16 Stunning Tile Backsplash Alternatives From HGTV Stars That'll Set Your Home Apart

Though it seems like the go-to, tile isn't the only backsplash material to consider. In fact, your favorite HGTV stars have several other unique ideas to discover if you're searching for something less common. From Hilary Farr to Leanne Ford, you're bound to find a backsplash idea that suits your aesthetic and kitchen preferences. These designers are known for transforming ordinary kitchens into statement spaces, often using unexpected materials and textures. A backsplash is so much more than an accent — it anchors your entire kitchen.

When it comes to creative backsplash ideas for your kitchen, think beyond the obvious. Explore the possibilities of stone slabs, DIY concepts, and more. A backsplash isn't just a practical surface; it's an opportunity to showcase your personality. Whether you're renovating a cozy cottage or updating a modern penthouse, the right backsplash can completely redefine your kitchen's atmosphere. By stepping outside the tile box, you'll discover inventive surfaces that breathe new life into your space.

In Season 5, Episode 10, of "Christina on the Coast," Christina Haack encouraged her clients to choose white cabinetry and countertops, pairing them with a white oak island for warmth. To add texture, she suggested a light beige stone backsplash that continues up the wall, creating a seamless statement piece. She explained the choice of stone: "Everyone's going to want it. That stone is seriously my favorite new backsplash; it adds the rustic hacienda vibe. And I feel like the stone brings the outside in."

For a backsplash with striking depth and natural variation, granite stands out as a stunning option. Quartzite is another material that stands out when durability is a must, resisting wear and tear. If you're after an organic, earthy vibe, consider the timeless addition of travertine. Stone finishes can range from smooth to rough-cut, adding texture and character. Layouts offer flexibility too, whether in classic stacked bricks or a more irregular arrangement. Although stone undoubtedly excels in resilience, don't forget about this downside to a brick or stone kitchen backsplash that nobody talks about.

Jeremiah Brent designed a beveled marble backsplash in his own kitchen that rises higher above the sink area for visual drama. He chose the stone for its rich contrast, emphasizing that the marble brought depth to the room's simple design. Brent told Domino, "I love a nice marble. Actually, the particular marble that we went with [in the kitchen], my husband did not want — it was one of the only few things we've ever really disagreed on. I finally said to him, 'Please let me do this. I'm in this room. I cook. I really believe in this marble.' I wanted the stone to contrast against the simplicity [of the space]."

The marble used in Brent and Berkus' home has bold veining that's very trendy, as dark and dramatic striations are currently taking over the design world. This is far from the first time Jeremiah Brent favored marble for a backsplash. He also used a Bordeaux marble backsplash in his office kitchen. There are several reasons why you should consider a marble backsplash for your kitchen, including its strength and durability. Although it does require regular sealing, it eliminates grout lines and could increase your property value.

In "Home Town," Season 6, Episode 7, Erin Napier transformed the kitchen by installing horizontally applied beadboard as a backsplash. Beadboard is a kind of paneling made of narrow, vertical planks with grooves, traditionally used to add visible texture to walls. The design added a rustic, cozy character to the space while remaining budget-friendly.

Beadboard paneling is a classy wall option for clean lines in your home, especially in your cooking space. The beauty of beadboard is that you can actually apply it over an existing backsplash, as long as you follow a few key steps. Measure and cut the beadboard panels to fit the space, then paint them in your desired color before installation. Attach the panels to the tile using heavy-duty construction adhesive. Finally, seal the edges with acrylic latex caulk containing silicone to protect them against moisture.

Joanna Gaines is an advocate for looking beyond a tile backsplash. She wrote on her Magnolia blog about a renovation she and Chip completed using macaubus quartzite, a natural stone with a white surface and dark gray veining. Gaines explained why it was the perfect choice for her client's contemporary kitchen, saying, "There are so many tile options out there, but remember you don't have to be limited to just using tile for a backsplash. Here, we used a polished white macaubus quartzite with horizontal veining. This stone offsets the rustic feel of the wooden features in the room and brings in a modern look to the kitchen. I love that it adds texture without competing with the rest of the design details in the space."

Just like marble, when quartzite is properly sealed, it's resistant to stains and bacteria. Quartzite's natural heat resistance allows it to withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for areas behind stoves and cooktops. In addition to white macaubus, the Taj Mahal pattern is another popular quartzite variation that features more subtle gold veining. You can either bring your quartzite from the countertops up the wall, or use a contrasting countertop and simply use a slab for your backsplash. Learn more about what quartzite countertops are and whether they have any downsides.

Mike Holmes shared a stunning backsplash idea on his Make It Right blog, explaining, "Use the same material and pattern throughout your kitchen, like a slab porcelain tile for all your countertops, backsplash, and waterfall kitchen-island, to create an overall elegant look." Although large-scale porcelain slabs are technically tiles, they aren't what you imagine when you picture a tile backsplash. You can order slabs that stretch the entire length of your backsplash, avoiding grout lines altogether. This option gives you all the benefits of porcelain tiles without the grout maintenance.

Because it is made from high-fired clay, porcelain slabs can be customized into almost any size. That makes it the perfect choice if you want to cover multiple surfaces in a single finish, as Holmes suggested. Keep in mind that custom cuts can be more expensive, and porcelain is not a cheap material to begin with. However, the durability can make the cost worth it in the end. Plus, it's less expensive than marble and can mimic the same veining and organic aesthetic. Learn about the difference between porcelain and ceramic, and why porcelain might be the better choice for you.

To reflect her clients' playful personalities, in Season 2, Episode 9, of "Tough Love," Hilary Farr painted the backsplash a vibrant, neon lime green. The bold color choice offered an affordable and cheerful way to add a splash of individuality to the kitchen while demonstrating why paint can be a great backsplash option. Paint is flexible, easy to change, and allows homeowners to experiment with color without committing to permanent materials.

The takeaway from this idea is not that you need to choose the same shade of lime green, but that a bold paint color can serve as an eye-catching focal point in any kitchen. To ensure longevity and practicality, it is important to select a high-quality, durable, and washable paint with some sheen so that food splatters and spills can be wiped away easily. You can use this Pentausa All-in-One Emerald Waterproof Paint, or cover your paint job with a product like the Snkxu Clear Contact Paper for extra protection.

Leanne Ford created a custom stone backsplash on HGTV's "Rock the Block." What makes this design unique is the grout wash she applied over the stone. She explained on her Instagram, "Stone #backsplash in the #kitchen. Please and thank you. We actually '#grout-washed' this stone. Which we made up on the fly because we wanted lighter stone, but couldn't quite afford it. We rubbed the grout residue on and didn't wipe it clean. Then we sealed it so it will stay put. And presto."

This technique transforms a standard stone backsplash into an organic focal point that mimics the look of a naturally aged surface. The grout wash not only lightens the stone but also enhances its tactile quality. To achieve this effect, her team used sanded white grout, a trowel for application, large paint brushes for texture, and sponges to remove excess material. The final step was sealing the surface with a concrete sealer to ensure durability.

Instead of a traditional tile backsplash, in "Property Brothers," Season 14, Episode 3, Drew and Jonathan opted for a stunning, unique alternative. They cut into the exterior of the house to design a long, horizontal window backsplash. Jonathan walked viewers through the process: "In the kitchen, we're widening the opening where the window backsplash will be. It's a unique design feature and also a great source of natural light."

Because cutting into an exterior wall alters the home's structure, you will likely need a building permit and should consult an architect to determine the safest and most effective placement and size for the new window. However, the benefits can be worth it since adding a window provides natural light to your cooking space. Just consider the privacy aspect while planning. Depending on the window's orientation, you may want to consider frosted glass or strategic landscaping.

Egypt Sherrod collaborated with NuWallpaper and Brewster Home Fashions to create a peel-and-stick wallpaper line that includes stylish backsplash options. Her Bali Bamboo design offers homeowners a super easy way to refresh their kitchens. In fact, the company showcases how well it works in an ivory kitchen with quartz countertops and cabinets with vertical slats. This pattern is the perfect way to bring a touch of visual interest to an otherwise minimalist space.

It's generally not recommended to install wallpaper over a stovetop or above any appliance that can radiate heat. However, there are some steps you can take to protect your backsplash. For example, a heat-resistant sticker coating like this Cosnight Clear Contact Paper can turn regular wallpaper into a kitchen-safe surface. 

Erin Napier came up with a fun and visually striking DIY idea in Season 3, Episode 12, of "Home Town." She exclaimed, "What if we have fun with the backsplash? We can take spray paints, vinegar, and water to make mirrored mercury glass for the backsplash." The project is a great way to add vintage charm to your kitchen if you've been searching for a unique and affordable solution.

Mirrors can be expensive, so creating your own out of clear glass can save you some serious cash. If you want to copy Napier's DIY, you can easily turn any surface into a vintage-style mirror by following a few steps. First, spray the back of a glass panel with a light mist of vinegar and water. Next, immediately apply several thin coats of paint like Rust-Oleum's Mirror Effect Spray. Let it dry between coats until you achieve the desired mirrored finish.

Jasmine Roth posed an important series of questions to her Instagram followers: "What makes a kitchen work? Yes, backsplash tile can be beautiful — but does it work hard to keep a kitchen clean and practical?" Her photo showcases a unique backsplash concept from Season 2, Episode 4. She reimagined some of the backsplash altogether by extending cabinetry down to meet the countertop. The design maximizes storage while glass-front doors keep the look visually light and open.

This renovation is proof that thinking out of the box starts by prioritizing your needs. If you're constantly lacking something in your kitchen — be it storage or counter space — rethinking traditional layouts and materials can transform your lifestyle. If you're intrigued by her cabinetry idea, there are several ways you can adapt it to suit your interior. To maximize space, consider lift-up or sliding cabinet doors, which allow for easy access. For additional prep space, try a retractable counter extension.

Candice Olson, host of "Divine Design" and "Candice Tells All," recently shared a unique backsplash concept on both her Facebook and Instagram. If you like the idea of a solid backsplash, but you can't afford solid stone or quartz, Olson offers another stylish option to consider. She used what appears to be a glass or acrylic panel to brighten up the bar area of a narrow kitchen. Because the space was so small, the simple backsplash was perfect for complementing rather than overwhelming the space.

You can choose to copy this design with either a glass or acrylic panel. There are different benefits to both panel options. Glass provides more color and design options, resists heat, and is highly durable. Acrylic, on the other hand, is lighter, more affordable, and easier to install, but can warp and scratch easily. Glass is best for high-heat areas, while acrylic suits budget-friendly, low-maintenance spaces, like a bar rather than above your stovetop.

In the finale of Season 2 of "Home Town Takeover," Dave and Jenny Marrs installed a whitewashed brick backsplash as a nod to the homeowner's past handiwork. Jenny explained, "We removed the faux brick wall you built, but we wanted to pay homage to your handiwork by installing a new brick backsplash. [...] We're flipping them vertically to give it a modern feel. And then we're adding a mortar wash to soften the finish." Although she refers to them as brick tiles, they are much different than any traditional tilework you're used to seeing on a kitchen backsplash.

If you want to get this look, you can either use real brick if your wall can support it, or opt for thin brick veneer that is more lightweight. Then, you can get the whitewashed look with a fairly simple DIY. First, clean the brick thoroughly, then mix equal parts of white latex paint and water. Apply the mixture with a brush or sponge, adjusting coverage by adding more or wiping away excess until you achieve the desired look. Don't forget to learn the difference between limewash and whitewash, to determine what would suit your space best.

On Rock the Block, Sarah and Bryan Baeumler surrounded a limestone hood vent with a sleek marble backsplash that matched the island. Sarah also praised the seamless marble-like slab backsplash that designer Taniya Nayak picked on "Battle on the Beach," Season 2, Episode 1. She explains, "What I like too...is I appreciate that they've run it all the way up the backsplash just to keep it a seamless look, which I prefer, instead of doing a tile backsplash. I think it keeps your eye focused where you want it to."

Although the idea is similar to Jeremiah Brent's marble backsplash concept, their design features marble that stretches all the way up to the cabinets. A short backsplash or partial backsplash typically extends three to six inches above the countertop, offering a minimalist alternative to full-height backsplashes. However, full-height backsplashes provide maximum protection and create a seamless, finished look in the kitchen. If you don't have budgetary restraints, installing a full backsplash in marble or a manufactured lookalike can instantly make your kitchen look luxurious.

Grace Mitchell is another HGTV star who embraces the power of a painted backsplash. HGTV profiled her cooking space, where she painted the backsplash in a playful green shade. However, she also added a special touch to personalize her space even further. Mitchell used decals with lettering that reads, "You are welcome here." The beauty of this concept is that you can add any custom phrase or design that speaks to you.

You can either paint on your own design or purchase adhesive decals. If you or someone you know is particularly artistic, you can even opt for a custom mural. For an instant, simple solution, order a product like this "Enjoy the Little Things" Vinyl Wall Decal. You can also think beyond lettering and try a botanical design with these Wondever Boho Flower Wall Stickers. Finish your backsplash with a protective layer or glass for proper preservation.

Michael Smith Boyd, from "Luxe for Less" and "Rock the Block," proves that tile isn't the only way to be bold with your backsplash. He recently showed a stunning transformation on his Instagram. He opted for a dark green quartzite backsplash inspired by 1970s design, complemented by a metallic, hand-textured range hood. The combination strikes a balance, allowing both the stone and the custom hood finish to shine without the visual competition that tile could create.

When it comes to selecting your backsplash, this renovation is a great reminder that you should always consider how it works with other elements in your space — particularly your oven hood. In Boyd's interior, the faux metal finish on the range hood continues onto the wall sections above the backsplash beside the range. This extension visually connects the hood and wall, creating a sleek, two-toned, color-block effect.