It seems like most everyone has a backsplash in their kitchen or wet bar that is made out of the same basic materials - laminate, granite, tile, or marble.
Why not have a backsplash that is more unique and different than all of your neighbors?
Here are a few unique and unexpected ideas for your kitchen or wet bar backsplash.
photo courtesy of ShadowFireArts pixabay.com/en/kitchen-interior-luxury-home-2046764/Wine Crates
If you enjoy wine, consider recycling wine boxes into a backsplash.
Since wine crates are made of wood, they are not the best option for someone who splashes a lot of water around.
To protect the wood, seal it with a polyurethane or another product to keep the moisture out.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood adds a unique rustic touch to a backsplash.
Instead of making basic horizontal rows of reclaimed wood on your backsplash, consider creating a unique and one-of-a-kind pattern to be more different and unique. You might consider a herringbone pattern or a random pattern.
Street Signs
For a more industrial feel, consider recycling old street signs into your new unique backsplash.
You can use all green street signs or use a colorful assortment of different street signs in different shapes and colors.
Make sure that your street signs were obtained legally.
Subway Tile with a Twist
Subway tile is typically laid in a horizontal brick pattern, but why not create your own unique pattern. You can lay them vertically, at an angle, stacked without an offset, or whatever variation appeals to you.
Another option with subway tiles is to use handmade tiles or tiles that look as if they are handmade for a more unique look.
Shiplap
Shiplap has become ridiculously popular in the last few decades, especially in farmhouse interiors.
If you have a country, rustic, or farmhouse style home, consider using shiplap as the backsplash.
Since shiplap is wood, make sure it does not get drenched with water.
Some people prefer to use cement board instead of wood since it is less flammable.
Metallic Tiles
If you prefer a bit of sparkle, consider using tiles with a metallic finish.
Options include stainless steel, copper, gold, chrome, brass colors, and more!
Mirror
Mirrored backsplashes have been around for a while, however many people do not like them because they show off the back side of items on the countertop, such as the cord at the back of the toaster.
Instead of using regular mirror, consider using antiqued mirror instead.
The antiqued mirror will allow light to reflect but distort the reflection.
You can use a solid piece of mirror custom made for your kitchen, or you can use antiqued mirror tiles #ad, which would be much easier to install as a DIY project.
Glass Mosaic
Glass mosaic tiles are another unique backsplash option.
These tiles are often sold as a pattern of small tiles attached to a mesh backing for easier installation.
The color and pattern options for glass mosaic are enless.
Wallpaper
Some people love wallpaper while others hate it.
If you want a lot of bang for your buck, a graphic wallpaper backsplash will definitely work!
Ensure that the wallpaper will stand up to occasional splashing and that it is able to be wiped clean.
A truly unique and one-of-a-kind backsplash option is to make a custom photo wallpaper and have your family and friends or favorite location be ever present in your kitchen.
Tin Tiles
For a lesser expensive backsplash option that you can install yourself, consider using tin tiles #ad.
Tin tiles come in many different colors, sizes, and shapes.
You can purchase new tin tiles and use them as is or paint them to match your decor.
Another more unique option is to use vintage or salvaged tin tiles from an antique store or flea market.
Leather
If budget is not a concern, you can use real leather as your kitchen or wet bar backsplash.
You can upholster the entire backsplash using a few hides, or you can use leather tiles.
Faux leather is another option that is less cost prohibitive.
Brick Veneer
Brick is an earthy textural material that many people love.
To add brick to your backsplash, you can use a brick veneer, which is a thin slice of brick.
Make sure to seal your brick for easier cleaning.
Brick veneer might not be a good option for your backsplash if you are a messy cook because it might be difficult to clean because of its highly textural surface.
Solid Marble Slabs
A trend in higher end homes is to continue the countertop material all the way up the wall to the backsplash.
Marble slab backsplashes are beautiful, however quite expensive.
Unique Shaped Tile
Insead of traditional square or rectangular tile, consider using tile on your backsplash that is a unique shape.
Penny round mosaic tiles are a fun choice that is still quite traditional.
Other options include hexagons, fans, arabesques, Moroccan crosses, and diamonds.
Mosaic Using Random Objects
Almost everyone has seen a mosaic tile backsplash, however you can make a mosaic backsplash out of other unique items.
You can create a backsplash out of pennies, river rock, broken plates, bottle caps, or whatever else you are attracted to.
The amount of time required to install a mosaic backsplash depends on the size of the individual objects.
