Ideas
14 Kitchen Splashback Ideas to Elevate Your Space
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and its design reflects your personal style and taste. One of the key elements in kitchen design is the splashback, which not only protects the walls from splashes and spills but also adds a significant aesthetic element. Come with us as we explore 14 gorgeous kitchen splashback ideas, each with its unique charm and practicality, perfect for your home.
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Image credit: SMUB Studio | Rex Whiticker
1. Glass Kitchen Splashback
Glass splashbacks are a sleek, modern choice for any kitchen. They offer a smooth, reflective surface that can make your kitchen look brighter and more spacious. Glass splashbacks are also incredibly easy to clean, making them a practical option for busy kitchens. You can choose from a range of colours and finishes, including clear, frosted, or even printed glass designs.
Image credit: @thedesignory | The Quarter Acre
2. Acrylic Splashback
Acrylic splashbacks are an excellent alternative to glass. They are lightweight, durable, and available in a vast array of colours and patterns. Acrylics can mimic the look of glass at a fraction of the cost and are much easier to install. These splashbacks work well in contemporary kitchens, adding a pop of colour and a glossy finish.
Image credit: @mulberry_manor | Villa Styling
Image credit: @mulberry_manor | Villa Styling
3. Subway Tiles Splashback
Subway tiles are a timeless choice for kitchen splashbacks. They offer a classic look that can fit into any kitchen style, from the traditional to the ultra-modern. These tiles are usually rectangular and laid in a staggered brick pattern. You can choose from a variety of colours, finishes, and grout colours to create a unique look for your kitchen.
Upgrading your entire kitchen? Check out our Kitchen Cabinetry Ideas.
Mood board created by Flawless Interiors Melbourne on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by Haven Home Styling on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
4. More Splashback Tile Ideas
Tiles offer endless possibilities for your kitchen splashback. From ceramic and porcelain to stone, you can choose tiles that complement your kitchen’s colour scheme and design. Patterned tiles can add a splash of personality, while neutral tiles can create a more subtle, elegant backdrop. The versatility of tiles means you can update your kitchen's look without a complete renovation.
Image credit: SJS Interior Design | Tom Ferguson
5. Marble Splashback
Marble is a luxurious material that adds elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. A marble splashback can be a stunning focal point, with its unique veins and natural beauty. Although marble requires more maintenance than some other materials, its timeless appeal makes it a popular choice for high-end kitchen designs.
If you need help visualising your marble splashback, why not use our mood board tool to help bring your ideas to life?
Image credit: McShane Studio | Anne Stroud Photography
6. Stainless Steel Splashback
Stainless steel splashbacks offer a sleek, professional look, often found in commercial kitchens but are becoming increasingly popular in modern home designs. They are incredibly durable, heat resistant, and easy to clean, making them ideal for those who love to entertain a lot. The reflective quality of stainless steel can also help to brighten up kitchen space, making it feel more open and airy.
Mood board created by Arc and Arlo on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by Hardware Concepts on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
7. White Splashbacks
White splashbacks are a common choice and for a good reason. They perfectly complement any kitchen, no matter the style or palette. Plus, they won’t overcrowd the area making them perfect for kitchens on the smaller side.
We’ve put together a list of our most popular kitchens in 2023, as decided by our design community.
Image credit: Three Gables (Taf & Bree) | Nat Spada
Image credit: Three Gables (Taf & Bree) | Nat Spada
8. Black Splashbacks
Black splashbacks are at the cutting edge of kitchen palettes. They offer a moody, minimalist, industrial look that’s incredibly versatile. Black splashbacks also come in so many different materials, meaning you can opt for a sleek black acrylic or a dark stone with loads of texture featured throughout.
If you’re looking for tips on how to paint your splashback, Dulux’s guide is the perfect place to start!
Image credit: @carmichael.build | @kristian_van_der_beek
Image credit: @carmichael.build | @kristian_van_der_beek
9. Mirror Splashback
Mirror splashbacks are gaining popularity for their ability to create an illusion of space. They reflect light around the room, making your kitchen feel larger and more open. A mirrored splashback is perfect for smaller kitchens or those with limited natural light. It adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, making your kitchen not just functional but also stylish.
Image credit: @jessi.eve | Villa Styling
Image credit: @jessi.eve | Villa Styling
10. Brick Splashback
A brick splashback adds character and texture to your kitchen, creating a rustic atmosphere. Real brick or brick veneer can be used, and it can be left natural or painted to suit your kitchen’s aesthetic. Brick is durable and timeless, offering a distinctive look that can’t be replicated with other materials. Not to mention they can also be sustainable.
Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada
Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada
11. Geometric Patterned Splashback
Splashbacks with geometric patterns can be a bold focal point in your kitchen. These designs can be created with tiles, printed glass, or even laser-cut metal. Geometric patterns add a modern and dynamic element to your kitchen, allowing for personalisation and creativity in your design.
Mood board created by CoastalHomePaige on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
12. Colourful Splashback
Splashbacks aren’t just limited to black, white or grey. If patterns aren’t your thing, go with a bold, colourful splashback with tons of personality. We love the idea of a grounding green splashback with an abundance of natural materials. It will become the talking point of your home.
If you’re looking for more colour ideas for your kitchen, check out 6 Kitchen Colour Trends.
Image credit: @renovatingmates | Kristian van der Beek
13. Mosaic Splashback
Mosaic splashbacks are a vibrant and artistic choice. Small pieces of glass, stone, or ceramic tiles are arranged to create intricate designs or patterns. Mosaics can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, offering a unique and highly personalised touch to your kitchen design.
Image credit: AMA Studio Interiors | Nat Spada | @oursagehome
Image credit: AMA Studio Interiors | Nat Spada | @oursagehome
14. Terracotta Splashback
Terracotta tiles provide a warm, earthy look, ideal for creating a Mediterranean or rustic kitchen atmosphere. These tiles have a natural, porous surface, so they need to be sealed to protect against stains and moisture. Terracotta's rich, natural colouring and texture bring a cosy, inviting feel to any kitchen.
Mood board created by alexieseller on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by Emma Hurrell Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Your kitchen splashback can dramatically alter the look and feel of your kitchen. Whether you prefer the sleek simplicity of glass, the practicality of acrylic, the luxury of a mirror, the classic appeal of subway tiles, the versatility of various tile materials, or the luxury of marble, there’s a splashback to suit every taste and kitchen design. Choose the right one for you and watch as it transforms your kitchen into a space you love!
Image credit: Evoque Interiors | Kristian van der Beek
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trend in kitchen splashbacks in 2024?
In 2024, the trend in kitchen splashbacks is leaning towards bold colours and patterns. These splashbacks will take a more contemporary approach and really begin to stand out within the kitchen. Think large stone slabs with an abundance of texture and natural tiles with refreshing tones that both look and feel luxurious.
What type of splashback is best for a kitchen?
The best type of splashback for a kitchen depends on your personal style, budget, and practical needs. For durability and ease of cleaning, materials like glass and stainless steel are excellent choices. If you're looking for aesthetic appeal, tiled or patterned splashbacks offer more design variety. For a more traditional look, materials like marble can be ideal. The key is to balance functionality with the desired aesthetic of your kitchen.
What is the easiest splashback to keep clean?
Glass and stainless steel are among the easiest materials to keep clean as splashbacks. They have smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be quickly wiped down without the need for specialised cleaning products. Additionally, these materials resist staining and don't require grouting, which can harbour dirt and grime.
How much should you spend on a kitchen backsplash?
The amount to spend on a kitchen backsplash varies greatly depending on the materials used and the size of your kitchen. As a guideline, setting aside about 5-10% of your total kitchen renovation budget for the splashback can be a practical approach. However, it's important to balance cost with quality and the overall look you want to achieve. Keep in mind that higher-end materials like marble or custom designs can significantly increase the cost.
What can I use instead of tiles for a kitchen splashback?
Apart from tiles, there are several alternative materials you can use for a kitchen splashback. These include:
Glass: Offers a sleek, modern look and can be tinted or back-painted.
Stainless Steel: Ideal for a contemporary or industrial-style kitchen.
Acrylic: A budget-friendly alternative that comes in a variety of colours.
Wood: Provides a rustic or Scandinavian look, though it requires sealing and maintenance.
Mirror: Creates a sense of space and reflects light, suitable for smaller kitchens.
Stone: Such as marble or granite, for a luxurious look.
Concrete: For an industrial and minimalist aesthetic.
