10 Unique Kitchen Backsplash Ideas 2024
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In this article, I share 10 unique kitchen backsplash ideas 2024. I answer why a backsplash is useful in the kitchen, how to narrow down which backsplash to choose and give suggestions for easy install backsplashes. Scroll down for more backsplash inspiration from Sharpie to peel and stick, copper to faux brick.
Why is a backsplash necessary in a kitchen?
A backsplash serves both practical and aesthetic purposes in a kitchen:
- Protection: It protects the wall behind the stove, sink, and countertops from water damage, stains, and splatters. Without a backsplash, grease, food splatters, and water can easily stain or damage the wall surface, leading to potential mold or mildew growth.
- Easy to Clean: Backsplashes are typically made of materials that are easy to clean, such as tile, glass, or stainless steel. This makes it easier to wipe away spills, grease, and stains, keeping the kitchen looking clean and hygienic.
- Increases Property Value: A stylish and functional backsplash can enhance the appeal of a kitchen and add value to a home. Potential buyers often appreciate the presence of a backsplash as it indicates attention to detail and quality in the kitchen design.
How do I choose a kitchen backsplash?
Before deciding on a specific material or design, define your budget and how long you plan to enjoy the backsplash (is it a temporary or long-term solution?).
Next, define the look you want to achieve. Do you want a bold & colorful look or something neutral and understated? I use Pinterest to save my favorite kitchen images before selecting colors and materials.
Subway tiles are popular and easy to wipe down, but you could also install an alternative material like wood planks or faux brick with a glossy, wipeable paint finish.

What is the easiest backsplash to install?
If you want to DIY install a backsplash consider what tools you are comfortable using. Have you installed tile in the past? Installing a subway tile backsplash could be a good fit.
Do you have experience with a saw? Installing wood planks could be a simple installation. If you want to avoid power tools, add a peel & stick backsplash. Peel & stick backsplashes are affordable, installed in a few hours, and can be cut with a utility knife.
Does the backsplash have to match the countertop?
If you are adding a new countertop to your kitchen (for example, granite or a solid surface) you can request to have the same material added as a backsplash. But as a designer, I would recommend adding a different tile or material for your backsplash.
Generally, you do want the colors of your backsplash and countertop to complement each other. For example, if you have a white kitchen with a white Carrara marble countertop, you could install a grey or white-toned backsplash. Or try a bit of color and make the backsplash a focal point in the room!
10 Unique Kitchen Backsplash Ideas 2024
This blogger got permission to paint her rental kitchen with a Sharpie pen. The sharpie-drawn design adds style to the room, compliments the white cabinets, and makes this modern kitchen bright and cheerful. This is a great idea for apartments!
While I am certain this is a traditional tile backsplash, you could achieve a similar look by installing peel-and-stick Moroccan tiles. This design compliments the white cabinetry.
Adding a similar green tile to your kitchen would give the space color and a focal point, and the gray grout compliments the stainless steel appliances.
A metal sheet product like brass bounces light around the room and gives the space a truly classy look, it is stunning in Cameron Diaz’s Manhattan home.
There are a range of options when it comes to peel and stick tile. This kitchen features a glass tile backsplash (no mortar but you still have to cut the glass). We installed a flexible peel & stick tile in our kitchen that only required a utility knife to cut the material.
Wallpaper can be a beautiful option in a kitchen, and there are endless style options. When selecting wallpaper keep in mind that a backsplash area is relatively small.
The repeating pattern should be small to see the wallpaper design on the wall. I recommend applying a varnish over the wallpaper to make it waterproof near the sink and oven.
This copper-tiled wall is a fun alternative to traditional white subway tiles and goes well with the modern range hood.
On a small budget? Wood planking gives a kitchen a rustic beach look and is a fraction of the price of installing a traditional backsplash. You could also achieve a similar look using reclaimed wood or barn wood.
Subway tile backsplashes are the standard in kitchens. Change the layout of subway tiles into a herringbone pattern for a fun backsplash design. You could achieve this look using budget-friendly ceramic tiles.
Faux brick is another small-budget budget-friendly backsplash idea. Most home improvement stores carry faux brick as a sheet material and you can paint it to your favorite color (cover the faux brick with a high gloss paint for easy wiping).

In this article, I shared 10 unique kitchen backsplash ideas 2024. I hope this article helped you decide how to pick a backsplash, and inspires you to think creatively for your backsplash update project!
Did you find a favorite kitchen backsplash idea? After researching all our small-budget options, we installed a peel & stick faux subway tile in our kitchen for under $125.

I love the herringbone one- simple but still interesting!
Me too! One of our ideas is doing a herringbone pattern out of wood. Still deciding!
Thanks for including my faux brick backsplash. Also, that brass backsplash from Elle Decor is incredible!
I really love what you did with the faux brick. It looks great!