12 Eye-Catching Stove Backsplashes That Wow
Tired of staring at the boring backsplash behind your stove? Ready to transform that blah space into a focal point that really pops? You're in luck - with the right backsplash tiles, you can easily create an eye-catching accent that spices up your entire kitchen.
A stove backsplash serves an important function, protecting your wall from inevitable splatters, heat, and grime. But it can also add wow-worthy style. With endless options for colors, textures, patterns and materials, your backsplash possibilities are unlimited.
Keep reading for 12 backsplash ideas that are sure to catch eyes and drop jaws in your kitchen!
Moroccan-Style Tile
For a seriously eye-catching backsplash, it's hard to beat Moroccan-style tiles. These decorative tiles feature colorful geometric patterns for visual interest and texture. Their complex designs and vibrant hues create just the style of focal point you want behind a stove.
Pros: undeniably beautiful, makes a bold statement, lots of style options
Cons: pattern intricacy makes DIY tricky, absorbed stains may be hard to clean
1.1 Choosing Colors and Patterns
Opt for tiles featuring rich jewel tones like emerald greens, brilliant blues, and deep ruby reds. For a lighter look, pastels also pair well with the Moroccan motif. Mix and match tile patterns for extra flair.
Coordinate colors with your cabinetry and countertops. Contrasting hues help the backsplash stand out while complementary shades lend a cohesive feel.
1.2 Execution and Installation
Moroccan patterns require precision. Leave ample time and preparation for proper layout. Use plastic tile spacers between each tile for clean grout lines. Avoid uneven spacing that disrupts the intricate designs.
Be sure your surface is perfectly primed and ready for installation. Take your time applying adhesive and carefully setting each tile.
Handpainted Tile
Custom handpainted backsplash tiles blend artistry with function. Talented artists can mimic any style from elegant floral motifs to funky modern patterns.
Handpainting allows for one-of-a-kind designs fitting your personal taste. The artistic flair beautifully enhances a kitchen's decor.
2.1 Hiring an Artist
Research local artists comfortable working on tiles. View their portfolio to find a style you love. Be sure to supply ideas, color schemes, and patterns you like.
Get a signed contract detailing the design, fees, timeline and number of tiles. Prices vary based on the intricacy of the design.
2.2 DIY Options
Handpaint your own backsplash if hiring an artist isn't feasible. Use ceramic tiles, properly cleaned and primed. Select acrylic paints designed for painting tile. Start with simple patterns of stripes or shapes.
Watch online tutorials for guidance. Avoid overly ambitious designs as a beginner.
Stainless Steel
Few materials withstand heat and stains like durable stainless steel. It offers a sleek, modern look perfect for contemporary kitchens.
Polished to a gleaming finish, stainless backsplashes complement professional-grade appliances. An industrial aesthetic with high functionality.
3.1 Cleaning and Protection
Prevent water stains and fingerprints with a gentle stainless steel cleaner and microfiber cloths. Apply a protectant wax to repel grime.
Use non-abrasive sponges to avoid scratching. Rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning.
3.2 Matching Metal Accessories
Complete the contemporary style with a commercial range hood in brushed stainless. Stainless handles and sinks also coordinate nicely.
Weave in other metallic finishes like matte black hardware for contrast.
Subway Tile
Subway tile delivers a classic, timeless backsplash look. The rectangular ceramic tiles line up in an offset brickwork pattern for simple elegance.
Durable and budget-friendly, subway tile is beginner DIY friendly. It also suits both modern and traditional decor.
4.1 Bold Hues
While white remains the subway tile gold standard, don't shy away from color. Deep blues, greens and grays lend modern flair.
Keep walls and cabinetry neutral to let vibrant subway tile make a statement. Coordinate with kitchen accessories.
4.2 Statement Grout
Contrasting grout takes subway tile up a notch. Black or gray grout punctuates light tiles. Bright blue or green grout complements darker tiles.
Consider finishing the edges for a more upscale look. Then allow the grout lines to steal the show.
Geometric Tile
Geometric shapes like triangles, diamonds and hexagons infuse excitement into a backsplash. Their repeating patterns and angles generate depth and visual motion.
Go bold behind the stove by playing with scale. Oversized geometric tile packs a graphic punch.
5.1 Mixing Shapes
For serious wow-factor, combine multiple shapes. Hexagon and diamond tiles offer contrast while maintaining harmony. Shift layout orientations for even more interest.
Limit combinations to 3 complementary shapes for the most cohesive look.
5.2 Contrasting Colors
Allow each shape its moment with contrasting colors. A dark gray hexagon might pop against white diamonds. Or blue triangles can accent navy diamonds.
Monochromatic palettes also emphasize pure geometric impact. Just vary matte and glossy finishes.
Marble Tile
Glamorous marble tile establishes an elegant, timeless look in the kitchen. The natural material offers luxurious beauty with distinctive veining in each piece.
Since marble stains easily, maintenance is key. Seal thoroughly and address spills quickly to keep it pristine.
6.1 Veining and Patterns
Select marble tile with movement and variation for the most character. Flowing veining patterns are endlessly captivating behind the stove.
Group pieces thoughtfully to create harmony. Too much variance looks haphazard.
6.2 Alternatives to Marble Tile
While less expensive, porcelain and limestone lack marble's authenticity. Peel-and-stick marble effect vinyls work in rentals but show seams.
As backsplashes are relatively small, it's worth investing in real marble you'll appreciate daily.
Mirrored Glass
Looking to double the beauty? Try a mirrored glass backsplash. It reflects light around the kitchen for an ultra-bright, open feel.
Tempered for safety, mirrored backsplashes come in affordable acrylic sheets or higher-end glass tiles.
7.1 Extra Shine and Brightness
Strategically place lighting to amplify the mirrored effect. Wall sconces flanking the stove bounce light around.
Hide any upper cabinets to allow light reflection across the entire backsplash area.
7.2 Minimizing Visibility
Prevent unwanted reflections being visible from other kitchen areas. Keep lower cabinets a darker color for contrast.
Frame the mirrored section with a subtle border tile if needed. This obscures edges.
Natural Stone
For gorgeous texture, natural stone brings depth. Types like granite, travertine and limestone work beautifully behind a stove.
Each stone slab has unique natural variations. Rich organic hues and veining offer statement appeal.
8.1 Mixing Stones
Blending stones can create visual interest. Try combining travertine, marble and granite in your backsplash design.
Select stones with harmonizing neutral hues. Unify them with consistent grout shade and tone.
8.2 Making a Statement
Let one striking slab stone take the spotlight. Bold orange granite or vivid blue and green quartzite draw the eye.
Keep surrounding materials simple. Then watch that bold focal stone pop against a crisp white stove.
Glass Tile
Nothing brightens up a backsplash like light-reflecting glass tile. Sleek and smooth, the luminous finish instantly modernizes.
Non-porous glass resists stains and stands up to heat and moisture. Regular sealing maximizes shine.
9.1 Frosted, Crackled and More
Unique glass tile textures add intrigue. A crackled finish mirrors an antique glaze. Frosted options soften the sheen.
Metallic glass tiles infuse glamour with a hint of shimmer. Opt for accent strips or mosaic sheets.
9.2 Metallic Glass
Warm, molten metals like copper, bronze and gold inject a glam touch behind the stove.
To offset the shine, pair metallic glass with matte tiles or natural stone. It's all about striking a style balance.
Patterned Tile
Timeless patterns like herringbone, fish scale and chevron bring lovely order to a backsplash. Their mesmerizing geometry draws eyes to the stove area.
Budget-friendly ceramic or porcelain tiles allow executing intricate layouts affordably.
10.1 Contrasting Grout
White grout aesthetically enhances intricate patterns. But consider darker shades like gray or black to make the design pop.
Grout lines act as outlines, defining the contours of each repeating shape or motif.
10.2 Complementary Colors
Select pattern tile in a subtle neutral tone, then introduce a bold accent color. Dark blue complements faded terracotta tiles beautifully.
Tie it together with accent window valences or kitchen linens in that punchy hue.
Mosaic Tile
Tiny mosaic tiles spell eye-catching impact. Turning your backsplash into a stained-glass style work of art with shimmering glass, metallic and handpainted options.
Cover the entire area or use mosaic sheets as inserts within larger tiles. The look excites either way.
11.1 Metallic Accents
Strategically placed metallic mosaics create visual drama. Imagine gold cracking through your subway tiles.
Use metallic mosaics sparingly to avoid looking gaudy. A little integrated shine goes a long way.
11.2 Shape and Color Variety
Intermixing mosaic tile shapes like rectangles, diamonds and hexagons generates movement. Push boundaries with an ombre or rainbow mosaic color blend.
Plan tile layouts carefully for optimal flow. Scale down busy patterns.
To maximize your eye-catching backsplash's visual impact, keep these design tips in mind:
- Properly accentuate with lighting. Install pendants or under-cabinet lighting.
- Tie in metal finishes like faucets and range hoods.
- Clean meticulously using non-abrasive products.
- Seal natural stone and grout to protect from stains.
- Limit upper cabinets to showcase the entire backsplash.
Creating a stunning stove backsplash is doable with a variety of materials and colors. Use these daring design ideas to inspire your own personal wow-worthy focal point.