The Sleek Backsplash Alternative That's Far From Basic Tile

There are two camps when it comes to subway tile: Those who see it as an enduring classic, and those who find it boring. Subway tile first appeared in the early 1900's and isn't going anywhere. It is a safe choice for resale and won't date your home if you plan on staying put for years to come. However, because of its popularity, subway tile has been used to death. Designers and homeowners alike are starting to find subway tile — especially white subway tile — a little blasé. 

Whether you are looking for creative backsplash ideas for your kitchen or prefer something safe, picket tile may be the answer. Resembling the boards of a picket fence, picket tiles are elongated subway tiles with points at either end. They combine the modern, geometric look of hexagon tiles with the timelessness of subway tile. They are not too far outside the box to hurt resale value yet provide a more contemporary and elevated look than their rectangular cousins. Like subway tile, picket tile comes in a range of colors, sizes, and materials to suit any style and budget. 

Once you've chosen picket tiles as your backsplash shape of choice, you'll need to decide on a material and color. Ceramic picket tiles tend to be the least expensive, followed by porcelain and glass, with natural stone such as marble being the most costly option. As for color, white tiles are one of the best kitchen backsplash colors that can grow with you as your style and preferences change. Although stark white subway tile is considered a dated backsplash trend, white picket tiles are a more modern twist you won't find behind every kitchen door. If you prefer a jolt of color, picket tiles come in a wide range of hues. The most popular are shades of green, blue, black, or gray. Picket tiles look great as a solid color or as alternating colors or patterns. Some picket tiles also have beveled edges or recessed centers, adding more visual interest with a third dimension. 

There are long picket tiles, like foot-long Modena picket ceramic wall tiles in spa blue, or short ones such as INNO STICKERS 8-inch picket tiles, available in faux marble peel-and-stick sheets. Picket tiles are most commonly installed vertically or horizontally. The third option is the picket braid, which uses shorter picket tiles placed at an angle. This pattern can be mesmerizing, but may cost more for installation.