When you think about the perfect kitchen, what comes to mind? For many, the focus would be on appliances, cabinetry or things that attract attention. A look at what takes up most of a kitchen remodeling budget sheds some interesting insights. Cabinets take up more than half. After that comes the appliances, countertops and plumbing fixtures.
But, there is a common phrase that makes so much sense. It is the little things that count. What some consider minor improvements like a backsplash can make a huge difference.
Indeed, you can change the look and feel of the kitchen with the right tiles. Our article looks at perfect backsplash tiles for your kitchen renovation.
Choosing Backsplash Tiles
Tile makes sense when choosing a kitchen backsplash. There is the functional aspect of protecting the wall and liquids. Tile is easy to clean, durable and low on maintenance.
Then there is the aesthetic value tiles bring to your kitchen. The right choice of tiles can transform the decor and make the backsplash a focal point.
Finally, the tons of stylish options mean you will not miss a style that fits into your decor style. But how do you go about getting the perfect kitchen backsplash tile?
Porcelain or Ceramic Kitchen Backsplash Tiles
Porcelain and ceramic kitchen backsplash tiles are fantastic options for many reasons. You get durability, functionality and aesthetic appeal in one neat package.
Taking care of the tiles will be easy. All you need to do is wipe them down. That makes ceramic and porcelain backsplash tiles fantastic for hygienic purposes. Don't worry about moisture penetrating the walls due to the water resistance.
In terms of cost, expect to spend a little more on ceramic than porcelain. The latter is also quite fragile. That means whoever is doing the installation must take extra care. Thus, it would be a good idea to let professional installers do the work for you.
Glass Tiles Also Look Amazing
Have you heard of glass tiles? If not, you may be missing out on the perfect tiles for your backsplash. Glass tiles are moisture and stain-resistant, making them ideal for a backsplash. You can also get different design options. These include subway style, mirror effect, frosted glass mosaic and more.
Remember, glass has reflective capabilities. Light will bounce off the backsplash, thus making your kitchen brighter. Also, don't worry about scratching or breaking. Your supplier can give you reinforced, scratch-resistant glass tiles if you wish.
One thing you need to invest in, though, is professional installation. Due to the glass transparency, poor workmanship can result in grout showing. It could impact how the final backsplash looks.
Play Around With Tile Shapes
It is not uncommon for people to choose subway tiles for their backsplash. There is a certain appeal in the timeless style. You get a backsplash featuring rectangular cut tiles in a staggered brick-like setting.
The advantage is you have leeway in how you arrange the tiles. These include herringbone, vertical stacking or the more common horizontal stacking. Contrasting grout brings in an interesting design element. That can liven up what would otherwise appear rather bland or minimalistic.
But, as we stated, there are so many tile options you can try out. These include hexagon tiles, square formats, chevron, penny tiles and picket tiles, to name a few. Don't stifle your creativity or preferences by opting for the more common trends.
You can also introduce some character to your backsplash with three-dimensional tiles. They will introduce a unique look you will not find in many homes.
Don't Be Afraid of Color
A pop of color always makes a space feel livelier. And you can use the backsplash tiles to do that. Let's say you stick to the more neutral shades for the walls, appliances and cabinets. Then you make the backsplash the focal point with colored tiles. You can go for one palette or even mix and match. Indeed the latter in a mosaic pattern looks outstanding.
Some people would say create a flow by matching the backsplash tiles to the floor color. We say open the kitchen window and throw out that outdated rule book. The tile color you choose should bring out your preferences.
It doesn't hurt to consider the room's lighting, though, when deciding on the tile colour. Dark tiles will look great if the kitchen receives plenty of natural light. Lighter colors will make your kitchen look brighter. Colors like blue, yellow and orange will make the space feel more cheerful.
Glass tiles in a small room will reflect the light, making it feel more spacious. Here is an idea for a small kitchen. Take the glass tiles up to the ceiling to enjoy their reflective capabilities.
Tile Size Matters
Use the kitchen size to determine the best tile size for your backsplash. Subway tiles come in 3" X 6". But, there is a range of other sizes available.
If your space is small, go for bigger tiles for your backsplash. The arrangement of smaller tiles will result in many grout lines. This can make the room feel cluttered.
The tile size also depends on how much you want the backsplash to extend. Smaller tiles should be fine if it is above the sink. But, if the backsplash will cover a greater part, opt for the bigger tiles. That way, you bring in a feeling of spaciousness that you can’t achieve with smaller tiles.
Final Thoughts
What makes a kitchen backsplash great is its versatility. The right choice of tiles can affect the final look. You have the option of making the backsplash a focal point. All it requires is playing around with tile colors, shapes and arrangements.
You also have tons of choices with regard to materials. The most popular backsplash tiles are ceramic and porcelain.
But you can try other options like glass, stainless steel or metal. The right tile supplier should have a wide range that you can choose from.
Also, unless you have the expertise, consider professional installation of the backsplash tiles. As we stated, materials like porcelain are pretty fragile. The translucency of glass also means that any shoddy workmanship will show. Yet, your backsplash is a focal point in your kitchen. Thus, it deserves the same attention as other parts during the renovation.
