The big box stores carry everything these days and I wouldn't say that because they now carry glass tiles that they are on their way out. I think the glass subway tile may be here to stay and perhaps become as timeless as other subway tiles. If not, I still love mine.

I like glass tile. In certain applications it can be a very practical material. Product is constantly being introduced to the market and I feel some glass manufacturers are producing great looking product, even product that doesn't really look like glass. I've said this before on earlier posts, I think specific combinations of materials can make something look dated, not necessarily one particular material. A well thought out design can be timeless and always be in good taste. Here is a glass tile manufacturer that I like and use...
http://www.stonepewteraccents.com/SPA_rainbow.html
I also have attached some installations of this product.
Hope that helps. Charmean Neithart

I've collected decorating photos for several decades my version of houzz.com before the Net), and still have some from Metropolitan Home (remember that magazine?) that are just as contemporary as then. Some things never go out, and it's usually the more neutral that will blend with the changing styles of other aspects - cabinets, hardware, appliances, vanities. Don't worry: in 20-30 years, it'll be back in style, so you're either ahead of your time or "vintage."

I couldn't agree more with Charmean Neithart!

I agree with Charmean as well. There is so much variety in glass (colours, textures, shapes, sizes, and finishes) that saying glass backsplashes will go out of style is like saying wood cabinets will go out of style (They won't. I've checked. ;-).
As well as the company company Charmean linked to, I LOVE: http://www.annsacks.com/onlinecatalog/program.jsp?cat=268004&coll=268304&prg=2025504 and http://www.interstyle.ca/glassproducts.html

I couldn't agree more Blue Bridge!

Ditto Charmean, Blue Bridge et al! There are new and stunning versions of glass tile coming out frequently, so I voted for never. (Thanks for some GREAT examples of glass tile by Charmean and Blue Bridge!)

I'm sure most of us have also seen plenty of tiles out there that already look dated. It's subjective of course, but has so much more to do with the product chosen and how it is used in the space.

I recall clients asking me if I thought granite & marble were going out of style soon around 10 years ago. The same rules apply for that as for glass tiles imho. ;o)

I'm surprised so many people voted for 5 years!

5 weeks after BeautifulRemodel.com I thought I would chime-in on this discussion. My partner and I make glass tile here in the US and have been doing so for over 10 years.

I feel glass will never go out of style as it resonates so well with people - it's a clean-look and clean-feeling surface. And with the urethane/epoxy grouts that are in today's marketplace, using this grout with the glass will keep the glass installation (or any other tile material) beautiful for years to come - the grout is anti-staining and anti-microbial.

As a side-note, there are literally only a handful of USA, Canada and Mexican-made glass companies left as most glass that's sold in the US is made off-shore. Marin Designworks Glass Tile (CA), Oceanside Glass Tile (Mexico and USA), Interstyle Glass Tile (British Columbia), Fireclay Crush Tile (CA), Modono Glass (NY), Bedrock Industries (WA) - any more companies you can think of? Add them to the list. Support these companies when you can as we all make beautiful product. Glass is here to stay.

http://www.marindesignworks.com/

Dear Marindesignworks,

I would like to apologize. I was a little cranky that night, I think :)

What I was referring to (and didn't specify in detail) was that skinny stacked tile that was introduced a few years ago looking fresh and interesting, but quickly filtered down to the cheap discount stores. I even used it for a couple of clients way back when. That's the stuff that makes my heart sink when I see people putting it into new kitchens in 2012. A photo of a particularly NOXIOUS one is below!

On the other hand, I absolutely adore glass subway tiles. I like simple, simple, simple for its timelessness. I suppose it's the same with ceramics--there are some awful clunky versions but there are some stunning ones too. It's all in making the right choice. In fact, it was realizing how quickly things go out of style that convinced me that I should strive for timelessness in design.

Thanks for commenting on this old discussion.

Your tile is gorgeous Marin Designworks! Glass tile IS here to stay. Some designer's need to start thinking outside the box and realize not everyone wants white porcelain subway tiles.

Greetings ZenHome and Cynthia Taylor-Luce - I guess it's better late than never (weeks later) that I get into discussion about something I'm so passionate about. Thank you both for your wonderful comments about glass tile. And, ZenHome, thank you for your comment about our glass tile in particular! Our tile definitely allows the homeowner or designer think outside the box...and I'm gratified that there are designers and homeowners "out there" that appreciate our product.

Cynthia, I agree with you that the skinny, stacked, off-set glass tile craze might show it's age sooner than later. We might even see it happen. It's OK to be cranky sometimes, too. I do get that way. :)

These following companies all make a beautiful 3 x 6 and 4 x 8 ceramic subway tiles for that timeless look. Each company are masters in the art of glazing their product. Check out ENCORE Tile out of Grant's Pass, OR; Pratt & Larson out of Portland, OR and Bellvue, WA; and Sonoma Tilemakers, out of Sonoma County, CA (just up the highway from our studio) and FIRECLAY Tile out of San Jose, CA; HEATH Tile out of SF and LA; McIntyre Tile out of Healdsburg, CA (again just up the highway from our studio); and Rookwood Pottery out of Cincinnati, OH.

Thank you again for your input! Cheers! Cyndi

Dont forget my company- Mixed-Up Mosaics- out of New York City!!! email mosaicdesigner@aol.com or call 212-643-2426 - best, Allison

Absolutely! I love your look as well...stained glass cut in great designs will never go out of style. All the best, Cyndi

Don't be afraid of color glass back splash is here to stay.

Don't worry about things going out of style. If you like it, do it. So you change it in 10 years, so what.

I apologize for repeating myself on these remodel threads but I can't help myself. Selecting back splash material is all about preference and budget. Some kitchens have nothing at all but blank wall on their back spash area. I say pick what tiles or glass tile or tin you like and don't worry about the trend. This site is loaded with ideas and suggestions and most of them are pretty good. Good luck and have fun with your project.

When vinyl wallpaper and borders went out of favor there had to be something to add individuality and color to the kitchen. glass has so many positive attributes I can see it remaining a favorite for a long time.

As soon as everyone has obtained the product the market will revive an old trend, alter it just a little and create interest. Most of today's "must haves" are influenced by the 60's and 70's. Keep something long enough and it will become popular again. The question consumers should be asking themselves are..."do I like it...can I live with these finishes?" A "real" interior designer would advise you to select a theme and finishes based upon your personal preferences, likes etc...and not what the market is trying to persuade you to buy; that is unless you have unlimited funds and can refurbish with every trend. BTW...if you want to know what is going to be trendy in colors, pattern and fabrics for interiors look at what was successful in the fashion industry the season prior to. Interiors has always followed literally on the "heels" of the fashion industry. As far as the life span of glass tile...as soon as it is in every home the trend will shift back to a more traditional tile.

I feel I need to respond to the comment about a "real" interior designer. Yes, we definitely aim to please the homeowner, but within certain guidelines. The first consideration is how long the homeowner is intending to stay in the house. People move around a lot these days and they'll get the best price for their home if permanent finishes (floors/tiles/cabinets) look current. As professionals, it is our job to know what is current and what will appeal to the most buyers.

That said, there is such a variety of colours and materials that are current, the designer can zero in on choices that speak to the homeowner's tastes. It's all very well to say to a homeowner who is intending to stay "forever" in their house, that they can follow any colour or style that appeals to them, but a designer needs to help the homeowner understand that the choice of some colours is going to limit other choices in the house. Some of you may know about the Colour Marketing Board which meets regularly to look at worldwide trends and defines the most accepted colour range. From their reports, manufacturers determine what colours they will make textiles like sheets and towels and carpets, plastic items, furniture finishes, etc. If you totally disregard current trends, your choices of new merchandise that co-ordinates will be very limited.

Yes, new textiles and furnishings at the very highest end follow the fashion industry of the season before. It takes several seasons for those changes to filter down to the big box stores. For instance, chocolate brown sofas were still being sold in huge numbers at the low end, several years after the beginning of the big colour trend towards gray as a neutral. Interior designers are diligent at looking at the big picture--we can identify small trendy details as well as the major shifts so we can create interiors that look fresh and current for at least a decade, with small additions and subtractions of key coloured accents periodically.

Buy what you love!! You only live once and you need to please yourself not the next homeowner who most likely will rip it out anyway- I specialize in custom glass tile in outrageous colors and patterns and they always add a wow factor to the room,
www.mixed-upmosaics.com check it out xoxo, Allison Goldenstein- Founder/Tile Artist

The designer we met told us some important things we are home investors we buy and sell homes. She felt glass was fun, and edgy, yet too busy for most buyers. She told us most people seem to like understated sophistication, unless they an artist! She also mentioned for home resale, going with classic timeless styles with neutral colors, is always better choice. She said, too many bright colors, really dark colors or glass checker patterns or zig zags plaids, etc.. most people steer away from it. She felt glass was on the way out they were carrying less of it. She did mention this if we decided on glass consider using it as a trim only. For example, a pattern of beveled mirror glass mosiac used as a trim on the tile in a powder room, would make it contemporary, This would be very easy to remove and replace once it is dated, That stores biggest seller for countertops was a light sand cream quartz it was a neutral. It all comes down to taste....it is all arbitrary . But for us we have to be careful with trends too much and you can't sell the house! Our houses that sell fastest is a house with an open floor plan that is light, bright, with neutral colors, with a touch of glamour in a room or two.

not as quick as granite went out!!

not as soon as this thread is old!

I was going to say seven feet.

Off-topic only a bit, but that recycled glass is making its way into backsplashes is a good sign, a wave of the future. [is it more so of countertops? anyway] I recall how slowly recycled plastics entered in use making clothing, rugs, etc....how amazing/ odd it seemed also for glass to be reused in drinking glasses, etc....even cash can be reused...

It depends on what type and kind you choose. Personally I believe that if you choose a personal and unique glass backsplash - it will never go out of style, since you have something only made for you.

I think this is the stuff that's seen its day.

I LOVE our glass subway tile back splash and don't care if it goes out of style (which I don't think it will).

Susan, yours is gorgeous. It's all one colour and it's organized in the way it's laid. That's the difference. Yours is a classic look and will look beautiful for a long long time. Also, the colour is ethereal and timeless. Great job. Thanks for sharing your beautiful backsplash with us.

I also love how you ran the tile right to the ceiling behind the fan. That's one thing that irks me so much when I see blank wall above the chimney hood. This is a much more finished look.

Thank you so much Cynthia! That's some great feed back especially coming from a designer. I picked out all the finishes for the kitchen before I brought a designer in. She confirmed my choices and told my contractor full back splash! I might not have thought of that on my own. Thanks again for responding! I love the color of it too. It took me five trips to the tile shop to finally decide on this one!

Never IMO! Once I put something that expensive up, it will stay up until there is something wrong with it!

This is in my kitchen subway ceramic tile (ocean blue) backsplash, still not sure we did a right chose with backsplash :)

Lena, I'm not expert, but seems you picked an uncluttered area to display a very nice color, which could go in different directions. Looks as good with chrome-silver.... yeah! You mixed them ok and didn't add layers of colors, etc. to look messy/fussy...

Lena, I think your ocean blue backsplash looks simply beautiful!

I really think the poll question is too broad. I think aspects of the glass tile will be passe, but other types won't be. The all over glass mosaics will scream "date" but glass subway tile won't. Glass mosaics as a smaller part of a greater pattern will stick around.

Every time I see an entire kitchen wall done in very busy glass mosaics, I just shudder. That to me will be dated (and the sooner the better, IMO). But larger glass tiles? Timeless.

Susan, Love your kitchen. What color is that tile? And what size is it? 2x4?

So- five years after the original post- what are the opinions?

I think it has a ton to do with the style of the home, and the "flexibility" of the tile.

And push comes to shove? Whooppee- Do what you want. Backsplashes are the easiest, cheapest changes you can ever make in a home.

We're at about 5 years from the original post and glass tile is still going strong. I think it will stand the test of time, since there are so many different styles and colors available.

Susan,

I love your backsplash. Do you mind sharing the name and brand of your tile?

Thank you,

Mindy

Execution is everything!

Cynthia Taylor Luce Just reading your comment about color trends. What is the current color trend? I have eggshell kitchen cabinets. Cambra Ironsbridge counters. Natural oak floors and I’m trying to decide on a backsplash! These are some ceramic options. I’m also considering neutral glass tile sonoma bergamot.

It sounds like you have a nice classic kitchen that won't quickly date. My recommendation would be for the lightest tile just under the black tile in the picture. You can look up alternatives for the layout if you like. It can be horizontal brick pattern (the most typical) but can be vertical brick, stacked, herringbone, etc. It depends on your taste and how large an area of backsplash you have. For a small area, keep it simple. For a very large kitchen you could make more of a statement. Good luck with your kitchen!

The lightest one flows beautifully.

@jsophiaj what color are the tiles you are picking? I am also leaning towards the Ironsbridge with Naval cabinets on the bottom and a creamy white on the top cabinets.

Kim Cuervo we went with Sonoma tile glass tile in bergamot gloss 3 by 9 rectangular

A simple, elegant glass tile won't go out of style IMO. Small, busy glass tile used in as a backsplash is already out of style (once again IMO).

Kim, have you made any decisions yet? I, too, am thinking naval or hale for bottom cabinets and creamy white on top. I’ve always loved glass subway tile which is how I ended up on this thread.

I love glass, but hubby does not. No, no decisions