Honeycomb tiles are making a huge comeback in modern kitchen backsplash designs. With their intricate hexagonal shapes forming geometric patterns, honeycomb backsplashes bring a sleek and contemporary aesthetic to any kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore why honeycomb tiles are so popular right now, the different material options available, and design ideas to inspire your next kitchen renovation.
Why Honeycomb Tiles Are Trending
Honeycomb-shaped tiles have been around for centuries, dating back to ancient Roman mosaics. But it’s only in recent years that they’ve become a hot trend for modern backsplashes. Here are some reasons the hexagonal honeycomb pattern is surging in popularity:
Visually Striking
The tessellated hexagon shapes form eye-catching geometric designs that make a bold visual statement. The repetitive honeycomb pattern has a sculptural, three-dimensional quality that adds architectural interest to kitchen backsplashes.
Texture & Dimension
Honeycomb tile layouts play with light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and texture on the backsplash surface. This makes for a more dynamic look than typical flat rectangular tiles.
Sleek & Modern Aesthetic
The hexagonal forms have a very sleek and contemporary vibe, lending a minimalist yet artistic flair to kitchens. Honeycomb backsplashes feel fresh, modern, and outside the box.
Cohesive Pattern
When honeycomb tiles are arranged together, the hexagons create a cohesive, uniform look. This coordinated pattern looks clean and elegant, unifying the whole backsplash design.
Customizable Designs
While uniformly shaped, honeycomb tiles come in a range of materials, colors, and sizes. This allows for customizable backsplash designs, from neutral to bold statement looks.
With their modular geometric shapes and customizable nature, it’s easy to see why honeycomb tiles are surging in popularity for today’s on-trend kitchen backsplashes. Let’s look at the material options available.
Material Options for Honeycomb Tiles
One of the great things about honeycomb-shaped tiles is that they come in a diverse range of materials. This allows you to choose tiles that coordinate with your overall kitchen design style and needs. Here are some of the most popular options:
Ceramic or Porcelain
Glazed ceramic and porcelain honeycomb tiles are a budget-friendly option. The glazing creates rich colors and patterns like marble. Porcelain is more durable and stain-resistant.
Glass
Glass honeycomb tiles have an ultra-modern, sleek look. They reflect light beautifully and come in glossy or frosted finishes. Possibilities are endless with colored and patterned glass.
Metal
Metallic honeycomb tiles add amazing visual impact, available in materials like stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. Great for contemporary industrial kitchens.
Natural Stone
Honeycomb tiles cut from marble, travertine, granite, and other natural stones offer elegance. The organic veining and texture retains the stone’s natural beauty.
Mosaic
Small mosaic honeycomb tiles let you create intricate designs. Using combinations of different colors and materials yields custom mosaics.
With this diversity of materials like glass, metal, natural stone, and more, honeycomb backsplashes can match any design style. Let’s look at how to design a stylish honeycomb backsplash.
Designing Your Honeycomb Backsplash
When planning a backsplash with honeycomb tiles, there are a few considerations to come up with the best layout and visual impact. Use these design tips:
Choose Cohesive Colors
Select honeycomb tiles in colors that coordinate well together and fit your overall kitchen color palette. Contrasting colors can look disjointed.
Play with Scale
Mixing up the tile sizes, from small mosaics to large hexagons, adds visual interest to the patterns. Include different scale tiles in your design.
Use Bands and Borders
Frames your honeycomb backsplash with decorative borders or bands featuring contrasting tiles. This defines the space.
Pair with Neutrals
Balance out bold or colorful honeycomb patterns by pairing them with neutral tiles or backsplash areas. This creates good contrast.
Highlight Architectural Features
Use honeycomb tiles to emphasize any architectural details, like framing a window over the sink or drawing attention to shelving.
Install Vertically
Stacking the hexagons vertically elongates the shapes for a less static look. Vertical also suits backsplash areas better.
With smart honeycomb tile selections and strategic design arrangements, you can create a showstopping contemporary backsplash. Keep reading for inspiring ideas.
Honeycomb Backsplash Design Ideas
Here are some stunning ways to incorporate the honeycomb tile trend into your kitchen backsplash design:
Modern Graphic Pattern
Create a bold graphic honeycomb pattern using black and white tiles. Pair with sleek modern cabinets and stainless steel appliances for contemporary chic.
A bold black and white honeycomb tile backsplash makes a graphic statement.
Moroccan Inspired
Use colorful mosaic honeycomb tiles to craft a Moroccan-inspired pattern. Warm wood cabinets and arches complement the exotic mosaic tiles.
Vibrant mosaics in a Moroccan-inspired honeycomb pattern.
Metallic Honeycomb
Metallic honeycomb tiles in copper, bronze, or stainless steel look amazing as a full backsplash or just as an accent. Pair with white cabinets for contrast.
Warm copper honeycomb tiles make a metallic backsplash statement.
Blue Honeycomb
From light to navy, blue honeycomb tiles look mesmerizing on a kitchen backsplash. Blue evokes relaxing and peaceful feelings in the cooking space.
Cool blue honeycomb tiles create a serene modern backsplash.
Green Honeycomb
Make your backsplash pop with vibrant green honeycomb tiles. Greens pair excellently with natural wood cabinets and accents for an earthy charm.
Lively green honeycomb tiles energize this kitchen backsplash.
Natural Stone Honeycomb
For a sophisticated look, install limestone, travertine, or marble honeycomb tiles. The organic veining matches beautifully with natural wood cabinetry.
Honeycomb marble tiles bring elegance to this open kitchen.
Bold Colors & Patterns
Make a vibrant colorful statement by combining brightly colored and patterned honeycomb tiles. Contrast with neutral cabinetry.
Vibrant honeycomb tiles in assorted colors and fun patterns.
Hexagon Frame or Border
Frame neutral rectangular backsplash tiles with a hexagon honeycomb border in a contrasting color. This defines the space stylishly.
A thin honeycomb border adds a pop of color to this backsplash.
As you can see, the options are endless with honeycomb backsplash tile designs. Use these ideas as inspiration to create your own customized look.
How to Install Honeycomb Backsplash Tiles
Installing honeycomb-shaped tiles takes a bit more precision than basic square tiles. Here are some tips for properly installing a flawless honeycomb backsplash:
Use a Ledger Board
Install a level ledger board to guide the first hexagon row. This ensures the tiles are evenly spaced and angled.
Use Tile Spacers
Place temporary tile spacers between each hexagon tile to maintain even grout line spacing. Remove once grouted.
Mix Up Orientations
As you install rows, mix up the tile orientation so joints don’t all align. This strengthens the structure.
Double Check Alignments
Continuously double-check that the tiles are aligned and evenly spaced as you install. Make adjustments as needed.
Use the Proper Grout
Use sanded grout for joints wider than 1/8 inch. Use non-sanded grout for thinner joints.
Grout Then Seal
Once all tiles are set, let the mortar cure completely before grouting. Seal natural stone tiles after grouting.
Take Your Time
Work slowly and methodically, ensuring each tile is properly installed before moving on. Rushing leads to uneven alignments.
With careful installation and some patience, you can achieve a stunning pro-quality honeycomb backsplash.
FAQ About Honeycomb Backsplashes
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about installing and designing backsplashes using honeycomb tiles:
Are honeycomb tiles more expensive than regular tiles?
Honeycomb tiles are often a bit pricier than basic square tiles. The unique shape and intricate installation means they often cost $5-$15 more per square foot. However, the visual impact is worth the extra investment.
What’s the best way to clean grout on a honeycomb backsplash?
Use a soft brush and mild grout cleaner to scrub the grout gently. Avoid harsh chemicals. Wipe down honeycomb tiles with a soft sponge and mild soap and water.
How durable are glass honeycomb tiles for kitchen backsplashes?
Though delicate, tempered glass honeycomb tiles are quite durable for backsplashes when properly sealed. Use caution not to bang pots or apply harsh abrasive cleaners on the glass.
Can I do a full wall honeycomb backsplash or is it best as an accent?
You can absolutely do a honeycomb backsplash across a full wall. Visually it may be less overwhelming to use honeycomb tile as a statement accent wall.
What’s the best grout color for honeycomb backsplash tiles?
White or light grey grout works well with most honeycomb backsplashes. However, consider choosing a grout that matches or coordinates with the tile colors. Contrasting grout can look very bold.
How difficult is it to cut and install honeycomb tiles?
Cutting hexagonal tiles takes precision but it’s definitely doable. Use an angle grinder with a diamond blade. Read instructions carefully, watch tutorials, and take your time installing. Patience is key.
Achieve Dimension and Depth with Honeycomb Tiles
If you’re looking to add some sculptural depth, visual interest, and modern geometric flair to your kitchen backsplash, honeycomb tiles are a perfect option. With so many material and color possibilities, you can customize honeycomb backsplashes to match any design aesthetic. Take your time designing and installing these intricate hexagonal tiles, and you’ll be rewarded with a showstopping faceted focal feature in your kitchen. Once considered ancient and antiquated, the tessellated hexagon honeycomb pattern is now one of the hottest contemporary trends in backsplashes. The versatile honeycomb tile shape effortlessly achieves looks from retro to industrial to futuristic. Let the hex appeal inspire your next kitchen renovation!