Kitchen Backsplash Tile Trends 2021
Varieties of backsplah tiles
For sale today offered a huge number of different types of tile material for wall cladding.
A special niche is occupied by products for the kitchen backsplash area. They are made from the following materials:
- ceramics;
- glass;
- artificial and natural stone.
Appearance of material:
- with glazed, matte, embossed, mirror surface;
- square, rectangular, mosaic shape, look like rectangular bricks with cut edges;
- with a plain, ornament or pattern surface, as well as a photo plot or in the form of a panel.
Let’s learn more about each type of these products, and then select the tile that is most suitable for the style of your kitchen.
Ceramic
Everyone has a ceramic sign. This is a classic material that has been used for a long time. It is produced by pressing or extrusion from a mixture of clay and sand.
The classic sizes of square ceramics: 10×10 cm, 20×20 cm and rectangular – 20×30 cm. The thickness of the products is 3-4 mm.
Spectacular imitations
The modern design of the tiles used for the backsplash is diverse: from a palette of color shades, textured surface, decor to products with photo printing. This gives scope for imagination for designers.
Particularly impressive look products with imitation under the skin, wood or stone. Tile backsplashes made using large format printing with a bright, clear image give the kitchen space an exclusive look.
A novelty of ceramic products is small rectangular clinker products having a small facet at the edges.
They are produced using special technology, which provides products with high strength. Bricks can have both an aged look, and can be made in the form of glazed snow-white elements.
The image from the ceramic, laid out in the form of a panel, which can have a different plot, looks exclusively and effectively.
The classic design is the kitchen theme with the image of fruits, pastries, dishes and other items.
For cladding, it is recommended to use it with a smooth glazed surface, it is easier to care for, because it absorbs less fat and wet fumes.
From mosaic
A backsplash made of mosaic looks spectacular with massive expensive furniture. This facing material is often made by hand.
Materials are: ceramics, glass and other natural products. Mosaic can have many color shades, different shape and surface structure. Therefore, it is easy to choose for any interior style.
You can stack elements according to a pre-compiled drawing scheme, or you can in a chaotic manner using your creative abilities. Thanks to this, you can lay out a unique mosaic pattern.
With the help of mosaic elements, spectacular panels and bright ornaments are often laid out, sometimes it is even used to create a photo plot. Such zones serve as an independent design element and are a work of art.
Glass
Glass tile is a relatively new finishing product, represented by a huge selection of designer designs.
For its manufacture mainly tempered glass triplex is used. The color or pattern is applied from the inside. The front surface is smooth, matte or have a relief.
The design can be transparent, matte, natural stone, wood, textile or metal. Glass products can be made in various shapes and sizes. For mosaic small elements, glass is most often used.
In modern design, glass with photo printing looks spectacular.
Looks great photo printing
The advantage of glass material is its resistance to aggressive environments and environmental safety.
However, you need to remember the tendency of the glass surface to scratches, so care must be taken with caution without the use of abrasive materials.
These surfaces must be very carefully maintained so as not to scratch.
Mirror
Mirror tiles are most often a type of glass. It is made of impact-resistant glass, the front side of which is coated with silver amalgam.
Ceramic and polystyrene tiles with a reflective coating are also produced.
They are varieties of mirror tile products, but the composition of their metallized coating does not provide the same reflectivity as that of glass mirrors coated with silver amalgam.
Product Differences
- By the nature of the edge processing. They can be polished, matte, as well as with cut edges.
- In shape, dividing into square, rectangular, border (narrow stripes), triangular, diamond-shaped, in the form of mosaics and others.
- According to the color palette there are silver, with a touch of bronze, gold, graphite and many shades of natural colors.
- According to the design of the surface, which can be: with a pattern in the form of an ornament, an abstract pattern, applied by sandblasting or using thermal printing, as well as simply plain.
The mirror shine of the backsplash fits perfectly into high-tech or modern styles, emphasizing the brilliance of kitchen furniture fittings.
The mirror mosaic backsplash is well suited for loft style. It looks especially chic from mosaics assembled from elements of different shapes and sizes.
Mirrored looks impressive, but requires thorough care. On the mirror surface, even the smallest fat droplets, traces of dried water are very clearly visible.
Wipe this surface regularly with a damp soft cloth. On the desktop there should be no unnecessary kitchen items, so as not to create a feeling of clutter when reflected.
Made of artificial stone
The use of artificial stone for facing is now very fashionable. Tiled materials made of artificial stone look modern and noble.
They are often used in the decoration of such interior styles as loft or provence.
For the production of artificial stone using technology:
- using concrete mix with additives of natural chips;
- using composite materials (polyester resins with the addition of crumbs of natural components and coloring pigments for maximum similarity to natural stone).
Products are made under marble, basalt, granite or sandstone.
For a backsplash, porcelain stoneware is also used, which is often referred to as a variety of ceramic tiles.
But the technology of its production brings this material as close as possible to a natural stone created in nature.
It is made by pressing at high temperature a mixture of white clay, quartz sand, spar and natural dyes.
In appearance it has significant differences from ceramic products, although it also happens to have a smooth polished surface, matte, embossed, resembling wood, natural stone, fabric or leather.
The surface can be either smooth, matte or embossed.
Such a variety of surfaces opens up unlimited space for designers.
Implementation of artificial stone from products:
- Slabs representing larger slabs that retain the shape of a natural stone pattern. Finishing with slabs is considered the most spectacular;
- stone tiles of rectangular or square shape, reminiscent of ordinary ceramics, which, when the elements are joined, form seams;
- a mosaic representing blocks of small tiles connected by one base.
The disadvantage of artificial stone is its instability to ultraviolet radiation. Also, it reacts poorly to temperature changes.
It is especially necessary to protect it from the effects of hot objects: pots, pans and other kitchen utensils, because they can leave marks on the surface in the form of matte spots.
To preserve the appearance of the artificial stone and its protection on the surface, it is recommended to periodically apply special protective agents or cover it with colorless varnish.
For protection, can be coated with a clear varnish.
Stone cladding can have a lot of different design decisions using different styles.
For example, for the classical style can be used with imitation marble, onyx or granite, for the baroque style – stone under malachite. Porcelain tiles well support the Provence or country style.
Designer’s Tips: How to Choose a Design
Even if you are familiar with all the variety that you can use when decorating a kitchen backsplash, before choosing it, you need to think through the design of this area, taking into account the advice of designers:
- If the surface should only complement the kitchen furniture, then you need to choose a neutral design.
- If the backsplash should become a bright central spot of the kitchen, then in the design you can use photo printing, colorful mosaics, panels and other options for colorful design.
- When choosing a bright colorful design, it is necessary to provide its support with interior elements of the kitchen that do not compete with it, but harmoniously complement it. It is good if the worktop is combined in color shades.
- A tile of bright colors is best used in the design of a large kitchen space; for small kitchens, designers advise using a backsplash design in calm pastel colors.
- Tiles of small sizes visually increase the area, large sizes, on the contrary, narrow the space.
Having studied the characteristics and design examples of the kitchen backsplash area, you can design this space, armed with the advice of designers.
Choosing Kitchen Backsplashes
Tile for the kitchen on a backsplash located above the work area should have a number of specific qualities, because it performs not only a decorative function, but also a protective, as well as hygienic one. We offer readers to get acquainted with the types of tiles, find out the basic rules for its selection and gluing to the wall.
What should be the kitchen backsplash?
The need to protect the walls around the work area in the kitchen is obvious. Work with vegetables (especially beets), hot fat and oil, meat and fish is fraught with spots. It is almost impossible to get them out of wallpaper or on a painted surface.
Ceramic tile for the backsplash in the kitchen is an excellent protection against any kind of dirt. In addition, this coating serves as a reliable barrier to moisture – a constant companion of cooking.
Usually, tiles in the kitchen were laid over the entire surface, but with the advent of modern furniture sets with cabinets and hanging cabinets, the need to cover the entire wall disappeared. Manufacturers offered special sets of ceramic tiles specifically for the backsplash in the kitchen.
They differ:
- high strength
- impervious to moisture;
- a special surface that is easy to wash.
However, you can make backsplashes for the kitchen from tiles of the usual type, but then you need to select it taking into account the qualities described above.
What is the area on the wall should cover? Experienced designers recommend filling the space between the cabinets and hanging cabinets so that the tiles on the kitchen backsplash go beyond the edge of the furniture by 10-15 centimeters. In the place where the hood is attached above the stove, the coating is mounted so that the wall is completely covered with tiles from the edge of the hob to the edge of the hood. Note that for gas stoves, the minimum distance between the stove and the ventilation system is at least 80 centimeters.
The length of the tile backsplash in the kitchen is usually equal to the length of the furniture. Some designers protect elements of the overall design of the entire room. Therefore, the tile either continues along the walls, or is introduced as a decorative element into other finishing materials.
What tile to use for a backsplash in the kitchen?
To decorate the wall near the working surface, different types of finishing materials are used:
- ceramic tile;
- “boar” type tiles;
- mosaic;
- photo tile.
Tiles and boars are usually selected in cases where the owners want to present furniture favorably. In this case, the kitchen backsplash made of tiles plays the role of a background that emphasizes the shape and color of cabinets and cabinets.
Mosaic panels create a dynamic pattern designed to revive the design of the kitchen. At the same time, designers do not recommend using more than four colors in combination. These colors should be from the same color scheme. Contrast combinations will hurt the eyes and be annoying.
A photo tile is used if the backsplash in the kitchen is an element of decoration. This facing material is characterized by its pattern, common to the entire panel. Therefore, when choosing an image, you need to consider how it will be combined with furniture and other elements of decoration in the room.
All these types of tiles have one thing in common: their surface must be smooth. Then dust, dirt, grease and oil will not accumulate, and the surface can be easily cleaned at the end of the cooking process.
Ceramic tile for backsplash
In addition to the usual square-shaped tile, manufacturers also offer rectangular tiles of different sizes.
The disadvantages of this type of coating for a kitchen backsplash include the so-called “joint problem”. In the space between the tiles filled with porous grout, over time, dirt, grease, juice of vegetables and fruits accumulate. Washing the tiles, the hostess can not clean the seams. This problem can be solved by using special compositions based on epoxy resin instead of regular grouting.
Such a solution increases the cost of the work, and this is another minus of ceramic tile.
However, this material has so many positive qualities that the above disadvantages are lost against their background.
Firstly, the cost of ceramic tiles is such that they can fit into any budget. Secondly, any master who does not even have skills will cope with the work. Thirdly, the variety of colors, colors and patterns allows the use of tiles in any design, from high-tech to country and ethnic.
Other advantages of ceramic tiles include:
- practicality – it is easy to wash and clean it with chemical agents;
- durability – tile for a backsplash in the kitchen will last up to 20 years;
- moisture resistance – the coating prevents water from contacting the ceramic base.
All this makes tile a popular material that is used on a kitchen backsplash made of tiles.
Boar Tile
Outwardly, it resembles ordinary rectangular ceramic bricks. Some types of such tiles have beveled chamfers and rounded corners. The main disadvantage of masonry is that there are rather wide seams between the tiles. The epoxy grouts described above help to cope with this.
In addition, special types of tiles are produced, which are called rectified. Their edges are cut so that the distance between the tiles is minimal (no more than 2 mm).
“Boar” allows you to make the kitchen design more comfortable, in addition, a rectangular shape visually increases the space in the room.
But not only this is the advantage of this type of finishing materials. It is easy to look after, from tiles you can lay out a beautiful pattern or create an imitation of an old brick wall.
In addition to traditional colors, manufacturers offer tiles of different colors, even with a photo picture. Thanks to this, kitchen backsplash tile looks more diverse. This extends the scope of the “boar” and allows designers to use the material in different styles of kitchen design.
Mosaic in a kitchen backsplash
The disadvantages of this type of finishing materials for a kitchen backsplash include the complexity of the work. Many small parts complicate the job. But this minus has been eliminated by manufacturers who have established the production of tiles fixed on paper sheets or on a grid. In addition, large-sized tiles with a mosaic coating are available.
Due to the flexibility of the substrate, the mosaic pattern can be applied to any surface, including protrusions and depressions. Thus, you can trim the space in which there are technological niches.
The disadvantage of this type of finishing materials is the higher cost compared to ceramic tiles or “boar”. In addition, more consumables are required to stick to the wall and grind joints. This minus can be corrected using tiles with imitation mosaics, which is an undoubted advantage.
The advantages of mosaic coating are also:
- practicality;
- durability;
- strength.
The latter is achieved due to the fact that the surface of the tile is smaller than the standard, and accidental impact does not split the coating, although it can leave a mark on the surface.
In addition, small tiles allow you to create a bright pattern that will add dynamism to the design of the kitchen, make it more interesting and bright.
Photo tile in the interior of the kitchen
This very interesting solution has a major drawback – the high price. Flattered by the low cost, the owners of the kitchen can as a result after a while see that the picture has faded.
Such a surface needs special care. Conventional chemicals will not work, they can harm the image.
But the tile pattern will make the kitchen unique. The owners of the house can choose any image that complements the design of the room.
The photographic tile for the backsplash in the kitchen is created on the basis of ceramics, so all the basic qualities of this material are inherent in it. With proper care and proper operation, such a finish will reliably protect the working surface and will last for many years.
When buying this type of material, designers recommend choosing a pattern so that it harmonizes with the basic colors of furniture and other interior items. You can create combinations of photo tiles and ordinary tiles that will complement each other and make the design of the backsplash in the kitchen bright and dynamic.
Rules for choosing tiles for a backsplash
In order for the wall decoration around the work area to be not only reliable, but also beautiful, you need to follow a few simple rules.
The kitchen and work area is an aggressive environment for all types of ceramics. Therefore, when buying, you should choose a coating that:
- protected against chemicals;
- withstand loads;
- resistant to abrasion;
- It has a smooth finish.
The latter is important, because during cooking, the walls get vegetable and fruit juice, fat and oil, the blood of animals and fish. With a smooth surface, all this is much easier to remove than with corrugated.
Special symbols-pictograms will help you choose the right tile. They are applied to the packaging to facilitate the purchase process. The image of the flask speaks of chemical resistance, the diagrammatic representation of diamond about hardness, and the picture of a circular saw about stability.
You need to buy materials so that they are enough. The fact is that in different batches the shade of the surface may not coincide, and if you have to buy tiles, it will differ from the existing one.
Large tiles will not look good in a small kitchen. They will create a visual dissonance that will irritate the inhabitants of the house and guests. In addition, the small kitchen set due to the large tiles will seem even smaller.
How many tiles do you need to buy for a backsplash?
Having decided on the type of coating, you need to calculate the amount of materials. Experienced craftsmen recommend making calculations by the piece, and not by surface area. This will be more accurate, and unnecessary expenses can be avoided.
To do this, you first need to calculate the dimensions that the backsplash will take. First, determine the number of tiles in a horizontal row. To do this, the total length of the plot is divided by the length of the tile. The result is rounded up and add another 2-3 units in reserve.
According to the same scheme, the number of units is determined vertically, also with a margin.
At the same time, it is recommended to adjust the dimensions of the backsplash to the exact dimensions of the masonry, so that you do not have to cut the tile.
This scheme is suitable for cases when the owners of the house selected a horizontal type of laying. With the diagonal way of arranging the tile, calculations are best done based on the total area that the backsplash will occupy on the wall.
It is important to remember that near the stove and the hood, the dimensions of the masonry are larger than in other protection areas. Therefore, for this zone, it is better to do the calculation separately.
The amount of grout for joints can be determined using the on-line calculator on specialized sites or by the formula. The sum of the length and width of the tile is divided by the product of the same numbers. The result is multiplied by the thickness of the tile and the width of the seam, and the resulting number is multiplied by a coefficient of material consumption of 1.6.
For example, for a 10×10 cm tile with a thickness of 4 mm and a joint width of 3 mm, the result will be as follows: (100 + 100/100 x 100) x 4 x 3 x 1.6 = 0.384 kg per 1 square meter of coverage area.
Knowing all these subtleties, everyone will be able to choose the right material for their kitchen and create reliable protection for the walls from fat and other products of the cooking process.
The best examples of backsplash design with photos
Let’s take a closer look at the pluses and possible options for laying out the tiles on the working area.
Tile Benefits
Earlier, we already discussed which backsplash for the kitchen is better and an interesting article was published. Now let’s take a look at the advantage of tiles for finishing a work area:
- Excellent resistance to moisture – in the kitchen something is constantly washing and boiling, water flies in different directions, but there is nothing for the tile!
- Immune to temperature changes – being a product that has passed through extremely high temperatures, the tile is not afraid of any heat loads.
- Does not absorb fat and dyes – this is extremely important, because the kitchen work area must have such quality.
- Good strength and durability – with high-quality styling and normal use, it can last for decades.
- A wide range of possible color solutions – in the catalogs of manufacturers there are thousands of various models for absolutely every taste and in any price category.
- It looks good in composition with other finishing materials: natural stone, brick, wood.
- Relative ease of installation.
If you are interested in domestic tiles, we recommend that you look at a review of manufacturers of Russian ceramic tiles, which also show their official catalogs.
Next, you will be offered photos of examples of various types of tile backsplashes in kitchens, which are made in modern and classic styles.
Classic layout
This type of facing of the working area can be found in every second kitchen in our country.
Noteworthy here is the laying out of plain and medium-sized tiles using standard laying techniques. Such a backsplash looks simple and reliable, and is also the most budgetary and universal option.
Such a calculation requires a basic ability to handle tiles, as well as a clear understanding of the scope of work. Here are some illustrative photo examples and solutions.
As you can see, even with the simplest layout and without elaborate tiles, the backsplash looks beautiful and reliable. Let’s see how you can make a working wall, using more original and complex types of ceramic tiles in installation.
Mozaic
This type is a ceramic or glass tile of small sizes. Due to its small size with the help of mosaics, you can lay out a wide variety of patterns and ornaments.
A backsplash designed in this way is perfect for small kitchens or for decorating a large area of the work area.
To lay out a backsplash from a mosaic on your own, you will need considerable experience in this area. Moreover, due to its miniature size, the mosaic costs an order of magnitude more expensive than larger models.
In this regard, it is recommended to contact professional tilers, so as not to worry about the final result and the money spent on the tile.
Often you can find classic mosaic ornaments in which there are only 3-4 colors. You can also lay out patterns of trees, fruits, animals. The play of colors of these little elements is simply mesmerizing.
“Boar”
A relatively new type of ceramic tile. Its remarkable feature is its appearance – rectangular tiles with a small facet. There are two types of manufacturing methods: one tile — one brick or several small “boars” on medium-sized tiles.
More information and photos can be seen in our review of the boar tile.
The result of laying out with such a tile is pleasing to the eye. It creates at the same time a classic, but at the same time very modern and original pattern of decorative bricks with fatset, which has a pleasant aesthetic effect.
Laying this type of tile also requires professional skills, especially with regard to the formation of external and internal corners.
The most common is a monochromatic “wild boar”. But there are examples with various kinds of inscriptions and patterns.
“Boar” is best suited for the design of small work areas in kitchens of small and medium sizes.
Panel
Another example of laying a backsplash for the kitchen with a small tile.
The main feature of this style is the formation of a central or several compositions, drawings, images. The panel can be laid out as a regular tile, or a special mosaic, as well as arranging different types of tiles.
Common ornaments are images of animals, fruits, landscapes.
As can be seen from the photos, the main drawing of the kitchen panel, as a rule, is laid out under the hood. It looks very nice if the hood is made in the form of a specially laid out or cut out box.
Backsplash style trends
Manufacturers of ceramic tiles for the kitchen regularly update their product catalogs and can offer you other, no less interesting colors and shapes.
For example, imitation stone or brick.
If you like the texture of the tree – this is not a problem either.
As already mentioned above, by far the most fashionable among backsplashes made of tiles are work areas made of “boar”.
You can read more about new trends in kitchen interior design in our review of modern ideas for kitchen design.
Selection recommendations
Arriving at the salon of ceramic tiles or browsing its range on the Internet, you can miss some important points. Especially often this happens to people who are faced with their first repair.
We will provide some practical tips that you should consider before and after buying a tile:
- Be sure to order tiles slightly larger than the calculated area. There is a rule: the larger the tile, the more trim will be, and vice versa. This is especially true for laying tiles diagonally. Order 8-10% more and you don’t have to worry about potential difficulties in purchasing.
- Remember that if you need to buy additional tiles, you may encounter two main problems.
The first is the lack of the model you need or the extremely long waiting period for its delivery from abroad.
Second, you can buy the ceramic tile you need, but it will already be in a different production series and may differ in color by some kind of micro tone. This can be a critical moment, especially in large areas.
- The smaller the tile, the more expensive the work of laying it. Laying a mosaic or panel will cost 3-5 times more expensive than working with larger tiles.
- Quality control – carefully inspect the batch of tiles that were delivered to you for any chips, cracks, scuffs, or manufacturing defects.
- Choose a tile by viewing photos in catalogs, brochures or on the Internet, but order only after you see it live. This is due to the fact that the color of printing images of tiles in magazines almost always differs from its natural, real color.
- The smaller the kitchen, the less tiles should be on the backsplash. One of the golden rules for designing a work area.
- Consider the type of lighting – the same tile will look different in warm and cold light. Try to persuade the seller to provide you with bail samples for several hours. In large ceramics salons, this is often practiced.
We hope that the photos presented above, you were able to see possible options for how to design a backsplash in the kitchen from tiles and tiles, as well as decide on the arrangement of the entire working area.
Backsplash trends for the kitchen of ceramic tiles
The interior consists not only of furniture and any accessories (read also about its choice here). Ceilings, floors, walls (considered here) are also directly related to the decor. Especially you will have to think carefully about the wall decor in the bathroom and in the kitchen, since there you can’t paste the wallpaper and you won’t do anything special with the walls.
Many materials will not pass the test associated with temperature extremes. It’s good that there is a great alternative to wallpaper – this is tile. You can’t even imagine how she is able to transform the room: to make it not just beautiful, but individual, designer.
Let’s find out what needs to be done so that it is combined with the kitchen set, does not fall off and makes you happy every day.
The basis of the backsplash for the kitchen
We are talking about tiles, but it is worth mentioning, after all, other materials that can be used.
- Glass is a serious competitor, excellent qualities, but installation requires experience, is expensive.
- A mirror is a one-piece panel that is very demanding to care for. If you love order and are ready to spend 15-30 minutes every day, wiping it from grease and dirt, this option is right for you. On the other hand, if the room is small, the mirror will increase the space.
Attention! On our site earned online 3D designer kitchen. You can get acquainted with it and design your dream kitchen here for free!
- Mosaic – without a doubt, this is a creative and vivid choice of material. But this option is time consuming and long. Over the years, grease and dirt can clog between mosaics. To avoid this, you need to buy a more expensive grout.
- MDF + plastic – it will pleasantly surprise you with its price, good appearance, you can make a beautiful design. Moisture resistance at a low level, inferior to tile in durability.
- Particleboard + plastic is easy to install and easy to clean, otherwise this option is not profitable to buy, because it will deteriorate quickly, and you will have to purchase chipboard or more expensive and high-quality material again. Good options can come out of it.
- Polycarbonate – will help you a lot if you need to hide the wallpaper (how to choose it was said here), since this material is transparent. There are cons: if dirt gets between it and the wallpaper, it will be noticeable. Over time, it loses transparency, looks cheap.
- Artificial stone is one of the highest quality and most durable options. The high price is justified, there is a restoration function: if an artificial stone is scratched, it can be increased, and it will become as good as new.
- Metal – metal color is considered cold and uncomfortable, but if you combine metal and dark brown harmoniously, your eye will not be torn off.
- Tile – we will discuss a backsplash in this execution. This material stands in the middle between glass (described here), artificial stone, particleboard and MDF. Installation will cost inexpensively, if installed by yourself. In this case, do not take it under the mosaic. You have to prepare the wall well, otherwise it will look ugly, and it will not last long. Ceramics will last you 15–20 years, and therefore, choosing, think: “But will she bother me tomorrow?”. Easy to wash.
Varieties of tiles
- Tile (ceramics) – the composition includes clay rocks, sand, quartz and mica.
- Clinker – considered durable, used to simulate natural stone.
- Porcelain tile – has low porosity, is suitable for rooms with a large load. It can imitate granite, marble, brick, stone and even leather.
- Concrete – more suitable for sidewalks.
Photographic tile is a new technological type of decor. This opportunity allows you to come up with your own design, which no one has. High-quality and bright photo printing, it is possible to choose a finished photo tile. According to its properties, it does not differ from ceramic. Ideas for photo printing can be found in the shooter bank. It presents numerous photographs and pictures for printing.
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