Top 32 DIY Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

The kitchen backsplash is placed on the kitchen wall between the countertops and the wall cabinets. It is meant to protect the walls from staining, especially in the zones close to your sink and stove, the places where you cook, clean, and prepare food. While your backsplash might stain, the materials it is made from will be very easy to clean and maintain.

1.Rustic Kitchen Backsplash From Old Pallets.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

The first project on our list features a wonderful rustic backsplash made from the reclaimed wood of old shipping pallets. You can see this backsplash is a great DIY project opportunity for your kitchen because it uses inexpensive materials to create great looking results. If you decide to have this kitchen backsplash, locate some old pallets with boards in good condition, scrub the boards clean, and cut them into smaller sized pieces.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash
Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you are skilled with techniques for finishing wood, you could apply a different stain color to play up the backsplash design. After you have decided on the configuration layout, apply the individual boards to the wall using liquid nails adhesive. I can guarantee you a really authentic rustic look as well as a great wall texture.{found on circadee}.

2.DIY Wine Cork Kitchen Backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

This second project is another easy to do project for a kitchen wall. The awesome idea uses wine corks standing on their ends to make a beautiful contemporary and natural-looking warm toned backsplash. There are many ways to make a DIY backsplash from wine corks, but the simplest one is to glue the corks on a board and then attach the board to your kitchen wall.

3.Wallapaper for kitchen backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Wallpaper is usually a delicate item, unable to face the rigors of a kitchen’s environment, especially around the sink area where splashes of water can easily ruin it. But what about vinyl wallpaper? You bet! Vinyl wallpapers are waterproof as well as very resistant to humidity, and can even stand up to scrubbing.{found on familyhandyman}.

4.Paint glass for kitchen backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Adding a splash of color to your décor is always a welcomed way to make the environment brighter, but in a kitchen too much color could overwhelm the room. So, what might be a good DIY possibility? That’s right, a backsplash! This project presents a very cool idea for protecting your walls from unwanted stains while animating the light in the environment. The choice made by this home owner was for a kitchen backsplash made of glass. Visit a local glass shop to locate a single 36 inch square sheet of polished or back painted glass for around $200, and have an easy DIY project for your kitchen.{found on frugalbits}.

5.Rocks for backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

A more dramatic look for a kitchen backsplash might be the next idea we present here. The amount of surface texture created with this project is amazing. The eye-catching wall of stacked pebbles fits wonderfully in the natural lakeside style of the owner’s kitchen. If you want to create a backsplash like this and ensure your efforts result in the same finished look, you need to use only small pebbles which are roughly all an identical size. To keep the very natural appearance of the wall and avoid a heavy set in look, do not use visible grout around each stone, just enough on the hidden end to create floating stacks of pebbles. Keep it real, keep it natural.{found on familyhandyman}.{found on bhg}.

6.Mirror backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you are the proud owner of a small apartment with a very small kitchen space, fear not because there are incredible simple solutions which will make the area look good while keeping it functional. The biggest issue with small kitchen spaces can be a claustrophobic feeling, but there are a few tricks you can use to make it look bigger and brighter. As the image shows, adding a mirror backsplash over this stove caused the light to double by reflecting the window from across the room.{found on bespokepress}.

7.Mixed eye catching tiles for kitchen backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you really want to add some eye-catching focal points with personality to your house, I suggest you to pay close attention to this project. In this kitchen of repurposed cabinets, the powerful collage of colored elements automatically draws your focus. This stunning mosaic backsplash is made entirely of mixed tiles. The idea and project is really simple but the finished result is fantastic. Cheap and simple, what’s not to like?{found on boligliv}.

8.Stainless kitchen backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

This next project is a little bit tricky to create and because of the material used, a little more expensive, but it does look wonderful once installed. Stainless steel tiles can make for a dramatic backsplash look, but the entire kitchen space will also feel the impact. Although the installation steps may look like rocket science expertise is required, these tiles are very easy to install, they do not require grouting, and will last forever.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

There are many different metals available for you to choose from when creating a backsplash. Besides the stainless steel shown for this project, there are also aluminum and copper tiles which come in many styles, designs, and finishes. If you have finally decided what kind of metal tile you will use and the wall look you want to achieve, go for it. To make the installation as perfect as possible, be sure to turn off power in the kitchen to avoid accidents with live wires and go easy on the amount of glue you use. Let the applied tiles dry for a few hours before using the stove or oven, and then prepare to enjoy your newly decorated kitchen.{found on familyhandyman}.

9.Stone kitchen backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash
Beautiful mosaic backsplash

This next backsplash does resemble one we described earlier, but the stones used are a different size and are installed using a very different technique. These little stones cost around $2.50 per square foot so expensive is not part of the equation. If you want to do this or something similar, the effort required for this DIY project is less than you might expect to create the finished wall you see here. Apply the required grout carefully to the wall area, smoothing it over the entire surface. Then take each irregular shaped sheet of small stones and place it on the grouted wall, setting each sheet so the stones eventually cover the entire wall in an interlocking pattern. Voila, the garden stone kitchen backsplash is now ready.{found on homestoriesatoz}.

10.Chalkboard kitchen backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

We have taken and used chalkboard paint ideas here before and if I remember correctly, we mentioned this particular idea as well. The reason chalkboard paint can be a great backsplash idea is because of the ever changing possibilities. You can write a new funny message everyday, list a favorite recipe, draw funny faces, or cover the area with an artful design to name a few. The particular pattern seen in this image shows alternating shapes and tones of light and dark achieved through the use of a stick of chalk. Isn’t it a fun idea?{found on designsponge}.

11.Random glass tile mosaic.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Any kind of backsplash can look good if you know how to install it. For example, this glass tile mosaic has a random pattern and the tiles interlock like pieces of a puzzle. In a way, this makes it easy to get an overall cohesive look. So here’s how you install them. First mix up the mortar. Apply it with a trowel and gradually press the tiles in. keep going one row at a time. Mosaic tiles are one of the easiest to install because they’re small in height and because of the random pattern. {found on ana-white}.

12. Heringbone shim backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Tired of the same old tiled backsplashes? Try something different like a herringbone shim backsplash. Cut the shims to size and then create the middle section starting at the center line. Glue down the section and let it sit for several hours. Then, once you apply it onto the wall, you can start adding all the filler pieces. It’s important to measure correctly.{found on halifaxbloggers}.

13. Painted backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Ever considered simply painting your backsplash without actually using anything else? You can pretty much create any pattern and design you want. In this case, a herringbone pattern was chosen. To make something similar, you need a lot of tape. Decide on a size for your painted tiles. Then make tiny pencil marks on the wall to know where the grout lines should go. After that, make the horizontal lines and start taping and painting. It’s tricky and you need lots of spare time for a project like this but it’s also really original.{found on movingtothecountryryanhomes}.

14. Stenciled backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Want your backsplash to send a message? How about a stenciled design? That should do the trick. First apply spackle on the wall and let it dry overnight. Then paint the wall any color you want (in this case a dark chocolate tone). Then sponge on bronze metallic paint. Then comes the tricky part: the stenciling. You need to do some research and pick a technique. Also, be patient.{found on snazzylittlethings}.

15. Chalkboard paint backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

One of the easiest, most fun and versatile ideas is to have a chalkboard backsplash. That’s because it’s easy to get right since all you have to do is paint the wall and let it dry. Then you can customize it however you want and you’ll never get bored of it. And even if you choose not to write anything on the wall, it will still look great.{found on anyonecandecorate}.

16. Repurposed fence boards.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Want to add a little bit of rustic charm to your kitchen? A fence board backsplash is just what the room needs to look warm and inviting. The idea is simple and transparent. Repurpose fence boards and use them to cover the space between your kitchen counters and the upper cabinets. This technique is perfect if your cabinets are hanging are slightly different heights because you can easily adjust the boards and cut them to size.{found on hometalk}.

17. Peel and stick faux wood backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you want your backsplash to look as if it’s made of wood without actually using this material in the kitchen, the solution couldn’t be simpler: use peel and stick faux wood flooring strips. Working with them is extremely easy. Just measure the space, cut them to size and stick them onto the wall. Finish the project with your choice of paint color, apply two coats and enjoy the new look.{found on mom4real}.

18. Mason jar mosaic backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Mason jars are good for a lot of things when they’re still intact. Cut even when they’re not, you can still find a great use for them. For example, you can make a one-of-a-kind mosaic backsplash for your kitchen using pieces of broken jars. It’s a time-consuming project since you have to press each piece of glass into place and then to level the whole wall but it’s worth the effort.{found on sawdustandembryos}.

19.World map backsplash.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Want your backsplash to reflect your passion for traveling around the world? Or perhaps you simply find the idea interesting. Either way, a map backsplash is a really original and wonderful idea. It’s pretty much like applying wallpaper except you’re using maps. Similarly, you ca also use pages from magazines, comic books or wrapping paper.

20. Repurposed plastic plates.

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Some plates are too cute to throw away or use at the dinner table, even if they’re made of plastic. So why not display them in your kitchen? An interesting idea is to use them to decorate your backsplash. You can hang them with pop can tabs although other techniques can be just as practical and simple. Feel free to improvise.{found on 2littlesuperheroes}.

21. Drywall repairs

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Before you even get to start working on your new kitchen backsplash you might need to do a few repairs and to make sure the surface is nice and ready for the makeover that you have planned for it. You might need to either install or repair the drywall. That shouldn’t be difficult or pose any problems as long as you do it correctly. Use the right tools, don’t cut any corners and be patient. It will all start to take shape eventually and projects like this one are usually very satisfying when completed.

22. Laminate flooring backsplash

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Did you know you can also install floor boards on walls? That’s actually a really cool and ingenious idea. You can use laminate wood flooring to make a beautiful backsplash for your kitchen or your bathroom and you can save quite a bit of money in the process. Install the boards horizontally to get a nice pattern and also to save some time and make the whole project easier. There’s actually a very detailed tutorial on bowerpowerblog which explains everything you need to know about this project. Be sure to check it out if you’re interested.

23. Faux stone backsplash

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you like the look and texture of stone, perhaps you could integrate that into your next DIY project. Consider using AirStone which is a recycled material designed to look similar to real stone and to mimic its natural texture. The tiles are easy to install and can be used to create beautiful backsplashes among other things. This can be a really nice way to add some texture to your kitchen and to make it look more warm and welcoming. Check out stilettosanddiapers for more details.

24. Beadboard backsplash

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Another option for making the kitchen seem more warm and inviting is to install a beadboard backsplash. This would work nicely if you also like the classic and vintage look that beadboard has. You’ll be very pleased to know that installing this backsplash is super easy and should only take a few hours, provided you don’t need to make any repairs or modifications to the wall. First you should cut the beadboard to size so make sure you get your measurements right. Also, mark any spots where cuts outs need to be made for outlets for example. You can find a bunch more details on ellaclaireinspired if you’re interested.

25. Faux subway tile wallpaper

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you like the classic and timeless look of subway tiles but you don’t really want to invest the time and effort to install a tiled backsplash in your kitchen, a quicker and much easier alternative is to use patterned wallpaper instead. The peel and stick kind are incredibly easy to install and you can find it in all sorts of different styles, colors and various patterns that mimic other materials, including this subway tile version. This clever idea comes from lollyjane.

26. Tips for installing a wallpaper backsplash

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

Using peel and stick wallpaper to give your kitchen backsplash a makeover sure it very tempting and a few extra tips wouldn’t hurt because although this would be a simple project, there are actually plenty of ways to mess it up. Make sure the surface is clean and try to remove anything that could get in the way such as outlet covers, hooks and other things. Make sure your measurements are correct before making any cuts, line up the pieces correctly and use a wallpaper smoother to get rid of all the air bubbles. You can find additional tips on beautyforasheshome.

27. Backsplash finger painting

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you’re planning to install a new tiled backsplash in your kitchen but you can’t find tiles with the right color or design, consider painting the tiles yourself and thus making your backsplash truly unique. There’s this cool tutorial on markmontano which explains how to paint a backsplash with your fingers and make it look amazing. In this case the tiles and glued onto a piece of plywood which makes installation very easy. It also means that you can remove all the backsplash in one piece if you ever want to replace it with something else.

28. A backsplash made of glass beads

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

This idea works best if you plan your backsplash to be mostly decorative and it’s actually a strategy that you can use if you want to create an accent wall for your bathroom or your kitchen for example. The supplies needed for this project include a bunch of small and large clear glass beads, a hot glue gun and metallic spray paint. All the details and instructions can be found on girljustdiy.

29. Rustic backsplash sign

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

This is actually something that you can add on top of your existing kitchen backsplash. It’s a lovely shiplap sign which can be customized with a stencil and turned into something really beautiful. In addition to painting it you can also add a few small hooks to it so you can hang some cups or other things. This sign can only partially cover up the backsplash area or can extend over the entire surface. If you want to find out more about how you can make something similar, check out funkyjunkinteriors.

30. Faux herringbone-patterned backsplashes

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you’re not a big fan of tiled backsplashes and you don’t really want to use wallpaper either, another interesting idea is to just paint the wall. You can use paint pens and a ruler to create a herringbone tile pattern which would look quite cool. You’ll also need a carpenter’s square, a subway tile cardboard template and some touch-up paint because sooner or later you’ll make a mistake and draw a line where you shouldn’t. The entire process is explained in more detail on abeautifulmess.

31. A fresh coat of paint

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

There’s also the possibility that you already have a tile backsplash which is in good shape but is starting to look outdated. If you want a change a look without any other modifications, an easy solution would be to paint the backsplash. You can use silicon epoxy paint in any color you prefer to give your old backsplash an update and to make it stand out a bit more. You’ll also need etching primer and cleaner and some other supplies so make sure you check out the complete tutorial on abeautifulmess before you get started.

32. Go all out

Beautiful mosaic backsplash

If you’re up to the challenge, you can also make your backsplash look quite unique by decorating it with things like glass beads, domino tiles, gems, seashells and other items. You can attach all these decorations to a piece of plywood which you then attach to the backsplash. It’s a nice way to create something custom and to express your creativity so go wild and have fun along the way. If you’re interested in more details and ideas, check out markmontano.

I hope you liked these wonderful backsplash ideas and I also hope that they will inspire you to do your own projects, adding personal touches at every step.