Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

The perfect DIY kitchen decor project

While it definitely plays second fiddle to the kitchen countertop, the kitchen backsplash simply can't be overlooked when it comes to overall kitchen design. Equally decorative and functional, a kitchen backsplash is a vital finishing touch that can make or break the heart of your home.

Kitchen designers are blessed with a wide variety of kitchen backsplashes from which to choose. Cork, tile, glass, tin, marble are just a few of the options, depending on the function you need and the design impact you want to make in your kitchen.

Let's talk in greater detail about the benefits and drawbacks of some of these kitchen backsplash choices…

Cork. A cork kitchen backsplash is the busy person's dream surface. An endless array of notes, recipes, phone numbers, photos, to-do lists, website addresses, and other bits of information can be pinned to this durable, attractive surface.

Cork kitchen backsplashes are not without drawbacks, however. They're not easy to clean, and the cork can wear out over time. With that in mind, you may want to opt for kitchen backsplashes that combine cork with another more durable material, or consider coating the cork with polyurethane. Another drawback to cork kitchen backsplashes is that with all those papers and clippings tacked everywhere, you may find your sink area overwhelmed with clutter in no time.

Tile. Kitchen backsplashes made from this versatile material can be either a matching extension of your countertop tile, or a similarly styled complement to it. Ceramic, marble, and glass tiles are among the most common types of kitchen backsplashes because they are easy to install and can be customized to match your existing kitchen decor or give your home a whole new look. As it is easy to clean, won't stain, and stands up well to the moisture and heat (common to the sink and countertop area), tile is nearly a perfect surface for a kitchen backsplash.

Tin. Pressed tin kitchen backsplashes are a unique way to give your kitchen a hint of Old World charm, as they hearken back to the plasterwork styles of 19th century Europe. In fact, a kitchen backsplash made of pressed tin in a variety of patterns is one of the hottest trends in kitchen decor today. Tin is simple to install, easy to clean, and will stay looking great for several years.

More information on kitchen backsplashes