Ceramic tiles on the kitchen backsplash: recommendations for selection, style and interior photos.

Which tile to choose?

Before you buy a facing material, it is worth considering several nuances:

• For a kitchen apron, it is better to use semi-matte tiles, since dirt and scratches are more noticeable on a glossy surface.
• The degree of water absorption should be marked A or AA.
• The relief of products is often criticized: a textured surface, unlike a smooth one, is more difficult to care for.
• Before buying a finishing material, it is necessary to calculate the size of the apron and provide a reserve in case the tile is damaged during installation or use.
• If you cannot find suitable products in the store, you should look in the flooring department.
• The batch, as well as the tone indicated on different packages, must match, otherwise the laid tiles will have different shades.

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Layout options

There are several ways to make a kitchen apron from ceramic tiles. The simplest is the traditional one, butt to butt. It is suitable for both square and rectangular products. Squares can also be laid diagonally, corner to corner.

Another way is with an offset. It looks more interesting, but requires cutting the material, which means higher costs.

The photo shows a corner kitchen with an apron made of rectangular “hog” laid in a straight way.

Pigeon tiles offer many more layout options. The tiles can be laid vertically (straight or offset), which is relevant in apartments with low ceilings: an elongated layout will visually lengthen the room.

Rectangular tiles can be laid in a herringbone pattern (like parquet) and a ladder (with a slight offset). The result is an unusual pattern that attracts attention and serves as a decoration for the kitchen. The downside of these methods is the need for trimming.

The photo shows a kitchen apron made of sand-colored relief tiles laid vertically.

Hexagonal honeycombs and scales are glued above the work area in the traditional way.

Sizes and formats of tiles

The modern market offers many types of tiles for aprons. Their sizes affect the visual perception of the kitchen space in different ways.

Hog

Rectangular tiles for a kitchen apron ranging in size from 7×12 cm to 10×25 cm. They have a bevel on the edges, which makes them voluminous. Another common name is metro. The pig fits into any style – from Provence to high-tech, and never goes out of fashion. It is successfully used in interior design to correct the shortcomings of the layout and size of the room.

Mosaic

Durable small tiles from 1 to 5 cm in size. Resistant to dirt, temperature and high humidity. Mosaics can be used to create panels, combined with large items or to lay out a full apron. The range is rich not only in colors, but also in materials from which mosaics are made: glass and mirror, ceramics, natural and artificial stone, as well as metal.

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Ceramic tiles 10×10

Small square tiles for the kitchen, decorating the apron in many interiors. Suitable for both spacious rooms and small kitchens. Easy to lay, has a huge selection of patterns and textures.

To make the apron look more interesting, you can combine tiles of two or three colors. Patchwork-style products, reminiscent of patchwork sewing, are especially popular today. They go well with plain kitchen cabinet fronts.

The photo shows a kitchen in the Provence style. On the apron, white tiles measuring 10×10 cm alternate with patterned and blue inserts.

Large tiles for an apron

Another suitable format is 15×15 cm, it is considered medium. Products measuring 20×20, 20×30, 25×33 cm and larger are used less often. It is best to choose unobtrusive shades and patterns, as well as grout in the same color, so as not to draw attention to the large items.

In compact kitchens, large wall tiles look out of place, as they break the area above the countertop into large squares and rectangles, depriving the interior of harmony.

The photo shows a spacious designer kitchen with a black matte apron made of 20×30 cm tiles.

Apron color

First, you should decide whether the apron will be inconspicuous among the kitchen set or, on the contrary, stand out, acting as a bright accent.

In the first case, it is important that the color is supported by similar shades of kitchen furniture or interior details. Another technique is an apron in the color of the walls or countertop. These methods tie the kitchen set together.

The photo shows a vertically laid pink piglet, which stands out against a black and white background.

White tile is a classic that always remains in demand. This color is universal, and it also helps to hide the flaws of the room and expands the space. The downside of this choice is the darkening of the seams during operation, but to solve this problem, it is enough to use dark grout.

Another universal option is a gray apron, it combines with most shades. A black tile apron is appropriate in a strict interior, it adds solidity and mystery to the atmosphere, and looks great as a contrast against a white background.

The photo shows a kitchen, the irregular shape of which is smoothed out by a white ceramic apron.

Accent combinations can be very different: for example, sunny yellow or bright red on a white background, blue or light blue on a neutral beige, green on dark gray. The final result depends on the taste preferences of the owner. Experts recommend deciding on the color scheme in advance, even at the design stage, since an unsuccessfully chosen apron color can ruin the entire kitchen interior.

The photo shows a white kitchen with a bright accent, where the apron echoes the yellow chandelier and chair.

Design and decor

The ways of decorating the work area amaze with their beauty, when the tool for protecting walls from moisture and grease turns into a work of art. Original and piece materials are more expensive than usual, so they can be used to lay out only part of the apron: under the hood, above the sink or stove.

Mirror mosaic looks spectacular as a facing, which complicates and expands the space. For small kitchens – an excellent choice, but only if the countertop is not overloaded with objects.

Glass tiles have not yet gained popularity in our country, but everything may change soon. Such products look airy, light and incredibly stylish, and they are easy to care for.

An apron with imitation marble will help to refine the appearance of the kitchen: the texture of natural stone adds nobility to the interior.

The photo shows an unusual shiny apron made of mirror mosaic in the form of hexagons.

It is worth talking separately about products with an ornament, which add expressiveness to a calm and laconic atmosphere.

A kitchen apron with a pattern of azulejo tiles will be a wonderful decoration of the interior. These are the famous patterned tiles that are used everywhere in Portugal and are considered the country’s heritage.

Another magnificent example of decorative art is the Metlakh tile, which consists of pieces of various shapes (squares, diamonds, triangles) and folds into a beautiful colorful “carpet”. Its use makes the kitchen unique.

In the photo, the work area in the kitchen is decorated with inserts of colored tiles.

Unusual items – diamonds, polygons and especially irregularly shaped tiles – allow you to create fancy geometric patterns and make the apron the highlight of the kitchen.

The photo shows a modern kitchen with ceramic hexagons and contrasting grout, creating an interesting pattern.

Kitchen decoration in various styles

Tiles and porcelain tiles are ideal for both modern and classic interiors.

Connoisseurs of the Scandinavian style, as well as adherents of minimalism, often use white hog in the kitchen, which looks unobtrusive and laconic in a light interior.

Kitchen tiles for an apron with patterns or images of flowers fit perfectly into the vintage Provence style. Colorful majolica successfully emphasizes the lightness and exoticism of an oriental or Mediterranean interior.

The photo shows a light, cozy interior in the Scandinavian style, which is decorated with a glossy hog, laid in a straight way. Practical beige grout matches the wooden countertop.

Clinker tiles with imitation brick are appropriate for a loft-style kitchen. Unlike the porous material made of clay, it is durable and not afraid of moisture.

The mixed fusion style does not follow any rules. Most often, the area above the work area is decorated in bright contrasting colors. The main feature of fusion is uniqueness. You can even use broken tiles to decorate the apron.

The classic interior loves neutral tones and predictable shapes: an apron in pastel colors with traditional or diagonal laying will suit it.

The photo shows a small loft-attic with brick-like clinker. The expressive area above the countertop sets the character of the entire kitchen.

But modern classics are less demanding of canons. Here sophistication is combined with experimental materials and techniques.

The photo shows a magnificent kitchen in the style of modern classics, decorated with a pattern of black and blue mosaic.