13 Beautiful Backsplash Ideas to Add Character to Your Kitchen

A kitchen with beautiful wooden cabinets and a character-filled backsplash.

Liven up your kitchen with a unique backsplash.  Tile, metal, stone, mosaics and many other elements can be used to create unique backsplashes.  Here are 13 beautiful backsplash ideas to add character to your kitchen.

A kitchen sink with a wooden cutting board, adding character to your kitchen.
Natural stone tiles enhance this kitchen backsplash (HGTV)
  1. Heavy Metal

Smooth stainless or copper tiles bring a refined luster to your kitchen.  You’re probably familiar with embossed ceiling tiles, but how about adding them to your kitchen backsplash?

A kitchen with a stainless steel backsplash to add character.
Shimmery metal backsplash tiles (woohome)
A kitchen with a beautiful black and silver backsplash to add character.
Vibrant metallic kitchen backsplash (contemporaryinteriordesigns)
A kitchen with beautiful cabinets.
Embossed metal tile backsplash (youtrick)
A kitchen with a sink and beautiful tin tiles on the wall.
Embossed metal tile kitchen backsplash (lightboxhome)

2.  Shimmer

Luminescent tiles create a magical surface in the kitchen that shimmers and glistens.  Try these around the sink or bar area for a dazzling effect.

A modern kitchen with a beautiful backsplash and stainless steel appliances.
Shimmering kitchen backsplash (HGTV)
A kitchen with a marble counter top and a sink featuring a beautiful backsplash.
Beautiful shimmery kitchen backsplash (afreakatheart.blogspot)

3.  River Rock

Create marvelous texture and interest with river rock on your backsplash.  Cover the whole wall or create an interesting pattern.

A kitchen with a stone backsplash.
River rock kitchen backsplash (woohome)
A kitchen with a beautiful stone backsplash.
River rock kitchen backsplash (flipboard)

4.  Nature-inspired Mosaics

Use pieces of natural stone, such as slices of agate or amethyst, with ceramic tiles to create a flowing and beautiful backsplash design.  Apply leaf-shaped or other nature-inspired tiles for a wonderful kitchen enhancement.

13 Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Add Character with Mosaic and Wood
Mosaic tile backsplash (threepixels)
A kitchen with a tiled backsplash.
Beautiful flowing mosaic tile kitchen backsplash (bestofinteriors)
A kitchen with a brown tile countertop and flowers in a vase, showcasing beautiful backsplash ideas.
Leaf tiles enhance this kitchen backsplash (ideahack.me)

5.  Patterned Mosaic

Use tiles to create a beautiful mosaic design or use a center tile and create a border with complementary pieces.

A kitchen with white cabinets and a black stove top featuring beautiful backsplash ideas.
Beautiful blue and white tiles enhance this kitchen (tumbledmarblebacksplash)
A kitchen with a beautiful blue and white tiled wall.
Blue and white ceramic tile backsplash design (willowdecor.blogspot)

6.  Scenic

Transfer images to tiles for a very unique and personalized kitchen backsplash.

A kitchen with a beautiful backsplash and a view of the road.
Scenic kitchen backsplash (homedesignlover)
A kitchen with a black stove and orange and black pictures on the wall showcasing beautiful backsplash ideas.
Photo transfer kitchen backsplash (denta-mirafloreslodge)

7.  Corks

For the wine lover, put those corks to use by creating a cork backsplash.  Adhere the corks to tiles or directly to the wall.  Seal them with glaze for longevity and easy cleaning.

A beautiful bottle of wine is sitting on a counter in a kitchen.
Cork kitchen backsplash (pgday.postgres.arg.org)

8.  Chalkboard

If you like to change things up or enjoy the bistro style kitchen, install a chalkboard backsplash and have fun adding messages or patterns.

A beautiful blackboard in a kitchen.
Chalkboard kitchen backsplash (hometalk)
A stainless steel refrigerator in a beautiful kitchen.
Chalkboard kitchen backsplash (HGTV)

9.  Glass Tiles

Colored glass tiles make for an interesting backsplash.  These tiles can be arranged into creative patterns and colorful designs for a custom look.  Glass tiles have a wonderful shimmer that highlights the backsplash.

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A colorful kitchen with beautiful bowls on a counter.
Colorful tile backsplash (radiogosen)
A kitchen with a unique backsplash.
Tile kitchen backsplash (youtrick)
A kitchen with black cabinets, yellow flowers, and character.
Tile kitchen backsplash (HGTV)
A kitchen with a stainless steel character
Pretty green tile kitchen backsplash (decoist)
A kitchen with a sink and oven.
Dimensional tile backsplash (HGTV)

10.  Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, patterns and colors.  They can be mixed and matched for whatever design you like.

A kitchen with a colorful tile backsplash - Character, Kitchen
Pretty pastel backsplash (jimoxuan)
Beautiful blue and white tiled backsplash adding character to kitchen.
Vibrant mosaic tile backsplash (mosaicology.blogspot)
A kitchen with a beautiful blue tiled backsplash.
Pretty blue kitchen tile backsplash (napaproject)
A colorful kitchen with beautiful cabinets.
Vibrant tile backsplash brings life to this eclectic kitchen (ihisham)

11.  Subway Tile

Subway tile is a popular choice among homeowners.  It is classic and comes in a variety of colors.

A white kitchen with beautiful green tile backsplash and white cabinets.
Pretty green tile backsplash (shelterness)

12.  Unique Size and Pattern

For a modern look, try larger tiles with a wood grain or faux stone finish.  Even wood panels can be used for a classic kitchen look.

A modern kitchen with beautiful wood floors and trendy bar stools.
Beautiful tiles give this modern kitchen chic style (homeadore)

13.  Create a Design

Tiles don’t necessarily have to be placed square.  Create a stylish design, such as chevron, for an updated modern appeal.

A beautiful kitchen with a sink and a window.
Chevron design enhances this tile kitchen backsplash (yacineaziz)
A tiled kitchen with a stove and oven featuring beautiful backsplash ideas.
Vivid chevron design gives life to this kitchen backsplash (decoist)

The kitchen backsplash is an area of the home that can be designed with creative touches for a personalized look.  Add shimmer, nature-inspired designs, or a simple subway tile for a distinct look in your kitchen.

 

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