Large-Scale Tiles Add Contemporary Drama to Kitchen Backsplashes
Kitchen backsplashes have come a long way from simple white subway tile. Homeowners today are looking for backsplash materials that are bold, beautiful, and make a dramatic statement. One of the hottest trends is using large format tiles, 12 inches or bigger, to create a contemporary, seamless look.
Oversized tiles for backsplashes can completely transform the style of your kitchen. They showcase the tile's inherent beauty, add modern flair, and are easier to clean than small tiles.
Benefits of Large Format Tiles
There are several reasons large scale tile has become popular for kitchen backsplashes:
Sleek Look with Fewer Grout Lines
One of the biggest perks of large format tile is a smoother, more continuous look. With bigger tiles, there are fewer grout lines interrupting the pattern. Large tiles help create a sleek, contemporary style.
The wide grout lines used with smaller tiles provide places for dirt and grime to accumulate. Large tile backsplashes have less grout, making them easier to keep clean.
Showcase the Tile's Natural Beauty
Oversized tile allows you to highlight the inherent beauty in surfaces like marble, travertine, and granite. For example, dramatic veining in a marble tile becomes a real focal point when used in a large scale.
Textures and patterns in the tile are more visible. Materials like handmade encaustic cement tile reach their full potential when installed in a large format for backsplashes.
Make a Bold, Modern Statement
The sheer size of an oversized tile makes a dramatic statement. It adds contemporary flair and makes rooms feel more spacious.
If you want your new kitchen to feel fresh and modern, large tile backsplashes are the way to achieve contemporary style. It's a sleek, minimalist look that feels right at home in 21st century kitchens.
Popular Materials for Large Tile
While all types of tile materials are available in large formats, some of the most popular choices include:
Porcelain and Ceramic
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are classic backsplash materials available in a huge range of colors, styles, and finishes. Both are fired at high temperatures to be dense, durable, and water-resistant.
Porcelain is less porous than ceramic and resistant to scratches, stains and chips. Expect to pay $10-20 per square foot installed for ceramic and porcelain large format tile.
Natural Stone
Marble, travertine, granite, and other natural stones showcase beautiful veining, swirls, and one-of-a-kind patterns. However, natural stone is softer and requires yearly sealing.
Stone tile brings elegance and luxury to backsplashes but comes with a higher price tag. Expect to pay $25 or more per square foot installed for large format natural stone tile.
Glass and Metal
For ultra modern style, glass and metal tiles are stunning choices. Glass tile brings shine and depth through translucent colors. Metal choices like copper, tin, and stainless steel have an industrial vibe.
The downside is that glass can chip and needs cautious installation. Use care when pricing these specialty tile materials.
Choosing Colors and Patterns
With a large tile backsplash, the colors, patterns, and textures become a real focal point. Consider how they complement your overall kitchen design.
Popular Large Tile Backsplash Colors
White and varying shades of gray and beige are popular backsplash choices that keep rooms feeling open and airy. Navy, teal, and forest green inject color and complement wood cabinetry.
Black oversized tile makes a dramatic statement, especially when paired with white countertops. Carefully choose your grout color with darker tiles to avoid a checkerboard look.
Patterns and Decorative Tiles
Look for tiles with interesting patterns like graphic cement blocks or Moroccan fish scale shapes. Handpainted and crackled glaze tiles add artisanal flair.
For a truly customized look, use different decorative tiles together, like a strip of mosaic mesh or inset medallions. Just take care not to go overboard with competing patterns.
Installation Tips for Oversized Tile
Proper installation is crucial for a flawless large tile backsplash. Keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure the substrate is perfectly flat and appropriately reinforced
- Use high-quality tile spacers and take care aligning grout line widths
- Choose a grout color that complements the tile color
- Seal natural stone tiles before and after grouting
- Get help from an experienced tile setter for best results
With meticulous installation, large format tile backsplashes make a contemporary statement and become a true focal point in your kitchen design.
The sleek, seamless look of oversized tile is a top trend for today's kitchen backsplashes. With fewer grout lines, large tiles create a contemporary, minimalist look and highlight the tile's inherent beauty.
Natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, glass, and metal are all stunning options available in large tile formats. Take advantage of the patterns, textures, and colors to complement your overall kitchen design.
With proper planning and installation, a bold, dramatic large tile backsplash can modernize and transform the entire feel of your kitchen.