10 Gorgeous Backsplash Alternatives to Subway Tile
Artistic installations, back-painted glass and pivoting windows prove there are backsplash possibilities beyond the platform
It's hard not to love the look of classic subway tile, but sometimes you've just seen enough. And as the options for kitchen backsplashes are nearly endless, it's worth considering other design possibilities for that strip of wall above your sink and stove.
These 10 backsplashes from Houzz Kitchens of the Week use simple or unusual materials in eye-catching applications, from tiny chevron tiles to painted glass, pivoting windows, mirror and more.
These 10 backsplashes from Houzz Kitchens of the Week use simple or unusual materials in eye-catching applications, from tiny chevron tiles to painted glass, pivoting windows, mirror and more.
2. A painted glass backsplash in Bristol, U.K. Back-painted glass backsplashes have been popping up all over Houzz, and readers fell in love with this U.K. kitchen's bold emerald-green installation. Relatively affordable and infinitely customizable, this backsplash material is sure to stick around.
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3. Translucent windows in a Manhattan loft. In lieu of a traditional backsplash, architect Steve Schappacher installed translucent pivoting windows here. Each window opens up into a narrow pantry set right behind the kitchen.
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4. A bold chevron backsplash in California. Tiny pieces of Ann Sacks tile in four shades of blue make up this detailed custom chevron backsplash. The family wanted something fun in their kitchen, so designer Alison Davin went all out. Surrounded by brilliant white cabinetry, the backsplash is even more of a focal point.
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5. Playing with light in New Jersey. Although the side of this home didn't offer much of a view, designers Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri still wanted to let more light in. Punching a window into part of the backsplash and installing an adjacent mirror helped reflect light into the rest of the space.
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6. Exquisite artistry in Texas. The architects at McKinney York worked with a local artisan, who installed the entire stained glass backsplash by hand. The soothing water-like pattern stands out amid the neutral and simple materials in the rest of the kitchen.
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7. Mixing tiles in Los Angeles. Sticking to a Spanish style, this 1920s kitchen has two different types of tile for its backsplash. Designer Erica Islas used a simple and more affordable white tile, set on a diagonal, for the majority of the backsplash. But a border of more expensive, Spanish-inspired tiles lines each wall.
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8. Brick from the 18th century in New Jersey. This brick surround was part of this 18th-century home's original kitchen. Intent on saving it, the design team fit a 48-inch Wolf range inside and custom designed a hood to fit into the still-functional chimney.
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9. Raw stone in a New York cottage. Stone helps set off this cooking nook from the rest of the clean, white kitchen in this Long Island home. Tucked under a curved enclosure — part of the home's original front door — it looks almost like a cozy cave to cook in.
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10. Textured glass in Vancouver. Handmade Thinkglass gives this kitchen's backsplash color and a textural look, but the unique material is actually smooth to the touch, making it relatively easy to clean. The silver hue offsets the rich wood cabinetry.
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More: Compare more inspiring backsplash materials and design ideas
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More: Compare more inspiring backsplash materials and design ideas
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