11 Kitchen Splashback Ideas on a Budget
Splashes, spills and stains are part of life in a busy kitchen and installing a splashback is the simplest and most practical way to protect your walls.
Splashbacks are fixed to the wall and usually sit below the wall cabinets. They can be made from sheets of glass, acrylic or metal but are most commonly tiled. Splashbacks are usually fitted behind ovens and sink areas but they can be installed anywhere.
As well as being practical, splashbacks provide a place to inject creativity, colour and interest into your kitchen. The right tiles can completely transform a kitchen splashback, even if you’re working on a tight budget.
Whether you’ve inherited a tired kitchen and want to give it an inexpensive facelift or are designing a new kitchen on a budget, this article will show you how to get the look for less.
Image credit: @blushingboho
Recommended Tile: Damask White
Budget kitchen splashback ideas
It’s inspiring to browse through gorgeous kitchen tile ranges, but it can be disheartening when you discover the cost of your dream tiles exceeds your budget. Luckily, there are several ways to tile a fabulous kitchen splashback on a budget. We’ve listed the best ways to get a great-looking splashback for less.
Opt for inexpensive white tiles
Timeless, neutral and simple, white tiles are one of the most popular choices for kitchen splashbacks. They’ll go with all colours of cabinet, suit all interior styles and, being white, you’ll never get tired of them.
White tiles are often the cheapest tiles too. You’ll be able to find a range of shapes and sizes to suit your budget and you can play around with creative layouts to add a look of luxury to your splashback.
Something as simple as a classic herringbone pattern paired with crisp white grout can completely transform your kitchen.
Image credit: @floraliehome
Recommended Tile: Rio Blanco
Use leftover tiles
Whenever you order tiles, your tiler will advise you to buy at least 10% more than you need. This allows for making cuts and fitting tiles around awkward spaces. There will usually be spare tiles left over and, if you’ve got surplus large floor tiles, these make excellent splashbacks. You may only need a couple of tiles, depending on the size of your space.
Image credit: @houseobsessed
Recommended Tile: Magma Grey
Stick to a small area
If you’ve found the perfect tiles but they’re more expensive than you’d planned for, you can save money by tiling a smaller splashback area. Although you’ll need to make sure the tiles cover the area behind a cooker, there’s no need for them to fully cover the wall area anywhere else. If you don’t have wall cabinets, you can use a long shelf to define the edge of the splashback. This is a great way to save money on tiles and it looks stylish too.
Image credit: @day_true
Recommended Tile: Brick White
Double layer tiles
By using tiles sparingly, you can choose your dream tiles, even if you’re sticking to a budget. Using just one or two rows of tiles to create your splashback is a practical and savvy saving solution that can fit in with your spending plans.
You can also save money by tiling along the back of the worktop and not the sides.
Image credit: @victoriajane6
Recommended Tile: Damask Series Decor 14
Keep it simple
If you have large areas to tile or want to choose tiles that will look classy and stand the test of time, square, white tiles are always a good idea. They’re also one of the least expensive tile types.
White tiles are perfect for brightening up spaces and if they’re glossy, they’ll help to bounce the light around even more. You don’t have to stick to flat white tiles, you can look for tiles with a subtle texture or mix and match matt and gloss textured tiles for added interest.
Image credit: @tiles_by_kate
Recommended Tile: Emilia Blanco
Combine end of line tiles
Popular tile ranges can run for years, but manufacturers will often retire certain styles and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find enough clearance tiles to complete a splashback.
If the discontinued tiles are the same shape and size, try combining different colours for a gorgeous rainbow-inspired effect.
Image credit: @thehomepageuk
Recommended Tile: Coral Brick Moss
Use hexagonal tiles
These attractive, multi-sided tiles are ideal if you want to create a splashback that’s a bit different. Not only do hexagonal tiles instantly uplift a wall, but they’re perfect for creative tiling projects.
Make the most of hexagonal tiles’ attractive shape and leave some of the tile edges exposed. It will make fitting faster and easier, it negates the need for tile edging strips and it means you can make your tiles work better when you’re on a budget.
Image credit: @ayrshire.tiling.specialist
Recommended Tile: Ava Azul Decor
Tile an upstand
Upstands are an excellent alternative to a splashback. Often matching the material of the worktop, upstands cover only a small section of the wall. You can get the look by fitting a single row of tiles to your kitchen walls. It’s an effective way to save money and a surefire solution when it comes to smartening up your kitchen.
Image credit: @reclaimedbricktile
Recommended Tile: Dorset Smooth Duck Egg Blue
Experiment with patchwork tiles
Add a quirky touch to a kitchen splashback with an eclectic mix of patterned and colourful tiles. Patchwork tiles are packed with character and are perfect for lifting neutral colour schemes. You can combine plain and patterned tiles or go all out with a clashing mix of colour and pattern. As long as the tiles are all the same size, it’ll look great!
Image credit: @gilliangladrag
Recommended Tile: Provenza Deco Floor
Tile the area behind a cooker
Some tiles are just too beautiful to be left in the showroom. If you’ve fallen in love with a certain tile style, use them over a small area, like the space behind the oven, to create an appealing focal point in your kitchen.
You can use plainer tiles, or creative money-saving tile layouts for the rest of the kitchen.
Image credit: @stovesuk
Recommended Tile: Mermaid Turchese
Get creative with tile edging
Most tiles are finished with a straight edge but you can make savings by using fewer tiles and creating a feature out of the exposed tile edges.
You’ll often see the exposed edges of hexagonal tiles on kitchen splashbacks but we love this imaginative herringbone tile finish. If you’re leaving the edges of your tiles exposed you may need to choose a tile with a glazed edge or opt for stone or terrazzo-effect porcelain tiles to prevent water and stains from entering the tiles. You can also paint the edges of ceramic tiles.
Image credit: @weeley_house_to_weeley_home
Recommended Tile: Brick Mint
What is the cheapest type of splashback?
There are a few ways to clad a splashback but ceramic tiles are usually the cheapest option.
The cost of tiles varies hugely, but with a little research, you’ll be able to find inexpensive ranges to brighten up your kitchen space. In general, plain white square or rectangular tiles are the cheapest. White tiles are simple, timeless and elegant and, if you choose rectangular tiles, they can be laid in many different ways.
Can you DIY a kitchen backsplash?
One of the best ways to save money on a kitchen splashback is to do the work yourself. With the right tools, planning and preparation, tiling a splashback is very doable for a novice DIYer. Take your time, plan your layout and use tile spacers to get the best finish.
Is glass splashback cheaper than tiles?
Glass is a popular material for kitchen splashbacks and toughened glass sheets or glass tiles can look incredible. A glass splashback is more expensive than a tiled one.
Do you need a splashback behind a cooker?
We would always recommend fitting a tiled splashback behind a cooker. Even the most careful cooks will have to deal with exploding tomatoes and spitting oil from time to time. A splashback ensures that your kitchen walls are protected and provides an easy-to-clean surface.
Atlas Ceramics stocks a large range of tiles for kitchen splashbacks. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our helpful experts for advice.