With so much time spent there simmering, sipping and sautéing, the kitchen is an area of your home that deserves some love. One of the easiest and most practical ways to spice up your cooking space is with a kitchen tile splashback. As well as protecting your walls from spills and splatters, a tiled splashback can inject some serious personality into your kitchen — not to mention it’s a great way to seamlessly marry design and style choices from room to room.

With so many kitchen splashback ideas for you to consider, it can be a tough choice! Luckily, we’ve compiled our top 23 ideas for kitchen tiles and splashbacks to help you find the inspo of your dreams. Whether you’re having a crack at a DIY tiled splashback or planning a pro kitchen renovation, there’s something here for every style. 

1. Hexagon tiles

This tile has been around for centuries and shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon! Hexagon tiles exude a timeless style that works with almost any kitchen design. They also come in a range of different sizes, making them one of the more versatile tiles for your kitchen splashback.

2. Kit Kat tiles

Kit Kat tiles, also known as finger mosaic tiles, are a bold and enigmatic tile choice if you want to create a kitchen splashback that makes an impact. Blue is the most popular colour choice for finger mosaic tiles, effortlessly adding texture and personality to your kitchen.

3. White tiles with black grout

White tiles with black grout are an eye-catching choice that marries a trendy, edgy feel with timeless appeal. The finished look will transform your kitchen into a simultaneously chic and industrial space. This combo is also neutral enough to complement a few other bold design choices in other areas of your kitchen.

4. Herringbone tiles

A much-loved tile choice, herringbone tiles have been making their mark on kitchen splashbacks for generations. It’s no secret why — their soft, classic look works exceptionally well in kitchen spaces.

5. Moroccan-inspired tiles

If you like bright colours, bold patterns and something a little bit exciting, Moroccan-inspired tiles may be the perfect choice for your kitchen. The best bit about these tiles is that they take centre stage, so you won’t need to do much else to turn heads in your kitchen.

6. Mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles never go amiss when it comes to the perfect kitchen splashback. These versatile beauties are easy to maintain and come in an endless array of colours and finish options, so you're bound to find the right fit for your taste.

7. Diamond tiles

Hoping to achieve a luxe finish in your kitchen? Diamond-shaped tiles are the way to go. The diamond shape forms hexagonal patterns on a wall, so it is often referred to as the broken hexagon look. These tiles will effortlessly inject that high-end feel into your kitchen.

8. Checkered tiles

Once strictly the realm of diners and 1950s kitchens, the humble checkered tile has resurfaced to become the epitome of retro cool. Also known as checkerboard tile, these throwback-friendly tiles are a great choice if you're looking for a simple and easy way to make a statement in your kitchen.

9. Geometric tiles

Also known as the cube, this tile finish has a minimalist effect that works great in any neutral or modern kitchen space. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing tiles for your kitchen splashback, geometric tiles are an excellent jumping-off point.

10. Octagonal tiles

One of the best kitchen wall tile ideas for your home, octagonal tiles are classic, timeless and suit most styles. Usually done in black and white, mix up the colours if you're feeling adventurous!

11. Penny round tiles

Another classic tile choice for kitchens that's hung around for generations, penny round tiles come in any finish, size and texture you can imagine! They’re an excellent choice for adding a soft, subtle touch to your kitchen.

12. Natural stone look tiles

Who said stone can’t be used for your kitchen tiles? Natural stone-look tiles make an impact by adding a touch of natural elements and extra depth to your kitchen, making it feel both luxe and ethereal.

13. Terracotta tiles

If you’re hoping to achieve a Mediterranean look in your kitchen, using a terracotta tile for your splashback will help get you there. Cosy and traditional, your kitchen will be the envy of everyone who steps inside!

14. Subway tiles

By far the most common tile you’ll see used for kitchen splashbacks, subway tiles are so popular because they are versatile and look great in most kitchens. You can tailor a subway tile to your design needs, including the size and how the tile is laid, to create a unique, stunning finish that suits your kitchen.

15. Black Matte tiles

Matte tiles are becoming more of a popular choice for kitchen splashbacks, especially black. The black colour combined with the matte texture will bless your kitchen with a minimalist, organic and luxe feel. If you want to create a contemporary kitchen loaded with style, give matte black tiles a try.

16. Glazed white tiles

On the other hand, the classic glazed white tile still holds its position as a favoured selection as one of the best kitchen splashback tiles. The glaze means they’re beyond easy to clean, and the white finish is bound to suit any kitchen, so it’s no wonder they remain the tile of choice! Pro tip: white tiles can also help spaces without natural light feel brighter, so these are a wise investment if your space needs a bit of a boost.

17. Irregular mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles are one of the rare tiles that look great cut into odd shapes and sizes and then re-stuck together! This look adds a contemporary edge to any kitchen without coming across as overbearing.

18. Picket tiles

Fondly named after the humble picket fence, picket tiles have a slim, linear look that is perfect if you’re looking to add a fun edge to your kitchen. They are also very versatile and can be installed in three different patterns!

19. White Zellige tiles

If you haven’t heard of zellige tiles, where have you been?! Originating from Morocco, these square tiles are perfect for a feature splashback. Their texture effortlessly complements that classic kitchen look whilst also being easy to clean and maintain.

20. Grid tiles

Very much the epitome of mid-century kitchen design, the humble grid tile has made a much-welcomed comeback, and we aren’t complaining! With the finish and size being so easy to adjust to suit most styles, we love how versatile and timeless these tiles are.

21. Mermaid tiles

If you’re looking for funky and fun kitchen tile ideas, mermaid tiles are the answer. Also referred to as fish scale tiles, these tiles offer a pretty, feminine touch to your kitchen — not to mention the perfect amount of texture and kitsch vibes without going overboard. 

22. Chevron tiles

What list about kitchen splashback tile ideas would be complete without chevron tiles making an appearance? Often underestimated, these tiles offer a classic and timeless linear pattern that is ideal for those wanting a more traditional, structured finish for their splashback.

23. Mix and match tiles

There’s something to be said about the best of both worlds — so why not play with two different-sized tiles for your kitchen splashback? Using both square and subway tiles in a matching colour adds a touch of quirkiness and visual interest while still keeping your tonal scheme intact. Lay the tiles randomly, one box each at a time, to create a balanced effect.

How much does it cost to tile a splashback?

Like most labouring jobs, the cost of your kitchen splashback installation depends on a range of factors. Obviously, the cost of your tiles and the size of the area you want to cover are two main things to consider. If you know both of these numbers, you can easily figure out the cost of your materials. If you're getting a professional tiler to install your splashback, you can expect to pay anywhere between $450 to $900 for their services.

What do you need to tile a splashback?

If you're venturing into the world of DIY and doing your own kitchen splashback tiles, there are a few items you'll need to ensure the job has a seamless look.

Tiles: Well, this answer is obvious! Choose tiles that suit your kitchen's style and are suitable for use in wet areas - all of the options we've suggested are up to the task. Ensure you have enough tiles to cover the entire splashback area, plus some extra for cuts and spares.

Tile adhesive: Grab a suitable tile adhesive or thin-set mortar. The type you need may vary based on the type of tiles you're using and the surface you're tiling over.

Grout: Select a grout colour that complements your tile choice. To make it even easier, our design experts have selected matching grout for all of the tiles on our website - all this information is listed on the product page.

Spacers: Tile spacers help maintain consistent gaps between tiles for that perfectly neat finish.

Tile trim or edge pieces: If your splashback edges are exposed, you may need tile trim or edge pieces to finish the edges cleanly.

Primer (if necessary): Depending on your wall's surface material, you might need a primer to improve the adhesion of the adhesive.

Head to your local hardware for these tools to finish the job:

- Tile cutter
- Measuring tape and level
- Notched trowel
- Rubber float
- Bucket and mixing paddle
- Grout float
- Tile adhesive spreader

What is better, a glass splashback or tiles?

Choosing between a glass splashback or a tiled splashback depends on your preferences and needs. While glass splashbacks offer a sleek, modern look and are easy to clean, they can be more expensive to install. On the other hand, tiles are versatile, cost-effective and allow for a wide range of styles. Which direction you go in really comes down to your budget and aesthetic preferences.

How high to tile a splashback?

Standard kitchen splashback heights usually clock in at 600mm, but this isn't a hard and fast rule. In custom designed kitchens, the height can often range from the standard 600mm up to 700mm or 750mm.

Make your splashback stand out!

Make a statement in your kitchen with these splashback tile ideas. We know how hard it can be choosing tiles for your kitchen, but we hope laying out all the options will help you in your renovation journey. As long as you stay true to your personal style inspirations — be it classic, classy, retro or rustic — you can’t go wrong.