There is an area of wall behind the stovetop in most Sydney Kitchens that is prone to damage from spills, splashes and steam from cooking. Many homeowners wisely choose to protect this wall space with a splashback, a small covering that prevents the otherwise bare wall area from being stained. These splashbacks might also be use behind sinks or other areas of the kitchens that are prone to moisture from cooking or cleaning.
TileWave – Tile Outlets Sydney
TileWave supplies tiles and flooring for Sydney homes and businesses. With our huge range of stock we are equally capable of catering to large scale commercial orders or small home projects. Our philosophy is that the tiles, floors and interior design should look great without ever compromising functionality.
What Is a Kitchen Splashback?
A splashback is a protective surface installed on the wall behind sinks, stovetops, and benchtops in kitchens (and often in bathrooms and laundries as well). Its primary role is to protect walls from splashes of water, oil, food, and other substances that occur during daily cooking and cleaning.
Kitchen splashbacks play a key role in both protecting your walls and enhancing the design of your cooking space. While they were once seen as purely functional, modern splashback tiles are now used as statement features that bring texture, colour, and personality to the heart of the home. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a bold focal point, the right splashback tile can transform your kitchen.
Tiles for Splashbacks.
Splashback tiles are specifically chosen for their durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. Because these areas are exposed to frequent mess, splashbacks need to be waterproof and easy to maintain — making tile one of the best materials for the job.
Why Are Splashback Tiles Useful?
Protect Against Damage: Splashback tiles prevent water damage, grease stains, and food splatter from reaching your painted walls or plasterboard, which can deteriorate over time.
Easy to Clean: Tiled splashbacks are simple to wipe down with a cloth and mild detergent, and grout can be sealed or cleaned to maintain hygiene.
Mould and Stain Resistance: Unlike unprotected walls, tiled splashbacks resist mould, especially when using epoxy grout or sealing standard grout properly.
Style Enhancement: With countless styles, materials, and colours available, splashback tiles allow you to personalise your kitchen and tie together other elements like cabinetry, benchtops, and flooring.
Popular Kitchen Splashback Tile Designs and Trends
When choosing splashback tiles, style is just as important as function. Here are some of the most popular tile styles for kitchens:
Subway Tiles
Classic and timeless, subway tiles are a favourite in kitchens for their clean, rectangular look. Laid traditionally or in patterns like herringbone or stacked, they suit a wide range of styles — from Hamptons to industrial.
Pro Tip: Use contrasting grout (e.g.: dark grout with white tiles) to highlight the pattern and add interest.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are made of small pieces of glass, ceramic, or stone, often mounted on mesh sheets. They are ideal for adding texture and colour to a kitchen.
Best for: Feature walls, behind the stove, or smaller areas to add visual detail without overwhelming the space.
Glass Tiles
Sleek and reflective, glass tiles brighten up a kitchen by bouncing light around. Available in a wide range of colours, they are perfect for modern or contemporary designs.
Bonus: Easy to clean and non-porous, making them ideal for hygiene-sensitive areas.
Herringbone and Chevron Patterns
These layouts use rectangular tiles to create a zig-zag or arrow effect. Herringbone adds sophistication and movement to a space and can be achieved with simple subway tiles.
Design Tip: Keep the colour palette simple and let the pattern do the talking.
Natural Stone or Textured Tiles
Tiles made from or mimicking natural materials like marble, slate, or travertine add a premium, organic feel to kitchens. Textured tiles offer depth and interest and can soften an otherwise minimalist kitchen.
Note: Natural stone needs sealing to protect from staining.
How to Choose the Right Splashback Tile
Follow this 5-step process to choose your ideal splashback tile:
Get Inspired: Look at real homes, showrooms, online galleries, or Pinterest to identify the tile styles you’re drawn to.
Set a Clear Style Direction: Know your kitchen’s design theme — contemporary, coastal, Hamptons, industrial — and pick a splashback that complements it rather than competes.
Build a Materials Palette: Bring together your benchtop, cabinetry, flooring, and tapware samples to see how potential tiles will fit in with the overall scheme.
Know Your Budget: Splashbacks only cover a small area, so they’re often a great place to splurge. But always explore budget-friendly options like ceramic tiles or partial-height splashbacks.
Review and Refine: Live with your tile samples for a few days, experiment with different grout colours, and assess how they look in your kitchen’s natural and artificial light.
Final Tips
Grout Matters: Epoxy grout is stain- and mould-resistant and ideal for kitchens. For cement-based grout, apply a sealer after installation.
Reflect Light: Glossy or light-coloured tiles can make small kitchens appear brighter and more open.
Feature Smartly: If you love a bold tile, consider using it only behind the cooktop or as an accent area.
Conclusion
Ready to upgrade your kitchen splashback, or any other tiled area of the home? Talk to our staff at TileWave. Explore a wide range of high-quality tiles in subway, mosaic, glass, marble, and more. Find the kitchen splashback that looks right and protects your kitchen wall space.
