Rock the Splashbah: How to Use Tiles for Splashback Solutions

Table of contents

• What is a splashback and why bother?
• How to choose the right splashback tile material for you
• Splashback style inspiration

If you’re looking to give your home interiors a rocking new look, then chanting ‘Rock the Splashbah’ to the tune of The Clash’s hit from the eighties, Rock the Casbah, is sure to kickstart your creativity (well, maybe that’s just us!). However, if that doesn’t get you inspired to give your walls an update, then this blog definitely will. 

Today, we’re focusing on the humble splashback, exploring the endless ways you can style these practical wall coverings using tiles, and the raft of benefits they bring with them in kitchens, bathrooms and beyond.

What is a splashback and why bother?

Before we dive into the numerous ways to style your splashback, for the uninitiated, let’s explain exactly what they are and why you should bother installing one.

As the name suggests, splashbacks are designed to prevent droplets of liquid like water, oil or food matter from damaging unprotected surfaces like painted walls. 

Most commonly found in kitchens behind sinks and cookers and often spanning the entire length of the worktop, splashbacks provide a protective layer against those inevitable splashes when you’re washing up, cooking or preparing food. 

They’re also a staple feature in bathrooms, with splashback ideas including covering walls behind sinks and baths, ensuring moisture doesn’t wreak havoc on the paintwork or, more importantly, the plasterboard behind. 

However, they can also take the form of floor-height splashbacks in areas like hallways and porches, protecting lower walls from scuff marks, mud splatters, water or anything else that may get thrown their way.

There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to the height of a splashback and it may vary depending on the area, but generally they’ll span between 300mm to 600mm in height to ensure there’s ample coverage of vulnerable surfaces. They can also be installed as a standalone feature for one particular area (like behind a sink) or run the entire length of a wall or countertop.

But why bother installing one? Well, if you want to avoid the hassle of continually repairing and repainting walls damaged or marked by splatters, then it’s a no brainer. Splashbacks are typically designed to be easy to clean and water resistant, which is why tiles are the ideal choice. And here are some key benefits that tiles bring to the party:

• Water resistant – whether you opt for glass mosaics, ceramic metro tiles or large porcelain tiles, all these materials boast outstanding resistance to water, leaving your walls protected from splashes both big and small
• Low maintenance – typically featuring a smooth surface, tiles are incredibly easy to wipe clean with a standard cleaning solution and cloth. This means no specialist techniques are required to keep your walls looking shiny and clean, even when it comes to wiping off oil and grease
• Stain resistant – in busy kitchens, water marks aren’t your only worry – there’s also those colourful foods that can leave a lasting impression on paintwork. But, with a tiled splashback protecting your walls, these won’t need to be a concern. From spaghetti bolognaise to blackcurrant puree, your walls will be well-equipped to handle those pesky splatters without leaving a trace
• Versatile – tiles offer the ideal way for you to create a style statement in your kitchen or bathroom using just a small area. From rustic and retro to sleek and chic, there are endless ways you can use your splashback tiles to create the right aesthetic. They also come with the added benefit of being easy to install, so you can give your home a quick and impactful update with minimal hassle.

How to choose the right splashback tile material for you

Okay, so you’re on board with why a tiled splashback is an essential part of your home interior design – now it’s time to decide on which tile material is right for you. 

The short answer is that almost any tile material will work as a splashback. However, a lot of the decision will come down to personal preference, as well as a few practical considerations. For instance, smaller tiles like mosaics or metro tiles offer a world of options for colours and finishes and can be adapted to suit all kinds of decor themes, but a smaller tile means more grout lines to clean. 

Similarly, if you like the idea of giving your kitchen a classic look with natural stone, it’s worth knowing that this material usually requires periodic sealing and upkeep, which if not adhered to can lead to them being more susceptible to stains.

To help you get a gauge on what’s right for you, let’s run through the various options on the market. 

Mosaics

As we mentioned, mosaic tiles offer a huge range of scope to pull off a quirky and stylish splashback. Primed for decorative accents, mosaics have been a tried and tested choice for centuries (think Roman baths and Grecian palaces), and they still look as fresh and funky today as they did back then.

Mosaic tiles come in a vast array of sizes, shapes and colours, making them an incredibly versatile option – from white geometric shaped 3D mosaic tiles to colourful glass mosaic combinations. They also come in a choice of materials including porcelain, ceramic, glass, metal and natural stone, so the world’s your oyster for finding a suitable style and material for your home. 

Sold in sheets of various sizes, mosaic tiles offer the perfect way to accentuate your splashback areas. Whether you lay them as full sheets that cover the entire area or use them to create decorative borders or intricate detailing alongside larger tiles, they’re a sound choice for almost any area. 

In terms of material choice, they all perform well at dispelling splashes and moisture where you need it most, but for very wet areas porcelain, ceramic or glass may be your best option as they have the best resistance to water. That being said, with the right grout and protective sealing, all the mosaic tiles on offer at Tiles Direct will do a stand up job to spruce up your home and keep walls well-protected.

Ceramics

Like mosaics, ceramic splashback tiles come in a huge range of colours, shapes and finishes to suit a whole host of interior design styles. From rustic, farmhouse kitchen designs using natural stone look tiles to chic and modern glossy black chevron tiles and everything in between, there’s a ceramic tile to suit every taste. 

Made from compressed fired clay, ceramic tiles provide the right balance of durability, practicality and style with every installation, leaving you with a robust, wipe-clean surface that will stay looking that way for years. 

It’s these properties that make them a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom splashback tiles, as they repel water with minimal effort. They also boast excellent scratch and stain resistance, meaning even in busy areas of the household, your splashback will retain its lustrous looks. 

Porcelain

Like ceramic, porcelain splashback tiles are made from compressed clay, but their manufacturing process means they’re fired and pressed for longer, making them even harder than ceramic. 

This hardness, combined with fewer cavities for moisture to seep in, is what makes porcelain tiles ideal for use on floors, but that’s not to say they can’t also make stunning, practical and hard-wearing splashback tiles either. In fact, if you’re looking for one of the most robust splashbacks in high-traffic areas of your home like the kitchen or bathroom, porcelain tiles definitely won’t let you down. 

When it comes to picking the perfect porcelain tiles, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our extensive porcelain wall tiles range cover everything from wood-effect tiles to playful patterned designs in all kinds of colours and sizes, so you’re sure to find a style that works for you.

Glass

Glass tiles can be made from both recycled and new glass, making them an eco-friendly option when it comes to styling out your splashback. 

Available in opaque, translucent and reflective finishes, glass splashback tiles come in a diverse selection of colours and shapes, giving you greater flexibility when decorating your home. With a smooth, wipe-clean surface, they’re ideal for splashbacks as marks can be easily removed without any specialist cleaning solutions. The only downside to glass tiles is that they do show smear and water marks, so they may require more polishing than other materials. 

In terms of styling your splashback, glass tiles lend a clean and contemporary look. Their iridescent and reflective properties work to bounce light around the room with different hues, so whether you go for one solid colour, small mosaics or mirrored tiles, they’re sure to add a striking feature.

Natural stone

If you’re looking to give your kitchen, bathroom, hallway or any other area a classic feel, then natural stone tiles are the perfect solution. Boasting excellent durability, stain resistance and water repelling properties, they’re definitely up to the challenge.

However, natural stone will need regular sealing to help prolong their lifespan and prevent water or other liquids from penetrating their hard exterior. This can make them a less practical option for splashbacks if you don’t want to bother with regular maintenance.

Instead, you can get the look and beauty of natural stone with ultra-realistic stone-effect tiles made from ceramic or porcelain. With all the charm and characteristics of the real thing without the hassle of frequent upkeep, you can have the best of both worlds. 

Splashback style inspiration?

Before we leave you to choose your dream splashback tiles, we wanted to give you some styling inspiration to make sure you have all the right information you need to find the perfect tile for the job. 

Country kitchen vibes – if you have dreams of a country-style kitchen, then splashback tiles could be just what’s needed to set the tone. Opt for tactile travertine tiles to create a soft yet striking look that mimics the charm of a rural home. Paired with shaker style kitchen cabinets and some warm, terracotta floor tiles, you’ll have a match made in heaven

Rugged rustic style – travertine tiles aren’t your only option for adding texture and depth to kitchen splashbacks. Ledgestone wall tiles are another sound choice for creating wonderful contrasts between smooth worktops and cabinets, leaving you with a rugged, rustic finish. From a practical point of view, the textured finish will hide a multitude of sins, meaning you won’t have to worry about glaringly obvious splatters ruining the overall look. 

Retro metro heaven – if you’re looking for a splashback that straddles both modern and traditional vibes, then popular metro tiles are the way to go. From dramatic black metro tiles for a sleek and modern feel to classic cream and white bevelled brick tiles, these versatile splashback tiles offer endless options for kitchens and bathrooms, creating an uber-chic decor that never goes out of fashion.

A modern take on marble – while marble is considered a classic choice, with marble-effect splashback tiles you can bring it bang up to date. Think all-white kitchen units, slate grey worktops and a flourish of marble to complete the look. With authentic-looking designs, you won’t be able to tell the difference from the real deal.

Futuristic bathrooms – if modern style is more your thing, there are endless bathroom splashback ideas you can hijack to create a swanky, futuristic finish. Dark, smart lux tiles set against a white bathroom suite deliver a sophisticated and edgy feel that will transport your bathroom from the present well into the future.

Patterned heaven – single coloured tiles or natural stone-look designs aren’t your only option for creating a stand out feature wall with your splashbacks. Embellishing your splashback area with pretty patterns is guaranteed to make them the star of the show. Go for a colourful, Moroccan look with our Dream tiles range, or use unconventional shapes like the Naples hexagon tiles in different colours to create a unique design.

When it comes to installing your splashback, tiles are definitely a solid and practical choice – and with an extensive selection on offer at Tiles Direct, you’re sure to find the perfect match to pull off a striking finish. 

Whether you’re looking for kitchen splashback ideas or a practical lower-level wall covering for your hallway, browse our complete range of splashback wall tiles online now. Once you’ve found a style you like, either order a small cut sample to see them in situ before you buy, or simply head to the checkout to buy in bulk.