17 Backsplashes for a Unique Kitchen

Believe it or not, a kitchen is more than appliances, cabinets and countertops. While those are the elements that serve the greatest function, there are a host of details that bring everything in the room together, like sinks, lighting, and of course, the backsplash. A kitchen backsplash does actually have a function as well— to provide an easy-to-clean surface to wipe up cooking splatters and spills. But the backsplash is a place you can be creative, and add color and unique style to your kitchen design. There’s a huge range of backsplash ideas to choose from these days— from traditional kitchen tile, to glass tile, ceramic subway tile, and even reclaimed wood or galvanized metal. Gone are the days when standard backsplash tile was your only choice. How about concrete, or laminated fabric? Check out our favorite backsplash ideas from around the web.

Galvanized Metal

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White Kitchen

Metal backsplashes are typically of the stamped variety, but a flat sheet of galvanized metal makes a clean and modern statement in a country kitchen or mudroom potting area.

flickr.com/decorology

Marble Slab

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Marble Kitchen

The gray veins in this white marble provide visual interest in an all-white kitchen, while bringing some warmth and fun to the design.


Related: I'm Dreaming of a White... Kitchen: 10 Bright Beauties to Behold

desiretoinspire.net

Hand-Glazed Ceramic

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Yellow Kitchen

A hand-glazed tile made by Heath Ceramics from brown clay warms up a modern kitchen. The owners of the Ione, CA-based company practice what they preach, featuring the tile running vertically on their own kitchen’s backsplash.


Related: How To: Install Tile

Design Sponge

Patterned Tile

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Vintage Kitchen

An intricate patterned tile backsplash is a commitment, but one that makes a bold statement in a kitchen. Sean MacPherson’s Portugese tiles provide a lively backdrop in his vintage-style abode.


Related: A Little Goes a Long Way: Using Decorative Tiles

theselby.com

Reclaimed Wood

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Wood Backsplash

Salvaged wood creates rustic texture on the kitchen backsplash and offers eco-conscious renovators a way to reuse an existing material.


Related: Say Yes to Salvaged Wood

circadee.com

Black and White

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White Subway Tile Kitchen

Like black tie for the kitchen, white subway tile with black grout never goes out of style. And although it looks sophisticated, the material costs are low, making this stylish look quite affordable.


Related: Subway Tiles: The New Classics

apartmenttherapy.com

Antique Mirror

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Antique Mirror Backsplash

A little bit of Parisian glamour in the kitchen comes via antique mirror installed as the backsplash. Its patina makes the material more forgiving and permit less meticulous maintenance.


Related: Mirror Magic: 10 Ways of Using Mirrors to Your Design Advantage

materialgirlsblog.com

Concrete

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Open Shelving Kitchen

Some perfectionists shy away from concrete on account of maintenance, but if you reseal and wax concrete occasionally, it makes a great backsplash material for an industrial look.


Related: How To: Clean Concrete

indulgy.com

Brick

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Exposed Brick

If you’re lucky enough to have an exposed brick wall in the kitchen, why not keep it visible as a gorgeous backsplash? One word of caution: Brick should be sealed, since it is a porous material.


Related: Brick Basics: Maintenance, Care, and Cleaning

themarionhousebook.com

Mini Mosaic

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Kitchen Mosaic

If you really want to make your kitchen one-of-a-kind, consider a mosaic . The small tiles will add texture and flair, while the pattern... is more or less up to you!


Related: How To: Work with Mosaic Tile

alexandraimmeldesign.com

Modern Glass

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Blue Kitchen

This isn't your mother's glass tile. While normal glass backsplashes feature either a whole sheet of glass or glass subway tiles, Everstone is putting out uniquely shaped designs, from pointy shards to circular bubbles.


Related: Using Glass Tile for a Handcrafted Look

trendir.com

Penny for Your Thoughts

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Penny Backsplash

If your change jar is threatening to take over your kitchen, why not let it? This backsplash, made of over 6,000 extraneous pennies , knows the true meaning of "remarkable".

roomzaar.com

Tin Ceiling Tiles

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Tin Ceiling Tiles

Sometimes underappreciated when installed overhead, the delicate details of pressed-tin ceiling tiles command full attention at eye level.


Related: 10 Great Looks in Tin Ceiling Tiles

JRSID.com

Center Medallion

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Old World Kitchen

Many tile manufacturers offer a wide range of medallion styles, ideal for the large open space above the stove.


Related: Kitchen Envy: 10 Rooms We Love

andersenceramics.com

Laminated Fabric

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White Counters

A favorite swatch of fabric laminated between glass panels combines bold colors with an easy-to-clean surface.


Related: Going Bold: 10 Kitchens That Pop with Color

incorporatedny.com

Wood Paneling

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White Wood Paneling

When used as a backsplash, white tongue-and-groove board is the perfect accompaniment in a country kitchen.


Related: How To: Paint Wood Paneling

bhg.com

Rock 'n' Roll

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Rustic Kitchen

To highlight the shapes of the rocks above the stove, the builders of this log cabin installed a hammered metal spice shelf with small recessed lights.


Related: New and Notable: 10 Must-Haves for the Luxury Kitchen

traditional.com

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