I have been getting A LOT of messages lately asking me specific ways to update a kitchen. It seems the consensus is that 1) renovations are crazy expensive 2) it’s not worth it to send your kitchen to the landfill prematurely. So, here’s a solution: modern peel and stick backsplash tile! Not just any peel and stick backsplash tile, though.
Here are my parameters:
- It cannot look like it’s trying too hard to copy a stone look
- It cannot look like it’s plastic puffy tile–you know, those stick on earrings you probably had as a toddler? You don’t want that in tile form.
- It has to be easy install–no wet saw, no special clippers, none of that. Your power tools will be your hand, a pair of scissors, and maybe a box cutter.
The reason I’m giving you my parameters is to let you know what to look for when shopping. There are so many peel and stick tiles out there, but we are only looking at the top tier options, the options a designer (me) would choose for a client!
Modern Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile to DIY
One thing that’s a pet peeve of mine with lower priced items is when they unsuccessfully try to have a look that mimics a natural stone. It cheapens the entire look, insults natural stone, and is just a crappy way present a finished amazing design. Copy cats don’t finish first, my dear friends.
My first year in design school, I learned from an industrial designer that there is no shame in a lower priced item. None! There are many ways for something to be beautiful and you’re really not thinking creatively if your view is that only the expensive stuff can be good lookin’. Lower priced items need only to be themselves instead of trying to mimic a higher price point.
What do I mean by that? The biggest example is painted plastic that is meant to look like metal. From furniture to thermoses, it’s just not necessary to have a finish that mimics something else. So that’s not what we are aiming for today–although, I did make some exceptions and I tell you exactly why these particular exceptions work. Rules are merely guidelines, after all.
Ready?
1. Bronze Dipped Aluminum
2. Mother of Pearl Brick
Also comes in mini squares.
3. Brushed Blue Hex
4. Smart Tiles 3D Blue
5. Smart Tiles Mosaic
6. Railroad Silver
7. Mini Brick Marble Polymer
Ok….this one breaks my rule and I’m ok with that. This is a special product called a Polymer Core which is meant to look super realistic and mimic natural stone. This is literally the best looking faux marble I’ve ever seen so if you want something that feels elevated and fancy, go for this option!
8. Resin Aqua Blue
9. Gray and White Octagon
10. Nero Mini Squares
11. PVC Bronze
Another rule breaker! I always say that rules are merely guidelines and that’s so apparent in this post. You take the guideline and then weigh each option against that guideline. In this case, it’s the customer images that sold me. This is GORGEOUS.
12. White and Gold Hex
Yes, another rule breaker. Here is why this one works: my issue with faux marble is that manufacturers often go overboard with the veining, making it look very fake and busy. However, in a hex installation, this tile is meant to have a graphic element with the veining and gold detailing. So, in this specific scenario, the marble veining looks similar to what it would look like if it was real marble. See what I mean?
13. Chevron Steel
14. Blue Green Sea Glass Vinyl
15. Railroad White
16. Medallion
This one is unique: it is more like a wall decal than a backsplash. This is a thin sticker-like film and doesn’t have thickness. However, before I installed my current backsplash, I actually had painted a faux tile! The fun graphic pattern of this won’t give away that this isn’t actually a tile, but I would still only use it on small installations.
17. Aqua Penny Tile
18. Dark Gray Mosaic
19. Light Gray Mid Century Subway
What do you think of these modern peel and stick backsplash tile options? Good right? I want your peel and stick tile to look like you hand laid those bricks yourself! They will look elevated, cool, and updated.
You can use any of these to update your bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere else that requires tile! Did you know there are even peel and stick tiles for floors? Can you imagine, that with a little sweat, you can have a brand new look for your bathroom using peel and stick wall and floor tiles? The DREAM.
One thing about these modern peel and stick backsplash tile options is that you do have to read the heat tolerance on each selection. Some cannot be placed next to a burner…because, you know….fire hazard. So just pay attention to the directions and be mindful of your placement and you’ll be great!
-Kristen
More inspiration:
