Kitchen Splashback Ideas
Looking for kitchen splashback ideas that actually work in real homes (not just showrooms)? Your splashback is one of the first things people notice in a kitchen, it’s also one of the most practical surfaces to get right.
Below you’ll find ideas by style, tile type, and layout, plus quick tips to help you choose the best kitchen splashback tiles for your space.
Want to skip the guesswork? Start here:
- Browse mosaic tiles for splashbacks and feature strips
- Shop tiles across walls, floors and feature ranges
- Use the free tile calculator to estimate how much you need (add extra waste for mosaics)
- Read our subway tiles vs mosaic splashback guide
to quickly decide which works better for maintenance, cost and design.
Browse our kitchen splashback categories
Kitchen splashback ideas that suit real homes
1) Mosaic splashbacks (best for colour, texture, and personality)
If you want a splashback that feels “designed”, mosaics are hard to beat. They work especially well behind cooktops, around windows, or as a band/feature strip through a larger tiled wall. If mosaics are on your shortlist, read our guide to kitchen splashbacks with mosaic tiles and then explore what’s available in our mosaic tile range.
Where mosaics shine
- Small kitchens: adds detail without needing a big surface
- Neutral kitchens: creates a focal point (especially with stone-look or glass mosaics)
- Curves / tricky edges: mosaics handle shapes better than large format tiles
If mosaics are on your shortlist, read our detailed guide to kitchen splashbacks with mosaic tiles where we compare materials, maintenance and where mosaics work best in real kitchens.
2) Large format tiles (clean, modern, fewer grout lines)
If you love a minimal look, larger wall tiles can make the splashback feel seamless.
Fewer grout lines generally means faster wipe-downs and a calmer aesthetic.
Start in our main tiles range and filter down by size/finish.
3) Classic subway layouts (timeless + easy to style)
Subway layouts stay popular because they suit almost any kitchen style — modern, coastal, Hamptons, or classic.
The biggest design lever here is grout colour:
match grout to tile for a soft look, or contrast for definition.
4) Full-height tiled splashbacks (designer look, bigger impact)
Taking tile all the way to the underside of overhead cabinets (or to the ceiling in some areas) can make the kitchen feel taller and more “finished”.
This works great with stone-look porcelain, subtle texture tiles, or a mosaic feature zone.
5) Feature strip splashback idea (easy upgrade without a full redesign)
A simple way to get a premium look is: use a calm base tile, then add a mosaic feature strip (horizontal or vertical).
This gives you texture and detail without committing to a full mosaic wall.
Browse options in the mosaic category.
How to choose the right splashback tile
Material: what’s practical for kitchens?
- Porcelain: tough, low-maintenance, great for modern looks
- Ceramic: popular wall option; easy to work with and style (see: ceramic tiles overview)
- Mosaics (glass/stone/ceramic): best for design impact; plan extra waste and grout care
Finish: glossy vs matte
Gloss can brighten a darker kitchen and reflect light.
Matte can look softer and more modern, but may show cooking splashes differently depending on colour and texture.
If your kitchen gets heavy use, choose a finish you’ll be happy wiping down regularly.
Layout: what shape suits your space?
- Small splashback zones: mosaics or patterned tiles add detail fast
- Long, straight runs: subway layouts or large format tiles look clean and balanced
- Behind cooktops: consider an easy-clean surface and grout colour that won’t show cooking marks
Installation and safety considerations
Splashback tiles are installed in areas exposed to heat and moisture, so proper materials and installation matter.
For safety clearances around cooktops and heat sources, refer to the
Australian Building Codes Board guidelines.
Using the correct adhesive and grout is also important for kitchens.
Installation practices should follow general tiling standards used across Australia to prevent cracking and moisture issues over time.
Tile size and how it changes the room
The size of your bathroom tiles controls how big or small the room feels.
Large format
Large tiles give a calm, modern look with fewer grout lines. They suit newer builds across Logan and Brisbane and are great if you want a clean, simple feel.
Medium and small
Smaller bathroom tiles add detail and can suit older homes, units, or any space where you want more movement in the design. They also add grip because there’s more grout spacing.
Mosaics
Mosaic tiles are perfect for shower floors and small features. They let water drain well and they stop feet from sliding.
How much tile do you need for a splashback?
Use our free calculator to estimate area and boxes: How much tile do you need? Try our free tile calculator. For mosaics, patterns, and lots of cuts (powerpoints, corners, windows), add extra waste.
Need help choosing the right kitchen splashback tiles?
If you’re in Brisbane / Logan, bring measurements and a couple of inspiration photos – we can help narrow down tile style, finish, and quantity.
You can also browse online first:
shop tiles or explore mosaic options.
Ready for a recommendation? Contact us and tell us your kitchen size, benchtop colour and the look you’re going for.
How Can We Help You?
Common questions about kitchen splashbacks
Are mosaic tiles hard to clean on a splashback?
They’re not “hard”, but they do have more grout lines than large tiles. The best approach is choosing a grout colour that suits your cooking style and wiping down regularly (especially behind the cooktop). If you love mosaics, see: kitchen splashbacks with mosaic tiles.
What’s the easiest splashback style to maintain?
Larger tiles with fewer grout lines are generally the quickest to clean. If you still want detail, consider a calm base tile with a small mosaic feature strip.
What’s a quick way to upgrade an existing kitchen?
A new tiled splashback can change the whole kitchen feel without changing cabinetry. Start with a style direction (modern / coastal / classic), then choose tile finish and grout colour to match the benchtop.
Are mosaic splashbacks a good idea?
They can be one of the best feature choices in a kitchen when used in the right areas. See our full breakdown of mosaic kitchen splashbacks including cleaning, durability and layout ideas.