Introduction to Backsplashes for Small Kitchens
A backsplash is an integral part of any kitchen design, but it is especially important in a small kitchen. Choosing the right backsplash can make a small kitchen appear larger and more visually appealing. The backsplash serves both practical and decorative purposes, protecting the walls from moisture, stains, and splashes while also adding visual interest and beauty.
When selecting a backsplash for a small kitchen, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The color, material, and design of the backsplash should enhance the overall look of the space, reflect your personal style, and coordinate with the countertops, cabinetry, and other finishes. Opting for a backsplash that makes the space appear larger or brighter can give the illusion of a more expansive kitchen.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the most popular and practical backsplash options for small kitchens. We will cover how to choose the right backsplash for your goals, provide an overview of the different materials available, and give recommendations for colors and patterns that work best in petite kitchen spaces. Read on for expert insights on selecting, designing, and installing the perfect backsplash to maximize and accentuate your compact kitchen.
Benefits of a Backsplash in a Small Kitchen
Though a backsplash serves important functions in any kitchen, it offers particular benefits for small kitchen spaces including:
Protection
A properly sealed and maintained backsplash will protect your kitchen walls from water damage, stains, and splatters from food prep and cleaning. This allows you to spend less time scrubbing your walls and prevents moisture damage.
Ease of Cleaning
The right backsplash materials like glass, metal, and porcelain tile are non-porous and easy to wipe down. This is especially useful in a small kitchen where you need to clean frequently to keep the space looking neat.
Style/Visual Interest
A thoughtfully designed backsplash acts as an accent wall that can add personality, color, and visual appeal to your small kitchen’s look.
Perceived Spaciousness
Strategic use of lighter colors, mirrored surfaces, and simple textures or patterns can make a small kitchen feel more open and expansive.
Affordability
Backsplashes provide a lot of bang for your buck. Unlike full kitchen remodels, upgrading just the backsplash is an affordable way to update the look of your kitchen.
Light Reflection
Glossy backsplash tiles and materials reflect light, which can make a small, dark kitchen brighter and more pleasant.
backsplash Design Considerations for Small Kitchens
When planning your backsplash, consider the following factors for choosing a size, color, material, and design that fits your compact kitchen:
Allow for Sufficient Coverage
Make sure to measure and account for enough backsplash material to cover the desired space between your countertops and cabinets. Standard backsplash height is 4 inches tall.
Select Easy-to-Clean Materials
Non-porous, durable, moisture-resistant materials that are easily wiped clean are best for small kitchens. Glass, metal, and glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles are excellent options.
Stick With Smaller Tiles/Patterns
Large tile with wide grout lines can make a small kitchen feel closed in. Opt for smaller tiles like mosaics, subway tile, or mini hexagons.
Use Reflective Surfaces
Mirrored glass or metallic backsplashes make small kitchens feel more expansive by reflecting light. Glossy tile finishes also help bounce light around.
Choose Lighter Colors
Soft or subtle colors like white, light gray, or pale blues will keep a tiny kitchen feeling bright and airy. Dark colors can make the space feel closed off.
Add Visual Interest
While you want to avoid clutter, well-placed decorative accents can add personality without making the kitchen feel busier. Frames, medallions, or single bold tiles work well.
Coordinate with Cabinets/Counters
Choose a backsplash color that ties in with your existing cabinetry and countertops for a cohesive look. Contrasting can look disjointed.
Consider Open Shelving
Backsplashes that extend uninterrupted from countertop to bottom of wall cabinets give the illusion of height. Open shelving also makes a small kitchen feel more spacious.
Install Properly
Making sure your backsplash is properly sealed and mounted will keep moisture from seeping behind it and damaging your walls over time.
Popular Backsplash Materials for Small Kitchens
There are a variety of excellent backsplash materials suitable for small kitchens. Consider the following options:
Glass Tile
Glass tile backsplashes have a reflective, light-enhancing quality perfect for small spaces. Glass is non-porous for easy cleaning too. Subway, mosaic, and large format glass tiles all work beautifully.
Metal
Metal backsplashes like zinc, copper, stainless steel, and tin add a contemporary, industrial vibe. Metals are available in a range of textures and finishes from hammered to smooth. Their reflective properties make metal a smart style choice for tiny kitchens.
Ceramic Tile
Glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles make classic and affordable backsplash options in small kitchens. Subway tiles, mosaics, and smaller format tiles all suit petite kitchens. Just be sure to use tiles rated for kitchen use.
Stone Tile
While less reflective than glass or metal tile, stone materials like marble, travertine, and granite add texture and visual interest to backsplashes in a durable, easy-to-clean format sized for small spaces.
Pressed Tin
Pressed tin backsplashes with decorative shapes and patterns provide vintage flair. The lightweight material is moisture resistant and installs easily over existing surfaces using liquid nails or construction adhesive.
Peel-and-Stick Tile
Adhesive “peel-and-stick” backsplash tiles make for an easy, affordable DIY option. These self-adhesive tiles can mimic stone, metal, glass, and other materials without grout or specialized tools.
Ideal Backsplash Colors for Small Kitchens
Backsplash coloring can affect how small a kitchen feels. Here are some of the best hues to make your tiny kitchen appear bright and expansive:
White
A white backsplash is a classic choice that reflects light and makes small kitchens feel clean and airy. White pairs nicely with any cabinetry color too.
Light Grays
Soft, pale gray backsplashes complement most decor styles from modern to farmhouse. The light color keeps the space feeling open.
Beiges and Creams
Warm off-white hues like beige, cream, and almond work for backsplashes and pair well with natural wood cabinetry in small kitchens.
Blues and Greens
Tranquil blues and greens capture the feel of natural elements to create relaxing ambiance in tight kitchens. Pastel shades work best.
Metallics
Shimmering metallic backsplashes in silver, gold, copper, or bronze add glamour and the illusion of more space through light reflection.
Just avoid very dark or oversaturated backsplash colors as they can make tiny kitchens feel closed in and shrink the sense of space. If you opt for a vivid mosaic tile, balance it with plenty of neutral grout.
Clever Backsplash Designs for Petite Kitchens
In terms of backsplash layout, simpler is often better in small kitchens. But there are also some clever backsplash design choices that can make your tiny kitchen more functional and visually appealing:
Extending to Bottom of Cabinets
Running your backsplash tile from counter to bottom cabinet gives the impression of height in low-ceilinged kitchens.
Framing the Range
Focus your backsplash tile behind and around the stove where it’s most functional and visible. This prevents clutter.
Mosaic Pattern
Small mosaic tiles and thin grout lines maintain the backsplash scale in proportion with compact kitchens.
Contrasting Neutral Tones
Mixing neutral tiles in tones like warm white, cool gray, and almond keeps the palette subtle but adds depth.
Metallic Accent Tiles
Strategic use of eye-catching metallic, mirrored, or marble mosaic tiles as insets provides a pop of wow without overpowering.
Open Shelving
Combining upper backsplash tile with open shelving maintains an airy aesthetic compared to closed cabinetry.
Tile “Rug”
Placing a tile design on the floor beneath a shorter backsplash mimics a rug and draws the eye down for balance.
Bold Single Focal Tile
One large, artistic focal tile makes a statement amid otherwise simple subway tiles for a budget-friendly accent.
Design Inspiration: Creative Backsplashes for Tiny Kitchens
To spark ideas for your own small kitchen backsplash, here are some gorgeous yet functional backsplash designs perfect for petite kitchen spaces:
All-White Palette
A glossy white subway tile backsplash reflects light and pairs seamlessly with white cabinetry in this expanded galley kitchen. The classic white palette keeps the narrow space feeling clean and open.
![All-white kitchen backsplash]
Gray Stacked Stone
Textural stacked stone tiles laid in a geometric pattern infuse this modern small kitchen with a natural vibe. Cool gray stone prevents a closed-in feeling. Open shelves maintain airflow.
![Gray stacked stone backsplash]
Blue Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
Vibrant Moroccan fish scale tiles in varying blues make a dynamic focal feature on this backsplash. Their smaller scale suits the petite kitchen, while pops of orange and wood add warmth.
![Blue Moroccan fish scale tile backsplash]
Rustic Wood Planks
Reclaimed wood planks running horizontally impart rustic charm in this farmhouse kitchen. The wood’s natural grain and color variation pair nicely with the classic apron front sink.
![Rustic wood plank backsplash]
Bold Metallic Geometric
A stunning brass geometric tile design energizes this contemporary backsplash. The metallic sheen reflects light and feels modern without overwhelming the compact workspace.
![Bold brass geometric tile backsplash]
Mirrored Glass Subway
Mirror-finish glass subway tiles make this backsplash a literal reflection of light and space. Their clean edges blend with the contemporary minimalist style.
![Mirrored glass subway tile backsplash]
Setting the Budget for a Small Kitchen Backsplash
Budget-wise, backsplashes offer an affordable way to update your kitchen’s look compared to full remodels. Here are some typical backsplash cost considerations:
- Low-budget backsplashes like paint, tile stickers, or peel-and-stick tiles can cost as little as $2-5 per square foot installed.
- Mid-range backsplashes with ceramic, porcelain, or mosaic tile run $5-25 per square foot including installation.
- Higher-end backsplash materials like natural stone, glass tile, or metal can range from $15-50 per square foot installed.
- Unique materials like reclaimed wood or pressed tin fall somewhere in the mid-range to high end.
- Other costs involve purchase of sealants/grouts, backsplash trim pieces, and any special tools needed. Remember to account for the fact that small kitchens often need specialty tile cuts which can drive up install costs slightly.
Get contractor estimates to compare labor and material rates and determine the most cost-effective backsplash option for your kitchen size and style.
Tips for Installing a Backsplash in a Small Kitchen
Once you’ve selected the perfect backsplash materials for your compact kitchen, proper installation is key to functionality and longevity. Keep these tips in mind:
- Carefully measure your backsplash area and purchase 10-15% extra tile to accommodate irregular spaces and tricky cuts.
- Thoroughly clean and dry the surface to remove old adhesive, grease, and soap scum so tiles adhere properly.
- For novice DIY installations, use self-adhesive peel-and-stick tiles or tile sheets to avoid complex tile-setting.
- Allow proper time for thinset mortars and grouts to set and cure before sealing or using the backsplash.
- Use a tile wet saw for detailed cuts around outlets and corners. A snapper tile cutter works for straight cuts.
- In tight spaces, install tiles in sections workable for you rather than all at once across large areas.
- If removing old backsplash tile, inspect the walls for any needed repairs before installing new tile.
- Seal natural stone tiles to prevent staining and discoloration from kitchen splatters.
- Seal grout lines properly with a penetrating sealer to prevent moisture damage and mold growth.
Following proper installation techniques will help your small kitchen backsplash maintain its beauty and function for many years before requiring replacement.
FAQs About Backsplashes for Small Kitchens
What is the most popular backsplash for a small kitchen?
White subway tile is likely the most popular choice for small kitchen backsplashes. The classic rectangular white tiles keep the space looking clean, bright, and elegant.
How do you make a small kitchen backsplash look bigger?
Using reflective materials like polished stone, glass, or metal tile helps reflect light and makes a small kitchen feel more expansive.
What size tile is best for a small kitchen backsplash?
Smaller tile sizes like mosaics, subways, or mini hexagons (under 4 inches) help maintain backsplash proportions in a petite kitchen. Avoid large format tiles.
Should you put a backsplash in a small kitchen?
Yes, backsplashes serve both form and function in any kitchen. For small kitchens, moisture protection and easier cleanability are especially important. A well-designed backsplash also adds style.
What color backsplash goes with white cabinets in a small kitchen?
White subway tile is a popular choice but light gray, beige, pale blue, or metallic backsplash tiles also pair beautifully with white cabinetry in small kitchens.
Can a backsplash make a kitchen look bigger?
Yes, a backsplash with reflective surface properties like polished stone, glass, or metal reflects light, making the kitchen feel more open and airy. Neutral colors and smaller patterns also support the perception of spaciousness.
Conclusion
The backsplash is an integral kitchen feature, but selecting the right one for a small kitchen requires careful consideration. Keeping the scale, color, and style in balance with your compact space ensures your new backsplash enhances rather than overwhelms your petite culinary workspace.
Modern materials like dazzling glass tiles, nature-inspired stone, and light-reflecting metals along with classic white subway tile all make stunning and functional backsplash choices. Focus on adequate coverage, moisture resistance, ease of cleaning, light reflection, and visual harmony with existing finishes.
With proper planning, preparation, and installation, your new small kitchen backsplash can provide the wow factor you crave while protecting your walls and supporting an efficient cooking environment. Let your new backsplash speak to your personal taste and ensure it highlights, rather than hides, the charming character of your tiny kitchen space.
