Kitchen wall tile ideas have the power to transform the look and style of a space, as well as playing an important practical role in protecting your surfaces.
Tiling is the most popular kitchen splashback idea, with plenty of options to suit all styles and budgets. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional farmhouse kitchen or a sleek, contemporary design, there is something for everyone.
In our round-up of brilliant kitchen wall tile ideas, we have options ranging from bold metallic finishes with a luxurious feel to fan-shaped styles that align with the rising Art Deco trend.
1. Herringbone kitchen wall tile ideas add drama
When it comes to kitchen design, it is important to tailor your ideas to suit your particular space, as opposed to simply copying a look you have spotted in a magazine or someone else's house.
Herringbone wall tiles work well in all kinds of kitchens, but are particularly useful when it comes to drawing attention to a specific area or creating a little 'wow' factor. They are also perfect for anyone after striking splashback where they can inject some visual interest without overwhelming the entire room.
Here, deep and glossy Zellica Ink Blue Tiles from Topps Tiles add a touch of drama to the crisp white design and pair beautifully with the wooden cabinets.
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2. Escape with Mediterranean-style tiles
“Authentic Mediterranean tile design draws on centuries of ceramic heritage, using natural tones, sun-washed colours and tactile surfaces that reflect the Mediterranean environment, says María D Arráez, Director of Tile of Spain UK.
"Decorative influences, such as geometric patterning, mosaic techniques and floral motifs, sit alongside subtle variation and artisanal finishes, giving tiles depth and character."
While you don't want your kitchen to feel crowded by the visually busy form of the tiles, an idea that works really well is to use the same tiles on a portion of the wall as you do on the floor, as has been done here, using Sintra Patterned Tiles from Tile Mountain.
María Dolores Arraez is the Head of Tile of Spain at the Spanish Embassy's Commercial Office in London. She is responsible for the promotion of the Spanish ceramic tile industry in the UK and supports the Tile of Spain members in their export strategies to the UK.
3. Stone wall tiles lend texture to a kitchen
Natural stone wall tiles have a classic beauty that is unlikely to date. Not only is it a practical option, being hardwearing (when properly installed and sealed), but stone also adds a wonderfully organic feel.
"I would normally recommend going for a stone-effect porcelain on a kitchen wall versus a real natural stone – especially if it’s going in a high-splatter area such as behind the hob. Porcelain has a low absorption rate you can get the look of stone without any possible staining," says Isabel Fernandez, Director of Quorn Stone.
"If natural stone is a must, always opt for a dense stone such as our Dijon Limestone (a smaller format is always versatile), and ensure to protect it with sealant and clean with pH neutral cleaning products."
Isabel Fernandez, Director at Quorn Stone, carries a wealth of experience and expertise from sourcing premium tiles globally, to leading the brand’s growth and awareness. With a first-class honour’s degree in Business Management and Marketing, Isabel has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Quorn Stone since she joined in 2016.
4. Create an industrial look with brick-style wall tiles
Keen to create some industrial chic in your kitchen? If so, then exposed brickwork is something of a must. However, what do you do if you are lacking this essential feature? Fake it of course.
"I would usually try to balance out the raw texture of the brick with clean lines in the way of wooden shelving to add some softness. The beauty of these tiles is in the variance in colour and texture, and a great way to highlight this is with wall lamps (with a nod to industrial/vintage styles) or integrated lighting built into shelving," says Jo Connolly, Owner of Circus Studio.
"This creates warmth and ambience in the evenings. If you wanted to really stay true to the industrial mood, you could add surface-mounted conduit lighting details. I usually like to go for glassy, brass or black fixtures with a nod to industrial styles, but a little more refined to bring some elegance."
5. Add a touch of luxury with metallic kitchen wall tiles
From kitchen tiles and unit handles to appliances, warm metallics in shades of copper and bronze are the perfect foil for the blues and greens that are also enjoying such popularity in current kitchen trends.
Jo Connolly says, "Metallic tiles are usually quite the feature with lots of reflections, so I would make them the hero. This could mean muting down the rest of the palette with matt and natural materials. Really think about lighting and how this would reflect in the space. Avoid bright, direct lighting close to the tiles or you could end up with hot spots."
These striking Copper Leaf decorative tiles from Original Style feature a layer of foil encased in glass.
6. Create texture with terrazzo kitchen wall tiles
Quirky and full of character, terrazzo tiles are reminiscent of Mediterranean homes and add lots of texture and individuality to kitchens.
If this is a look that appeals to you, aim to keep your kitchen units nice and simple in their form and style to ensure the overall space doesn't become too visually busy.
These terrazzo tiles from Tile Mountain are actually made from porcelain, making them durable and easy to install. Isabel Fernandez, Director of Quorn Stone, explains that faux options offer all the character of the real deal – but without the fuss of heavy maintenance.
7. Stay on trend with green tiles
Green kitchens are much sought after right now, but if you don't fancy green units, why not consider wall tiles in this nature-inspired shade instead?
Green wall tiles work particularly well with brass and copper taps, and if you are considering wooden kitchen ideas, they will sit very well alongside most timber finishes.
Jo Connolly says, "Like any space, the shade of colour can really affect the mood. Softer greens (like sage) will bring a sense of calm, while on the other end of the scale, deep forest greens can create a darker, cosier mood. For a more classic, traditional style kitchen, I would chose olive or bottle green for the cabinetry."
8. Go small with mosaics
Tiny mosaic tiles have long been a popular choice, but how about adding a touch of disco fever by opting for metallic mosaic tiles?
This is an idea to reserve for small areas of the kitchen – perhaps as a splashback. Original Style's Silver Link Mosaics are made up of small circular tiles in a mixture of convex and concave positions to create a reflective surface.
So, how do you style mosaics without overwhelming your kitchen? Isabel Fernandez says, "Choose a grout which is complementary to the tile colour to create a seamless look that works with the space."
9. Use a contrasting grout coloiur
A popular idea among those carrying out kitchen makeovers on a budget is choosing grout in a contrasting shade, as seen in the photo above.
This approach works well with simple black or white tiles, as well as designs in other colours. Not only does it add visual interest, but selecting coloured grout instead of white is also practical, as it is less likely to show discolouration or grime over time.
María D. Arráez says this kitchen tiling idea will make a "huge impact" in your space, and when coordinated with your cabinets, it achieves a clean and continuous look that visually unites the two.
10. Diamond wall tiles are forever
Diamond patterns never seem to go out of fashion – and for good reason.
This is a pattern that, when used for wall tiles, can make the space look taller and so is perfect in period homes with low ceilings.
If you set diamond tiles at a 45-degree angle, the width of an area appears to be stretched, making it the perfect choice for small kitchens where you want to create the illusion of more space.
These zingy blue and white tiles look great set behind the open kitchen shelving from Wood Works Brighton.
11. Embrace Art Deco with fan-shaped tiles
Fan-shaped tiles are perfect for anyone looking to inject a little Art Deco style into their kitchen interiors. The curved form of this idea makes a refreshing change from the more commonly seen rectangles and hexagons.
Fan wall tiles look brilliant in bold shades – deep emerald green and navy lends an luxurious feel, while fresh teals and pearly whites create a coastal vibe. Porcelain Superstore's Corsica Fan Ceramic Tiles were inspired by the glittering bays of the Mediterranean.
According to Wren's trend report, "Pinterest searches for Art Deco interiors have increased by +805% and 1920s-style kitchens have risen by +494%, indicating that vintage kitchen glamour is set to be a key look for 2026."
12. Hexagon wall tiles remain hot stuff
Geometric wall tiles might have been popular for quite some time now, but they show no signs of going anywhere.
According to Yabbas Youssefi, Managing Director of Porcelain Superstore, these were used in Victorian and mid-century homes and have a strong sense of heritage. He recommends sticking to classic, neutral tones such as white, grey and soft marble patterns, allowing the unique shape to do the talking.
Geometric tiles can work in pretty much any space, but are a great idea for small kitchens in particular, where their neat, pleasingly uniform appearance can really work to make a room seem bigger than it is.
Abbas Youssefi is the Managing Director of Porcelain Superstore, which offers a range of stylish floor and wall tiles.
No matter how big your kitchen or budget is, there are plenty of kitchen wall tiling ideas that can instantly enhance your design. The best part is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and the rest of your scheme can remain the same.
For more inspiration, take a look at these stunning modern tiling ideas and learn how to tile a kitchen wall.
