15 Affordable Kitchen Backsplash Ideas That Are Truly Stunning

From using mosaic tiles as an accent to Delft tiles for historical charm, there is an exciting design trend for the kitchen backsplash wherever you turn. But what if you are looking to revamp your backsplash on a budget? All hope is not lost. Whether you are looking for renter-friendly upgrades or you don't have the budget to splash on tearing the walls down for a full-blown remodel, there are nifty ways to get the job done.

Need help? Rohan Jain, architect and director at RJ Projects, wants you to know that livening up your backsplash doesn't require you to break the bank. Wallpaper, peel-and-stick tiles, and decals can be easily glued onto your existing backsplash for a quick refresh. If you prefer the tiled look, there are several pocket-friendly options to consider, from subway to penny tiles. Whether you simply have some time on your hands during summer break or you are looking to match pace with trends, these affordable kitchen backsplash ideas will have your heart.

If you thought that wallpaper was the remit of powder rooms, this guide on how to wallpaper your kitchen will likely convince you to change your mind. While statement-making designs can serve as a worthy accent wall in the kitchen, you will also want to invite the virtues of wallpaper to your backsplash. As a cheaper alternative to tiles, it also offers ease of installation.

Wallpaper can be a particularly effective backsplash choice for one-wall kitchens as well as galley layouts. Rohan Jain likes to call upon wallpaper for interrupting the linearity of such layouts with patterns that champion curves and organic shapes. "This serves the dual purpose of creating visual interest and making the area feel dynamic and layered," he says.

For Jain, wallpaper also serves as a flexible choice that can be customized as per the overall ambiance you are aiming for in the kitchen. "With the evolution of print and processing technologies, wallpapers today can be designed to order and have chemical coatings that render them stain- and spill-resistant — perfect for kitchen settings," he adds. So, which material should you choose for the kitchen? Vinyl makes for a waterproof candidate, while fiberglass is also easy to clean.

There is little guesswork involved here — the name does give it all away. Subway tiles were originally designed to be used in New York subways. Since then, this design has also found popularity within the world of backsplash designs as it makes for an easy-to-clean and immensely affordable option. For those scouting for affordable kitchen backsplash ideas, subway tiles can be easily found at hardware stores for less than $1 per tile.

You needn't compromise on the aesthetics in the quest of a bargain, though, as there are endless ways to get creative with this backsplash staple. "For a classic look within budget, one can reuse the same material as that of the countertop or flooring, or set it off with ceramic or vitrified tiles for a new twist," Rohan Jain says, adding that he finds, "This design goes very well with granite and full-body vitrified tiles." While there is little to go wrong with the classic subway look, Jain has found that the most crucial design aspect lies in the grooving or grout lines. "Consider employing contrasting grout colors to accentuate the brick pattern and add depth and dimension to the overall design," he advises.

As you may have guessed from the name, shiplap owes its origins to the maritime industry, where it was introduced by the Vikings. Known for their advanced savoir-faire in shipbuilding, they designed the concept of using wooden planks attached with overlapping rabbet joints at a 90-degree angle. Since then, shiplap has found several uses in interiors, including kitchen design.

Rohan Jain believes that there is a strong case for inviting this design to your backsplash: "Shiplap provides an attractive, textured appearance that enhances a kitchen's look, while being less costly than traditional wood paneling." You can choose to arrange yours horizontally or vertically, depending on the space you have available and the overall effect you are aiming for. "Furthermore, extending shutter finishes to the backsplash creates continuity in design, while adding cozy wood tones into the kitchen," he adds. If you are a fan of the coastal or Mediterranean-style kitchens, you'll want to add shiplap to the space above your stovetop and sink. You can choose to coordinate yours with the cabinetry or opt for darker wooden hues, such as walnut or mahogany, for a cozy cabin-style ambiance.

There are few kitchen trends that have the same resilience as beadboard. With origins in the Victorian era from the late 1800s, this vertical paneling style has since nestled into everyday interiors, from porch ceilings with exposed rafters to the kitchen backsplash. "Beadboard introduces wonderful sophistication to your kitchen walls, and it does not cost too much," Rohan Jain notes. As an even more economical alternative to shiplap, beadboard makes for an excellent way to cut costs, especially when chosen in materials like vinyl or medium density fiberboard (MDF).

Since beadboard is available in a wide spectrum of colors and finishes, it can be easily slotted into a diverse array of kitchen styles. Hoping to offer a quick revamp to your existing tile backsplash? Beadboard sheets and panels can be easily glued over the tiles to instantly refresh your space. If you are aiming for a timeless design, there is something about the traditional look of all-white beadboard tiptoeing across the backsplash that never ceases to charm. Earthy wooden hues, meanwhile, will transport your dinner guests to a cozy hunting lodge.

If you are looking to break free from cookie-cutter backsplash designs, you'll revel in the raw, unfinished vibe of exposed brick. A fitting palate refresher from the polished lacquer of contemporary kitchens, exposed brick shuns the need for any plaster or paint — instead, inviting you to embrace the textural complexity of natural brickwork.

Devoid of expensive wall treatments and finishes, exposed brick isn't just easy on the eyes but on the pocket, as well. "For homeowners who want to introduce a little bit of the great outdoors into the highly engineered environment of the kitchen, exposed brick fits the bill. It provides raw texture and character and is also a practical solution for wet and high-traffic areas," Rohan Jain observes.

If the quaint charms of country kitchens have captured your heart, brick makes for an excellent way to invite some texture to your backsplash. You can choose to create a focal point by adding exposed brick behind the stovetop or use it all over the kitchen to tap into those leisurely farmhouse vibes. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't necessitate a monstrous cleaning schedule either — warm water, dish soap, and a sponge will take care of any food splatters.

Once designed as a visual aid by Scottish educators in the 1800s, chalkboard walls have since left the classrooms and booked a permanent berth within the realm of interior design. The allure is easy to grasp: Not only do chalkboard walls add personality to a space, but they also serve as a budget-friendly DIY project for the weekend. For those looking to give free rein to their creativity in the kitchen, a chalkboard backsplash makes for a no-brainer. "A creative and inexpensive way to add a chalkboard to your home is by turning a section of the wall in your kitchen into one that can serve as a space for planning, notes, or even casual drawings," Rohan Jain says.

There are endless ways to play around with the noir hues of chalkboard, whether you choose to coordinate yours with moody granite countertops or juxtapose it against pale cabinetry. If you are looking to save some crucial dollars on labor costs, all you need is sandpaper, primer, and a few cans of chalkboard paint to transform your backsplash over the course of a weekend.

When searching for affordable kitchen backsplash ideas, it helps to get penny wise with penny tile. The design of this tile is characterized by its signature round shape that is less than an inch in diameter and resembles — you guessed it — a penny coin. Commonly found in porcelain, you can even invite glass, ceramic, metal, or cork to your choice of penny tile for a vintage-inspired backsplash. "Penny tile is an economical solution, mostly because it comes in roll or sheet form, making installation quick and reducing material waste," Rohan Jain explains. "Being small in size, layout flexibility is offered, and considerable cutting waste is avoided, particularly in intricate or odd-shaped areas."

Not keen on frequent maintenance? You can take heart in the fact that penny tile can be easily cleaned with mild detergents, making it a durable option for kitchens that witness heavy traffic. Jain believes that you can further add on its longevity by opting for chemical- or cement-based grouts to create a long-lasting finish. Using the same color as the penny tile for the grout is a common choice, but you can work in contrast by opting for a dark-colored grout against white tiles.

So, we hear you've been meaning to upgrade your backsplash, but the labor-intensive task of taking apart your dated wall tiles doesn't appeal? Take heart in the fact that you can simply paint over the existing tiles on your backsplash to breathe fresh life into your kitchen.

According to Rohan Jain, the smooth canvas of a tiled wall works as a worthy base for plaster of Paris (POP) or gypsum layering — you can then be paint over this in a color of your choice. For cutting back on labor costs, you can get the job done yourself by cleaning and sanding your backsplash tiles lightly. Next, you will want to apply a tile-friendly primer, followed by the paint color of your choice. Looking to get creative? Tile stencils offer up an inexpensive way to create intricate patterns on your backsplash without any of the heartache.

Not quite ready to buy into the rustic feel of exposed brick? There are other ways to bring the beauty of brickwork into your kitchen backsplash without compromising your budget. Faux brick, for instance, is made from narrow layers of actual bricks or other synthetic substitutes and is available in easy-to-install panels.

Rohan Jain believes that faux brick is a popular choice when working on revamping your backsplash on a tight budget. "... It is light in weight and chemically constructed, and thus imitates the appearance and texture of real brick at a fraction of the price," he says. "Its ease of installation makes it popular to achieve an industrial or bungalow look without the structural as well as financial requirements of actual brickwork."

While most faux brick panels may look similar, it helps to invest some time in finding the options that work best for your kitchen. Start by considering the space you will need to cover: Are you looking to add faux brick in specific areas, such as behind the stovetop, or across the entire backsplash? Next, you will want to take your time to choose the right color: Intense red hues work well with wooden cabinets, while whitewashed bricks make for a worthy dance partner for lighter countertops. If in doubt, you can always request a sample and place it next to your kitchen cabinets to consider how it works with the lighting and overall ambiance of your space.

Cabinet doors. Countertops. Shelves. Given the ubiquity of laminates in modern kitchens, it was always only a matter of time before this material started inching into your choice of backsplash designs. And it is easy to see why: As a durable workhorse, laminates are resistant to scratches and kitchen stains.

For those in quest of cost-effective solutions for the kitchen backsplash, laminates will make for a frequent guest in every conversation due to its low cost, but the benefits don't end there. "Not only do laminates lower material costs, but they also save considerable on-site time, presenting a shrewd, effective solution for budget-conscious kitchen renovations," Rohan Jain says.

Given the amount of food splatters and spills that the average backsplash faces, laminates also make for a low-maintenance and easy-to-clean choice. And the sheer breadth of design choices and finishes will have your head spinning. Glossy to matte, solid colors to wood grain — there is something for every aesthetic.

Looking for the polished finish of a tiled backsplash without the extensive time commitment of tiling the wall? A cheaper alternative to traditional tiles, peel-and-stick options are gaining popularity as a renter-friendly DIY project for livening up the space behind the countertop. From marble to wood, there are few materials that peel-and-stick tiles cannot replicate. "Select premium vinyl or composite materials with detailed textures and outlined grout lines," Rohan Jain suggests. "Opt for timeless designs such as marble, subway, or zellige, and apply precise installation for a polished overall finish."

While stick-on options make for easy installation, effort does need to be invested in ensuring accurate placement of the tiles as well as adequate adhesion — a smooth surface, such as vinyl or drywall, can ensure better longevity of peel-and-stick tiles. To ensure that each tile is glued securely to the wall, start by aligning the sticker to the bottom corner of your backsplash and pull back only half of the adhesive backing. Once it has been positioned precisely on the wall, remove the remainder and press down firmly to negate any air bubbles forming underneath.

Wood may not be the first option that comes to mind when outfitting the high-heat area around stovetops. But when used strategically alongside countertops and behind the sink, it can infuse an old-world charm into your cooking space.

Wooden paneling isn't known to be light on the pocket, but the good news is that there are several options for snagging reclaimed wood at throwaway rates. "Meet contractors or demolition crews with the job of taking down an old house or office building," Rohan Jain suggests, adding that you can also choose to pool together scraps from carpentry shops. "These off-cuts can be refinished and reassembled creatively for an interesting backsplash treatment," he says. Adding to your options, secondhand materials, like antique wood panels, beams, or floors, could also be found via social media marketplaces, architectural reclaim stores, or salvage yards.

For making the most of your new reclaimed wood backsplash, a couple of handy measures can go a long way. Varnish and glossy paints can make cleaning food splatters a breeze. Applying water-resistant sealer can further offer your backsplash an additional shield of protection in areas that are within splashing distance of the faucets.

Beyond the bulletin: cork board is steadily gaining popularity within interior design, and it isn't looking to give up its berth anytime soon. From furniture and light fixtures to kitchen countertops, there are several ways to use this eco-friendly material. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, it is harvested without causing any damage to the tree. For those in the quest of an eco-friendly backsplash design that doesn't involve much labor, cork makes for a willing candidate.

"Cork board is extremely DIY-friendly and a budget-friendly solution to providing texture and functionality to a kitchen backsplash. It is light, easy to cut and install, and serves beautifully as a message board or pin-up space," Rohan Jain affirms. When sealed correctly, it can withstand light use in the kitchen, making it a functional as well as aesthetic addition to the space.

Beyond mere visuals, cork board can also offer up a valuable canvas for pinning up family recipes, event invites, and calendars above countertops. Generally available in the form of rolled sheets, your cork board backsplash can emerge as an afternoon project — simply cut the size you need to cover and secure it in place with furniture tacks to cut back on labor costs.

Not quite feeling up to the legwork of measuring and cutting a roll of wallpaper on your backsplash? Your options don't end there, fortunately — not if wall decals have anything to do about it. Traditionally made from vinyl, these stick-on designs serve as an effective way to refresh your backsplash within minutes.

Needless to say, decals make for a pocket-friendly approach to a customized kitchen backsplash that is aligned with the room's aesthetic. Rohan Jain agrees and adds, "Decals can be made to your taste, and their price makes it easy to change them up or refresh them seasonally. Easy to apply, decals have minimal to no negative effect on current surfaces when applied properly, making them perfect for rentals or fast updates."

However, it pays to bear in mind that wall decals may not serve as a universal solution for everyone. Uneven or textured walls do not serve as an appropriate canvas for decals, and you may find that the adhesive backing wears out with time.

Concrete countertops have become an increasingly common sight in contemporary kitchens, so why not add this material to your mood board of backsplash ideas? For achieving the look on a budget, you can skip the heavy-duty cement tiles in favor of a skim coating of concrete along the length of your backsplash.

"A skim coat of concrete is a budget-friendly option for those who like the exposed, brutalist look," Rohan Jain says, adding, "This method does away with the need for other finishing materials, and can be used directly over blockwork or structural columns, with both material and labor costs minimized."

This edgy hue is not something you'll find on every backsplash, which instantly gives your kitchen a leg-up over other mainstream designs. Whether paired with moody cabinetry in dark hues or infused within an airy white Scandinavian kitchen design, a concrete backsplash makes for a conversation starter.