Everywhere you look, you'll find different size, styles and shapes of tiles on the walls of different spaces. What are they? They're backsplashes! But what exactly are tile backsplashes? Hmm…good question, and we have all the information you need about them to answer that question!
What are Tile Backsplashes?
Backsplashes are an expanse of material that fill the gaps on a certain wall of a room. They provide important functions like protecting the walls from water and stain damage and adding a special splash of color and elegance to your space…see what we did there?
Now, let's learn a bit about the history of tile backsplashes.
History of Tile Backsplashes
In the 1940's, the popular farmhouse sink that came with its own backsplash began to be replaced by undermount sinks, which mean the built-in backsplash was no longer there!
In the 1950's, backsplash designs started to become brighter in color, and they went all around the kitchen. Tile throughout the house was becoming more colorful and the backsplash was evolving!
By the 1990's, people were starting to get tired of the mosaics and bright tile arrangements and started to look more toward natural looking tile. They started wanting more neutrals for their kitchen backsplashes. White or cream backsplash tile plus honey oak cabinets and white appliances was a signature 90's look.
In the 2000s, subway tiles started to make their entrance into the backsplash world. Subway tiles are usually used as a base when combined with mosaic tile to give a clean look and help make the mosaic tile pop. To learn more about subway tiles, check out our other blog, here.
Popular Types
We all think that a tile type or shape is classic and in one sense, it is. When you see that particular shape nearly everywhere you look, it may be amazingly beautiful, both dream worthy and swoon worthy, but it's still a trend. However, we've chosen the most popular and time-tested choices for kitchen backsplash tile.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
These types of tile are so versatile and are available in many different colors, designs and textures making them great choices for backsplash tile no matter what your décor style is. To learn more about porcelain and ceramic tiles, check out our other blog, here.
Mosaic Tiles
Since mosaic tiles come in small packs, it's quite a worthy investment. And depending on the range of materials you choose; mosaic tiles can be a great way to turn your backsplash into a work of art. To learn more about mosaic tiles, check out our other blog, here.
Glass tile
Glass tiles come in unlimited colors from neutral and subtle to bright and bold. Depending on your choice of colors, sizes and layout, glass backsplash tile can be playful, classy or modern, while providing clean, sleek lines that will work well in any kind of style space.
Marble
Whether tiles or slabs, marble is always an excellent choice for a backsplash. It's functional, easy to clean, beautiful, classic—we can go on and on. Because marble is a natural stone, every piece is unique, allowing you to have a one-of-a-kind space. To learn more about marble tile, check out our other blog, here.
Best Places for Backsplash Tile
Home base for most backsplashes is the kitchen, especially surrounding sinks and stoves. As we mentioned before, the backsplash protects the wall from water stains and damage—or, even marks from tools and gadgets that live on the counter.
Still, many creative locations make sense to add a backsplash, like in the bathroom, behind the toilet and sink and even surrounding the showers. There is even a trend of installing backsplashes on the ceiling to clearly define a shower alcove, and to prevent water damage!
In spaces you want to try an unconventional approach to shaping a space with backsplash tile, try using clearly defined borders. This can create a sort of rail for the eye to follow to contain the tile material and ensure tiles are placed at an even level in the actual tiling process.
So, when it comes to picking out a backsplash for your home, find something you love and go for it! And to help even more, stop by one of our locations to see these lovely options in person!
At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure you're happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooring—and as your partner in home design, we'll be there every step along the way. Consider us your "One-Stop Shopping" destination for all things flooring…(and window treatments)!
Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we're here to make sure you'll be proud of it for years to come.
If you have any questions, please email us.
