The humble splashback is often taken for granted in our kitchens and bathrooms, despite the fact that it does a very important job. Tiled splashbacks are often quite plain and practical. We think it’s about time these important and frequently used areas become beautiful and interesting design statements in their own right. Read on for lots of splashback tiles ideas to inspire your own kitchen or bathroom.
What is a Splashback?
A splashback is a protected area of wall, usually behind or surrounding a sink or oven hob. Splashback tiles, plastic or glass protect the wall itself from the splashes of water, soap, oil and food which are inevitable next to a sink or hob. Splashbacks are also exposed to heat and condensation on a regular basis, so they must be robust enough to withstand these too.
Why Choose Tiles for your Splashback?
If you are looking for a classic, traditional or vintage style in your kitchen or bathroom, splashback tiles may be a more fitting choice than plastic or glass. Many of Floral Tiles’ designs are based on antique illustrations or watercolour paintings, making them ideal for rustic, ‘shabby chic‘ or vintage style home decor.
What to Look for in Splashback Tiles
If you choose to use tiles for your splashback, make sure that they have been tested for ‘thermal shock’ and ‘metal release’. The thermal shock test checks whether the tiles can withstand high temperatures – such as those directly behind an oven hob, for example. The metal release test measures the amount of certain metals ‘released’ by the tiles – important anywhere in the home and especially important in areas which are wiped and cleaned regularly. Floral Tiles have undergone these tests and most tiles for sale in tile shops and by reputable online sellers should have been too, as it is a legal requirement for selling them in the UK.
Tiles with a flattish surface (ie without raised or etched designs) will be easier to wipe and keep clean and hygienic in a kitchen or bathroom area.
Using Tile Stickers or ‘Tile Tattoos’ on Splashback Tiles
Another way to add floral or vintage style design to your splashback tiles is by using tile stickers or ’tile tattoos’. These are non-permanent stickers, which can be placed on tiles to decorate them. Because of the heat, steam and splashes which occur in splashback areas, they might be less suitable as they can start to peel off and be difficult to clean properly. The images on Floral Tiles, on the other hand, are permanent and can be cleaned just like a plain tile. So, if you choose these tile stickers, we suggest that you use them on less humid and messy parts of your wall and avoid using them on your splashback tiles.
Splashback Tiles Design Ideas
On to the fun part. Since we use them so regularly, we think that splashbacks out to be celebrated more – to be part of your home decor you can enjoy and admire, as well as being very practical, durable and hard-working. So we’ve come up with some splashback tiles pattern design ideas to help inspire your new kitchen or bathroom splashback.
Patchwork Patterns Splashback Tiles Ideas
For inspiration for those who want to be more daring and creative with their design, we have put together some eclectic patchwork tile pattern ideas to match various different colour schemes. With so many possible combinations of patchwork-style tile patterns, choosing this style of design would mean your splashback would almost certainly be unique!
Excited About Splashbacks?
We hope you are now as enthusiastic about making splashback tiles beautiful as we are. Good luck with your new kitchen or bathroom. If we’ve inspired you, please send us your pics on social media or to info@floraltiles.co.uk – we love seeing finished designs! There are more tiles ideas and information in our blog section here and all the tile designs from this article can be found in our online shop.
