Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by lindseymahoney
Looking to give your kitchen a fresh new look without spending a fortune? A DIY backsplash can be a great way to add some personality and style to your space. From peel-and-stick tiles to unique stencils, there are plenty of affordable and creative options to choose from. Check out these DIY backsplash ideas for inspiration.
Unique DIY Backsplash Ideas to Try at Home
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1 | Beadboard
For a more casual kitchen aesthetic, a beadboard backsplash is a great option! Studio Laloc designed the most charming scullery with beadboard painted in a muddy pink color.
Beadboard can be purchased and installed in a few different ways – the most affordable route is a beadboard panel that can be cut to size.
The other option is to purchase wood tongue-and-groove beadboard planks that are individually installed. The individual planks will be a little more expensive than larger panels.
2 | Vertical Planks
One of my favorite DIY backsplash ideas is vertical planking above the countertops. It is affordable and adds so much charm to a kitchen. We installed vertical planks above our countertops and painted them a striking dark gray.
The back of the glass cabinetry received the same gray planks for a seamless look. The paint is in a satin sheen which allows us to easily clean the backsplash.
3 | Subway Tile
Installing subway tile as the backsplash in a kitchen is relatively simple. The most expensive part of installing a tile backsplash is the labor itself.
If you can DIY the tile installation, it is a pretty affordable backsplash idea, especially with ceramic subway tiles.
When working with subway tile, there are many pattern options to choose from. It is important to consider the style of the home when choosing your patterns because some are more traditional while others lean more modern and contemporary.
The style of our home leans traditional, so I chose the offset bond pattern for the subway tile backsplash. For added interest, I laid the first row vertically (sometimes called a soldier stack) and the remaining rows offset bond.
Subway Tile Patterns
- Herringbone
- Double Herringbone
- Stack Bond
- Offset Bond
- Running Bond
- Basketweave
- Chevron
- Straight Herringbone
- Diagonal Herringbone
- Vertical Offset Bond
- Vertical Stack Bond
4 | Peel and Stick Backsplash
A peel-and-stick tile backsplash is a quick and easy way to update your kitchen without the mess and hassle of traditional tile installation.
Peel and stick tiles for backsplash come in a variety of colors and patterns to fit any kitchen aesthetic. Etsy has endless options to choose from! Simply peel off the backing and stick the tiles onto your existing backsplash.
This DIY project is perfect for renters or those who want a temporary update to their kitchen.
5 | Stenciled Backsplash
Create a unique and personalized backsplash by using stencils to paint a design onto your existing backsplash or drywall.
Choose a stencil that fits your style and color scheme, and use painter’s tape to secure it in place. Then, use a small roller or brush to apply paint over the stencil. Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the stencil to reveal your custom design.
This DIY project is affordable and allows you to add a personal touch to your kitchen.
6 | Wallpaper
Looking for a pop of color or a fun pattern in your kitchen? Check out all of the fun wallpaper options for your kitchen backsplash!
Vinyl wallpaper is a popular option in kitchens because it is durable and easy to clean. Whether you hang the wallpaper on the entire backsplash or in a small nook in the kitchen, this is an affordable DIY to customize your kitchen.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a good option for renters who want to add a personal touch to their kitchen with a patterned backsplash.
7 | Brick Backsplash
Similar to beadboard, brick wall backsplash can be purchased and (installed in a few different ways). Most home improvement stores sell brick-patterned panel boards that can be used as a backsplash. For a more subtle look, paint the brick panels white.
For a more realistic look, there are brick tiles that are installed and grouted like other backsplash tile options.
8 | Shiplap
This popular wall treatment is a great backsplash idea for kitchens when used in the right setting.
Of course, this is my personal preference, but I find that rustic backsplash treatments, like shiplap, look best in cottages, cabins, and farmhouses that align with the casual design.
9 | Painted Tile Backsplash
A painted tile backsplash is a great way to add a pop of color and personality to your kitchen. Simply choose a color that complements your existing decor and paint over your existing tiles.
Older kitchens with square tiles as the backsplash are perfect candidates to DIY a checkered pattern. You can find paint for ceramic tiles at your local home improvement store.
If you do not have an existing kitchen backsplash, you can also DIY your own bespoke pattern on individual tiles before installation. Second-hand stores like ReStore often sell leftover tile that can be reused and painted for a small tile project like a kitchen backsplash.
This DIY project is affordable and easy to do, making it a great option for those on a budget.
10 | Antique Mirror Backsplash
Antique glass is such a cool and unexpected option as a kitchen backsplash. If you have a local glass company, they will be able to cut your mirror down to size.
Once the mirror is installed as the backsplash, you can also install decorative trim to create a frame around the mirror similar to the example above.
I love how patinaed glass looks on the backsplash of a wet bar. There are lots of DIY tutorials to create the aged mirror effect, too!
I hope these DIY backsplash ideas for your kitchen have inspired you to design a space that brings you joy every day!