Not a fan of tiled kitchen walls? Explore alternative splashbacks
When it comes to renovating a kitchen, an essential aspect that often gets overlooked is the protection of the walls behind the hob and sink from cooking and water splashes.
And protection no longer has to mean adding tiles – with their hard-to-clean grout. There are loads of bright, modern, and easy-to-clean solutions now available. In this article, we run through the wonderful array of alternative contemporary splashback options out there and share our thoughts on new trends.
Protection matters
Firstly, it’s worthwhile to understand the importance of protecting your kitchen walls. Grease from cooking and water splashes can leave lasting stains and deteriorate the integrity of your walls. Over time, this can lead to peeling paint, discoloration, and even structural issues. Installing splashbacks preserves the beauty of your kitchen but also enhances hygiene and facilitates much easier cleaning.
The size and scale of any protection is up to you. We usually recommend an upstand at least 10cm tall behind and around wet areas, with the cooking area splashback set at the same width as the hob and extending right up to the extractor. These are simply minimum guidelines, and you can of course go bigger or completely cover the whole area.
Glass
Sleek glass splashbacks are a popular choice for modern kitchen makeovers. With a smooth, reflective surface, they create an illusion of space and light and can be supplied in large, templated shapes and sizes to provide a seamless look. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, toughened glass splashbacks can even be customised with patterns and pictures to complement your kitchen’s style. Additionally, their non-porous nature makes them highly resistant to stains and easy to clean. Glass does, of course, show fingerprints so bear in mind if you’d like a low maintenance option.
Mirror
If you want to enhance a sense of depth and spaciousness, consider mirrored splashbacks. Mirrors create an illusion of a larger kitchen and reflect natural light, making your cooking area much brighter. Choose from different mirror finishes, such as tinted, antique, or smoked to match your kitchen’s aesthetics. Like glass, mirrored splashbacks are supplied toughened and templated to the desired shape to reduce joints and seams.
Corian
Corian is a highly versatile solid surface material that offers a seamless and contemporary look. Available in a huge range of colours and patterns, Corian splashbacks are hygienic, non-porous, and resistant to moisture. Their smooth surface makes them easy to clean and maintain, while also allowing for integrated moulded sinks and accessories. Teamed with matching worktops, Corian is a smart option for busy kitchens in need of a cohesive design
Quartz
Quartz splashbacks combine durability and elegance. Engineered stone quartz is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it an excellent choice for a busy kitchen. With its wide array of colours and patterns, quartz can be a statement piece or seamlessly blended with your kitchen’s overall design.
Painted
For a budget-friendly option that offers endless possibilities, painted tongue-and-groove or plain splashbacks are a fabulous choice. They are particularly suited to boho and rural designs. With the right type of paint – aim for a satin sheen level of 25% or above – you can achieve a highly personal look while safeguarding your walls. Experiment with bold colours, patterns, or even create a chalkboard wall for a functional and artistic touch.
Stainless steel
Walk into any professional restaurant kitchen and you can’t miss the use of stainless steel EVERYWHERE. Chefs – and food hygiene inspectors – love stainless steel for its hard-wearing qualities, easy cleaning, and industrial aesthetic. Steel can be used for sinks, worktops and splashbacks and looks great in domestic settings too. There are specialist cleaners for keeping the metal shiny but always use chopping blocks and avoid harsh abrasive cleaners and scouring pads if you don’t like the lived-in look.
Panels
Textured or plain panels provide a modern finish, and there are so many options to consider! Whether you opt for wooden panels, hi-mac laminates, or PVC, the wide variety of designs and finishes allows you to achieve a sleek look that’s durable, easy to clean, and an excellent solution for those seeking a WOW-worthy aesthetic.
Marble and stone
For the ultimate luxe kitchen, stonemasons can provide upstands in stone, granite, or marble to match your kitchen worktops. These are a premium option but can make a real visual impact in the right setting.
Tiles
Hear us out – let’s not kill off tiles just yet! There are some truly amazing tile designs and for many clients they’re still the preferred choice for wet areas behind the sink and draining board. Larger size tiles reduce the grouting lines and modern cleaning products can assist with keeping mould at bay. Plus, you can match your wall tiles with the floor tiles if you want a really coordinated look.
This is just the tip of the splashback mountain! There’s a wide range of choices available to suit your style and budget and we’d love to show you samples and discuss more ideas at our showroom. By selecting the right splashback, you can enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and longevity of your kitchen.
