with your countertops, you can order slabs from the same manufacturer and have the countertop installer put up both design elements. These slabs can get heavy, so letting a professional handle installation will make the experience much more enjoyable for you.

Granite Slab

Besides the fact that this material is easy to clean and heat resistant, it's also easy to match to a granite countertop. The seamless effect that you can achieve by carrying this natural stone up the wall makes designing your kitchen a breeze. After all, you can scratch two items off your list at the same time! In terms of longevity, this material will not let you down. If you seal the stone periodically (about once a year), it won't stain and will stay scratch-resistant.

Rough Stone

In a kitchen that leans more toward the industrial and rustic design, a rough stone backsplash can create just the vibe you're looking for. While not as simple as exposed brick, a rough stone tile will add texture and depth to the space. Keep in mind that this surface may be more difficult to clean,so consider using a different backsplash for the area behind your stove or protecting it with a glass sheet.

Concrete Slab

A concrete slab backsplash will look great in an industrial, bohemian, or rustic kitchen. Because it's so versatile, this material is very trendy. A concrete backsplash will add texture, depth, and a bit of an edgy vibe to your decor. You can match the countertops for a cohesive look or match a concrete backsplash with white solid surface or butcher block counters. Like most stone materials, concrete is heat resistant and needs to be sealed about once a year to remain unaffected by stains or scratches.

Marble Slab

Marble is quite a polarizing material—you either love it or don't understand the appeal. While marble slabs look absolutely stunning and create a luxurious look, you can also install marble tile if you like the material but don't want your backsplash to be too fancy. The material is prone to scratching and staining so it's vital that you seal it every year to protect the beautiful stone. Failure to do so can result in the marble absorbing liquids that can cause permanent discoloration. Given that this material is not the cheapest on the market, you'll want to maintain it well to give it a long and happy life in your kitchen.

Source: Redhead Can Decorate

Natural Brick

Source: Redhead Can Decorate

In an industrial home, you may already have exposed brick walls that look beautiful as a backsplash. If you don't live in a home with brick walls but still want a rustic brick backsplash, you can use brick veneer to create this look. Brick veneer will give the illusion of real brick without being several inches thick.

28. Painted Brick

An easy way to update your exposed brick walls or create an interesting feature with brick veneer is to paint the stone. You can give it a white wash for a modern farmhouse look or paint the bricks in a solid color like white, blue, or green to completely transform your kitchen.

29. Travertine

Travertine is a sedimentary rock and this type of tile is a great choice for elegant, sophisticated kitchens. The soft and natural color palette complements nearly every type of cabinetry and countertop material. For a traditional kitchen, choose medium brown cabinets and travertine backsplash, if you're looking for an elegant style, white shaker cabinets are the better option.

30. Quartz or Quartzite

Here's the deal: if you like the marble look but don't want to pay the big bucks pick quartz or quartzite for your backsplash! While the veining in marble is real, the artificially created veins in quartz allow for a more controlled look. Quartz will cut your backsplash budget down to a third compared to marble and you can still order it as a slab if you're looking for that seamless look. Besides, quartz is much more durable than marble and won't absorb moisture or scratch.

31. Limestone

Limestone tile is a beautiful backsplash option for traditional, modern, or contemporary kitchens. The natural material is environmentally friendly because the manufacturing process is relatively short, it's easy to clean, and heat absorbing. Compared to other natural stones, this material and the installation are fairly cost effective.

32. Soapstone Slab

A dramatic soapstone slab as a backsplash can create a statement piece in your kitchen. The beautiful stone will look fantastic next to light wood or white cabinets. If you want to create more contrast, pick a slab that's more gray or gray-blue colored. For a softer look, pick a light gray or gray-green slab.

33. Rock

Finally, if you're looking for a truly rustic, nature-bound vibe, a rock wall backsplash will create a beautiful statement piece in your kitchen. You can use anything from river rocks to garden stones to create a stunning feature wall or backsplash in your kitchen. A backsplash made of naturally shaped rocks will elevate the design of your craftsman, rustic, or bohemian kitchen.

16 Unique Backsplash Ideas

If your goal is to create a truly unique kitchen, having a cool backsplash will help set your space apart from others. Whether you're looking for a fun twist on a traditional style, an unconventional material, or an alternative to backsplashes altogether, you'll find lots of options in this list.

Windows

Who says you need to look at a wall while you're prepping your food? If your kitchen is overlooking your backyard or a beautiful piece of land, oversized windows will let in lots of natural light and make your kitchen look different every time the seasons change. While you may have to clean the windows more than you would a conventional backsplash, you'll definitely have a unique feature in your kitchen.

Glass

The advantages of glass backsplash are clear: the material is easy to clean, makes your kitchen feel brighter, and creates a seamless look. The cost of glass sheet backsplash is a lot higher than tile (between $40 and $60 per square foot) and installation can be tricky, but the result will look fantastic in a contemporary, minimalist, or urban modern kitchen.

Stained Glass

Instead of a regular glass backsplash, you can add more color to your kitchen by picking a stained glass. You can choose a light teal or green hue for a more subtle touch or install a bright red or blue glass backsplash for a more abstract vibe. This feature will look great in a modern, Hollywood regency, or minimalist kitchen.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel backsplash will make you feel like you're cooking in a chef's kitchen every day. The material is easy to clean, durable, and simple to install. If you plan to DIY this project, order a thickness of 20 or 22 gauge for your backsplash and match the brushed finish of your appliances (typically 304 #4). The material isn't cheap but it will make for a unique feature.

Copper or Brass

A copper or brass backsplash will make your kitchen feel warmer and more elegant. This material can be found in a variety of different textures and patterns from pressed tiles to brushed flat surfaces or as embellished pieces of art. While this material may look a bit outdated in a traditional kitchen, it creates a fresh and unique accent in a contemporary or minimal kitchen.

Laminate

Instead of wood panels or planks, install laminate that looks like wood as your backsplash. The material tends to be more durable and is fairly easy to install once you get the hang of it. You can choose from hundreds of options that mimic different types of wood and stains to get the exact design you're looking for.

Mural

Whether you paint it yourself or order custom wallpaper to create a mural backsplash, you can be sure that your kitchen design is truly unique. This backsplash design allows you to personalize the space as much as you like—you could get a wallpaper made from a photograph you took (or multiple) or paint a pattern on the wall or your existing tiles. To protect this backsplash from grease and water, you can cover it with protective glass or apply waterproof sealer to your mural.

Source:

Dark Grout With White Tile

Source: Maria Killam

Rather than making the tile the focal point, you can create a bold aesthetic by picking a dark grout color to go in between your light tiles. This design choice gives white subway tile an edge, but can also elevate tile that's stacked in a herringbone, vertical, or grid pattern. Make sure to pick a grout color that complements other design features in your kitchen like the hardware, cabinets, or plumbing fixtures. Picking a new grout color for existing backsplash tile is also a simple and affordable DIY project that will give your kitchen a fresh look.

Focal Point

Add a cool focal point above your range by creating a piece of art with your tiles or using a different material behind your range or sink versus the rest of the kitchen. You can create a subtle focal point by laying your tile in a different pattern or go for a bolder look by creating a mosaic picture or choosing a different tile color, pattern, or style.

43. Multi-colored Tile

Instead of picking a tile that's only white, gray, or black, see if you can add a pop of color with a multi-colored tile. Whether you go for a penny tile, mosaic shape, or a colorful subway tile—this design feature will look amazing in an eclectic, retro, or bohemian style kitchen.

44. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is having a comeback and it's a great material for your kitchen backsplash! The sheer variety of colors, textures, and patterns makes this material an exciting option. Invest in moisture resistant wallpaper or protect it with tempered glass so it stays beautiful for a long time.

45. Textured Backsplash

You can turn a blank wall into a statement piece by using textured tile or wallpaper for your backsplash. In a coastal kitchen, a white tile with wavy texture will bring sandy beach vibes right into your home. If you're more into the country or cottage look try a floral wallpaper with textured accents to add a personal touch.

46. Mirrored

A mirrored backsplash can look absolutely stunning as a feature wall behind open shelving. In an eclectic or glam style kitchen, installing mirrored backsplash in the whole kitchen will add the illusion of space and create an exclusive feature that sets your kitchen apart from others.

47. Halfway Up

To create the illusion of height, install your backsplash only halfway up the wall. This looks especially great if you break up the rest of the wall space with a pegboard or open shelving. Not only does this option save you money on materials and installation, it's also a unique look.

48. Matching Backsplash And Countertop

You can create a mesmerizing feature by choosing the same material for your backsplash as your countertop. Use a slab backsplash (continuous material) that matches your countertop and pick a cabinet color that creates a nice contrast.

49. Pressed Tin

In a traditional kitchen, pressed tin sheets will add an element of texture and reflect light, making the space brighter. If you have dark cabinets, this type of backsplash will make a big difference in creating a brighter space, and the silver design feature will also look great in a modern farmhouse kitchen with white or light gray cabinetry.

8 DIY Backsplash Ideas

Whether you're renting or want to update your kitchen on a smaller budget, there are a bunch of do-it-yourself backsplash options that you can try out. While you can try to install any kind of backsplash yourself, we wanted to offer you a list of ideas that are easy to execute. Most of these backsplashes will transform your kitchen over the course of a single weekend, but we also included a few challenging designs that require a bit more patience and finesse.

Chalkboard

This may just be one of the easiest and most fun DIY backsplash ideas in this list! You can cover up your existing backsplash with peel-and-stick chalkboard wallpaper or paint a bare wall with chalkboard paint. The best thing about this backsplash: you can write or draw new things on it every day and it's a breeze to clean!

Mosaic

Instead of installing sheets of mosaic tile, you can also create your own mosaic with small individual tiles. DIYing this type of backsplash will likely take a few days or weeks depending on the size of the surface area you're planning to cover and the pattern you choose. Since you can purchase different colors, sizes, and shapes of tiles—you can create anything from fun swirls to flowers, or geometric shapes. This is a challenging and intricate craft but if you're up to it, this work can result in a beautiful piece of art that no one else has in their home.

Faux Brick

Besides having exposed brick walls or installing a backsplash of brick veneer, there's a third option to get a rustic industrial looking backsplash—faux brick! You can buy faux brick panels that are easy to install with either construction adhesive or by ordering the renter-friendly stick-and-peel version. You can also create your own panels with styrofoam, a hot wire carving tool (or heat gun), and paint. There are plenty of tutorials online that can help you create a faux brick wall piece that looks like the real deal, saves you a ton of money, and is 100% renter-friendly.

53. Peel-and-Stick

One of the easiest ways to cover up an old backsplash or a bare wall with a new look are peel-and-stick backsplash options. You can find anything from cute floral designs to intricate tile patterns to the classic white subway tile with dark grout. The stickers often come in 10” x 10” PVC tiles that are easy to cut and stick on a multitude of surfaces. They're typically easy to remove as well so you won't have to worry about damaging the walls if you live in a rental house or apartment.

54. Wood Slats

If you're looking to update your rustic or farmhouse kitchen and love to work with wood, you can create a beautiful backsplash with wood slats for a small price tag. Cut the pieces to size, sand them down, and apply the slats with construction adhesive and a nail gun. Stain or paint the panels once they're installed and caulk any gaps. Make sure to pick a paint that's water resistant so it'll wipe clean when things get messy in the kitchen.

55. Painted Ceramic Tile

Instead of covering up your existing tile with all new material, try painting the ceramic tile instead! Use a high-quality primer and a good brush to ensure that the paint will apply well. For the actual paint you can use latex, acrylic latex, or enamel paint. Apply as many coats as needed to give your kitchen backsplash a fresh look.

56. Pennies

No, we don't mean penny tile. We mean actual pennies! This material allows you to literally put a price on your backsplash. You'll need about 250 pennies to cover one square foot of surface which equals $2.50 and saves you at least a dollar per square foot compared to a low-end tile penny backsplash. While this will require intricate work and a lot more time than applying sheets of tile backsplash, you'll end up with a truly unique backsplash.

57. Wine Cork

For all the wine lovers out there, have you considered creating a backsplash out of cork? Prep the wine corks by cutting them in half vertically and then lay them out in a pattern that you like before applying them to plywood panels the size of your backsplash. Whether you'll just cover a small surface area behind your wet bar or create a stunning feature all along your kitchen walls, this DIY may take up more of your time but it's going to create a unique and fun design.

Kitchen Backsplash FAQs

Check out the questions below to learn more about kitchen backsplash materials, installation, and design.

What is the most popular kitchen backsplash?

Tile is the most popular kitchen backsplash. Whether you pick ceramic, stone, glass, or porcelain tile, this material is easy to maintain, budget-friendly, and available in an array of colors and textures. One of the most popular tiles are subway tiles. They're affordable and can be spiced up with an interesting pattern.

What is the easiest kitchen backsplash to install?

Peel-and-stick backsplash is one of the easiest to install if you're doing the work yourself. If you're looking for a more sustainable, long-term solution, installing tiles is a close second. Although you can install them yourself, it's best to hire a professional to ensure a clean finish.

Should your backsplash match your countertop?

Your backsplash does not have to match your countertop but it should complement it. Whether you're looking for a matching or contrasting aesthetic is up to you but it helps to pick the two options together and lay samples close to each other when making your design decision. A few combinations that you can never go wrong with are a subway tile backsplash with butcher block counters, glass backsplash with solid surface countertops, or white marble slabs for both features.

What is the easiest backsplash to clean?

A slab backsplash will be the easiest to clean because it's a flat surface and nothing can get stuck in the grout or crevices. If maintenance is one of your concerns but you don't like the slab look, metal, porcelain, glass, and ceramic tile are usually easy to clean as well. Keep in mind that some materials like natural stone, wood, or marble may have special care requirements so they don't stain or get damaged.

We hope these ideas inspire you to give your kitchen an update. Whether you're redoing everything from the cabinets to the appliances or are just looking to change the look of your kitchen a bit, a new backsplash can make all the difference in your space.

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