Kitchen wall tile ideas for every style and budget

Posted on by

A night on the tiles…

You’ve chosen the cabinets, worktops and flooring but there’s one more vital element that can make or break your dream kitchen scheme. Available in a kaleidoscope of colourways and different designs, wall tiles both protect and personalise the hardest-working room in your home. From sophisticated styles to mosaics, hexagons and bold, geometric designs, click or scroll through these stylish ceramics that are sure to inspire…



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Stretch with stripes

For a new take on the classic metro tile, create a bold design with three alternating colours. Here, contrasting stripes create vintage bistro vibes, while the horizontal lines will elongate the space to make small kitchens appear larger. If your feeling daring, you could take this look one step further and graduate your tile colours as you move up the wall to create an on-trend ombré effect.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Blend in the breakfast bar

Kitchen wall tiles make an effective addition to the undersides of breakfast bars and kitchen islands too. As well as creating a protective barrier against spills, they can impart an extra decorative dimension and a sense of cohesion across your scheme – these black hexagon tiles echo the geometric wall tiles throughout this monochrome space.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Large format

Just like in your luxury bathroom, large format wall tiles can be time-saving and budget-friendly in the kitchen too. This soothing neutral design creates a timeless backdrop for navy cabinetry and a warm wood countertop. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Kaleidoscopic colour

Triangle-print metro tiles in colourful hues create a glorious feature wall in this modern kitchen. Soft pastel shades warm up the white scheme, while the unusual tessellated design adds a creative new twist on standard geometric tile patterns.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Dark and dramatic


Dare to play at the darker end of the colour palette with dark greys and earthy forest greens, offset against copper fixtures and bold coral pink paintwork. These elegant Raku-fired rectangular wall tiles feature six shades of black in one tile to add extra depth to your culinary space.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Marble-effect hexagons

Large hexagon tiles look striking and glamorous in dark and dramatic tones. Pairing new and old aesthetics, the smooth marble-effect finish with realistic veining has been designed to evoke the iconic French Art Nouveau style of the late 1800s. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Muted Mediterranean

Pretty ornate tiling in a blue floral pattern evokes a subtle Mediterranean feel in this bright white kitchen. Their delicate detailing and neutral hue are just enough to enhance an understated farmhouse-style scheme without losing that crisp, clean finish. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Navy fish-scale tiles


Chosen as their tile trend prediction for 2020, this midnight blue design from Topps Tiles is called Syren. With its glossy finish and Art Deco-inspired shape, it manages to be both retro and totally modern while bringing the glam factor to any kitchen. Arrange them with the widest part at the top for a fan design, flip them over for a Moroccan-style teardrop or go horizontal to get the mermaid effect.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Exotic artisan design

Patchwork pattern tiles that fit together like a jigsaw are guaranteed to look breathtaking whatever the combination. This rustic feature wall is made up of eight French Provincial-style coordinating designs, which are then broken up with industrial-style concrete companions. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Monochrome Moroccan

Balance bold colours and graphic motifs by embracing monochrome patterned wall tiles. This vertical diamond design brings an informal touch to the splashback, thanks to the illustrative feel of the design. Keeping a neutral band in the mid-section of the wall allows you to go to town with vibrant colour above the tiles and across your kitchen cabinets.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Pretty pennies

The adorably named ‘penny tiles’ are timeless and eye-catching, so make a great timeless choice for the kitchen. The tiny circles look crisp and clean up close but merge into an interesting textured feature wall when viewed from further away. Depending on what finish you choose, they can brighten your worktop space, bring a glamorous shine and add a pop of statement colour.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Lily pad tiles

The stunning lily pad tile has become a huge home interior trend in recent years – and we can see why. The striking hexagonal shape and luxurious gloss finish look stunning as a feature wall in this understated, minimalist kitchen.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Contrasting chevrons

Contrasting chevron tiles make a dynamic addition to a large, expansive wall space. Forest green is a hot kitchen colour trend right now – use it in bands with an alternating clean white metro tile to create a graphic pattern on a feature wall. This look can be easily updated and re-tiled later as fashions change. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Spaced-out circles

Brighten up a small kitchen with matching floor and wall tiles. These encaustic-style tiles draw their inspiration from the Art Deco era, but the larger-scale motif leaves plenty of blank space so they don’t feel too busy. The continuation of the strong pattern from floor to walls creates a striking visual effect that zones the kitchen in an open-plan space. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Mini mosaics

Mini mosaic tiles look intricate and ornate, plus they’re incredibly simple to apply. The collage of small tiles come pre-backed on a mesh, so you can mount and grout them quickly and easily. Neutral shades are warm yet elegant and allow the subtle texture to shine through.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Graphic hexagon tiles

Just when you thought you’d seen every variation on the honeycomb tile, someone comes up with a whole new way to use them. This small-scale splashback uses green and white striped units – some of which have been cut in half – to create a unique and beguiling pattern. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Homely animals motifs

Take inspiration from a French country kitchen and add some cute characters to your wall tiles. This delicate woodland range consists of a stag, robin, rabbit and owl drawings in a clean monochrome palette, so you can add a touch of rustic charm without introducing clashing colours.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Multifaceted marvel

Add modern texture with split-face tiles in a clean yet warming ivory shade. Made up of narrow strips of slate and marble, they have different depths and angles to create a rustic, multifaceted surface. The overall effect is natural and pared-back, especially when teamed with oak cabinets and neutral walls. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Optical illusion tiles

Move beyond the mainstream with these amazing tiles designed by Monica Förster Design Studio. They create the illusion of a 3D space thanks to concentric squares that graduate inwards from white to grey. The effect is a soft-focus geometric feature wall that will add depth to the recess. We could look at them all day!



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Budget-friendly border

There is no need to take the tiling all the way up the wall. The area most prone to marks is the lower half of the wall above the worktop. To save money on tiling and create an interesting feature at the same time, run a small border of tiles along the top of your countertops and sink. We love the clever way this basketweave pattern runs up to the open shelving.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Elegant edging

For a professional finish and a touch of refinement add a trim to half-tiled walls. Whether it’s a contrasting metal or a soft ceramic frame, integral edging adds a polish that’s simply not achievable from bare tile edges. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Boutique brick

Inject a touch of subtle sheen into your kitchen scheme with a skinny brick-shaped tile with a textured finish that adds a bit of rough with the smooth. Glossy surfaces in three muted shades of moss green and grey look soothing yet stylish laid in a diagonal herringbone pattern.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Bold geometric shapes

Monochrome tiling will never go out of style and looks striking in a diamond repeat. Soften the look by choosing grey and blue shades rather than the classic black and white. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Continuous terrazzo

Execute a colourful kitchen scheme by pairing bold cabinetry with terrazzo-inspired tiles. With a minimal grout line, the on-trend pattern will look seamless installed around your worktops.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Stretched metro herringbone

Metro or subway tiles have been a firm tile favourite in both kitchens and bathrooms for a couple of decades at least, so these elongated versions make a refreshing update. The overall effect is more refined than standard sizes and is particularly striking when laid in a herringbone design with contrasting grout.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Elegant engraving

A soft textured tile pattern that combines different engraved geometric prints will create a calming yet modern aesthetic. Complement the effect with a soothing colourway like watery Eau de Nil which will lift pale kitchen surfaces. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Grey grouting

Keeping it simple can sometimes be the best choice when it comes to designing a kitchen that won’t date. White envelope tiles are usually budget-friendly and look good with almost any style of kitchen, but lay them with dark grouting to keep the look current.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Shimmering glass tiles


Add some sparkle to your kitchen with tiny hexagonal glass mosaic tiles that will catch the light. Team with dark, richly coloured kitchen units for an on-trend contemporary feel. These reflective tiles are also a great way to maximise light in a small or dingy kitchen.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Colour blocking


Use tiles to build up blocks of colour in your kitchen. This is a great effect to use to draw attention to a focal point, such as a shelving alcove, as shown here, or across a chimney breast. For a more subtle effect, opt for tiles that come in a range of hues from light to dark to produce an ombre-effect wall or floor.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Country-style border

Nothing says country like an Aga stove and bright and beautiful tiling. Take the scheme a step further with a two-tone design in uplifting whites and blues. Placing the deeper colour at the bottom of the room opens the space up and out, so it’s a great way to make a small kitchen feel bigger.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Pretty pink patchwork tiles


For a softer, textured look try these pretty patchwork tiles in shades of baby pink, lilac, peach and cream. Each tile has a different pattern imprinted on its surface and together it creates a layered effect that’s endlessly interesting to look at.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Mother-of-pearl tiles


Bridging an empty stretch of wall between the kitchen counter and a narrow dado rail cup shelf, these mother-of-pearl tiles make a pretty and practical splashback – the perfect fit for a neutral country kitchen.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Traditional herringbone

It’s common to see the traditional herringbone tile pattern used on kitchen floors. For a more modern, edgy look apply this arrangement to kitchen walls, either as a splashback, on a chimney breast alcove or as a statement wall to zone a kitchen-diner eating area. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Textured red herringbone splashback

Add bold colour and interesting shape to your kitchen walls with a tiled border of textured red metro tiles laid in a herringbone pattern. This pattern uses fewer tiles than a layered brickwork sequence, and so is a cost-effective way to create a standout design feature.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Half-wall cladding


Break up an on-trend dark blue kitchen with gleaming white gloss tiles laid in that herringbone pattern. Use dark grouting to anchor the scheme and try to match the same colours on cabinets and walls.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Tetris-style tiles


The way these tiles of different shapes and sizes fit together is almost like a puzzle. If every tile was a different colour, this scheme would be very busy, but thanks to their milky iridescence and cool black hue these tiles look bohemian and luxurious.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Basketweave mosaic tiles

These calm tiles create a subtle optical illusion thanks to a tiny dark square that looks like the holes in an open-weave basket. Great for an elegant traditional kitchen, use these to add texture without upsetting the balance of a neutral scheme.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Rustic diamond tiles


Square tiles don’t have to be laid along the horizontal line: for a period look arrange them in a diagonal pattern, as shown here. Although it looks trickier to install, once the first line has been correctly drawn the rest of the tiles can be marked out easily with tile spacers. This more unusual layout also adds interest to neutral or plain tiles. You could even create a traditional heatproof worktop using tiles in this fashion.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Aluminium mosaic tiles


One for the magpies among you, these shiny round tiles use a concave textured effect to play with the light, making them glitter like jewels. Perfect with a modern kitchen or to add wow-factor to a splashback.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

3D textured tiles

These 3D textured tiles are a huge interior design trend, as traditional flat finishes are replaced with sculptural forms that stand out from the wall. Part of their allure is the shadow they cast, making white the obvious choice to make the most of their unique depth. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Marble chevron splashback


Get the look and feel of on-trend marble at a fraction of the cost with these clever tiles. You can opt for real marble or a faux marble-effect design. Lay them in a chevron pattern with a colour-coordinated grout to add a touch of luxe to your kitchen.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Exposed faux brick tiles


Most internal walls these days are constructed from plasterboard or breeze blocks. Even if you are lucky enough to have beautiful real brick walls, the cost of exposing them and cleaning them up may put the possibility out of reach. For an easy-to-achieve industrial feel, consider faux exposed brick-effect tiles. These are much easier to keep clean than the real thing and look fantastic.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Scalloped tiles


Tiles don’t have to be hard and angular in shape. These scalloped tiles in a variety of soft colours create a wonderful fish-scale effect on this kitchen wall. Installation will be fiddlier than with standard-shaped tiles, however, so they may take longer to fit.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Country-style mural


Add a decorative flourish to a country kitchen with a tiled wall mural. Set in a small space such as above a range cooker, as shown here, in an alcove or as a splashback behind a hob or sink. If you want something truly unique, you could even get a ceramic artist to paint a bespoke piece of tile artwork for you.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Mix-and-match hexagon tiles

Hexagon tiles can be something of a shortcut to an effortlessly stylish kitchen. Mix and match tiles within a specific tonal palette to keep things smart and modern or stick to one colour and use a dark grouting to show off the pattern.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

3D cube tiles


In the riads of Morocco, this type of tile can be seen adorning the floors of shady courtyards and now, thanks to some eagle-eyed trendsetters, the same designs are found in designer kitchens and bathrooms all over the world. Available in a riot of shades, they combine graphic shapes with an easy colour scheme trio that works with both modern and traditional cabinetry.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Tonal rectangular tiles


A simple tile in two or more colours can be arranged to create a pleasing decorative pattern. Here a mix of off-white, moss green and pistachio tiles beautifully offset the traditional cream-coloured kitchen units. For a more contemporary look, use contrasting colours paired with a neutral – for example, indigo and burnt orange with white, teal, cerise and ivory or mustard, white and grey.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Matt black brickwork

Dark and moody kitchens are an enduring trend so black tiles are the way to go to make a statement. Instead of a gloss, look for a matt black texture for a more up-to-date finish and continue the dramatic statement with matching black worktops. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Mirrored tiles


If your kitchen is on the small side or enjoys very little natural light, use mirrored tiles as a splashback. It’ll make the room feel much deeper and more spacious than it actually is. Mirrored tiles will also reflect and maximise what light there is in the space, which will help your kitchen appear a whole lot brighter too.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Neutral country kitchen tiles


Tiles are a great addition to a décor scheme when they’ve been considered as a part of the overall design. Here, the traditional country palette of stone greys and taupes complement the cream cabinetry and rustic wood counters.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Graph tile splashback

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s only really necessary to protect the wall behind your sink and hob from splashes. This small splashback area can be shielded relatively cheaply with a few rows of hardwearing tiling. In a small space, like this compact IKEA kitchen, opt for plain light-coloured tiles that blend in with the surrounding wall colour. This will help to tie the whole interior scheme together and also make the room feel a little larger.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Gold grid mosaics


Sometimes it only takes one element to lift a kitchen design from so-so to sublime. These glass tiles in antique gold create a lustrous splashback and a warm counterpoint to the functional white units and countertop.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Encaustic tiles

Encaustic tiles use different colours of clay rather than glazes to create ornate patterns. Available in a range of shades and designs, this elegant monochrome scheme works beautifully as a decorative focal point. 



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Spanish-style star tiles

What’s not to love about these perfectly pink Pradena tiles? Not only are they the ideal counterpoint to a navy kitchen, but their star motif manages to be both charming and modern. The design is based on a traditional Spanish style and would work in almost any shade we can think of.



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Two-tone tiling

Mottled inky blue tiles can evoke the calming rush of the ocean and impart drama to your culinary space. A contrasting strip of vertical tiles in muted pebble tones breaks up the dark design and enhances the soft pink kitchen cabinets below perfectly. 

Love this? Find more inspiring home décor ideas on our Facebook page



Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article


56/56 SLIDES

Source Article

kitchen design ideas , , , , ,