When you remodel or upgrade a small kitchen, the backsplash offers an opportunity to visually expand the space. Subway tile continues to be a popular choice for backsplashes due to its classic and versatile appearance, but traditional full-height installations can overpower a small kitchen.
With strategic design, materials, and positioning, subway backsplashes can enhance and accent a small kitchen beautifully. Read on for tips on selecting, sizing, and styling subway tile backsplashes to make cooking spaces appear more open and bright.
Strategic Tile Placement
Instead of covering entire walls from countertop to ceiling, consider a more compact backsplash installation. Focus the tiling behind the cooktop, sink, and other essential workstations. A focal point above the range framed by exposed wall paint creates a balanced look. Limiting the amount of tile creates the perception of a more open space while still safeguarding necessary surfaces. For those who prefer a bolder look, using an enclosed thick-framed shape can add dimension without overwhelming the kitchen.
Small-Scaled Subway Tile Choices
Typical 3 by 6-inch subway tiles in a full-height grid can overwhelm a small kitchen. To scale tiles visually for a small kitchen backsplash, use dimensions like 2 by 6-inch or 2 by 4-inch. The smaller tile sizes combined with greater grout lines enhance the pattern while keeping proportions balanced. To prevent monotony and a confined feeling, vary the direction or orientation of the tiles.
Mosaic and Penny Tile Variations
For additional visual interest, introduce mosaic or penny tile variations into mainly subway-patterned backsplashes. An accent area surrounding the stove or sink provides impact without overstating. Consider materials like glass, stone or ceramic for these eye-catching sections. Contrasting colors or textures against the subway tiles creates depth and dimension to draw the eye dynamically.
Creative Shape and Layout Options
Shy away from simply lining up uniform straight-edged tiles in expected grid fashion. Instead, vary the shape and placement of subway tiles to create a layout with more personality. Intersperse circles, diamonds, hexagons and wavy tiles between the subways for whimsy. Try herringbone or stacked orientations rather than straight across designs. Regulating the heights of the tiles also lends character, as does mixing up the grout color and width. Be creative with unique layouts to add a personal touch to a small space.
Colorful Grout for Contrast
Take advantage of the prominence of grout lines in subway tile backsplash. White grout with white tiles can appear washed out. Opt for contrasting grout colors that make the lines pop to add visual intrigue. Darker hues like charcoal gray, navy or black enhance lighter tiles. Or go bold with a primary shade of red, orange or turquoise to grab attention while brightening up small areas. Just take care that the color doesn’t clash with cabinets, floors or counters.
Strategic Use of Color and Contrast
Incorporate color strategically in compact backsplashes to prevent overwhelming the compact kitchen. Limit brighter hues to a single bold focal wall or stripes on perimeter tiles. Vary shades within a single color family, like light and dark blues or grays, on main tiles. Use color to highlight particular spaces like behind the stove. Contrasting grout provides an inexpensive pop of color. Using color thoughtfully adds vibrancy without making the space feel cramped.
Open Shelf Display Integration
Take advantage of the need to access upper cabinets. Integrate open display shelving into the backsplash design. Limit tiling only around these floating shelves to maintain an airier look. The items displayed then become part of the backsplash, lending color, texture and charm. Stagger the placement and incorporate intriguing glassware, cookbooks or spice jars. Make sure to regularly dust the items!
Creative Mirror Applications
Placing mirrors strategically creates the illusion of depth and a more spacious area. A focal mirror tile design behind the sink is an eye-catching element. Or, integrate a lined mirror section along the lower backsplash to reflect and enhance the kitchen’s features. Mirrored subway tiles add shine and create the illusion of increased light. However, be cautious not to overuse mirrors, as it can create a chaotic effect when excessive.
Budget-Friendly Backsplash Tips
- Mix specialty statement tiles in key areas with affordable white subway tiles
- Shop home improvement sales and buy tiles in bulk quantities
- Consider DIY installation if confident in tiling skills
- Use caution with tricky shaped tiles – leave those to the pros
- Strategic design choices stretch your backsplash budget
Pros and Cons of Subway Tile
| Pros of Subway Tile | Cons of Subway Tile |
| Classic, timeless look | Can visually overwhelm small kitchens |
| Easy to clean | Grid pattern tends to box in space |
| Durable and long-lasting | Uniform look lacks character |
| Affordable compared to other tiles | Full height installation not ideal for petite kitchens |
| Neat, stacked brick pattern | Needs strategic design in compact kitchens |
| A variety of colors and finishes are available. |
Key Takeaways
- Strategically place subway tiles only around key work zones rather than entire walls.
- Use 2×4 inch or 2×6 inch sizes rather than large 3×6 tiles to prevent dominating a petite kitchen.
- Vary direction, patterns and textures to add visual interest beyond basic white tiles.
- Use mosaic, penny tile or bold color accents sparingly to draw the eye.
- Alternate glossy and matte tiles or play with grout color.
- Open shelving, mirrors and floating tile sections create lightness.
- Thoughtful tile design enhances subway backsplash character in a tight cooking space.
FAQs
What are some ways to make subway tiles feel smaller in scale?
- Use 2×4 or 2×6 inch sizes rather than 3×6 inches
- Increase grout line width for prominence
- Vary tile orientation for texture
- Mix in small mosaic, penny or shaped tiles
How can you go beyond plain white subway tiles to add more visual interest?
Contrasting grout colors make the existing tiles and patterns stand out in a fresh way. Changing the direction and placement of tiles creates less predictable layouts. Open shelving within the backsplash breaks up space while displaying decor. Combining glossy and matte tiles adds nice texture. Adding glass, marble, or stone accents tiles generates little bursts of appeal.
What backsplash color schemes maximize a sense of openness in tight kitchens?
Lighter hues reflect light to make compact rooms feel brighter. Soft tones like grays, blues and greens visually recede to prevent closing in the space. Contrasting grout enables adding color to plain white tiles in an inexpensive way. Overall, thoughtful color use enhances without making small kitchens feel smaller.
What tile shapes can add uniqueness in small kitchens?
- Circles or rounded rectangles
- Hexagons or octagons
- Herringbone patterns
- Diamond shapes
- Wavy or fishscale tiles