Kitchen back splashes are often afterthoughts of a renovation or remodel. People tend to focus on flooring, cabinets, appliances, and countertops, then use the backsplash to tie it all together. I think backsplashes are pretty important since that is one of the first things that grabs your eye. A lot of back splash options can get pretty pricey, though. Mosaic and specialty tile can run $20 a square foot and up. These seven trendy tiles will cost you less than $5 a square foot and you won't have to sacrifice on style or quality.
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- Twenties Vintage Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile | $4.75/square foot ($1.98 per tile)
Where are my Fixer Upper fans?! Cement tiles have made their debut quite often in Joanna's work and for good reason. These beautifully patterned tiles are stylish but not too crazy. This stunning black and white ceramic tile has a gorgeous pattern which is fun, but the classic color palette keeps the look somewhat timeless. I think using this in a backsplash with wood accents (check out Beginning In The Middle for inspiration) would be so pretty. A little bold? Sure, but no risk - no reward! - Finesse Glossy White Porcelain Mosaic Tile | $3.68/square foot ($3.99 per sheet)
Penny tile is one of the most classic tile options available. It has been used for decades and I have a personal affinity for this vintage mosaic tile. The small scale of penny tile works great as a backsplash in a smaller kitchen. The white finish will also aid in brightening up a dark or tiny space. Pairing this porcelain tile with gray or blue cabinets and carrara marble countertops sounds like my next dream kitchen. - Zara Gray Glazed Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile | $3.98/square foot ($1.77 per tile)
Love the pattern of the black and white cement-look tile but looking for something a little more subtle? This grey and white porcelain tile will give you pattern and a hint of drama without stealing the show entirely. The neutral colors in this back splash option are so subtle, you could really pair them with anything. Another idea I love is to use this tile to create an accent over a range - use subway tile as the main backsplash tile and then inlay a square of this to highlight the stove. hood, or pot-filler. A budget-friendly way to get high style on a lower budget. - Elida Ceramica Brushed Glass Hex Mosaic Wall Tile | $4.78/square foot ($3.99 per sheet)
This tile option isn't always under $5 a square foot, but it is on super sale now (possible a closeout) so I thought I would include it anyway. The hex pattern is classic, but the glass material give this mosaic backsplash option a modern twist. I could see this tile fitting in nicely with a more transitional kitchen with white shaker cabinets just as well as a sleek, flat-panel, cabinet-clad kitchen. - Fresh White Ceramic Field Wall Tile | $1.76/square foot ($.22 per tile)
You may be sick of it, but I still have a soft spot for it. Subway tile has made a huge comeback in the renovation world. An iconic tile that has been around for centuries, white subway tile is a classic and ridiculously affordable option for kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms. I used an oversized subway tile as our kitchen back splash, and I don't think I will ever tire of it. Not only is subway tile affordable, it is a really simple tile that can be easily installed by a novice. You can modify the look of subway tile by varying the installation pattern:
- rick pattern for a traditional look
- Herringbone pattern for a transitional look (tricky to install)
- Straight stack pattern for a modern look - Semi-Gloss Black Ceramic Wall Tile | $2/square foot ($.25 per tile)
I haven't seen this a lot, but I think this would be super cool in a modern kitchen. Black subway tile is a twist on the classic cousin: the white subway tile. If you are planning an all-white kitchen with white cabinets and white quartz counters, a black tile backsplash could be a really cool focal point. This tile is a semi-gloss, so it will add a pretty reflective quality to the kitchen. - Classic Brick Porcelain Mosaic Tile | $3.50/square foot ($3.28 per sheet)
Last but certainly not least, I have included a mosaic version of a white subway tile. It is in sheets making installation quick. The small scale pattern works really well in small spaces. Use this with a gray grout to create pattern and interest to a bland kitchen.
I hope this helps you if you are looking for an affordable backsplash option for your kitchen! If you have any other recommendations, please leave them in the comments for others to browse! If you are ordering online, don't forget to use Ebates so that you can save even more! ;)