The backsplash is one of the most visible parts of any kitchen. It serves both form and function – protecting the walls from splashes and spills while also providing an opportunity to add visual interest. With so many backsplash options available today at various price points, there’s no reason to settle for boring!
Get inspired by these Backsplash Ideas for Every Budget Stylish Backsplash Designs. From DIY-friendly penny tile to luxurious marble and handmade ceramic, there are gorgeous and affordable backsplash solutions for kitchens of all styles and budgets.
Affordable Backsplash Ideas Under $5 Per Square Foot
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a beautiful, stylish backsplash that personalizes your kitchen. Here are some of the most popular inexpensive backsplash tile ideas:
Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles
- Self-adhesive vinyl tiles come in a huge range of colors, textures, and patterns
- Super easy DIY installation – just peel and stick on a clean wall
- Many mimic the look of natural stone, ceramic, metal, and glass
- Cost around $5 or less per square foot
- Allows you to easily refresh your backsplash whenever you want
Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles offer an affordable and DIY-friendly option. Image Source
Penny Tile
- Real porcelain or ceramic tiles in a 1″ x 1″ size
- Vintage-inspired look, originating from 1800s England
- Creates neat grid pattern in subtle colors or bold colors/patterns
- Prices around $5 per square foot and easy DIY installation
- Use penny tile sheets for easier installation
Classic blue penny tiles make a serious style statement. [Image Source](https://www.daltile.com/inspiration/design-detail/2016/december/penny-round- tile-sweet-savings)
Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles
- Budget-friendly metal look in a peel-and-stick tile
- Mimic the look of a vintage tin ceiling
- Classic styles available in silver, copper, brass finishes
- Use white grout to mimic tin ceiling grids
- Around $5 per square foot
Faux tin ceiling tiles offer vintage charm at an affordable price point. Image Source
Subway Tile
- Real ceramic or glass tiles in a classic 3″ x 6″ rectangular shape
- Timeless and versatile, works with any kitchen style
- White most popular, but available in endless color options
- Prices start around $5 per square foot
- Use white grout to mimic classic subway tile style
White subway tiles are a timeless and affordable backsplash option. Image Source:strip_icc()/white-subway-tile-58d72e203df78c51622710f2.jpg)
Mid-Range Backsplash Tile $10-$25 Per Square Foot
Step up your backsplash game with tiles in the $10-$25 per square foot range. These options offer more design flair and durability than the most budget-friendly choices:
Handmade Encaustic Cement Tile
- Cement tiles with intricate patterns and designs
- Vibrant colors are layered by hand into cement
- Adds lovely artistic flair, especially in geometric patterns
- Prices range $15-$25 per square foot
- Seal properly for easier maintenance
Artistic encaustic cement tiles bring color, pattern and texture. Image Source
Moroccan-Style Tile
- Intricate colorful patterns in glazed ceramic or zellige
- Distinctly Moroccan-inspired motifs and designs
- Prices $10-25 per square foot
- Use as an accent or a full backsplash
- Perfect for bohemian or eclectic kitchen styles
Moroccan tiles add exotic flair. Image Source
Handmade Ceramic or Terra Cotta Tile
- One-of-a-kind handmade and hand-painted tiles
- Rustic, natural look in earth tone colors
- Prices range $15-$25 per square foot
- Arts-and-crafts vibe fits cottage, farmhouse styles
- Porous tiles require sealing
Handmade terra cotta tiles have rustic charm. Image Source
Stone Mosaic Tile
- Small stone tiles create a mosaic pattern
- Natural stone varieties like marble, travertine or slate
- Tumbled stone mosaic for a vintage feel
- Prices $10-25 per square foot
- Use for an accent or full backsplash
Interlocking marble mosaic tiles make a serious style statement. Image Source
High-End Backsplash Tiles $25+ Per Square Foot
For a true showstopping backsplash, consider investing in one of these high-end tile materials. The added texture, depth, iridescence and luxury details of these backsplash tiles make them well worth their higher price tag.
Handmade Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
- One-of-a-kind hand-painted or hand-pressed tiles
- Available in geometric, ornamental, floral designs
- Vibrant glossy colors and raised texture
- Prices start at $25 per square foot, often higher
- Adds artistic flair and luxury to the kitchen
Handmade ceramic tiles are virtual works of art. Image Source
Metal Tiles
- Real metal like stainless steel, copper, brass or tin
- Modern industrial look, especially in stainless steel
- Copper and brass add touches of luxurious warmth
- Prices range $25 to $100+ per square foot
- Use metal trim or mosaic sheets for easier installation
Brass metal tiles lend industrial warmth. Image Source
Glass Tile
- Tile made from real glass material
- Wide variety of colors, finishes and texture
- Mirrored, iridescent and multi-colored glass popular
- Smooth glass or three-dimensional tile available
- Prices start around $25 per square foot
- Use accent strips or mosaic sheets
Iridescent glass tiles add a colorful glow. Image Source
Natural Stone Tile
- Backsplash tiles made from natural stone
- Varieties include marble, travertine, granite, onyx
- Elegant veining, swirls and color variations
- Polished or tumbled/honed stone finishes
- Prices range $50+ per square foot
- Timeless material that makes a statement
Marble tile instantly elevates any kitchen with timeless elegance. Image Source
Creative Backsplash Ideas on a Budget
If even the most affordable backsplash tile options bust your budget, get creative with these frugal backsplash ideas:
Painted Backsplash
- Use paint to create your own customized backsplash
- Choose high-gloss, semi-gloss or eggshell finish
- Constantly evolving color trends to choose from
- Use painter’s tape and angled brush for clean results
- Refresh easily whenever you want
A painted backsplash offers endless color options on a budget. Image Source
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
- Self-adhesive wallpaper with countless patterns available
- Botanical prints, geometric shapes, textures, faux brick or stone
- Install right over existing backsplash
- Change it out easily whenever you want a new look
- Prices around $10-$25 per roll
Floral peel-and-stick wallpaper makes a lovely budget-friendly backsplash. Image Source
Sheet Metal
- Usegalvanized sheet metal, stainless steel, or tin
- Cut to fit and install over existing backsplash
- Mimics popular metal tile look at a fraction of the cost
- Excellent budget option for industrial, modern or farmhouse styles
Galvanized sheet metal offers an industrial chic backsplash on a budget. Image Source
Reclaimed Wood
- Use reclaimed wood boards for a rustic backsplash
- Rustic, natural appearance at low cost
- Whitewash or lightly stain boards for desired look
- Install horizontally or vertically for visual interest
- Farmhouse, cottage, or craftsman style
Reclaimed wood boards create the perfect budget-friendly rustic backsplash. Image Source
Wallpaper Border
- Use wallpaper only a backsplash border or accent
- Contain costs by limiting wallpaper to a strip behind range or sink
- Pick bold/colorful print and neutral surrounding paint
- Easily change look just by swapping out wallpaper
A strip of wallpaper as a backsplash border adds a punch of pattern on a budget. Image Source
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Backsplash
With so many gorgeous backsplash options to suit any style or budget, how do you choose? Here are key factors to consider:
Kitchen Style
Select a backsplash that complements your overall kitchen style for a cohesive look. For example:
- Contemporary: metal or glass tile, geometric shapes
- Farmhouse: reclaimed wood, painted tile, penny tile
- Traditional: marble, subway tile, ceramic tile
- Cottage: terra cotta, stone mosaic, patterned tile
Backsplash Location
Consider the size of the backsplash area and where it will be located. Smaller spaces like behind a sink or stove are ideal for bolder patterns and colors or adding an accent material. Large backsplash spaces can handle busier patterns but also work beautifully with simple solid subway tile.
Durability
Durability is especially important behind cooking zones. Porcelain, ceramic, stone, metal and glass tile stand up best to heat, grease/oil, knives and daily wear-and-tear.
Ease of Installation
DIY or professional? Simple square tile in sheets or mosaic mesh is easiest for DIY. Intricate handmade tile is best left to the pros.
Water Resistance
Any backsplash area near sinks or appliances needs water-resistant tile. Porcelain, ceramic, stone, metal and glass are water-safe choices.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Consider how easy the material is to clean and maintain when choosing a backsplash tile. Glossy and smoother finishes are a breeze. Porous natural stone requires sealing.
Budget
Set a realistic budget before you start shopping to narrow your options to what you can reasonably afford. There are gorgeous options available at price points to suit every budget.
Design Ideas for Maximizing Your Backsplash
Beyond choosing a tile itself, proper backsplash design is key. Use these tips optimize the visual impact of your new backsplash:
Extend to the Ceiling
Extending tile to the ceiling makes a major style statement compared to a shorter backsplash area. It also provides more protection on the walls.
A full ceiling height backsplash creates a bold statement. Image Source
Inside Corners
Use bullnose tiles on inside corners for a seamless transition. Mitered inside corners are another clean finish.
Bullnose tiles on inside corners create a seamless look. Image Source
Outside Corners
On outside corners, use trim pieces like tile edging, L-shaped trim or small accent tiles.
An accent tile on the outside corner is an eye-catching detail. Image Source
Niche Accents
A recessed niche provides pretty display space. Line it with matching or contrasting tile.
A marble-lined niche makes an elegant display. Image Source
Borders and Banding
Use trim pieces or a contrasting tile color/material to create decorative borders or bands.
A dark grout border becomes a focal feature. Image Source
Color/Pattern Contrast
Create visual interest by contrasting colorful patterned tiles with solid subway tile.
Colorful tiles pop against a white subway tile backdrop. Image Source
Create a DIY Kitchen Backsplash
Installing a kitchen backsplash yourself can save thousands over hiring a pro. Follow this basic DIY process:
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace
Clear the counters and prep the backsplash area:
- Remove existing backsplash if needed
- Wash the walls
- Fill any holes or cracks
- Tape over borders