Kitchen Splashback Ideas for 2022

Design is all about the small details: home accessories, finishing touches, and other accents help to complete any room. When it comes to your kitchen, splashbacks and tiles are the go-to decorative addition.

What we love most about kitchen splashback panels is their versatility. Backsplashes have an aesthetic dimension, but also offer practical DIY solutions that protect your walls from stains, grease, and damage.
 
Whether you are looking to make a statement with a bold and colourful cooker splashback or want to opt for a sleek and more modern kitchen splashback, in this blog from The Plastic People, we are going to cover the ins and outs of backsplashes, tiles, and wall panels. 

To start, we will cover application and materials before brainstorming some modern splashback ideas for kitchens, and looking at the design trends of 2022. 
 

What can I use as a splashback in my kitchen?

There is an almost endless range of different types and styles of kitchen splashbacks on offer. Backsplashes are available in almost any material you can think of, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Typically, most people opt for one of the following:
 

• Tiles: Wall tiles are one of the most common and popular kitchen splashbacks choices. You will find an extensive range of tile shapes, designs, and styles at any DIY or building supplies store. The current trend is metro tiles, but many people opt for the more classic look of mosaics in their kitchen. Tiles allow you to play with colours and patterns, but they are a tricky and time-consuming DIY task. It is best to work with tradesmen and women to ensure a quality finish. Kitchen wall tiles can also be hard to clean as grouting easily stains and traps dirt. 

 

• Acrylic/Perspex Splashbacks: Plastic splashbacks, made from acrylic and Perspex, are the obvious alternative to wall tiles. These plastic wall panels are available in practically any colour you can imagine and can be cut to any size or shape. Acrylic kitchen splashbacks are an easy DIY task to complete too! We love acrylic and Perspex splashbacks for kitchens as they are incredibly hygienic materials that can be easily wiped clean. Make sure to check out our wide range of acrylic splashbacks here.  

 

• Wall Panels: Wall panels are another great alternative to traditional tiling. They are available in a wide range of different materials, including wood, but most decorative wall panels are made from some form of plastic. You can easily create a tile effect kitchen splashback with PVC wall panels. There is a wide range of different geometric patterns and even 3D PVC wall tiles available. 

 

• Quartz Splashback: The finish of quartz splashbacks is almost identical to stone. Quartz splashbacks are an incredibly opulent choice that will bring an air of decadence to any kitchen. They are easy to clean too. Quartz is non-porous, meaning that it will not be damaged by water, however, these kitchen splashbacks carry a steep price tag. 

 

• Stainless Steel Splashback: Typically reserved for professional settings, stainless steel kitchen splashbacks are incredibly high-grade. They offer a minimalist aesthetic and are very durable. Nevertheless, much like quartz, these backsplashes are costly kitchen features. 

 

• Glass Splashback: Glass splashbacks are timeless. A whole host of different designs can be printed on a glass splashback to give your home a unique look. Nevertheless, due to its fragility, glass is a difficult material to transport and install, and so you will need a team of specialists to help you. 

 

Is acrylic splashback cheaper than tiles?

If you are looking for cheap kitchen splashbacks, then acrylic panels or ceramic tiles are your best bet. Both have their pros and cons, but in this section, we focus on the all-important price point. 
 
When it comes to installing a splashback for a small section of your kitchen—for example, behind your sink or cooker—tiles are a cheaper option. However, if you are looking for a larger kitchen splashback or want to panel an entire wall, acrylic will be the cheaper material. 
 
In the long run, though, acrylic splashbacks almost always come out on top as they are more durable than tiles and cheaper to maintain. Perspex and other plastic kitchen splashbacks can easily be wiped clean, while tiles may need repairs, extra sealant/grouting and are a pain to keep completely spotless. 




 

What is the best material for a kitchen splashback?

We have already covered all the different materials you can use for your kitchen splashback (ceramic tiles, plastic, stainless steel, glass, and quartz), but now we are going to decide which deserves the crowning glory.
 
Tiles
 
Pros:
 

• The traditional choice and available in a wide range of patterns, designs, and colours—perfect for a modern kitchen splashback! 
• Relatively cheap and, with a little practice, a simple DIY task. 

 
Cons:
 

• Grouting and sealant are always visible. 
• Tricky to always keep clean and impossible to prevent discolouration of grout. 
• Delicate and costly to transport due to weight. 

 
Plastic Kitchen Splashback
 
Pros:
 

• Acrylic kitchen splashbacks are available in almost any colour and finish and can be cut to any size or shape. 
• Perspex is 10 times stronger than glass, making plastic kitchen splashbacks virtually indestructible. 
• Lightweight and easy to transport. 

 
Cons:
 

• Plastic kitchen splashbacks are not suitable to be placed directly behind a gas hob. 

 
Glass Splashback 
 
Pros:
 

• A wide range of different designs is available. 
• Easy to clean.

 
Cons: 
 

• More costly than tiles and plastic kitchen splashbacks. 
• Fragile and hard to install. 

 
Plastic kitchen splashbacks are the best overall solution! Combining a modern look with practicality and cost-effectiveness, there is no reason why you shouldn’t choose an acrylic kitchen splashback. What’s more, if you are looking for a tile effect kitchen splashback, but without the hassle of grouting, you can purchase PVC wall tiles instead. 



 

What is the cheapest splashback option?

 
If you are looking for budget-friendly and cheap kitchen splashbacks, then tiles and acrylic backsplashes are your best options. While offering a modern design, both metallic and glass splashbacks come with a steep price tag. 
 
For larger spaces and complete walls, we recommend opting for a Perspex splashback as this will be more cost-effective than ceramic tiles. Due to the intricate design of many mosaics, it can become costly to have repeat patterns across the entire wall or kitchen space. However, for small kitchens or behind a sink/cooker, tiles will be an affordable option. 
 
If you are looking for a tile effect at a lower price point, you can always install PVC wall tiles. Available in a range of stylish geometric and 3D designs, PVC wall panels are an inexpensive and DIY alternative to traditional tiles. What’s more, PVC wall tiles are suitable for use throughout the home—not just in the kitchen. 



 

What is the easiest kitchen splashback to install?

 
When it comes to DIY projects and ease of installation, a plastic kitchen backsplash will beat tiles every time. Sealing and grouting any surface for tiles is a time-consuming and delicate process. Though many people can pick up the skill, for the best result, it’s always worth hiring tradesmen. Acrylic kitchen splashbacks, however, are an easy DIY project. You can have your material cut to any size or shape, so all that is left for you to do is stick your plastic panel to the wall. 
 
Solid colour splashbacks can be fixed to kitchen walls using a suitable adhesive such as Strong Stuff. Lighter shades, translucent or tinted acrylic splashbacks can be screwed to kitchen walls to avoid any adhesive showing through. (If you plan to hang your splashback with screws, we recommend that you ask for screw holes to be ready-drilled into your splashback - then your splashback will arrive ready to hang). Click here to check out our range of adhesives.
 
Splashbacks are generally produced with 3mm or 5mm acrylic. 5mm will give the splashback its stunning depth of colour and enough rigidity to display well. The thinner the acrylic the less depth of colour and the greater its flexibility too. Flexibility is an important consideration because a flexible splashback on an uneven wall risks a poor distorted appearance. 



 

What is the trend in kitchen splashbacks?

 
Modern kitchen splashbacks are definitely on-trend in 2022. Some of the most popular design choices right now include bold colours and feature walls. More and more people want to make a statement in their kitchen as it is the social hub of the house—a bright backsplash or tiled wall can help you achieve this. 
 
The other notable trend in kitchen splashbacks at the moment is the creation of a tile effect. As traditional tiling methods are incredibly time-consuming enterprises with sizable upkeep costs, more people are looking to plastic for a low-maintenance solution. Thanks to items like PVC wall tiles, you can now achieve a traditional look at a fraction of the cost. 
 
PVC wall panels are incredibly popular due to the variety of designs available; including minimalist geometric patterns and even some 3D designs. They are also easy to install: many PVC tiles and splashbacks simply lock together or can be glued into place. Make sure to check out our guides on PVC wall tiles and installation to find out more. 



 

Which is better glass or acrylic splashback?

 
Kitchen splashbacks have both a decorative and practical purpose. Many people install a backsplash to add colour to their kitchen, but these panels also help to protect your walls from stains, grease, and other damage. You must choose the right material when purchasing and installing your kitchen backsplash, but how do you know what is best? 
 
Here are the differences and similarities between glass and acrylic splashbacks:
 

• Price: Acrylic and Perspex backsplashes are almost always cheaper than their glass counterparts. They are also inexpensive to transport as plastic is a lighter and less fragile material compared with glass. It is easy to cut acrylic to any size or shape, so you can get a kitchen splashback that is tailored to your space. 

 

• Maintenance: Both glass and acrylic kitchen splashbacks are fairly low-maintenance. Unlike tiles, neither of these materials need grouting, so your backsplash will be seamless. Acrylic and glass can both be wiped clean with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt or grease. 

 

• Heat Resistance: If you are planning to install a kitchen cooker splashback, it is important to find out whether the materials you choose are heat-resistant. Toughened glass can withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees Celsius, while acrylic is only suitable to use below temperatures of 160 degrees Celsius.  

 

• Styles: When it comes to decoration and style variation, acrylic is a clear winner. Plastic backsplashes are available in pretty much any colour or finish, so you can have a panel that matches your décor. While designs can be printed onto glass, it is a costly process and you are more limited in your design choices. 

 

• Durability: Acrylic is ten times stronger than glass and shatterproof, making it the perfect material to use throughout the house. Unless you opt for (incredibly expensive) toughened glass, you will need to be extremely careful when handling any glass splashbacks due to their fragility. 

 

• Installation: Due to its weight and fragility, glass is difficult to transport and work with. On the other hand, acrylic splashbacks are a simple DIY project that you can complete within a few hours! Check out our installation guide for more information. 

 
A new splashback can help breathe life back into an old kitchen, but it can be a difficult decision to choose one. Acrylic is a superior kitchen splashback material to glass as it offers greater durability and versatility, at a lower price point. 



 

How to pick the right backsplash for your kitchen 

 
By this point in the blog, you will surely realise that there is an almost endless list of choices when it comes to kitchen splashbacks. If you are feeling a little stuck, do not fret! In this section, we are going to cover the top five things you need to consider to make sure you are choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen. 
 

• Choosing the right splashback material: We have already spoken a lot about kitchen splashback materials, and that is because it is one of the most important decisions you will have to make! Tiles are the traditional option, but they can be tricky to install and maintain, while acrylic kitchen splashbacks are an easy DIY solution and available in a wide range of colours. 

 

• Selecting the right splashback colour: The other major decision you will have to make concerns the colour of your splashback. If you are a minimalist, you might opt for more muted pastel or earthy tones. Maximalists and those keeping up with the trends will know that bold colours are currently in vogue. Make sure to choose a colour palette that fits with the rest of your home. 

 

• Where to position your kitchen splashback: Where to position and place your kitchen splashback should also be thought about before purchasing any materials, as this could affect the amount/type of material you opt for. For example, tiling is affordable in small portions, but acrylic is cheaper if you are looking to cover a whole wall. 

 

• How to choose backsplash for small kitchen: For small kitchens, you want to choose a splashback that will complement the space. We recommend choosing a glossy splashback (such as a Perspex panel) in a bright colour as this can reflect light around a room to make it feel bigger. 

 

• Cost-effective kitchen splashback choices: Anyone with a keen eye on the budget will know that some splashback options can be pricey. If you are looking to keep costs low, stay away from quartz, steel and glass splashbacks. Acrylic plastic is typically the go-to material for cheap kitchen splashbacks. 

 

 

What can I use instead of a splashback?

 
Not everyone is a fan of traditional ceramic tiles or has the budget to splash out on a glass kitchen backsplash, so we have decided to put a list together of our favourite alternatives to splashbacks that you can use in your home. Many of these ideas are completely free! 
 

• Reclaimed Wood: If you are trying to create a rustic feel in your home, dark wooden tones are the design solution. You can easily search online or visit local building supply stores to find old pallets and other bits of wood that can be pinned to a wall to create a feature design. Many homeowners use cork boards or wine corks too.

 

• Photo Frames: Photos are another addition that can add character and comfort to a space. Large photo frames containing art or murals also act as statement pieces in place of tiles or splashbacks. Acrylic plastic frames can be cut to any size or shape and are ideal for protecting artworks or images—find out more here. 

 

• Mirrors: Old and aged mirrors are often used by interior designers to add life to a space. Mirrors are sleek additions to any room that can bounce light around a space to make it feel brighter and bigger. Plastic mirrors are cost-effective and child-safe options too. Get an instant quote on one today. 

 
 
That just about brings us to the end of this extensive guide on all the kitchen splashback ideas you will need for 2022. Make sure to check out our bespoke plastic cutting services to have your splashbacks made to any size and shape! 

If you'd like to find out more about the different splashback options we provide, please follow one of the links below:

Acrylic Kitchen Splashbacks
PVC Splashback Tiles
Bathroom Splashbacks