Installing a new backsplash is a great way to improve and update the look of a kitchen, bar or bathroom area. Tile backsplashes come in a myriad of materials and styles that can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s a roundup of some of the most commonly seen backsplash design styles, and some tips for the best locations for each.

Some Backsplash Design Styles

Subway tiles are rectangular shaped tiles that are half as narrow as they are wide. The subway tile is a classic backsplash design element in traditional English and country style homes. Its simple white or cream glazed coloration works well in traditional and casual homes, but can also be used in more modern homes because of its clean, monochromatic look.

Glass tiles come in any color imaginable, with a wide selection of finishes. They can be clear or opaque, glazed with a metallic sheen or honed to look like sea glass. Glass tiles can come in 1" squares for a creative mosaic look, or in larger tiles for a smooth, clean look. Glass tiles are fresh and colorful backsplash design options, and they work in contemporary homes as well as casual spaces such as beach homes.

Marble tiles have been around for eons in castles and public spaces. Modern technology has brought marble tile into mass production and is available for more modest installations than the castles of days gone by. A very popular use of marble is the tumbled marble tile backsplash design, which adds a warm, earthy detail to the space.

Metal tiles come in many configurations, from classic pressed tin tiles to sleekly contemporary stainless or aluminum finishes. Metal tiles can also be used as small details mixed into a larger ground of tile. For instance, a beautiful marble mosaic tile backsplash design can be accented with a few well-placed metallic details.

Ethnic ceramic tiles such as blue and white Delft tiles from Holland or brightly colored Mexican or Portuguese tiles are a wonderful way to bring in Old-World charm to the home. These tiles can be used in bold ways by mixing lots of patterns and colors, or in more subtle ways by interspersing the painted tile with solids. Whether you live in an understated ranch house or a larger, more formal space, an ethnic tile backsplash design is sure to attract attention.

Pictorial or mural tiles are the true statement pieces of tile backsplash designs. One often sees these installed on the backsplash behind a cooktop, making it a real focal point of a kitchen. Usually reserved for larger kitchens, a mural or pictorial design requires the space to really show off.

A beautiful tile backsplash design will spice up any kitchen or bath and there is a style and material that is right for any project. Whether you prefer modern design for its clean lines or a brilliant splash of color and pattern, a beautiful backsplash is sure to be a show-stopper.

Related Articles:

• Tile Backsplash Ideas and Designs
• Mosaic Tile Backsplash Options and Costs
• The Basics of Designing with Tile
• Splurge or Save on a Kitchen Backsplash

Find a tile professional to come up with tile backsplash ideas for your home.