Adding a penny tile backsplash is an easy and affordable way to make a big visual impact in your kitchen or bathroom. The slight texture and dimension of penny tiles creates visual interest and serves as an eye-catching focal point.
What are Penny Tiles?
Penny tiles are small, round ceramic or porcelain tiles that are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. They are called penny tiles because they are roughly the same size as an American penny.
Penny tiles come glazed or unglazed. Glazed penny tiles have a shiny, glass-like finish and are available in a wide variety of solid colors, patterns, and textures. Unglazed penny tiles have a matte finish and come in natural clay colors like terracotta red, tan, gray, and brown.
Benefits of a Penny Tile Backsplash
There are many reasons to consider using penny tiles for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash:
- Visual Interest – The small scale and round shape create a unique mosaic-like pattern that grabs attention. Penny tiles add artsy, vintage charm.
- ** Texture** – The tiles have a slight uneven surface that catches and reflects light. This adds depth and dimension.
- Affordable – Penny tiles are very budget-friendly, especially when using a more affordable material like ceramic instead of porcelain.
- Easy Installation – The small tile size makes installing a DIY penny tile backsplash simple. No special skills or tools required.
- Durable – Ceramic and porcelain penny tiles are water-resistant and stand up well over time. Great for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Design Versatility – Penny tiles come in endless colors and patterns. Easily match any design aesthetic from modern to bohemian.
Using Penny Tiles for a Kitchen Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash protects the wall from splashes and stains while also serving as a key design element. Penny tiles make an excellent backsplash choice:
Complement Countertops
Match or contrast penny tiles to your countertops. For example, pair white penny tiles with dark granite counters for contrast. Or use green tiles to match granite containing green mineral deposits. Tiles in natural tan or gray tones complement neutral countertops.
Tie in Cabinetry
Choose penny tiles that coordinate with your cabinet finishes and hardware. Warm copper penny tiles match copper pulls and fixtures. Blue tiles pop against white cabinets. Neutral tan tiles fit with any cabinet style.
Set Off Appliances
Use bright or patterned penny tiles to highlight stainless, enameled, or colorful appliances. Opt for neutral tiles if your appliances will be the focal point.
Consider Maintenance
Lighter or less patterned tiles show less visible grime. Porcelain stands up to stains better than ceramic. Glazed tiles resist moisture and are easy to clean.
Highlight Architectural Details
Use penny tiles on walls with special details like niches, arched windows, or decorative corbels. Tiles draw attention to these features.
Expand Visual Space
Reflective, light-colored penny tiles make small kitchens appear larger. A vertical orientation also helps ceilings feel higher.
Using Penny Tiles in a Bathroom
Penny tiles give bathrooms a spa-like ambiance while also being water-resistant. Ideas for bathrooms:
Behind Sinks/Vanities
Use penny tiles as a full or stacked backsplash behind bathroom sinks and vanities. This protects the wall from water splashes.
Shower/Tub Surrounds
Tile walls or niches in showers and around bathtubs. Use waterproof grout and sealant so tiles withstand moisture.
Accent Stripes
Add horizontal penny tile stripes at various heights on walls to create an artistic accent.
Borders
Frame mirrors, shelves, or niches with borders made from penny tiles.
Floor Accents
Add penny tile “rugs” or geometric shapes to flooring. Use waterproof tile and grout.
Penny Tile Patterns and Designs
There are endless options for creating patterns and designs with penny tiles:
Color Blocking
Use solid colors in geometric blocks of multiple tiles. Great for modern styles.
Contrasting Grids
Combine two colors in an offset bricklaid or grid pattern for visual punch.
Mosaic
Arrange multi-colored tiles in abstract mosaic designs. Allows for creativity.
Horizontal Bands
Stack horizontal bands of different colors and widths.
Vertical Stacking
Creating rising vertical bands by stacking colors. Leads the eye upward.
Patterns
Make patterns like stripes, polka dots, arrows, diamonds, or zigzags.
Complementary Colors
Using adjacent shades on the color wheel like blue and green creates vibrancy.
Bold Outlines
Outline mosaic patterns with tiles of a contrasting color. Helps define shapes.
Installing a Penny Tile Backsplash
Installing a penny tile backsplash is a DIY-friendly project for either kitchens or bathrooms:
Plan the Layout
Sketch your backsplash design first. Measure the space and account for focal points.
Gather Supplies
Buy extra tiles, adhesive mortar, grout, sealant, spacers, and tools. Have tiles cut at store.
Prepare the Surface
Clean the wall, remove any remaining old tiles, sand, and fill holes. Apply primer.
Apply Mortar
Use a notched trowel to evenly spread thinset mortar on the wall area.
Set the Tiles
In sections, carefully press tiles into the mortar using spacers for even grout lines.
Grout the Tiles
Push grout into the crevices. Wipe away excess. Use sealing grout for wet areas.
Seal and Finish
Remove spacers. Apply sealant. Caulk edges. Clean any haze once dry. Enjoy your new backsplash!
FAQs about Penny Tile Backsplashes
What’s the best grout color to use with penny tiles?
Match the grout color to the lightest tile color for a seamless look. Bright white grout pops against darker tiles. Gray is versatile.
Should you seal a penny tile backsplash?
Sealing is highly recommended, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. The sealant protects the grout and makes tiles more stain resistant. Reapply sealer yearly.
What color cabinets go well with penny tiles?
Penny tiles look great with white, gray, black, navy, or wood cabinets. Choose soft hues like sage green that won’t compete too much with a vibrant tile.
Can you install penny tiles on drywall or do you need cement board?
Cement backer board provides an ultra-durable surface that withstands moisture better than drywall. It’s recommended for kitchens and bathrooms.
Should penny tiles go all the way to the ceiling?
Not necessarily. While penny tiles can extend to the ceiling, a partial backsplash that goes 2/3 or 3/4 up the wall provides sufficient protection and saves money.
What’s better for kitchen backsplashes: ceramic or porcelain penny tiles?
Porcelain is better for kitchens as it’s more stain and water resistant. But glazed ceramic works well too if properly sealed and maintained. Porcelain is less prone to showing grime.
Get Creative with Penny Tiles!
With their vintage vibe, slight texture, and endless pattern possibilities, penny tile backsplashes undoubtedly add visual interest and become a decorative focal point. Thinking creatively with color combinations and layouts allows penny tiles to be customized to match any design theme. With simple installation, penny tiles can transform a boring wall into an artistic showpiece. Let your imagination run wild and enjoy the charm and visual pop a penny tile backsplash brings to your space!