A splashback is not only a practical way to protect your kitchen walls, it’s also a great opportunity to inject some flare into your interior design. Do you want to make a design statement with the latest patterned tiles, a waterproof wallpaper that you can change in a few years, or a bold colour to complement a fun scheme? Or just a supporting character that highlights the beauty of your kitchen cabinetry? Good Homes takes a look at some inspiring kitchen splashback ideas across the spectrum of materials available, along with the pros and cons of each…

1. Tiled kitchen splashback

Tiles are an easy way to bring texture, colour and pattern to your kitchen. Porcelain splashback tiles are super durable, water resistant, and easy to clean, but if you opt for matte styles over gloss finishes, ensure that it’s treated to prevent stains. Check out the gorgeous Belize Light Grey Matt Porcelain Wall and Floor Tiles, £16.95 per sqm from Tile Mountain, shown below.

Ceramic tiles are cheaper than porcelain, but they are less durable. Ceramics are perfectly fine for a splashback, however. In fact, ceramic tiles are easier to cut and shape and tend to come in more intricate designs, so they are often used to tile walls, whereas porcelain tiles can be used for walls and floors.

When tiling your splashback, consider the colour of your tile grout. These days, it comes in a rainbow of colours, so you can either match the colour of your grout to your tiles, or go for a contrast look, choosing dark grouting for a white tile for a more striking, industrial-chic vibe. If you’re tiling a small space, sticking to one colour will make the space look bigger.

2. Glass splashback

Whether you opt for transparent or a colourful style, toughened glass splashbacks make for a sturdy, easy to clean option for the kitchen. While they may need to be made to order in some cases, they’re easy to install. Consider AluSplash as an eco-alternative. It captures the same glossy, reflective finish, but is made from recycled aluminium and is much more energy efficient to produce, as well as heat, steam and fire-resistant.

3. Mirrored kitchen splashback

One of the benefits of glass as a splashback is that its reflective nature gives an illusion of depth. With a mirror, this effect is further exacerbated, and can make your room appear double the size. The only problem with mirrored splashbacks is smears and splashes, so don’t go for this look if you’re not into cleaning! Antiqued glass is a great choice for a kitchen – not only adding charming vintage-style, but also disguising any splashes or smears. Take a tour of this light, bright kitchen to see how an antiqued mirror works as a splashback.

4. Composite stone

Natural stone offers an earthy look that can ground a kitchen, but it can cost a pretty penny, and often needs treating to boost its water resistance and durability. A composite Quartz splashback, such as those made by Caesarstone, out-perform natural stone in the kitchen. Stain, chemical, scratch and heat-resistant, you’ll have a hard time bettering Quartz splashbacks when it comes to durability. If you’re contemplating stone kitchen splashback ideas but don’t want to spend a fortune, there are plenty of marble laminate or marble aluminium splashbacks available.

5. Metal kitchen splashback

Metal has traditionally been a popular choice in the kitchen, especially behind stovetops. However, stainless steel splashbacks can leave you with watermarks and run the risk of denting without proper installation. The modern way to embrace a metallic splashback is to lean into the natural patina that may form over time. Something like the verdigris copper splashback by Naked Kitchens, shown below, makes a bold statement that won’t suffer in a hardworking kitchen space. This one of the Good Homes team’s favourite kitchen splashback ideas.

6. Wallpaper kitchen splashback

Wallpaper as a kitchen splashback may sounds all kinds of crazy, but this is no ordinary wallpaper. KitchenWalls has designed a range of unbreakable PVC wallpaper murals that are both water and heat-resistant, making them a perfect option for behind a hob or sink (note that it’s heat resistant and not fireproof, so avoid direct contact with flames at any time). Budget-friendly and easy to install, it comes in a range of different patterns, including the White Marble Herringbone tile-effect wallpaper (£155 from KitchenWalls via Lime Lace) shown below. It can be cleaned using warm water and a cloth, and is easy to remove, making this cheap kitchen splashback idea ideal for rental home decor.

7. Peel-and-stick splashback

Looking for a quick DIY splashback solution? Splashback.co.uk’s Jasper Indigo glass design is easy to peel, stick and seal behind your hob, cooker, range or sink. Simply peel off the adhesive backing, stick it to the wall, apply a firm, even pressure across the surface, then seal around the edges with a silicone sealant. From £149 per sheet. This should definitely be on the list when contemplating DIY kitchen splashback ideas.

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