What Are the Best Tiles for Kitchen Walls?
When picking out tiles for your kitchen walls, which is more important: practicality or aesthetics? Should you choose tiles that enhance your decor or ones that are durable and easy to clean?
There's no need to settle for one over the other. The best tiles for kitchen walls are both beautiful and long-lasting. This guide to kitchen wall tiles will provide the inspiration you need for your next remodeling project.
Subway Tiles
Uniform rectangular tiles are one of the most popular options for kitchen walls. Often arranged in a staggered pattern, standard subway tiles serve as a dependable foundation for many kitchen looks.
Subway tiles may be made of ceramic, porcelain or natural stone. All three of these materials can be reliable choices for kitchen walls. Ceramic and porcelain are sturdy, and glazed varieties are easy to wipe down when the inevitable kitchen messes occur. Natural stone is unrivaled in beauty and luxury.
Subway tiles are available in nearly any color. For a classic design, choose white tiles, but for a slight twist on the basic subway design, use a pattern with a small border around each rectangle. Mere from the Blanch collection is a good example:
Square Tiles
The square is another geometric shape that plays a prominent role in kitchen design. Square tiles may be just 1 inch wide, or they can measure 6 inches or more. 3- and 4-inch tiles are some of the most common for kitchen walls.
Like rectangular tiles, this popular shape is available in many kitchen-friendly materials. They include ceramic, porcelain and various varieties of natural stone, such as travertine. You can even find square tiles made of metal, resin and other unique materials.
Square tiles don't always have to be used in straight lines. The kitchen below includes many straight rows of tiles as well as squares that are turned at a 45-degree angle:
Geometric Mosaic Tile - View Details>>
Mosaic Tiles
If you love patterns, then express that by outfitting your kitchen walls with bold tile mosaics.
Water jet cutting allows tile artisans to precisely cut intricate mosaic details so the pieces fit together just right, resulting in a smooth surface. That's handy for kitchen walls, which seem to attract messes and often needed to be wiped down.
Glass Tiles
To make the most of your kitchen's natural light, incorporate glass tiles into your kitchen design. Glass reflects light, which can lend a bright, open feel to your room.
In addition, glass won't absorb moisture. That makes it a good choice for kitchen backsplashes.
Glass Mosaic Tile - View Details>>
Marble Tiles
Many people automatically equate marble with luxury. Its beauty comes at a price, though. Marble countertops need a good deal of care. Choosing marble as an accent on your walls allows you to enjoy this elegant material with less worry.
It's always a good idea to seal marble tiles that are used in the kitchen. A coat of sealant will help protect the marble from cooking splashes and sink sprays.
How much marble you choose to incorporate may depend on your budget. For a starting point, install a marble backsplash. If you can spend more, continue the marble design in a border that runs the length of the room.
Marble Mosaic Tile - View Details>>
Colorful Tiles
In a world of white kitchens, bold tiles make an undeniable statement.
Some homeowners opt for a full rainbow of tiles for their kitchen walls. If you choose to go that route, it's usually best to confine the tiles to a limited area of the room.
Colorful kitchens come in all styles, so don't feel that you have to saturate your room with every color of the rainbow. For a more restrained look, choose just a few key colors to highlight in your design.
Linear Mosaic Tile - View Details>>
Hand-painted Tiles
Your kitchen walls can serve as a canvas for beautiful artwork. This look begins with stone tiles in a neutral shade. A skilled artisan then paints a detailed mural on the tiles.
You'll want to display this artwork in a prominent spot. The stove backsplash is a popular location.
Mosaic Murals - View Details>>
Exotic Tiles
If your kitchen is often filled with flavors from around the world, then you may want your decor to reflect that idea. Tile mosaics can help transport you to foreign lands.
The best tiles for kitchen walls are ones that offer both strength and beauty. Not only do they enhance your decor, but they do it while standing up to the many spills and splatters of kitchen life.
Abstract Mosaic Tile - View Details>>
Whether you've decided that your kitchen needs clean geometric lines, a detailed mosaic or a hand-painted design, Artsaics can help you select the best tiles for the job.