Ceramic tile, mosaic, stone, or wood? We talk about all the materials that can be used to design a kitchen backsplash.
Everything is important in the design of a backsplash for the kitchen: the size, the shape, and, of course, the material from which it is made. Its main function is to protect the walls from grease, water, dirt, and steam in the cooking area. Therefore, it must be durable and stylish. After all, it is one of the main decorative kitchen items.
Overview of materials
Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular materials for decorating the work area. But not the only one. Consider all options.
Tile kitchen backsplash design
Let’s start with the main thing – ceramics. Its popularity is not accidental.
- First, tiles are easy to care for. Grease stains and drip marks don’t stand a chance.
- Secondly, they are pleased with wear resistance and moisture resistance. Not afraid of alkalis, and acids, resistant to moisture. But here it all depends on the specific type of ceramics. Porcelain stoneware is many times stronger than decorative products.
- Thirdly, it is easy to choose from a wide variety of products. Tiles are easy to fit into any interior. Suitable for modern, classic, and Scandinavian design.
There are a few cons. The weak point of such a finish is the seams or rather the grout. It quickly loses its appearance from dirt and grease, especially if it is made in light colors. It will need to be updated periodically. The second point is styling. Despite the apparent simplicity, laying tiles is not easy. It is unlikely that you will be able to arrange this zone on your own. The laying process is messy and requires care and accuracy from the master.
There are several types of tiles that can be called the most fashionable in modern kitchen backsplash design.
- Brick. Despite the fact that many are already tired of it, it is difficult to ignore it. A simple tile gives room for imagination. It can be laid not only vertically, horizontally, or herringbone, but try chess or diagonally.
- fish Scale. Another nice option for a modern kitchen. It looks more interesting in a bright color in combination with a monochromatic headset. In this case, it can become an accent in the interior.
- Arabesque. Atypical variant with oriental motifs. Looks good in neoclassical and classical interiors.
More decorative options with painting, drawings, and patterns, choose carefully. Not everyone will be appropriate in modern designs. The simplest in this regard is patchwork, which is easy to fit into decorative interiors in a rustic and Scandinavian style.
Mosaic
Mosaic in the design of an apron for the kitchen is not used so often today. But this fact does not make it irrelevant. You just have to spend time choosing the right mosaic.
- Glossy bright glass and ceramic options can look out of date. However, they are acceptable in bright kitsch designs.
- Stone mosaic is suitable for classic and eco designs.
The advantage is that it is a durable material that is not afraid of moisture and steam. But the cost of coating is often higher than ceramics. Mosaics are more difficult to install than large-format tiles. Without experience, it is better not to take risks.
Stone
Which apron for the kitchen is better to choose if you are not limited in the budget? Stone! These are natural granite and marble or their artificial counterparts. A more affordable option is porcelain stoneware slabs with a matching print. But in terms of its properties, it cannot be equal to a stone.
- Granite is the most durable material, which is not afraid of moisture, dirt, or temperature changes. The variety of colors is also amazing.
- Marble quickly absorbs moisture and dirt, it is not always easy to wash it. But it looks very impressive.
- The main difficulty in working with stone is the need for professional expensive installation.
- Artificial stone is almost no different from granite, it is only slightly inferior to it in strength. Its price is still higher than porcelain stoneware, mosaics, or ceramics.
MDF and chipboard
In the photo, a wooden backsplash in the design of the kitchen looks very cozy. But wood is not the best material for decorating a space with a harsh environment. Plus it’s expensive. Therefore, analogs are more often used – MDF and laminated chipboard, they are cheaper and stronger.
Wooden coatings look especially good in combination with a tabletop made of the same material. Other advantages: ease of installation and maintenance.
MDF and chipboard are not suitable for finishing the area behind the slab due to their high flammability. Heat-resistant coatings or separate screens are used here.
Metal
Not the most obvious solution. But if you like the industrial style or modern hi-tech, take a look at it. Textured panels are suitable for modern kitchens.
Metal is durable and strong. It is not afraid of the impact. However, the main disadvantage of working with it is getting dirty fast. All water drops, fingerprints, and stains will be visible. A smooth surface will have to be wiped dry after each preparation of food. Caring for textured products is much easier.
A worthy alternative to panels can be a metal mosaic.
Glass
Another cover that does not have many fans. Tempered glass, with a strong impact, breaks not into sharp fragments, but into safer-rounded ones.
Glass is easy to clean, although it is not easy to care for it. It will also have to be wiped every time so that stains are not visible. Skinali is a special type of glass panels, photo printing is applied on them. In the photo, such glass aprons for the kitchen do not always look relevant. Drawings and paintings were popular in the early 2000s, now take a look at abstract textured prints.
Plastic
Another controversial cover. It all depends on the appearance and pattern applied to the plastic. This is a good solution for an apartment for rent or temporary repairs.
- The advantage is obvious: the price. Plastic is easy to replace when broken or worn.
- Easily scratches gets dirty, and breaks. Service life – no more than 5 years.
- Bright coatings fade in the sun.
A plastic kitchen backsplash is not suitable for decorating an area with a stove, here you will also have to look for alternative solutions in the form of tiles, for example.
Color and design
We have some tips for designing your work area.
- Matte surfaces are easier to care for than glossy ones.
- The dirtiness of a light coating is a myth, the dark one is more capricious. On it, stains and drops are better visible.
- If you choose a bright finish for your work area, keep everything else more neutral. Let the wall be the only accent.
- With the help of decoration, you can visually slightly adjust the room. Try using tiling for this.
- In small rooms, medium-sized tiles look good. Too small will eat up space.
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