Thanks to its timeless appeal and versatility, subway tile has long been a popular option for kitchen backsplashes. Subway tiles easily match a wide range of kitchen styles and are typically available in a variety of materials and price points. Nevertheless, some interior designers contend that subway tiles have become a bit stale and overdone, despite their ongoing appeal.
If you want to create a kitchen with distinct charm and personality, consider other backsplash options. These eleven subway tile substitutes will update your kitchen regardless of style and add a striking focal point.
The Full Slab
An excellent alternative to subway tiles, especially modern kitchens. They are easy to install; all you need to do is purchase extra stone when buying your countertop. The material is an interior designer favourite. They create a statement piece within the kitchen that looks clean and minimal. A bonus is, they’re easy to clean and a great highlight in the kitchen.
Short Slab
Short slab backsplashes are neat and bring a sense of simplicity to a minimalist kitchen. They avoid introducing new material into the kitchen. The continuity is always striking and impactful and can be budget friendly if you have the left-over slabs.
Modern Edged styles
Modern edged tiles create a focal point, it creates a textural interest and adds a pop of colour into the space, creating a fun pattern can bring a fresh look into the home.
Arabesque Tile
Arabesque Tile is a timeless choice. It is a lovely alternative to the subway tile because it brings a dynamic style into your kitchen space. It has the gloss of a subway tile and gives the room a fun dimension. It creates shape and texture without having to creating patterns that may go off trend or you get sick off. This choice looks great in a smaller space.
Wallpaper
Using wallpaper is a great alternative to a stone backsplash or can complement your existing backsplash. It’s also a smart choice for renters, as they can use peel-and-stick wallpaper and install it themselves without spending too much money. Wallpaper is an excellent way to add layers, interest, and personality to a room. For example, using something like black and white wallpaper can be used on the hood, making a statement and serving as a neutral backdrop against other colours in the space. To protect the wallpaper in a heat-prone area, a powerful ventilation system should be installed. Wallpaper in the kitchen allows you to express your personality, go bold, and create a focal point.
Square Tile
If you like the simplicity of subway tile, consider installing square tiles instead. New square tiles are available at most retailers, but vintage ones can add unique charm, it is also a great environmentally friendly option. Antique tiles have authentic wear and patina, which add character to older homes.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles bring a touch of fun and sophistication to any kitchen, often serving as a focal point. In this kitchen by interior designer Ashley DeLapp, the open-concept layout featured a single wall for the backsplash. To make it stand out, a bold black and white marble mosaic was chosen, adding a graphic punch to the sea of white cabinets.
Aged Mirror
These add character when used as a back splash. They can be inexpensive and easy to install when wanting to work on your own home. They create a distressed industrial feeling all whilst keeping it sleek and simplistic. It is also easy to maintain.
Shiplap Wood
Shiplap wood is a great alternative to tile or stone. The wood looks great within a modest country styled kitchen, it streamlines the design and looks elegant. Shiplap is also known to be budget friendly as it reduces any additional material purchasing as the look can be achieved by the carpenter.
Chevron Backsplash
Black and white kitchens are making a comeback! The chevron or herringbone backsplash is an ideal opportunity to bring texture and pattern into the space. The chevron backsplash brings class, and the overall impact softens the space and adds sophistication.
Vintage Brick
The perfect way to add classic charm to your family hub. Brick is a great option to use in a kitchen in place of subway tiles as it can easily be updated with paint to give fresh looks when trends changes.
