Refreshing your splashback is one of the fastest ways to lift a tired kitchen without a full renovation. From classic subway tile to sleek glass and budget-friendly peel-and-stick options, there's a style here to shop today, whatever your taste or budget.
Some links below are affiliate links — if you buy through them, RenoGuide may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only round up styles we think are worth a look.
1. Peel-and-stick subway tile
These self-adhesive tiles mimic classic ceramic subway tile without the grout lines or trade costs, making them a popular weekend DIY option for renters and owners alike. Shop peel-and-stick subway tile on Amazon →
Mirror panels bounce light around a galley kitchen and make a small space feel larger, though they do show water spots more than other finishes. Shop mirrored splashback panel on Amazon →
4. Pressed-metal splashback
Pressed-metal sheeting brings a heritage, Federation-style character to a kitchen and works particularly well in period homes or country-style renovations. Shop pressed-metal splashback on Amazon →
5. Marble-look acrylic panel
Acrylic panels printed with a marble pattern give the luxe look of stone without the sealing and staining worries of the real thing. Shop marble-look acrylic panel on Amazon →
6. Herringbone tile
Laid in a zig-zag pattern, herringbone tile adds movement and a designer touch to an otherwise simple white kitchen. Shop herringbone tile on Amazon →
7. Mosaic tile sheets
Sold on mesh-backed sheets for faster installation, mosaic tiles let you introduce texture and colour in a small, contained area behind the cooktop. Shop mosaic tile sheets on Amazon →
8. Removable tile stickers
Printed vinyl tile stickers are a budget-friendly, rental-safe way to update a tired splashback in an afternoon, with no tiling skills required. Shop removable tile stickers on Amazon →
Speckled terrazzo-effect panels suit a playful, contemporary kitchen and pair nicely with a matching benchtop for a cohesive look. Shop terrazzo-look panel on Amazon →
11. Hexagon tile
Small hexagon tiles create a honeycomb effect that works beautifully as a feature strip or full splashback in a modern kitchen. Shop hexagon tile on Amazon →
12. Zellige-style tile
These handmade-look tiles have a slightly irregular glaze and surface for a warm, artisanal finish that suits Mediterranean-inspired kitchens. Shop zellige-style tile on Amazon →
13. Fluted wall panel
Fluted or reeded panelling adds subtle vertical texture and shadow lines, a look that's increasingly popular on splashbacks as well as cabinetry. Shop fluted wall panel on Amazon →
14. Chevron tile
Similar to herringbone but with tiles meeting at a sharp point rather than offset, chevron tile gives a crisp, graphic pattern to a splashback. Shop chevron tile on Amazon →
15. Scalloped fan tile
Fan or fish-scale shaped tiles bring a soft, curved pattern that stands out against the usual straight lines of a kitchen. Shop scalloped fan tile on Amazon →
16. Bevelled subway tile
The angled edge on bevelled subway tile catches the light and adds subtle depth compared to a flat-faced tile of the same shape. Shop bevelled subway tile on Amazon →
Concrete-effect panels suit an industrial or minimalist kitchen and give the raw, textured look of poured concrete without the weight or cost. Shop concrete-look panel on Amazon →
Black and white checkerboard tile is a bold, retro statement that works well as a feature behind an island bench or cooktop. Shop checkerboard tile on Amazon →
22. Metallic mosaic tile
Mosaic tiles with a metallic or iridescent glaze catch the light and add a glam touch to an otherwise neutral kitchen. Shop metallic mosaic tile on Amazon →
Before you buy
Measure your space, check delivery to your area, and read a few recent reviews before you commit. Prices and availability change often, so it pays to compare a couple of options. When your bigger renovation needs a hand, find a trusted tradie or plan your project with Explore.
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