The Iconic Kitchen Backsplash From The '80s That Has Returned Decades Later

A certain style of '80s kitchen backsplash is seeing a steady comeback in contemporary homes. While ceramic tiles date back well past the Decade of Decadence, the era saw a rise in popularity of a specific clay-based architectural material that feels increasingly fresh in 2026. Decorative brickwork was huge in the '80s, and you can easily incorporate this retro yet timeless material into your own kitchen via the backsplash. Bricks and brick tiles come in an enormous variety of shapes and sizes, so you're almost guaranteed to find something you like. Choose rustic farmhouse, industrial warehouse, or contemporary whitewash brick backsplash ideas to totally transform your home with an '80s-inspired design feature.

Wondering who's talking up 1980s brick backsplashes as a reemerging trend? Popular interior design and DIY Instagrammer Grey Birch Designs recently hand-laid a brick backsplash in a contemporary kitchenette, stating in the caption of the video that the final look "was 100% worth all the work." In mid-2024, handcrafted tile supplier Clé released a collection of glazed thin brick tile in earth-inspired tones. Fireclay Tile also listed glazed thin brick as the modern solution to a timeless brick backsplash in a rundown of 2025 kitchen backsplash trends published on their website in early 2025. Indeed, glazed brick tiles seem to be the material of the moment. They are, for example, a great option for anyone wanting to ditch the boring subway tile trend. "They come in a variety of whites, and can be a great substitute for traditional subway tiles," Katie Hodges, Principal Designer of Katie Hodges Design, told Dwell.

While you could certainly select a reddish-brown raw brick tile to mimic an authentic 1980s brick kitchen backsplash, there are countless versatile options available in 2026. Brick tiles now come in a wide range of colors and finishes, from pastel tones like sage green or dusty rose to dramatic hues like navy or burgundy. What you choose really depends on your style goals, renovation plans, and budget.

If you're lucky enough to already have brick in your kitchen, lean into the country kitchen feel by utilizing the exposed brick. That could involve stripping back layers of plaster, render, or paint to reveal the raw clay. If you don't have brick in your kitchen, note that not all cabinetry or walls can handle the weight of real bricks, which are typically fairly thick. Plus, you will lose some countertop depth on install. As an alternative, consider faux brick veneer panels. As mentioned, another trending option is glazed thin brick. While made of brick, these lightweight tiles have a glossy finish that's far more water resistant than porous raw clay.

You can also customize the look of your brick backsplash by rejecting traditional layouts, like the age-old staggered brick wall — the stretcher pattern. Instead, play around with some more visually exciting patterns like vertical stack or herringbone. Brick tile kitchen backsplashes might be an '80s-inspired trend on the rise once again, but that doesn't mean you have to totally abandon creative backsplash ideas for your kitchen.