The Secret to Figuring Out Where Your Backsplash Should End
When designing your dream kitchen, choosing the perfect backsplash height can be a challenging dilemma. Set your backsplash too high and you lose space to decorate the wall with art, clocks, shelving, and more. But too low risks exposing your walls to splashes, grease, and grime during cooking. So what's the secret to landing on the ideal backsplash height? We're breaking it down in this guide.
What is the Standard Backsplash Height?
Typically, backsplashes extend 4-6 inches above the kitchen countertops. This leaves ample room for decorating while still protecting the majority of the wall from average cooking messes.
Should You Go Above Standard Height?
Some homeowners opt to extend their backsplash completely up to the ceiling. This makes a bold visual statement and provides maximum protection from splashes. However, it also eliminates any open wall space for hanging art, clocks, shelves or anything decorative. Leaving some open space above the backsplash offers more flexibility.
What About a Shorter Accent Backsplash?
Backsplashes don't necessarily have to span the entire wall either. Using a backsplash as a minimal accent behind only certain areas like the stove or sink highlights those zones. This adds a pop of style without the full commitment of tiling the whole wall.
Key Factors to Determine Ideal Height
When deciding where your backsplash should end, consider these key factors:
Kitchen Work Triangle
The height of your backsplash affects the visibility and overall utility of your kitchen work triangle between the sink, fridge, and stove. Make sure you balance adequate splash protection with keeping your countertops and cooking space visible while in use.
Backsplash Materials
The type of material you use can determine the ideal height as well. For example, glass backsplashes often extend higher to better shield the wall since they are more prone to splashes seeping behind them. Stone backsplashes can sometimes terminate lower since they are naturally more splash-resistant.
Faucets and Hood Vents
Coordinate the height of your backsplash with the positioning of any wall-mounted faucets, soap dispensers, or range hood vents. Make sure your backsplash doesn't create awkward gaps or overlaps surrounding these items.
Creative Solutions for Maximizing Wall Space
What if you want splash protection but don't want to sacrifice style and decor options? These creative backsplash solutions give you the best of both worlds.
Floating Shelves
Mount floating shelves above your backsplash to display decor while still protecting the wall behind it. The shelves visually break up the backsplash while providing functional space for items.
Two-Tiered Backsplash
Do a partial height backsplash across the whole wall, then do a second accent backsplash that extends higher solely behind the cooktop zone. This allows more visible wall space while keeping the most at-risk area covered.
Niche Backsplash
Incorporate shelving niches within your backsplash tile design to tuck decor items inside the backsplash itself. The built-in display nooks complement the backsplash tiles.
When determining where your backsplash should end, the standard recommendation is 4-6 inches above counter height. But creative solutions like floating shelves, two-tier designs, and niche shelving allow you to maximize your space. Consider your kitchen work triangle, materials, and appliances when deciding what works best. And don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect backsplash height for your cooking and decorating needs!