Simple kitchen tiles

Kitchen wall tiles: Ideas for every style and budget

Kitchen wall tiles: Ideas for every style and budget | loveproperty.com

Kitchen wall tiles: Ideas for every style and budget

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Finish your kitchen with fabulous tiles

Topps Tiles

Looking for kitchen wall tiles to work with your new kitchen? You've chosen the cabinets, worktops and flooring but there's one more vital element that can make or break your dream kitchen scheme. Available in a kaleidoscope of colourways and different designs, kitchen wall tiles both protect and personalise the hardest-working room in your home. From sophisticated hexagon patterned splashbacks to floor-to-ceiling colour drenching, these stylish ceramics are sure to inspire. Click or scroll through for inspiration. ..

Geometric head turners

Tile Giant

Strong and angular pattern is on the rise thanks to the Art Deco trend. Geometric kitchen tile designs in striking colours add wow factor and will keep you staring at them for much longer than it takes for the kettle to boil. Keep the rest of the kitchen bright and neutral to allow the kitchen splashback to truly stand out.

Lavender hues

CDT Tiles

Lavender is to be one of the coveted colourways this year. Whether you are renovating a country cottage kitchen or adding a splash of colour to your contemporary kitchen condo, the versatile tone will add a touch of calm and grace to your splashback.

Palm prints

Original Style

Thanks to our continuous love of the jungle trends, palm prints continue to sway happily on wallpaper. So, it's no surprise the leafy look is growing in kitchens and bathrooms too. This pretty Paradis Mere kitchen wall tile by Original Style, offers an abundance of soft retro-style tropical leaf motifs.

Vertical stripes

Ca' Pietra

Stripes are never really out of fashion. Why? Because they are classic and smart and create the illusion of space. These perfectly tailored blue and white pinstripes add a shot of visual fun to a smart navy kitchen. The vertical design draws the eye upwards.

Colour-drenched gloss

CDT tiles

As kitchen cabinet colours are getting bolder so too are tiles. Together, the blocks of colour are giving kitchens a brave and vibrant edge that is ultra-intense. Throw a high-gloss finish into the mix and the results are rich, jewel-like and exotic. It's a look for the brave and we love it.

Stack ‘em up

Walls and Floors

Kitchen walls without upper cabinetry will benefit from 'tile stacking'. Generally speaking, the method of the term is to break up a large expanse of space using tiles of different pattern, colour or texture. We love this combination of thin 'split-face effect' tiles and smooth large format slab tiles above in complementary pebbly tones.

Defined grout

Walls and Floors

Contrasting grout being approved by interior style hunters. It remains an easy and effective way to add personality to classic tiles. Keep in mind the latest colour trends to transform your home and you won't go wrong. This pretty coral-toned grout frames glossy cream tiles and ticks many current trend boxes. It's uplifting, earthy and super inviting.

Soft sage greens

Walls and Floors

2023 will resume our love of nature. In order to invite the outdoors in, green will continue to be our go-to tone for decorating in ever room. Sage green is a subtle version of the hue that works with almost every other colour. These tiles make the perfect addition to a dark wood kitchen. Criss-cross lines generate a visual effect that moves in the light.

Luxe marble

Tile Mountain

Another nod to the natural and earthy elements, marble is making moves to become the luxe kitchen look of the year. On the surface, the look is elegant and luxurious but you don't have to spend a fortune to create a convincing look. These realistic marble effect kitchen tiles feature an extravagant gold effect that oozes natural glamour.

Sticker replacements

Sarah Holden Interiors

If re-tiling your kitchen is an expense you don't have time for, cheat a change with tile stickers instead. These tile stickers can be applied to any smooth surface so are ideal for going over existing tiles you've grown tired of.

Botancial murals

The Baked Tile Co.

2023 will see us finding ways to bring plants and greenery into our decorating themes. Splashbacks in large kitchens can make an ideal canvas for a mural-style makeover. Set between style chevron metro tiles this trail of fresh foliage is a mesmerising focal point in a forest-green kitchen.

Heritage looks

Topps Tiles

This elegant Georgian-inspired border pattern in muted dark grey tones has pre-scored lines which will make the tiles easier and quicker to fit while giving the impression of smaller tiles. It's the ideal kitchen tile splashback for heritage trend lovers.

Pastel shades

Original Style

Thinking of going for a pastel-toned kitchen? Why not cook up a striking scene that's a little different from the norm, like this pretty, Miami-inspired setting? The pastel tones and curved tiles look sugary sweet and glamorous teamed with retro gold-trimmed bar stools and smooth rosy cabinets.

Spaced-out circles

Walls And Floors

Brighten up a small kitchen with a circle pattern splashback. These encaustic-style porcelain tiles draw their inspiration from southern Spain, and the scaled-up motif leaves plenty of blank space so they don't feel too busy. The pattern creates a striking visual effect that will zone the kitchen in an open-plan space.

Faux bricks

@cassie.pryce / Instagram

Give your kitchen a rustic or industrial makeover with exposed brickwork tiles. Not all of us are lucky enough to own original brick walls, but the look is easy to achieve with specially manufactured tiles designed to create the colour, texture and appearance of a real clay brick wall. Interior stylist and writer Cassie Pryce injected glorious character into her new-build kitchen with brick slip tiled feature walls. Apply a matt sealer to your tiles to make them easier to clean.

Daring diamonds

Porcelain Superstore

Make your kitchen walls shimmer with glittering diamonds that stand out and catch the eye. The cutting-edge rhombus shape and glossy pink tones offer a jewel-like appearance. For an ultra-glam finish, pair with a pale Carrara marble worktop and brass fittings.

Glowing copper

Wren Kitchens

Give your kitchen walls a metallic sheen with copper-effect wall tiles. We love this unusual combination of copper and jade that is offset by sleek black worktops. The clever, uplighting creates an opulent glow for a wow-factor finish.

Vintage stars

Walls And Floors

What's not to love about these decorative Scintilla tiles? Not only are they the ideal counterpoint to a white kitchen, but their star motif manages to be both charming and striking. The design is based on a traditional Spanish style and makes a striking feature with coordinating floor tiles.

Pretty pennies

North Coast Tile Company

The adorably named penny tiles or button tiles are timeless and eye-catching, so make a great longterm choice for the kitchen. The tiny circles look crisp and clean up close but merge into an interesting textured feature wall when viewed from further away. Depending on what finish you choose, they can brighten your worktop space, bring an industrial feel or add a pop of statement colour.

Textured teal

Walls And Floors

A strip of deep colour like this teal hue instantly lifts the rich wood grain of this retro-style kitchen. The combination of a matt and gloss finish with a striking crackled glaze adds to the character and gives these tiles an antique, handmade look that is unique. With a false grout line to give the illusion of smaller tiles, you can complete the job in no time.

Hip hexagons

Walls And Floors

Hexagon tiles can be something of a shortcut to an effortlessly stylish kitchen. Mix and match tiles within a specific tonal palette to keep things smart and modern. Or, stick to one colour and lay them in a non-linear finish to show off the six-sided pattern. With a bold design like this it's ok to break the rules and cut the bottom tiles, to keep the top hexagon edge intact.

Trend-setting terrazzo

Tile Mountain

Execute a colourful kitchen scheme by pairing bold cabinetry with terrazzo-inspired tiles. With a minimal grout line, the on-trend pattern will look seamless installed around your worktops and cabinets as well as the floor. Just ensure you purchase a hard-wearing design, suitable for floors.

Monochrome metro tiles

Monochrome decorating is on-trend right now and can be used with great effect in the kitchen, too. This chic black kitchen has been given added impact by matching matt kitchen wall tiles to black cabinetry. Be sure to balance dark kitchens with neutral tones and plenty of daylight to avoid making the space feel gloomy.

Subtle pattern

Topps Tiles

White kitchen tiles are a fail-safe option but there is no need to go for a bland and basic look. Add subtle intermittent texture to add definition and interest. This contemporary chevron pattern creates the illusion of a wider space too. Do bear in mind that most tilers will charge more to fit tiles in a herringbone pattern, due to the extra cuts needed.

Lily pad looks

Tile Giant

The hexagon lily pad style tile is still a huge kitchen trend running on Instagram and we can see why. The angular shape can be arranged in so many ways to create striking patterns. The gorgeous pastel shades are the perfect complement to contemporary dark kitchens.

Earthy squares

Walls and Floors

Bring the dated square kitchen tile back into fashion with a colour and finish upgrade. This glossy green splashback looks organic and lush tiled up against an exposed brick wall, black worktops and charcoal painted cabinets combo.

Sparkling new effects

Topps Tiles

Iridescent highlights set in amongst aqua tiles create shots of prism-effect thanks to this innovative holographic surface finish. Each piece features different gradients that create a variation of milky, pastel tones which alter in appearance based on the changing light and viewpoint. Offset and framed with black grouting, this tiling is bold and cutting edge.

Statement splashback

Perrin & Rowe

Brighten up a small dark kitchen with an uplifting tiled splashback that is full of colour and pattern. It's the perfect spot to showcase an artful statement to uplift your kitchen scheme. Choose a colourway that will pick out the tones of your kitchen cabinets to marry the look together.

Classic chevron

Walls and Floors

Add pretty colour and interesting shape to your kitchen walls with textured pink metro tiles laid in a herringbone pattern. This layout uses up fewer tiles than a layered brickwork sequence, and so is a cost-effective way to create a stand-out design feature, if you're looking to have a go yourself.

Mirrored metro tiles

Topps Tiles

If your kitchen is on the small side or enjoys very little natural light, use mirrored tiles as a splashback. It'll make the room feel much deeper and more spacious than it actually is. Mirrored tiles will also reflect and maximise what light there is in the space, which will help your kitchen appear a whole lot brighter too.

Cohesive colour scheme

Tile Giant

Here's a clever trick for making your kitchen look effortlessly chic: match your kitchen wall tiles up to your chosen cabinet colour. It looks divine in soothing muted tones set against brass fittings. Enhance the timeless canvas with accessories in the same shades for a take on the monotone trend.

Two-tone tiling

Topps Tiles

Mottled inky blue tiles can evoke the calming rush of the ocean and impart drama to your culinary space. A contrasting strip of vertical tiles in muted pebble tones breaks up the dark design and enhances the soft pink kitchen cabinets below perfectly.

Rich and rustic

Topps Tiles

Looking for a farmhouse kitchen look with a twist? The nation is in love with green interiors right now and these slim ochre tiles with a high gloss finish will get your kitchen seen. The handcrafted and textured finish gives them a vintage edge that looks the part twinned with period-style taps and sinks.

Seamless marble

Tile Mountain

Polished marble is a luxurious material that exudes luxury so used in abundance on kitchen walls and floors means no expense has been spared. Of course, we don't all have a bottomless budget so marble-effect tiles can create just as much drama for a lot less. Continue the bold look with statement lighting and cocktail lounge bar stools.

Top-to-toe tiling

Topps Tiles

You don't have to stick to just the splashback area when tiling the kitchen. Tiling right up to the ceiling will protect all surfaces and make more of an impact. We love the all-over rosy tones of this warm pink kitchen.

Black gloss

Tile Giant

Pink is a fun colour choice for the kitchen and can be made to pop with shimmering black metro tiles. The striking contrast is glamorous, girly and glossy.

Traditional patterns

Wickes

We've seen this popular Victorian-inspired tile pattern on many statement floors but it looks just as striking on kitchen walls. The trellis diamond design creates a striking monochrome focal point to all-white kitchens that's timeless.

Stretch with stripes

Wickes

For a new take on the classic metro tile, create a bold design with three alternating colours. Here, contrasting stripes create vintage bistro vibes, while the horizontal lines will elongate the space to make small kitchens appear larger. If your feeling daring, you could take this look one step further and graduate your tile colours as you move up the wall to create an on-trend ombre effect.

Half-wall cladding

Walls and Floors

Break up an on-trend dark blue kitchen with gleaming white gloss tiles laid in that herringbone pattern. Use dark grouting to anchor the scheme and try to match the same colours on cabinets and walls.

Blend in the breakfast bar

The Baked Tile Co.

Kitchen wall tiles make an effective addition to the undersides of breakfast bars and kitchen islands too. As well as creating a protective barrier against spills, they can impart an extra decorative dimension and a sense of cohesion across your scheme—these black hexagon tiles echo the geometric wall tiles throughout this monochrome space.

Graphic hexagon tiles

Marrakech Design

Just when you thought you'd seen every variation on the hexagon tile, someone comes up with a whole new way to use them. This small-scale splashback uses green and white striped units—some of which have been cut in half—to create a unique and beguiling pattern.

Budget-friendly border

@andthentheywentwild / Instagram

There is no need to take a splashback all the way up the wall. The area most prone to marks is the lower half of the wall above the worktop. To save money on tiling and create an interesting feature at the same time, run a small border of tiles along the top of your worktops and sink. We love how the basketweave pattern meets the open shelves.

Go large

Porcelain Superstore

Just like in a luxury bathroom, large format wall tiles can be time-saving and budget-friendly in the kitchen too. This soothing neutral design creates a timeless backdrop for navy cabinetry and a warm wood countertop.

Monochrome Moroccan

@dabito / Instagram

Balance bold colours and graphic motifs by embracing monochrome patterned wall tiles. This vertical diamond design brings an informal touch to the splashback, thanks to the illustrative feel of the design. Keeping a neutral band in the mid-section of the wall allows you to go to town with vibrant colour on the walls and kitchen cabinetry.

Kaleidoscopic colour

Porcelain Superstore

Triangle-print metro tiles in colourful hues create a glorious feature wall in this modern kitchen. Soft pastel shades warm up the white scheme, while the unusual tessellated design adds a creative new twist on standard geometric tile patterns.

Dark and dramatic

Walls and Floors

Dare to play at the darker end of the colour palette with dark greys and earthy forest greens, offset against copper fixtures and bold coral pink paintwork. These elegant Raku-fired rectangular wall tiles feature six shades of black in one tile to add extra depth to your culinary space.

Marble-effect hexagons

Topps Tiles

Large hexagon tiles look striking and glamorous in dark and dramatic tones. Pairing new and old aesthetics, the smooth marble-effect finish with realistic veining has been designed to evoke the iconic French Art Nouveau style of the late 1800s.

Muted Mediterranean

Tile Giant

Pretty ornate tiling in a blue floral pattern evokes a subtle Mediterranean feel in this bright white kitchen. Their delicate detailing and neutral hue are just enough to enhance an understated farmhouse-style scheme without losing that crisp, clean finish.

Stretched metro herringbone

Gemini Tiles

Metro or subway tiles have been a firm tile favourite in both kitchens and bathrooms for a couple of decades at least, so these elongated versions make a refreshing update. The overall effect is more refined than standard sizes and is particularly striking when laid in a herringbone design with contrasting grout.

Mini mosaics

Walls and Floors

Mini mosaic tiles look intricate and ornate, plus they're incredibly simple to apply. The collage of small tiles come pre-backed on a mesh, so you can mount and grout them quickly and easily. Neutral shades are warm yet elegant and allow the subtle texture to shine through.

Elegant edging

Original Style

For a professional finish and a touch of refinement add a trim to half-tiled walls. Whether it's a contrasting metal or a soft ceramic frame, integral edging adds a polish that's simply not achievable from bare tile edges.

Navy fish-scale tiles

Topps Tiles

With its glossy finish and Art Deco-inspired shape, this versatile fish-scale shape tile manages to be both retro and totally modern while bringing the glam factor to any kitchen. Arrange them with the widest part at the top for a fan design, flip them over for a Moroccan-style teardrop or go horizontal to get the mermaid effect.

Boutique brick

Walls and floors

Inject a touch of subtle sheen into your kitchen scheme with a skinny brick-shaped tile with a textured finish that adds a bit of rough with the smooth. Glossy surfaces in three muted shades of moss green and grey look soothing yet stylish laid in a diagonal herringbone pattern.

Grey grouting

Stone & Ceramic Warehouse

Keeping it simple can sometimes be the best choice when it comes to designing a kitchen that won't date. White bevelled metro tiles are usually budget-friendly and look good with almost any style of kitchen, but lay them with dark grouting to keep the look current.

Colour blocking

Tile Mountain

Use tiles to build up blocks of colour in your kitchen. This is a great effect to use to draw attention to a focal point, such as a shelving alcove, as shown here, or across a chimney breast. For a more subtle effect, opt for tiles that come in a range of hues from light to dark to produce an ombre-effect wall or floor.

Country-style border

Original Style

Nothing says country like an Aga stove and bright and beautiful tiling. Take the scheme a step further with a two-tone design in uplifting whites and blues. Placing the deeper colour at the bottom of the room opens the space up and out, so it's a great way to make a small kitchen feel bigger.

Pared down patchwork

Porcelain Superstore

Patchwork pattern tiles that fit together like a jigsaw are guaranteed to look breathtaking whatever the combination. This rustic feature wall is made up of coordinating designs in almond tones for a subtle take on the trend. Industrial-style copper companions add to the Mediterranean character.

Pretty pink patchwork tiles

Walls and Floors

For a softer, textured look try these pretty patchwork tiles in shades of baby pink, lilac, peach and cream. Creating a pretty, layered effec that's endlessly attractive, each tile has a different pattern imprinted on its surface.

Mother-of-pearl tiles

Original Style

Bridging an empty stretch of wall between the kitchen counter and a narrow dado rail cup shelf, these mother-of-pearl tiles make a pretty and practical splashback, the perfect fit for a neutral country kitchen.

Basketweave mosaic tiles

Original Style

These calm tiles create a subtle optical illusion thanks to a tiny dark square that looks like the holes in an open-weave basket. Great for an elegant traditional kitchen, use these to add texture without upsetting the balance of a neutral scheme.

3D textured tiles

WOW Design

These 3D textured tiles are a huge interior design trend, as traditional flat finishes are replaced with sculptural forms that stand out from the wall. Part of their allure is the shadow they cast, making white the obvious choice to make the most of their unique depth.

Scalloped tiles

H and G Designs

Tiles don't have to be hard and angular in shape. These scalloped tiles in a variety of soft colours create a wonderful fish-scale effect on this kitchen wall. Installation will be fiddlier than with standard-shaped tiles, however, so they may take longer to fit.

3D cube tiles

Original Style

In the riads of Morocco, this type of tile can be seen adorning the floors of shady courtyards and now, thanks to some eagle-eyed trendsetters, the same designs are found in designer kitchens and bathrooms all over the world. Available in a riot of shades, they combine graphic shapes with an easy colour scheme trio that works with both modern and traditional cabinetry.

Zesty segments

Walls And Floors

Navy kitchens are having a moment and as orange is on the opposite side of the colour wheel to blue the bold hue adds a welcome and contrasting burst of colour. Wide, white grout lines, created by using wide spacers, look funky and fresh in the scheme too.

Matt black brickwork

Dark and moody kitchens are an enduring trend so black tiles are the way to go to make a statement. Instead of a gloss, look for a matt black texture for a more up-to-date finish and continue the dramatic statement with matching black worktops.

Neutral country kitchen tiles

Topps Tiles

Tiles are a great addition to a décor scheme when they've been considered as a part of the overall design. Here, the traditional country palette of stone greys and taupes complement the cream cabinetry and rustic wood counters.

Simple splashback

If you're on a tight budget, it's only really necessary to protect the wall behind your sink and hob from splashes. This small splashback area can be shielded relatively cheaply with a few rows of hardwearing tiling. In a small space, like this compact IKEA kitchen, opt for plain light-coloured tiles that blend in with the surrounding wall colour. This will help to tie the whole interior scheme together and also make the room feel a little larger.

Fluted finishes

Topps Tiles

Fluted surfaces are having a moment. Described by Topps Tiles to be "a visual and tactile delight" these reeded 3D structured tiles are reminiscent of the glamourous Art Deco era. The colourway has been perfectly colour-matched to Dulux Colour Of The Year 2022 'Bright Skies' which creates a soothing and sustainable vibe when teamed with natural wood-toned kitchen cabinets.

Loved this? Find more inspiring home décor ideas here

10 February 2023

Interiors

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16 small kitchen tile ideas – styles, tips and hacks to make your space look bigger

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If you're designing a small kitchen, every element that you bring into the space counts, and that includes any kitchen tiles you choose. Finding the proper small kitchen tiles can mean the difference between a kitchen design that wows, and one that falls flat.

Abbas Youssefi, of Porcelain Superstore , says, 'You have two options with a small kitchen – try and make it feel big or try and make it feel cozy. Large format floor tiles with matching grout will increase the sense of space. If you want to make your kitchen feel cozy, go for warm colors that work with your cabinets.'

It’s really important to choose the right-sized tiles to make it feel as big and bright as possible. But it's not just about size: dark tiles used in the wrong part of the kitchen can make it feel smaller.

Conversely, tiles that reflect light are a great way to make the kitchen feel lighter, while laying floor tiles diagonally can make it look wider and longer.

Another trick to make a small kitchen feel bigger is to use the same wall and floor tiles. Rectangular tiles laid vertically will make the room appear taller; lay them horizontally and the room will seem wider or longer.

Color is also an important factor: using a color palette that seamlessly flows from the tiles to the units will create a cohesive look. If your units are white then use pops of bright mosaics as a backsplash or under cabinets to add personality.

Want more clever tile design ideas to make your kitchen feel larger? Read on...

When you want more practical tips, check out our guide to choosing the best kitchen tiles.

1. Replace tiles with glass bricks

(Image credit: Lime Lace)

This is the perfect tile idea for small kitchens – replace your backsplash with glass bricks to give your space more of an open plan feel.

The glass will allow plenty of light through too and make the space feel less blocked off from the rest of the house.

2. Tile a whole wall in a small kitchen

(Image credit: Original Style)

We've sure we have said it before; keep things simple in a small kitchen, but actually we are going to hold up our hands and say we were wrong, bold patterns and colored tiles can work really well in a small space.

A small geometric design like this one almost blurs the edges of the room to create the allusion of a bigger space.

The right tile patterns can add colour and pattern to any space, so we have rounded up of fave looks to get you inspired...

3. Pick on trend grid tiles

(Image credit: Original Style)

And bright colors can work too. This sunny yellow gives a life to the dark, dramatic cabinets, and the simple grid design with the square tiles is a huge trend for 2021.

If you are going with this layout, pick a tile that has a bit of texture to stop it looking flat.

Planning your kitchen update? We've rounded up all our fave kitchen trends in the same place so you can get inspired to start.

4. Choose marble tiles for a light luxurious look

(Image credit: Norsu)

Marble kitchens are another big kitchen trend for 2021 and you can bring a touch of this luxury material into your space with tiles.

They needn't be real marble either obviously, if you doing up your kitchen on a budget there are some gorgeous marble effect tiles you could choose instead.

Check out that herringbone pattern too...

5. Pick tiles with colors that blend with your cabinetry

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

If you choose backsplash tiles for your kitchen that tone with the color of your kitchen units, you'll create a space that looks bigger than it would with a color contrast.

Need to learn how to tile a backsplash? Laying them in a grid pattern like this creates vertical and horizontal lines that conjure up a visual trick of their own: making the space they occupy feel larger.

6. Choose tiles with a reflective sparkle

A post shared by rougholdglass (@rougholdglass)
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If you've fallen for a dark-colored wall tile, see if you can find it in a finish with a reflective quality. Any material that reflects light will create an impression of space as it will bounce the light around.

We love the luxurious look of vintage mirrored tiles (check out Rough Old Glass ), but if you are after something more subtle, tiles with a slight metallic sheen will have a similar effect.

7. Create diagonal lines

(Image credit: Stone & Ceramic Warehouse)

Laying tiles diagonally – or choosing grid-laid tiles with a diagonal pattern – is another easy way to create the space-stretching visual trick, perfect for a limited area of backsplash that you want to feel larger.

8. Paint the wall behind the tiles the same color

(Image credit: Ikea)

Remember what we said about choosing tiles that tone with cabinets? If you match their color to that of the wall behind as well, you'll create that important space-stretching effect you're after.

On a budget? You could always paint your tiles to match your kitchen walls, it's really easy, just check out our guide to painting tiles.

9. Limit dark colors to beneath cabinetry

(Image credit: Original Style)

Another color trick? Putting dark colors below waist/cabinetry level and light colors above will help make a small space feel larger.

These dark, metallic tiles are in the perfect spot, plus their sparkly finish reflects light, adds depth and interest, too. Win win.

10. Use a herringbone pattern to stretch space

(Image credit: Lime Lace)

With the diagonal tile-laying trick in mind, the herringbone pattern will work the same trick and give you an on trend look.

This pattern tends to be busy, so pick toning tiles rather than ones in contrasting colors for a small kitchen design.

11. Love pattern? Keep it to one area only

(Image credit: Original Style)

In a large kitchen you can get away with splashing pattern on both walls and floors; in a small kitchen, it's vital to keep pattern to one area only if the room is to feel spacious.

Want to make a small kitchen feel bigger? Check out these hacks for making the most of your square footage...

12. Lay a diagonal pattern on the floor

(Image credit: British Ceramic Tile)

Remember the diagonal tile trick (again)? It works great on walls, but it has even more impact on kitchen flooring, lengthening and widening the entire room (visually, at least).

Learn how to grout tiles with this easy guide and give your bathrooms, kitchens and more an update.

13. Use the herringbone tile trick on the floor, too

(Image credit: Topps Tiles)

Just as it does for the walls, a herringbone pattern on the floor creates lines that draw the eye outwards, making the kitchen floor look wider and longer.

The benefit of choosing a gloss finish tile, too? Reflected light makes the room feel bigger and brighter.

Looking for kitchen flooring ideas that are practical, hard-wearing and stylish? We've got stunning tile, vinyl and wood ideas that will floor you.

14. Make your backsplash a focal point

(Image credit: Original Style)

Sometimes you don't need to work magic with visual tricks and reflective surfaces – choosing a bold, brightly colored or beautifully patterned backsplash tile can create a feature wall that draws the eye. That alone can make the room's proportions negligible.

Inspired to go bold with your backsplash? Just check out these stunning backsplash ideas.

15. Make a narrow kitchen feel wider with stripes

(Image credit: Wickes)

You can use tile designs to make a narrow galley kitchen feel wider – simply create subtle bands in horizontal lines across walls.

You can create a similar trick with vertical lines – in this case making the room feel taller. Keep the contrast between the tiles minimal; anything too overpowering will have the opposite effect.

16. Opt for terrazzo to create the illusion of space

(Image credit: Porcelain Superstore)

Abbas Youssefi, of Porcelain Superstore explains, 'My go-to for giving the impression of space would always be to use terrazzo. They are such a versatile tile, and the pattern just breaks-up the wall and gives the illusion of more space.'

We love Porcelain Superstore's Arlo tile s in this matte red kitchen. The moody terrazzo fleck is a great backsplash and also acts as a feature wall idea which packs a punch.

Backsplash tiles - simple aesthetics in the kitchen

Contacts

Ceramic tile for the kitchen photo

Ceramic tile means no restrictions on the choice of color, a wide range of sizes and shapes, a rich appearance, impact-resistant moisture-proof material that is easy and pleasant to care for.

Even on the kitchen floor, ceramic tiles will look great, significantly outperforming linoleum, laminate or parquet in terms of strength and durability.

Examples of using ceramic tiles in the kitchen can be found in the photo.

Kitchen tile sizes

First, let's look at the available range of tile sizes.

And immediately good news - it is unlimited, since any of your whims will be realized by the tile factory for an additional fee.

Is it worth it to rush to order a tile of a unique size, only for you? I think no. The range of tile sizes is quite wide: from mosaic sizes of 2.5*2.5 cm to giant 120*120 cm.

How to choose the size and shape?

The choice of tile size should be commensurate with the dimensions of the kitchen.

Miniature and small tiles (from 2.5*2.5 to 10*10 cm) are well suited for small spaces, visually making them larger.

Large size tiles (20*20 and more) will be in harmony with the size of a large kitchen, while it will shrink even more in size in a small kitchen.

In addition to the dimensions, you can also choose the shape of the tile: square, rectangle, polygon.

Kitchen Tiles 10x10

Tiles of this size will look great in any size room, however, they are most often used for kitchen splashbacks and fireplaces.

The small size of the tile allows you to create an artistic composition on the wall in a rather cramped space.

Among other kitchen tile sizes, the 10x10 cm tile has a number of advantages.

The first difference is ease of installation, which even a novice master can handle.

Second - in most cases it does not need to be cut.

The small dimensions of the tiles make it ideal for tiling any small or narrow space around the sink.

The strength of the 10x10 cm tile is much higher than the larger counterparts, which is important for kitchen surfaces.

Kitchen mosaic tile

Mosaic is the oldest finishing material, the history of which dates back to the times of Ancient Greece, Rome and East Asia.

Today, interior mosaics are experiencing their second birth.

Be prepared for the fact that it will be very beautiful, and thanks to well-developed production technologies - inexpensive.

The result will justify any physical, time and financial costs.

Mosaic tiles will add zest to the interior of the kitchen, playfully with the tile material you can achieve a rich appearance, and with the help of patterns - a visual increase in the working area of the kitchen.

What is characteristic of mosaic tiles?

Colorful, rich color palette , the choice of patterns allows you to use the mosaic in any of the styles of interior decoration of the kitchen, whether classic or modern.
Mosaic tiles are waterproof to less than 1% - ideal for kitchens or bathrooms.
Small sizes from 1x1 to 2.5x2.5 cm, which is excellent for facing curved surfaces.
Tile material can be not only glazed ceramics, but also environmentally friendly glass.
Unlimited possibilities. If standard patterns no longer suit you, then order a reproduction of any picture or plot - this is not a problem with mosaic tiles.

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7 versions of the backsplash for the kitchen: the pros and cons of each

Ceramic tiles, mirrors, photo panels, glass are the most common and practical materials that You can use even the most modest sizes in the design of the kitchen. A kitchen apron is an important element both in terms of design and practicality of your future kitchen. There is a wide range of materials, thanks to which you will receive an elegant and durable apron that can protect walls near the work surface from various mechanical influences and damage.

What to choose?

Ceramic tiles as a classic and reliable material, a unique panel with a photograph, or opt for a non-standard design and decorate an apron with a mirror sheet?

In order to answer this and other questions, we have prepared an article describing the main features of classic and modern solutions for your future kitchen.

1. Ceramic tiles

This is a traditional solution in the design of a backsplash. The popularity of ceramic tiles is obvious: this material does not react to fire and water, it is strong and able to withstand
significant mechanical stress. If you decide to choose a tile for decorating a kitchen backsplash, you will have a huge assortment in front of you: in terms of colors, themes and textures.

In addition, in the tile collections there are options with beautiful patterns and unique panels. These aprons are also very easy to wash, and even abrasive products can be used to clean it.

Pros: large price range - from simple budget options to designer collections from premium manufacturers. Another significant advantage is a long service life in comparison with other methods of decorating a kitchen apron (ceramic tiles can retain their original appearance for decades). The tile is not susceptible to high temperature changes and mechanical stress, is immune to water and is easy to clean.

Cons: for durable styling, you need to find a decent specialist, and this increases the overall cost of the backsplash for the kitchen. In addition, you need to purchase reliable tile adhesive and high-quality grout. Over time, the seams between the tiles will become dirty, and special cleaning products are needed to clean them.

An example of a 10x10 cm ceramic tile backsplash:

2. Photopanel

Modern technologies make it possible to print an image on almost any surface. You can choose a favorite picture from your photo gallery or find a photo on the Internet. However, there is an important point: the photo you have chosen must be of good quality and have a high resolution so that the image is not distorted when printed. As a basis for a photopanel, you can take a tile or a glass sheet.

Pros: Your kitchen will have a real designer splashback that you won't see anywhere else. A panel with a photograph on a tile or glass sheet is resistant to high temperature changes and is neutral to water. Another plus is that it is very easy to remove any kind of pollution from such a surface.

Minus: Higher cost due to digital photo printing technology.

An example of an apron with a photopanel:

3. Mosaic

A mosaic kitchen apron will look quite impressive. This method of interior decoration was used in ancient times.
Ceramic, glass, metal or stone can serve as the basis for the mosaic.

Mosaic production technology gives it a characteristic caramel sheen, but glass mosaic will look different depending on the angle and lighting in your future kitchen.

Pros: mosaic has all the advantages of ceramic tiles. The key advantage of the mosaic is the fact that it can cover surfaces and walls of any, even spherical shape, and by turning on the imagination, you can lay out a pattern or a beautiful drawing. Openings for switches and sockets with such an apron are much easier to make.

Cons: the complexity of laying. A great many seams create additional difficulties when cleaning a mosaic apron, and periodic grouting costs are almost inevitable. Compared to standard ceramic tiles, the market value of a mosaic backsplash is much higher.

Mosaic backsplash example:

4. Glass

Tempered glass backsplash is a very practical and attractive way to decorate the kitchen interior. Apron made of glass is easy to clean and it comes in several options: mirrored, tinted, dyed and photo printed.

Special glass, 6 mm thick, is used to create aprons. The thickness of the glass surface can be even greater, and the product itself, accordingly, is stronger. However, in this case, the cost of a glass apron will be much higher than the standard one.
The glass apron has a long service life thanks to the printing technology - it is transferred to the glass surface using UV printing technology. Also, under such an apron, you can install a bright LED backlight -
this will give your product more originality and showiness.

Pros: this glass is very resistant to various influences and sudden changes in temperature, it is not afraid of moisture and cannot be damaged by cleaning agents. Due to the absence of tile joints, the care of such an apron is quite simple. You can also note the quick installation of the glass sheet in comparison with other materials: tiles or mosaics. The service life is practically unlimited.

Cons: With a long canvas, you may encounter difficult transportation and lifting to the floor - this can be especially acute for residents of old houses with small flights of stairs. Another disadvantage is that if the glass is damaged, it cannot be changed or repaired - you will need to order a new product.

Example of tempered glass backsplash:

5. Mirror

Mirror backsplash can be a single panel or tiles (mosaics) of various shapes. According to the type of mirrors, the following will suit you: classic, tinted, matte, color. In addition, a pattern, ornament or photo printing can be applied to the mirror.

Another original option is when your mirror does not have a standard gray base, but gold or copper - in this case, your mirror will have warm colors, which will add coziness and charm to the overall atmosphere of the interior.

Pros: the advantages of glass and in addition - a visual increase in a small kitchen space.

Cons: since stains, drops and grease spots are clearly visible on the mirror, it is difficult to keep track of the cleanliness of such an apron. Another disadvantage is that if the coating on the back of the mirror surface is of poor quality, unpleasant patterns may appear on the product over time.

Example of mirror mosaic apron:

6. MDF

MDF is used to make furniture, but this material can also be used to create an original backsplash for your kitchen. A special polymer layer or veneer is applied to the outer part of the MDF, and small sawdust is used as the basis of such a plate.

MDF - resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. At the same time, ceramics and glass cloth significantly exceed it in these parameters. An MDF kitchen apron is an excellent and budget option: you can easily find MDF in any of the major hardware stores.

Pros: low price, wide variety of colors and easy installation.

Cons: when compared with tiles or glass - MDF has a shorter service life, less resistance to humidity and temperature changes. Design limitations: MDF boards are one-piece, so it will not be possible to combine several different patterns, patterns or colors in one product.

MDF backsplash example: