A backsplash is one of the most visible parts of any kitchen. It protects your walls from splashes and stains while also adding visual interest. With so many backsplash ideas to choose from, you can easily find stylish designs to fit any budget.
Affordable Tile Backsplash Ideas
Tile is a classic and affordable backsplash material. With the variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures available, tile offers endless design possibilities. Here are some budget-friendly tile backsplash ideas:
Brick Backsplash
A brick backsplash made from red brick tiles adds a classic, timeless look to any kitchen. Lay the bricks in a running bond pattern for a clean, streamlined look. Add interest by alternating reds and creams or other brick colors. Brick tiles are very affordable, starting around $5 per square foot.
Metro Tiles
Metro tiles are rectangular ceramic tiles commonly found in subway stations, hence the name. Their simple shape, often found in white, makes them ideal for minimalist, vintage or industrial kitchen designs. Starting around $6 per square foot, glossy metro tiles can make a big impact on a small budget.
Mosaic Backsplash
Mosaic tiles are made up of small pieces arranged in a pattern. Use glass mosaic tiles in multiple colors to create an eye-catching backsplash full of personality. Or opt for a Mediterranean style with colorful ceramic mosaic tiles. Prices start around $7 per square foot.
Faux Tin Tiles
Get the industrial tin tile look without the high price tag. Faux tin tiles made of ceramic provide a budget alternative, starting around $7 per square foot. Use a silver, copper or bronze faux tin tile backsplash to add shine and dimension.
Creative Low-Cost Backsplash Ideas
Don’t think you need fancy tile for a standout backsplash. With a little creativity, you can design a stylish backsplash on a budget using alternative inexpensive materials:
Pennies Backsplash
For serious budget DIY, consider a pennies backsplash. Use copper pennies, paint them or mix new and old for endless variations. Spread adhesive on the wall, then press pennies in place to form your desired pattern. Seal with grout. Total cost: less than $100.
Painted Backsplash
An easy DIY option, paint offers unlimited color choices for your backsplash. Use high-quality acrylic latex paint. For added dimension, consider using two colors in a geometric pattern. Change up the look just by repainting when you want a new backsplash. Cost: under $100.
Wallpaper Backsplash
Choose from endless wallpaper options like metallics, patterns, murals and more. Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for easy application – no glue or mess. Install right onto the wall and then seal to protect from moisture and stains. Cost for an average backsplash starts around $100.
Faux Tin Sheet Backsplash
For a DIY faux tin backsplash, use sheets of tin-printed plastic or vinyl. Cut to fit your space, peel and stick onto the wall. Add trim pieces to finish the look. Budget around $250, much less than real tin tiles.
Removable Backsplash Panels
Invest in a quality removable backsplash system. Made of materials like metal or vinyl, the panels install with screws or adhesive strips for easy DIY. Change the panels to update your look. Cost starts around $250 for an average backsplash area.
Cheap Stone Backsplash Ideas
Natural stone like granite, marble or travertine can make a gorgeous backsplash statement. On a budget? Consider these affordable stone backsplash ideas:
Stone Tile Accent Strip
Add visual interest for less with an accent strip of stone tile. Run a strip of marble, travertine or glass tile down the middle or edges of your backsplash. Surround with painted drywall or inexpensive ceramic tile. Total cost: $100-$300.
Peel-and-Stick Stone Veneer
Peel-and-stick stone veneers in materials like faux marble or travertine offer an easy and economical way to get the stone look. Simply peel off backing paper and press onto the wall. Costs around $10 per square foot.
Stone Mosaic Sheet
Stone mosaic sheets are made up of small pieces of real stone arranged in a mesh backing. Sheets install in one piece, so you avoid the cost of individual stone tiles. Sheets range from $10-$20 per square foot, providing an affordable slice of stone luxury.
Stone Tile Accents
Another way to save on stone backsplashes is to use stone sparingly for accents. Add bands or stacks of travertine or marble tiles against painted drywall or inexpensive ceramic tile. This focal point approach cuts down on pricey stone tile.
Creative DIY Backsplash Ideas on a Dime
Take your budget backsplash to the next level with creative, artistic touches. Here are some inspiring DIY backsplash ideas you can do yourself on the cheap:
Framed Photos or Artwork Backsplash
Make your backsplash double as wall art by framing photos, prints or other artwork. Use thrifted frames to save money. Arrange creatively on the wall and seal with polyurethane. Add interest with extra touches like vines, flowers or colored glass.
Shadow Box Backsplash
Create dimension and visual interest with a shadow box backsplash. Mount shallow boxes on the wall for displaying 3D objects. Affordable options include boxes, shelves, picture frames or window frames. Decorate with colored glass, sand, shells, stones, vintage finds and more.
Etched Glass Backsplash
For an artsy vibe, etch creative designs into glass sheets and mount on the wall. Use glass paint and stencils to trace patterns or draw freehand. Apply frosted spray paint on reverse side to diffuse light. Finish by sealing and mounting with liquid nails adhesive.
Oversized Art Backsplash
Make the backsplash the art by enlarging a favorite photo, print or painting. Take a high resolution image and have it printed in large scale digitally or as individual tiles. The bigger the better for a dramatic look on the cheap.
Scrap Wood Plank Backsplash
Use reclaimed wood slices to make a textured, organic backsplash. Cut logs into 1-2 inch thick slices. Sand smooth and mount directly on the wall in an overlapping pattern. Coat with polyurethane to seal. Add interest with natural edges.
Best Paint Color Choices for Backsplashes
Painting the wall behind your backsplash is an easy DIY way to complement your design. Consider these stylish, budget-friendly paint colors:
White
A white wall works with almost any backsplash, making colors and textures pop. Options like bright white, antique white or alabaster provide a clean backdrop. White has a timeless, classic look.
Light Gray
Subtle and versatile, light grays like Foggy Day or Rockport Grey provide an alternative to white that flatters many styles. Light grays work well with white, beige and wood backsplashes.
Navy Blue
From nautical to modern, navy blue makes a dramatic accent wall color. Pair it with white or metallic backsplashes or vibrant mosaic designs. Deep blue shades like Hale Navy are ideal.
Olive Green
Earthy olive greens complement natural materials like wood, stone and brick backsplashes. Shades like Sage Green or Mossy Bank create a soothing organic look.
Black
For modern and bold contemporary designs, paint the wall behind the backsplash black. Use a matte finish and pair with glossy or metallic backsplash materials.
Stylish Budget-Friendly Backsplash Patterns
The arrangement of your backsplash makes a big impact. Here are some chic yet affordable ideas for backsplash patterns:
Horizontal Stripes
Alternating horizontal stripes of tile, wood or other materials add clean lines and visual interest. Varying stripe widths and colors creates movement and dimension.
Geometric
Try triangles, diamonds, hexagons and chevron patterns for bold geometric impact. Use one shape or combine several, like rectangles and tiles. Geometric works with many styles.
Stacked
Stacking rectangular subway tiles, wood planks or other materials creates a streamlined grid pattern. Opt for uniform stacks or alternate materials and colors. Finish edges for a framed look.
Herringbone
The classic herringbone pattern arranged in zigzags immediately catches the eye. Try a contrasting color herringbone backsplash against a painted wall for added drama.
Moroccan Fish Scale
For bohemian flair, the Moroccan fish scale tile pattern interlocks irregular tiles of varying sizes. Use it in part of the backsplash or entire wall for major style impact.
Economical Backsplash Ideas By Kitchen Style
Whatever your kitchen’s particular style, you can find backsplash ideas to match on a budget:
Farmhouse Kitchen
Capture farmhouse charm with inexpensive white subway tiles, unfinished wood planks, galvanized metal sheets or chalkboard panels.
Rustic Kitchen
Rustic backsplash ideas include stone veneer, brick, reclaimed barn wood or an accent strip of corrugated metal.
Industrial Kitchen
Exposed brick, cement tile, penny tiles, faux tin panels or painted pipes and ductwork create an edgy industrial vibe.
Bohemian Kitchen
Choose patterned cement tile, Moroccan fish scale tile or eclectic collections of frames, tiles and plates for an artsy bohemian look.
Midcentury Modern Kitchen
Retro-inspired backsplash ideas include glossy white or colored metro tiles, geometric patterns or creative mixes of materials and textures.
Traditional Kitchen
Marble, travertine or ceramic tile in classic patterns like herringbone and decorative trim tiles work beautifully in traditional kitchens.
Contemporary Kitchen
Make a contemporary design statement with unexpected materials like glass, metal or mirrors combined with sleek tiles or painted walls.
Popular Backsplash Color Schemes on a Budget
The backsplash color palette brings major impact. On trend yet budget-friendly backsplash color schemes include:
Black and White
The classic high contrast combo of black and white makes a statement in any style kitchen. Use in retro-inspired checkerboard tile patterns or sleek modern designs.
Earth Tones
Warm, organic hues like terracotta, brown, taupe, sage and cream are seriously trending. Pair with textures like stone, wood and clay for an earthy vibe.
All-White
Monochromatic white on white creates a light, airy look. Mix matte and glossy tiles or add visual interest with marble veining and subtle texture.
Metallics
Reflective hues like gold, silver, copper and bronze lend backsplashes shine and sophistication. Combine with marble or glass tile for extra glam.
Bold Colors
Make your backsplash the focal point with vibrant hues like emerald, sapphire and crimson. Use color blocking or patterns for maximum drama.
Affordable Glass Tile Backsplash Ideas
Glistening glass tile makes for an eye-catching backsplash but can be pricey. Here are some ways to get the glass tile look on a budget:
- Use smaller glass mosaic tiles rather than large individual tiles to save on cost.
- Choose glass tile for just an accent area like behind the stove rather than the entire backsplash.
- Mix glass tile with painted drywall or lower cost ceramic tile instead of all glass.
- Opt for faux glass tile made of porcelain or acrylic that mimics the glass look at a lower price point.
- Search for glass tile that is discounted or discontinued and purchase only what you need.
- Check home improvement stores for glass tile that may be special ordered at wholesale club prices.
- Purchase recycled glass tile which tends to be more budget friendly than manufactured glass tile.
With a little creativity, you can absolutely design a stylish, beautiful backsplash on any budget. Focus on ingenious affordable materials and smart arrangement patterns to make a big visual impact for less.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backsplashes on a Budget
What is the cheapest option for a backsplash?
The most affordable backsplash options include paint, wallpaper, and creative DIY materials like pennies, wood, or framed art. Removable panels and peel-and-stick products also allow you to install an inexpensive backsplash yourself.
How can I save money on tile backsplashes?
Opt for smaller mosaic tiles rather than large tiles, look for tile sales and discounts, limit tile to an accent wall or strip, mix with other inexpensive materials, or use faux tile made of cheaper materials that mimic the look of real tile.
What backsplash looks expensive but is cheap?
Using materials creatively and strategically can create a high-end look on a budget. Examples include faux tin or faux marble panels, stone mosaic sheets, brick tiles, patterned wallpaper, removable tiles, and painted designs.
Can you use wallpaper as a backsplash?
Yes, wallpaper makes an excellent budget-friendly backsplash. Use peel and stick wallpaper for easy installation. Choose materials like vinyl and acrylic wallpapers that can stand up to moisture. Seal the wallpaper to prevent stains.
What color backsplash goes with everything?
A white or off-white backsplash is the most versatile, working well with any cabinetry, countertops, flooring and decor. Beige and light gray shades are also neutral backsplash colors that pair with most kitchen designs.
What is the most popular affordable backsplash?
Subway tile and classic white ceramic tile remain ever-popular affordable backsplash options. Brick and faux tin panels are also current, low-cost trending backsplash designs.
Conclusion
With this wide range of budget-friendly ideas, you can find a backsplash design that expresses your personal taste without breaking the bank. Get creative with paint, tile, stone, wallpaper and DIY materials for a stylish backsplash on any budget. Use smart arrangements and color schemes tailored to your kitchen style for a designer look at a fraction of the price.
The backsplash is a chance to add visual impact, your unique touch and an artistic focal point. By following these inspirational and economical backsplash strategies, you can achieve a beautiful, head-turning kitchen backsplash design that fits your budget.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.