If you're hoping to update your kitchen but don't want to break the bank, there are some simple ways that you can add flair and personal touch to your space. You might want to start with your kitchen's backsplash. 

Updating your backsplash is a creative way to revamp your kitchen without completely overhauling it. Albeit, this type of project can still be costly. If you're looking to save some money while renovating, RenoQuotes.com has got you covered with a list of affordable options to consider suited to all homeowners. So, here are some great ideas for your new kitchen backsplash!

7 Affordable Kitchen Backsplash Designs & Ideas

Source: Canva

1. Vinyl Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Vinyl is an exceptionally affordable material that provides homeowners with endless colour and pattern options. Regardless of whether you have a minimalist thing going on in your home or if you’re channelling the psychedelic vibe unique to the 70s, rest assured, there’s a little something for everyone. Vinyl kitchen backsplashes are extremely easy to install. Measure the area you’re looking to cover, then use scissors to cut out the pattern. 

Simply remove the backing and stick the tiling directly to your wall. This makes for a waterproof option, one that won’t break the bank. Moreover, if you happen to get sick of the paisley pattern chosen, you can opt for another, low-cost design with little effort! Keep in mind that a peel-and-stick vinyl backsplash adheres best to smooth, painted walls, so it might be in your best interest to give your walls a fresh coat, just to be safe!

2. Salvaged Wood Backsplash

If you’re trying to keep the rustic charm alive in your home, salvaged moulding and old wood boards are a beautiful option. Salvaged wood can be repainted or refinished to suit whatever personal style you’ve harnessed. However, consider finishing with a semi-gloss paint or stain, as you'll want something water-resistant to stand up against any spills from the sink. This affordable option can be secured using construction adhesive. 

Also, make sure to seal the wooden boards or panels with waterproof caulk. For lighter salvaged woods, like plywood, consider securing the wood to the wall using Velcro strips. If you’re leasing your home but are in need of a slight revamp, this might be the perfect, low-cost option with minimal commitment.

3. Painted Glass or Mirror Backsplash

If you're working with a smaller space, it’s worth giving a mirror or painted glass backsplash a consideration. Not only can you check yourself out while you do the dishes, but it’ll open up even the tiniest kitchen, making it look bigger and brighter. Adding an electrical outlet in the mirror makes for the perfect final touch, making for a put-together result. 

Painted glass still has a reflective quality while adding a splash of colour. Both materials are stain barriers and brighten up your kitchen. Check your local thrift shop for mirrors or large pieces of glass. The installation process may be a little tricky, so if it seems less than DIY-friendly for your taste, consider hiring a professional to take on the challenge!

4. Low-Cost or Recycled Ceramic Tile Backsplash

If you're looking for a backsplash that will serve as your kitchen’s focal point, consider checking out your local Habitat for Humanity for discounted tiles. With these, you can create a colourful mosaic-like backsplash with mismatched tiles or look for minimalist-like shades of white for a quirky take on subway tiles.

Although buying new tiles can be expensive, looking for different sorts of tiles at local thrift stores or HFH can be a rather inexpensive solution! Complete the look with a semi-gloss or glaze finish should the tiles not already have a waterproof coating.

5. Modern Backsplash Made of Recycled Materials

Are you one for fine wines, or are you more of a beer-drinking or soda-loving person? Whatever your vice, start collecting those bottle caps, corks or even the bottles themselves, as these items could make for an interesting and unique kitchen backsplash. The options are endless, as you can create a stylish backsplash with almost any material. Consider unused Mason jars or old CDs you've been keeping or even beach rocks from your last vacation. 

To undertake such a project in your kitchen with caps, stick the bottle caps to the wall, then grout and seal them. If you're working with Mason jars, use a hammer to break up the jars into pieces, all differing in size. Then, carefully stick these to the wall in question using a tile adhesive. Once the pieces have been set, grout the entire backsplash. Next, polish the glass with a sponge, soap and water.

For the wine lovers out there, once you've collected enough corks to fill the space, cut the corks in half, vertically, and stick them to your makeshift backsplash—plywood board—that has been pre-measured to fit the space in question. Finish it off with a clear sealant. This sort of DIY project doesn't only look great, but it'll impress friends and family alike! 

6. Painted-On Backsplash: White, Blue, Black, and More

Painting a kitchen backsplash is a simple and cost-effective way to revamp a space. Use water-resistant and easy-to-clean paint, such as acrylic or enamel paint. 

To customize your backsplash to your liking, you can create patterns with stencils or tape for a creative flair. Make sure the surface is clean first, then start by applying a base coat, ensuring the paint sticks on well. This is a pretty versatile method that allows you to switch up the look of your kitchen regularly.

7. Hassle-Free Wallpaper Backsplash

This option isn’t really at the top of any must-have backsplash option, yet wallpaper is a great option, one that’s also rather affordable. There’s a wide range of wallpaper patterns and textures, allowing you to personalize your space easily. However, make sure the wallpaper purchased is washable and moisture-resistant for guaranteed durability.

It makes for a straightforward installation: cut the wallpaper according to the desired measurements, and stick them to the wall with dedicated glue. This is an ideal solution to add an aesthetic touch without planning an overwhelming workload. 

What's the Most Popular Contemporary Backsplash?

While there are plenty of options making waves at the moment, some o which you'll find in this very article, basic subway tile remains highly favoured in modern designs due to its straightforward, neat, contemporary look and the flexibility to arrange rectangular tiles in countless patterns.

Whether your kitchen is small or large, this timeless choice makes for a perfect kitchen backslpash in any home!