A Mexican tile backsplash can add a fun, vibrant pop of color and visual interest to any kitchen. With handmade ceramic tiles in a vast array of colors, shapes, and designs, a Mexican tile backsplash is an easy way to create a stylish focal point and make a decor statement. Let’s explore how to design a beautiful, creative backsplash using colorful Mexican tile.
Choosing Mexican Tiles for Your Backsplash
When selecting Mexican tiles for a backsplash, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Colors – Mexican tiles come in every color of the rainbow. Choose a palette that complements your existing kitchen decor. Opt for contrasting hues to make the backsplash pop or matching tones for a more seamless look.
- Patterns – Mexican tiles often feature hand-painted designs. Choose a patterned tile for visual interest. Opt for all-over patterns or mix and match tiles with different motifs.
- Shapes – Mexican tile backsplashes typically use square, rectangular, or hexagonal tiles. Decide on a shape (or mix of shapes) based on your kitchen’s style.
- Finish – Matte, glossy, hand-painted, crackled – Mexican tiles offer tons of finish options. A glossy finish makes colors pop while crackled tiles add antique character.
- Accents – Consider adding ceramic accent tiles, like decorative borders, medallions, or tiles with handmade ceramic elements.
Once you select your Mexican tiles, arrange them in a layout that aligns with your design vision. A geometric pattern instantly catches the eye, while a random arrangement feels relaxed and eclectic.
Designing Your Mexican Tile Backsplash
When designing a Mexican tile backsplash, think about how you want it to look and function:
Choosing a Backsplash Area
Determine the area to cover with your tile backsplash. Typically, backsplashes cover the wall area between the countertops and kitchen cabinets. For a bolder look, extend the backsplash to cover more wall space or the entire wall from counter to ceiling. Focus the backsplash around key areas like the stove, sink, or prep space.
Selecting a Layout Pattern
Mexican tile backsplashes often use geometric patterns for visual punch. Classic layouts include:
- Stacked grid – Tiles lined up in offset rows
- Herringbone – Tiles placed in an angled zig-zag
- Diagonal grid – Tiles set on a 45-degree angle
- Sunburst – Tiles radiate out from a central point
Play with the tile layout until you find an eye-catching design.
Incorporating Accent Tiles
Accent tiles add extra style to your backsplash design. Consider using:
- Border tiles – Outline the edges of your backsplash
- Center focal point – A medallion, ceramic figure, or decorative tile
- Scattered accents – Add visual interest by sporadically placing unique accent tiles throughout
Accent tiles introduce contrasting colors, shapes, and textures.
Tying in Other Decor Elements
Choose a backsplash design that complements other kitchen elements for a cohesive look. If your cabinets or counters feature warm wood tones, select tiles with brown, tan, or terra cotta hues. For a vintage vibe, use a colorful tile backsplash as an accent against neutral cabinetry.
Installation Tips for Mexican Tile Backsplashes
Instaling a Mexican tile backsplash takes time and care, but achieving that eye-catching finished look is worth the effort. Follow these tips for proper installation:
- Prep the surface – Remove any old backsplash material and make sure the wall surface is smooth and clean.
- Apply mortar – Spread mortar evenly across the installation area using a notched trowel. Work in small sections.
- Set the tiles – Press tiles into the mortar, using spacers for consistent grout lines. Check tiles for level placement.
- Let dry – Allow mortar to fully cure (around 24 hours) before grouting.
- Grout the tiles – Push grout into the tile joints. Wipe away excess. Let the grout dry completely.
- Seal the tiles – Use a penetrating sealer formulated for glazed ceramic to protect the tiles.
Take care when installing Mexican tile to achieve an even layout and get creative with patterns and colors. The finished backsplash will add a vibrant flair.
Ideas for Mexican Tile Backsplash Designs
Mexican tile offers limitless options for creative and colorful backsplash designs. Some inspiring ideas include:
Monochromatic Magic
Create visual impact with a backsplash in shades of one color. For example, use all cobalt blue tiles or terra cotta tiles in orange, rust, and cinnamon tones. The color will pop but still feel cohesive.
Contrasting Combinations
Alternating contrasting colors and patterns is a hallmark of Mexican tile design. Try pairing complementary hues like orange and blue or vibrant tones like fuchsia, turquoise, lime green, and sunflower yellow.
Geometric Style
Interlocking geometric patterns add visual motion and interest. Lay out tiles in zigzags, repeating diamonds, angled grids, or concentric squares. Use contrasting colors to accentuate the shapes.
Moroccan Influence
Intricate Moroccan-style designs work beautifully in a backsplash, like octagons framing starburst squares or repeating mosaics in vivid colors.
Decorative Accents
Handmade ceramic decor tiles dress up a backsplash. Adorn edges with decorative borders or add a central focal point like a round sun medallion, figural ceramic tile, or tile “rug” as a work of art.
Nature Motifs
Floral, bird, and leaf designs bring a touch of nature to the kitchen. Use tile with hand-painted images of vines, branches, leaves, or botanical elements.
Let your imagination run free when dreaming up the ideal backsplash for your kitchen. Mexican tile’s diverse colors, patterns and decorative details offer endless design possibilities.
Ideal Tile Colors for Kitchen Backsplashes
While Mexican tile comes in every color, some hues and color schemes work especially well for kitchen backsplashes. Ideal options include:
Warm Neutrals
Warm earth tones like terracotta orange, light tan, desert sand or deep red add a subtle punch of color while still remaining neutral enough to pair well with any cabinetry.
Vibrant Primaries
Pillar-box red, aqua, sunny yellow and other rich primaries make the backsplash the main focal point.
Nature-Inspired Greens
Moss green, emerald, jade green, and other natural green tones complement wood cabinetry and bring organic vibrancy.
Deep Blues
From sky to cobalt to navy, vibrant blues create an eye-catching contrast against wood cabinets and warm metals.
Th on Trend Black and White
A classic black and white checkerboard or harlequin-pattern backsplash acts as a bold neutral.
Vintage Reds and Pinks
Deep burgundy, wine red and rosy pink hues bring warmth and a vintage character to the space.
Invigorating Citrus Tones
Zesty lemon yellow, lime, tangerine and other citrusy shades lend a cheerful, energizing feel.
Retro Turquoise
A must for any mid-mod style kitchen, bright turquoise makes a retro-chic statement.
Sophisticated Greens
Deep jade, olive and sage green offer an earthy sophistication that complements natural wood and stone.
Subway Tile Whites
Like classic subway tiles, creamy whites keep the focus on other decor while adding a light feel.
Keep in mind adjacent cabinetry and countertops when selecting backsplash tile colors. Both coordinating and contrasting hues can create captivating designs.
The Cost of a Mexican Tile Backsplash
Installing a Mexican tile backsplash offers big visual impact for a relatively reasonable cost. The main expenses include:
- Mexican tiles – Handmade ceramic tiles range from $5 – $20 per square foot. Intricate decorative tiles cost more.
- Mortar and grout – About $25 total for supplies.
- Installation – Approx. $5 – $10 per square foot for a contractor. DIY saves on labor costs.
- Sealer – $30 – $50 for a tile sealer.
A 10 sq. ft. backsplash could cost around $200 – $400 for a simple DIY install. For more intricate designs covering a larger area, expect costs between $500 – $2000+.
Ways to reduce costs include:
- Use fewer accent and decorative tiles
- Install yourself if experienced with tiling
- Choose smaller backsplash area
- Use reclaimed or upcycled Mexican tiles
The visual impact is worth the moderate investment. A colorful Mexican tile backsplash adds artistic flair, charm and value.
Where to Buy Mexican Tiles for Backsplashes
Many tile shops carry Mexican tile, especially in regions like the Southwest U.S. Good options for finding authentic tiles include:
- Online retailers – Specialty shops offer extensive selections and ship tiles nationwide.
- Tile showrooms – View tiles in person to get a feel for colors and patterns. Many showrooms source directly from Mexican artisans.
- Hardware stores – Big retailers may have a small assortment of decorative Mexican tile.
- Tile importers – Businesses specializing in Mexican tile imports offer unique and traditional styles.
- Direct from Mexico – Purchase distinctive tiles at markets and workshops during trips to Mexico.
- Salvage companies – Reclaimed Mexican tiles offer cost savings while retaining old-world character.
To avoid imitation tiles, look for marks on the back like “Hecho en Mexico” or stick with reputable tile companies that deal directly with Mexican artists and manufacturers.
Care and Maintenance of Mexican Tile Backsplashes
Mexican tile brings distinct charm and beauty to a kitchen backsplash. Keep your tile looking its best with proper ongoing care:
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for natural stone and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage grout or etch glazes.
- Reapply sealer annually to shield the tiles from stains.
- Immediately wipe up spills to prevent staining of the porous grout lines.
- Check for missing or cracked grout over time. Regrout if needed to prevent moisture damage.
- Use a gentle polishing compound on glossy tiles to restore lost shine.
- Protect highly decorative tiles from fading by using window treatments.
- Avoid using tape or sticking materials directly on the tile that could pull off the glaze.
With careful maintenance and cleaning, a Mexican tile backsplash can stay vibrant and eye-catching for years of enjoyment. The color and artistry add a special flair to any kitchen.
FAQ About Mexican Tile Backsplashes
What are the most popular colors for Mexican tile backsplashes?
Vibrant reds, sunny yellows, deep blues and greens are hallmarks of Mexican tile. Smart neutral choices are tans, terracotta, and black and white. Select colors that coordinate or contrast well with your cabinets.
How do I clean and care for Mexican tile?
Use pH-balanced cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals. Reapply penetrating sealers yearly for stain protection. Immediately clean spills to protect grout. Buff out etching or dullness on glossy tiles with a polish.
Should I hire a contractor to install my Mexican tile backsplash?
A contractor experienced in tile installation can ensure a quality finished product, but a DIY install is feasible if you’re comfortable tiling. Either way, careful prep and proper technique are essential.
How long will a Mexican tile backsplash last?
Authentic ceramic Mexican tiles are very durable and can last 50 years or longer with proper care and maintenance. Cracks or damage are rare if installed correctly. The biggest wear factor is the grout.
Are Mexican tiles suitable for kitchen backsplashes?
Yes, Mexican tiles are a wonderful choice for backsplashes. The limitless colors, designs, and artistic details create a one-of-a-kind focal point. Just be sure to seal the tiles and keep grout clean.
Can I put Mexican tile on top of an existing backsplash?
It’s possible but not ideal. It’s best to remove the old backsplash completely and start fresh with proper mortar installation. The uneven surface underneath could cause cracking or other issues over time.
A colorful backsplash made of handcrafted Mexican tile instantly livens up any kitchen with artistic style, charm, and visual interest. Embrace the diverse palette of colors and patterns for a truly unique focal point. With the right installation and care, your Mexican tile backsplash will deliver lasting beauty and delight.