The kitchen is believed to be the heart of the home, and one one area that the entire family gathers to make delicious and hearty memories regularly. It’s also a huge selling point if you’re looking to put your house on the market in the future. A kitchen’s backsplash is like its jewelry, adding a touch of sparkle and flair. It can also help bring your kitchen décor together while making the room easier to clean, which is always a bonus.
To determine what backsplash is best for your kitchen, you must first know the options – and there are a lot. Here are some things to consider:
1. Consider the Material
When selecting a backsplash for your kitchen, the first thing you need to consider is the material. You have an abundance of options to choose from, as tiles can come in cement, mosaic, pattern, laser cut, subway – and the list goes on. A few of our favorites are:
- Mirror backsplash: Incorporating a mirror backsplash into your kitchen is an excellent and flawless way to lighten up the room, and can even make the smallest of kitchens look significantly larger.
- Ceramic backsplash: Ceramic tiles are the most commonly used ones for backsplashes and come in a wide range of colors and designs that can be perfect for adding some personality into your interior.
- Glass backsplash: Glass backsplashes are a new trend that add a bit of sparkle and shine into your kitchen. As a bonus, they’re super easy to clean!
- Mosaic tile backsplash: Mosaic tiles offer a unique, rich and attractive look.
These are just a few of the materials available to you when creating your backsplash; there are many more, so explore your options!
2. Consider the Style
When choosing what backsplash will look best in your kitchen and entire home, consider the style. Be sure to review options for:
- Different colors and patterns: do you have a current accent color or theme in your kitchen you need to complement? Will this become your “pop” of color? And if so, what shade will be most pleasing to see there every day?
- Different textures and shapes: Your backsplash doesn’t have to be run-of-the-mill; it can be rough, sanded, smooth, bumpy, or anything in between. Consider what will go with your current look best, and don’t forget to take into account the ease of maintenance as well.
It’s important to also remember that if you intend to sell your home in the future, you don’t want anything that is too personalized. However, you can still get a backsplash that makes a statement, perhaps just consider something a bit more subtle if you plan to sell.
3. Consider Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance need to be considered when selecting a backsplash. Different materials come with higher levels of required maintenance and cleaning. Always consider the requirements of each type of material you’re looking at adding into your kitchen as a backsplash; for example:
- Tiled backsplashes are connected with grout, which can collect dust and grime over time.
- Solid slabs can gather dirt in-between the seams.
- Natural stones don’t always react well with certain cooking products.
- Glass and stainless backsplashes require polishing.
Other backsplashes may require a wipe-down while others need a thorough scrub, and these are all facts you will want to know. It’s better to be completely informed of what you purchase, as it can help you plan out the future accordingly.
4. Consider the Area and Budget
Backsplashes typically cover the space between the countertops and cabinetry, but sometimes they wrap all around the kitchen. Other times, backsplashes are applied in small rectangles along the base of the countertop. The latter can be an affordable option when working on a tight budget, and with the use of fewer tiles, you may be able to use a more luxurious material. Consider the areas that the backsplash is intended for, whether it reaches the ceiling or is going to be limited to high-use areas. You can then properly select a type within your budget. Backsplashes can instantly add aesthetics into your kitchen while enhancing the durability of the surrounding walls as well. Selecting the perfect option for your home isn’t hard, but there are some careful considerations that need to be made to ensure your needs, budget and style are met.