12 Creative Ways to Makeover Your Kitchen Backsplash Without Subway Tiles

Tired of the ubiquitous subway tile backsplash? While the classic rectangular white tiles have their appeal, there are so many more creative, beautiful, and striking materials to use for your kitchen backsplash.

From gleaming glass mosaics to rustic wood planks, this guide will explore 12 backsplash ideas beyond basic subway tile to spice up your kitchen's style.

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles provide an artsy and colorful alternative to plain subway tile. Arrange small tiles in fun patterns across your backsplash to add flair and personality to your kitchen design.

Mosaic backsplashes come in all sizes, colors, materials, and styles. Mix glass, ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles in your mosaic - the options are endless! Go for a retro-chic black and white look, an invigorating pop of color, or an eclectic blend of natural stones.

Benefits of Mosaic Tile Backsplashes

Mosaic tile backsplashes offer many advantages beyond their striking visual appeal:

• Conceal flaws or uneven walls with intricate mosaic patterns
• Express your personal style with customized color blends and designs
• Available in myriad shapes like circles, hexagons, and colorful accents
• Provides a textured look and feel over smooth subway tile

Tips for Installing Mosaic Backsplash

Laying mosaic tile backsplash takes patience but is very achievable for DIYers. Here are some tips:

• Use mesh-backed mosaics wherever possible for easier spreading of adhesive and installation
• Plan the layout ahead of time to minimize awkward tile cuts
• Use sanded grout between tiles and seal properly for a smooth cohesive finish
• Illuminate with angled lighting to accent the mosaic's colors and textures

Marble Tile

For a touch of luxury, try a backsplash of marble tile. The natural veining patterns and creamy white hues of marble can make any kitchen look high-end.

While often associated with very formal styles, modern designers are using marble in creative new ways. Go for bold graphic veining or soft subtler patterns in shades of white, grey, and cream. Large-format marble tiles can have a striking impact.

Advantages of Marble Backsplash

Here are some excellent benefits of installing a marble backsplash in your kitchen:

• Matches any cabinetry and decor from modern to traditional
• Natural surface resists heat, stains, and water damage
• Timeless and elegant material that endures for generations
• Adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the kitchen

Marble Backsplash Installation Tips

Marble tile requires special care and precision during installation:

• Use a penetrating sealant to prevent stains and etching
• Bookmatch veining patterns carefully for a seamless look
• Hire experienced professionals for best results
• Use white thinset adhesive to prevent shadowing

Glass Tile

Make a design statement with the vibrant colors and glossy finish of glass tile. These durable, water-resistant tiles come in every hue imaginable, with iridescent, frosted, reflective, and translucent styles.

Mixing glass mosaic sheets, subway tiles, and large tiles creates amazing effects. Accent with metallic tiles for extra shine. Glass backsplashes feel glamorous and inviting in any kitchen.

Benefits of a Glass Backsplash

Here are some top advantages of glass tile backsplashes:

• Reflects light beautifully for a luminous look
• Highly durable and water-resistant material
• Cleans up easily with soap and water
• Minimal grout lines needed for sleek contemporary vibe

Installing a Glass Tile Backsplash

Follow these top tips for flawless glass tile backsplash installation:

• Use sanded grout to prevent scratching the smooth tile surface
• Check manufacturer specs for proper tile thickness and adhesive
• Illuminate with undercabinet lighting to maximize glass shine
• Seal and buff grout lines for a polished, finished look

Wood Plank Tile

Warm up a sleek modern kitchen with the natural beauty of wood plank tile backsplash. These faux wood tiles mimic reclaimed barnwood but are designed as durable backsplash tile.

Wood plank backsplashes come in stained, painted, or natural finish. Mix wide and narrow planks for visual interest. The natural grain and texture add cozy rustic ambiance to a space.

Why Choose Wood Plank Tile Backsplash?

Here are the many benefits of wood plank tile backsplash:

• Provides the handsome look of real wood without maintenance
• More budget-friendly than genuine reclaimed barnwood
• Resists moisture, stains, and heat better than actual wood
• Easy to cut, install, and clean with soap and water

Tips for Installing Wood Plank Tile Backsplash

Follow these tips for flawless wood plank tile backsplash installation:

• Test samples against your cabinetry and counters
• Use sanded grout in tone matching the wood planks
• Apply sealant after installation to protect finish
• Use trim molding for a built-in look and clean edges

Penny Tile

For vintage charm, install a backsplash of penny tile. These small, circular ceramic tiles resemble antique coins. Their round shape makes laying the tile pattern easier than square tile.

Penny tiles come glazed or unglazed in endless colors and finishes. Go for bold black and white, soft pastels, or earthy natural clay tones. Add intrigue by mixing penny tile shapes and sizes.

Benefits of Penny Tile Backsplash

Reasons to install a penny tile backsplash include:

• Timeless, classic aesthetic works in any kitchen
• Budget-friendly option using ceramic material
• Rounded shape is simpler to install than square tile
• Small scale suits backsplashes and creates focal points

How to Install Penny Tile Backsplash

Follow these steps for easy penny tile backsplash installation:

• Use temporary adhesive like painter's tape for alignment
• Apply grout carefully between rounded tiles
• Seal tile and grout after installation for a polished look
• Accent with trim, shelves, or ledges against the tile

Brick Backsplash

Rustic farmhouse style calls for a faux brick backsplash. Brick panels replicate the texture, colors, and grout lines of real brickwork at a fraction of the effort and cost.

Brick backsplash panels adhere directly to walls with thinset or construction adhesive. No special skills needed! Choose classic red bricks or go modern with grey, white, blue, or black “brick.”

Reasons to Use Brick Backsplash

Top reasons to install a brick backsplash:

• Achieves the popular rustic, vintage, and farmhouse aesthetic
• Far more budget-friendly than real brick masonry work
• Extremely durable finish resists moisture, grease, and scratches
• Mimics mortared brickwork without specialized skills

Installing a Brick Backsplash

Installing a faux brick backsplash is surprisingly simple:

• Measure space and cut panels to fit with utility knife
• Apply strong mastic adhesive to back of panels and press in place
• Use sanded grout between “bricks” for ultra-realistic look
• Seal panels after installation to protect finish

Stainless Steel

For contemporary style, check out stainless steel backsplashes. These commercial-grade brushed metal sheets provide a sleek, professional look. Styles range from satin to reflective polished finishes.

Stainless backsplashes work nicely behind stoves or sinks prone to splashes. Pair with other metals like nickel, copper, or brass accents for interest.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Backsplash

Reasons stainless is an excellent backsplash choice:

• Ultra-durable, heat-resistant, and easy to disinfect
• Sleek modern style works in contemporary kitchens
• Many metal finishes like brushed, etched, or hammered
• Commercial look lends an upscale restaurant vibe

How to Install Stainless Steel Backsplash

Installing a stainless backsplash is best left to professionals, but involves:

• Carefully measuring and cutting metal sheets to fit
• Using strong adhesive as well as screws to affix sheets
• Applying stainless steel sealant along all edges and seams
• Sanding any burred edges for safe, smooth finish

As you can see, there are so many eye-catching alternatives to basic white subway tile backsplash. Whether your style is modern, farmhouse, minimalist, or eclectic, you can find the perfect backsplash material for your kitchen.

Be bold with vibrant mosaic patterns, add rustic charm with wood or brick, or go sleek and modern with metal or marble. With proper planning and installation, you can create a backsplash you'll love.

So instead of defaulting to the expected subway tile, explore one of these creative backsplash ideas to makeover your kitchen with striking style.