Say Goodbye To Boring Backsplashes And Try Out These Creative Alternatives

Want to give your kitchen or bathroom a little personality? Whether you want to add whimsy or color, changing your backsplash is a great way to make a statement. You don't have to give your space a total upgrade. Forget demoing the whole place and just switch up the backsplash. The best part is that there are so many creative options to choose from. 

A bright, bold tile is a great way to draw attention and make your space one-of-a-kind. Or, consider installing wood paneling for a unique and visually interesting option. For an affordable and fun backsplash, consider painting your space using stencils, or you can also stay neutral by choosing a textured option. No matter what you choose, your space will get a major revamp by installing a creative backsplash. Keep reading for some of our favorite picks.

Ditch the all white tile and truly make a statement backsplash by choosing a bold, patterned tile. Consider a daring design or a tile with a variety of colors to spice up your space. The best part about patterned tile is that there are a million options to choose from, so you can create a space that's totally your own.

Patterned tile can definitely be installed yourself, especially if you choose a peel and stick option. These Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile Stickers from LONGKING have a beautiful pattern. Or, you could go for a rustic, antique look with these Black Star Stick on Tiles from The Tiles Plaza. Choosing to DIY regular tile (ceramic or porcelain) is a little more complicated. A few simple tips for installing tile backsplash include things like prepping the wall, planning the tile placement, and do small areas at a time.

Are you into the subway tile look but want to add a little flair? A colored glass tile is a great alternative. It's also a very versatile backsplash. Teal and blue are common glass tile color options, but the sky is the limit. Go crazy and choose pink, or try purple for a quirky, fun option.

These Crystile Purple Glossy Glass Subway Tiles from MOLOVO are perfect for a backsplash, and they come in a variety of colors. Electric Blue or Fire Orange are other vibrant colors to choose from. You can DIY glass tile installation, but it can be a complicated process, and the installation process is a bit different from porcelain or ceramic tiles. If you're not an experienced DIYer, you should consider hiring a professional, as they will understand how to correctly prepare the substrate, cut tiles, layout, and grout them.

A red backsplash screams, "Look at me!" Especially if you play with deep, rich tones like burgundy or a wine-red. If you're determined not to have a basic backsplash, this may be the winner. You can choose a red tile, peel and stick tiles, or even just red paint to accomplish this creative idea.

Consider these Vinyl Backsplash Tiles from Alwayspon if you're looking for an affordable option that's easy to DIY. Or, try this Polished Fluted Ceramic Wall Tile from Ivy Hill Tile for a dramatic, textured look. Maybe you're so into red that you want to redo your whole space. Check out these gorgeous red kitchens that'll have you reaching for a gallon of paint to get inspired and design your own space where red is the center of attention.

A mirrored backsplash is an excellent choice if you have a dark kitchen and you're eager to add some light. Not only do mirrored backsplashes reflect light and brighten the room, but they also create an illusion of more space. Plus, an antique or distressed mirror makes for a statement piece.

There are a variety of ways to incorporate a mirror backsplash. These Antique Mirror Beveled Polished Glass Subway Mosaic Wall Tiles from Apollo Tile are a beautiful, interesting choice. If you're eager to achieve the antique mirror look, but want to save a little money, consider DIYing your own faux antique mirror from any glass with something like this Rust-Oleum Specialty Mirror Spray. Or, go for a simpler, modern look with these Square Mirror Tiles from Bright Creations. You can also tastefully incorporate mirrored tile into your home kitchen with a coffee bar backsplash.

We totally get it – maybe you want an awesome, creative backsplash in your space, but you really don't want to break the bank. Try a painted backsplash. Yep, you heard that right. Consider using a stencil to paint intricate designs for an affordable but beautiful backsplash.

When creating a painted backsplash, it's vital to use high-quality paint. As this backsplash may not be as durable as tile, be sure to choose a primer that's designed for humidity or moisture. KILZ Mold and Mildew Interior and Exterior Primer is an excellent option to help your painted backsplash stay in tip-top shape. These Brick Stencils from Hosomono are great if you'd like to mimic a brick backsplash, or try these Star Stencils from Leinuosen for a retro vibe.

If your backsplash is boring, you can always mix it up. By mixing it up, we mean mixing materials. No one ever said that your backsplash can only have one material, so why not add more? Consider blending tile and stone or paint and wood paneling. Mixing materials is an up-and-coming kitchen backsplash trend that adds so much contrast to your space.

Adding personality to your space is definitely in, and utilizing more than one material can give your space a fun dimension. Draw attention to a certain area of your space by adding tile with a dramatic design, and surrounding it with a more understated material. Or, marble and white tile for a monochromatic look with an extra flair.

A copper backsplash offers a clean and comfortable industrial feel to your space. You can choose from a variety of finishes and textures, from patinated to hammered to embossed. If you want to get even more creative, consider embossing your copper backsplash with a unique design or pattern. You should definitely hop on the copper backsplash trend if you're looking to make a statement or add elegance to your space.

Copper is a great backsplash option because it's both moisture and heat-resistant (making it ideal for areas like the kitchen or bathroom). It's also a sanitary option for any cooking or food prep spaces. Unless you're an experienced DIYer, it might be a good idea to hire a pro to install your copper backsplash. You may need to ground your copper backsplash due to the electricity and water in your space. If you have little experience with electrical it's best to hire a professional.

You don't just have to make a statement in your space with color; you can do it with texture. Consider ribbed or textured tiles as an alternative to a flat, even tile to add a little something extra. They're also an excellent choice if you're going for a modern or luxurious look in your space.

A neutral fluted tile like these Matte Porcelain Fluted Subway Wall Tile from Ramblas Stroget offer depth but a calm palette. Or, go really bold with these Red Polished Fluted Ceramic Wall Tiles from Mawr. Incorporating this tile in a backsplash is a beautiful way to incorporate trendy fluted tile into your bathroom. One thing to note about textured tiles – because of the grooves or ridges, they may trap dust or grime more easily than smooth tiles. Be sure to wipe down and clean your backsplash often.

You may think that grout color would have no effect on your space, but you'd be very wrong. Gone are the days where you can only have a gray or white grout on your wall; now there are a range of options from gold to pink to blue. You could even add glitter to your grout for an extra special backsplash. Who wouldn't want a little sparkle in their bathroom or kitchen? (Check out this Silver Holographic Glitter Grout Additive from Hemway.)

If you're looking for colorful grout and tile combinations that will inspire you to join the bold decor trend, consider white tile and yellow grout, or blue tile and orange grout. Another crazy option is pink tile with pink grout. The options are pretty much endless, and you can have a lot of fun with this backsplash. You can DIY a unique colored grout, just use a concrete pigment. Be sure to do a sample test to ensure you achieve the right color.

Craving the versatility and pattern that comes with paint, but want to skip some of the effort of a stencil? A wallpaper backsplash may be your answer. There are a million different patterns, colors, and textures to choose from. Whether you want a dark and moody floral print, or a light and whimsical coastal vibe – there's a wallpaper option for you.

Another positive about wallpaper is that it can be relatively easy to apply. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is very DIY friendly, simply clean the wall well beforehand, peel the back of the paper, and stick! You'll want to use a tool like a squeegee to ensure there are no bubbles. This Cream White and Blue Floral Wallpaper from Froluya offers a vintage vibe, or try this Dark Floral Wallpaper from Laatse for a more dramatic look. Be sure to avoid common mistakes everyone makes when using wallpaper as a backsplash, like skipping sanding your wall or forgetting to fill any cracks.

If you want to go really outside of the box, try wood paneling for your kitchen or bathroom backsplash. This is a trendy option that offers a warm vibe to your space. Depending on your style, wood paneling options include shiplap, beadboard, board and batten, and more.

One important note with wood paneling is to be cautious if you have a gas stove. Be sure to use an alternate material above the stove for fire safety. Although a wood panel backsplash is a very creative option, there are a few other things to consider. Besides the fire risk, wood also requires regular sealing and can be prone to water damage. A water-resistant sealer (like this Original Wood Finish from Tried & True) is a great option for your wood backsplash.

You can add some flavor to your kitchen backsplash without overwhelming your space with color or pattern. Consider creating a tile mural just above the stove to make a focal point in your space. You can make a statement with mosaic tile, or add a textured stone to create dimension. This is a great way to take a risk with color or material, as it won't overtake your whole kitchen.

Not only is this backsplash idea a great choice if you don't want to redo your whole kitchen backsplash, but there are other plus sides as well. Especially if you choose a tile or other heat-resistant material, this adds an extra level of protection for your walls (for both heat and moisture or grease). This bright and bold Glossy Fire Orange Glass Mosaic Tile from Skosh would definitely make your kitchen stand out.