15 Fun Backsplash Ideas

Hang individual tiles at intervals along the backsplash.

There are many beautiful and interesting tiles out there, and you can find them to match any theme or color scheme. They don't have to be expensive, either. Large home centers often have tiles on clearance, and this is the perfect way to find a few tiles for this project. The tiles can be attached in a couple different ways. You can use a plate hanger (which will also work just as well for tile) and hang it on the backsplash, or, for a more permanent look, use construction adhesive to attach the tiles directly to the wall. This project works best on backsplashes that don't already have tile on them, such as laminate backsplashes, or plain drywall.

Use roll-out bamboo to cover the existing backsplash.

You can find rolls of bamboo in most home centers. It is manufactured to be used for screening, usually outdoors. However, if you're going for a natural, or even a tropical, feel in your kitchen, look for this product. Simply cut it to the right height and length (which will be the trickiest part of the whole project). Take your time cutting. Attach it either with thin nails at intervals along the backsplash, or with construction adhesive. This is a perfect solution for covering unattractive existing tile.

Use photos.

Find clear acrylic (usually sold in large sheets at home centers) and cut it into squares or rectangles to fit favorite photos in. To cut acrylic, you can score it several times with a utility knife, and then snap it off clean. If you'd rather not bother cutting it, most home centers and hardware stores will cut it for you. Choose photos that make you happy: family, friends, photos from your last vacation. Simply sandwich your photo between two pieces of clear acrylic. To hold the assembly together, you can either use two binder or bulldog clips (one on top, one on bottom) or seal the whole thing all the way around with copper tape, which is usually used for stain glass projects. To attach it to the backsplash, you can hammer a small nail into the wall (if using the clips to hold it together) and hang your photo on the nail by the clip. If you want a temporary look (or are renting and can't make a bunch of holes in the wall) find some hook and loop tape (also known as Velcro) and attach it that way. This method works on existing tile as well as acrylic or drywall.

Paint stripes, checkerboards, harlequin patterns in your favorite colors.

Hang colorful plates at intervals along the backsplash.

Use plate hangers, space the plates evenly, and hang using a small nail. This won't work on a tile backsplash.

Go metallic.

Buy sheet stainless steel or tin ceiling tiles and install them on the backsplash. Most home centers carry small sheets of stainless steel or copper, and some carry old fashioned tin ceiling tiles. Use construction adhesive to attach. This is perfect for permanently covering old tile.

Do a faux finish: marble, granite, clouds, whatever.

Mirror it.

All home centers carry boxes of mirror tiles. Attach the mirror tiles with construction adhesive. The trickiest part will be cutting the mirrors to fit, but be sure to purchase a glass cutter, as this will make the job much easier. This method is great for covering old tile or laminate backsplashes permanently. In addition, the mirrors will brighten and visually expand the room.

Go with kitchen themed art.

Find old serving utensils, mount them to brightly painted boards, and hang them on the backsplash. These quirky works of art can be attached to the backsplash permanently with nails or construction adhesive, or temporarily with hook and loop tape.

Use barn boards for a rustic, funky feel.

If you live anywhere near farm country, you can often find old barn boards in resale shops or architectural salvage stores. If you're really lucky, you may score some for free. Attach the boards with construction adhesive or nails. This is perfect for covering old tile permanently.

Make it functional.

Hang a long stainless steel rod suspended between several curtain rod brackets. Buy matching s-hooks, and hang cooking and serving utensils, small pans, measuring spoons, etc. along it for a functional, yet attractive backsplash.

Paint it with chalkboard paint.

Chalkboard paint can be found in any hardware store or home center. Simply paint it on and use your new chalkboard backsplash to keep shopping lists, recipes, favorite quotes, etc.

Get literary (or not!)

Paint the backsplash a solid color, then stencil or freehand a favorite quote across it.

Get magnetic.

Paint it with paint that will allow you to stiick magnets to it. Built-in bulletin board!

Use lattice.

Lattice is typically sold for use on decks or fences, but it has a great, cottagey retro feel that would give a lot of punch to a boring backsplash. Paint the lattice any color you like, and mount it over existing tile or other backsplash material with either construction adhesive (permanent) or hook and loop tape (temporary).

There you have them: fifteen fun backsplash ideas that can add interest to even the most bland kitchen.