When your kitchen feels outdated or tired, one of the best places a DIY’er can make a change is the backsplash. Updating your backsplash can completely change the look of your kitchen and make it feel like new again. Hate the thought of making a mess tearing out your old backsplash? These kitchen backsplash ideas are ones that you can use right over the old tile! That means no messy kitchen tile demo, no risking damaging the drywall in an effort to tear out the old backsplash, and a quick and cheap project. So use one of these ideas to make your kitchen look new again, and adapt one of these DIY backsplash ideas to cover your tile with something brand new!

collage showing different backsplash ideas with text reading 18 ways to cover up and old backsplash

Easy DIY Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

The first thing that comes to my mind when it comes to covering up an old backsplash is stick on tile. There are lots of different options out there, and plenty of ways to DIY a good stick-on backsplash, so take a look below for some ideas.

1. Stick-On Backsplash Over Tile

If you want the easiest way to cover a tile backsplash, then check out tile stickers or decals. Specifically made to cover tile, they are easy to apply and look amazing! Photo by QuadroStyle. They also have a how-to available at their site.

 

2. Wooden DIY Backsplash

I love this wooden DIY backsplash from ‘The Cozy Home Chronicles‘. They got their inspiration for this project from an Ikea display! Pay attention to their instructions on sealing this. If you plan to do this backsplash project over existing tile, you will have to make some modifications. Use liquid nails, and pay attention to the spacing to see if your tile and grout lines show through. If they do, simply make the spaces smaller, or eliminate them altogether.

Ways to redo backsplash-5

 

3. PEEL AND STICK BACKSPLASH OVER EXISTING TILE

HGTV’ has some great kitchen backsplash ideas on how you can use peel-and-stick tiles to go over your old backsplash! Here’s another tutorial from ‘Smart Tiles’.

15 Kitchen Backsplash Ideas That Go Right Over Old Tile!

 

4. DIY Brick Paneling Backsplash

Brick paneling is an incredible way to make a real statement with your backsplash. Perfect for industrial or farmhouse kitchens, this tutorial from Joyful Derivatives is exactly what your kitchen needs!

white kitchen with faux brick backsplash

 

KITCHEN BACKSPLASH IDEAS WITH WHITE CABINETS

Looking for a backsplash that will complement your white cabinets beautifully? Here are some great options, and they’re all pretty easy DIY projects!

Pallet Wall DIY Backsplash

Want a pallet wall look, without the upkeep? Katie from “Bower Power‘ did this laminate backsplash update that looks just like the real thing! Now they installed this over drywall with nails, but it could be modified to use liquid nails over existing tiles. You could then use nails once you reached a height above your existing backsplash. The best thing about this project is that these walls just wipe clean, thanks to the laminate finish. Oh, and she got them on sale!

15 Kitchen Backsplash Ideas That Go Right Over Old Tile!

Painted Tile Backsplash

If you have a boring old backsplash that you want to cover, consider updating it with paint instead. This kitchen backsplash idea from ‘Martha’ will take your plain Jane white tile backsplash into custom look territory!

painted tile backsplash

 

DIY SUBWAY TILE BACKSPLASH

Paint is one of the cheapest decorating materials you can use to redo a backsplash. ‘Two Feet First’ shows us how to do a $30 faux subway tile backsplash with paint! This is a great option for those of us who have that short little excuse for a backsplash which is really just an extension of our countertop. They show you how to remove your laminate backsplash like they did, but according to them, you can just paint right over it too!DIY Subway tile backsplash applied over old tile

 

Accent Tile Backsplash

If you already have a tile backsplash that is in good shape, and you just hate the color or pattern, then learn how to paint a tile backsplash from ‘A Beautiful Mess‘.

Teal backsplash with white cabinets

 

Budget DIY Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

We get it – you don’t have a lot of cash to invest in your DIY backsplash project. That’s ok! Here are some super-affordable options that don’t compromise on quality or end product. You’ll love them! 

Faux Tin Backsplash

Tin was once a very expensive building material, but now there are alternatives that give you the look without the price. The good thing about a metal backsplash is that it will hide tile and grout lines from the old backsplash, and can be adhered pretty easily with liquid nails or another adhesive. This is a PVC tile with an aluminum finish that you can purchase in large tiles, and then just attach to cover your old backsplash, from ‘Home Depot‘.

Ways to redo a backsplash-1

 

Industrial Chic DIY Backsplash

Loving’ this corrugated metal backsplash makeover for a more modern farmhouse/ industrial look. This was uploaded by a Pinterest user, but this material can be bought at most home improvement stores and trimmed with tin snips. Remember to slightly overlap each panel, then attach with adhesive. This is such a fun industrial way to cover a tile backsplash!

Ways to redo backsplash-2

 

Modern Plywood DIY Backsplash

I love the modern, minimalist look of this DIY plywood backsplash redo from ‘Stylizimo‘. Plywood is an inexpensive but popular material in modern design, and this black-painted version gives it elegance and a touch of drama. You can cover your existing tile backsplash with the plywood, adhere it with Liquid Nails, then paint it any color you wish!

black painted plywood backsplash in kitchen with white walls and black cabinets

 

Beadboard Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Beadboard is an easy DIY kitchen backsplash technique that can bring any outdated backsplash into the 21st century! Here are some of our favorite beadboard backsplash ideas.

Colored Beadboard DIY Backsplash

Learn how to cover an old kitchen tile backsplash with beadboard, then paint it for a custom look! This tutorial comes to us from ‘HGTV’. We love the way they used this beadboard horizontally for a fresh look.

 

Classic Beadboard DIY Backsplash

Want a more traditional farmhouse kitchen type of look? “Fixer Upper” style? Then try this kitchen backsplash idea on how to install a beadboard DIY  backsplash from ‘The Frugal Homemaker‘. She takes you through each step of her tile backsplash update. She also tells you how to adhere the beadboard if you are doing it over existing tile or if you are installing a brand-new backsplash.

Ways to redo backsplash-3

SHIPLAP KITCHEN BACKSPLASH

Honestly, who doesn’t love shiplap? It’s so versatile and always delivers a classic look. In this gorgeous kitchen makeover from The Modern Thought, the shiplap backsplash puts the finishing touches on a truly stunning kitchen re-do. 

white kitchen with shiplap backsplash

BEADBOARD BACKSPLASH WITH DARK COUNTERS

If you loved the beadboard ideas above, but want some inspiration to go with some beautiful black countertops, this one’s for your! Dawn at Creative Cain Cabin took on a beadboard backsplash project to go with their dark counters and the results are stunning!black kitchen counter with white beadboard backsplash

 

GLASS KITCHEN BACKSPLASH IDEAS 

Glass is simple, timeless, easy to clean, and a great way to modernize your kitchen. These glass kitchen backsplash ideas are not as tricky as you might believe, and always look stunning! 

COLORED GLASS DIY BACKSPLASH

Adding color to your glass backsplash truly makes it sparkle. Learn how to back paint glass from ‘Frugal Bits‘. This DIY saved her hundreds of dollars, and looks amazing! Remember to attach it with an adhesive made for the materials.
blue glass backsplash behind stovetop

SOPHISTICATED GLASS DIY BACKSPLASH

And just to prove our point as to how high-end this can look, here is a glass backsplash from ‘BHG‘! Want more help? You could use the tutorial above to create this same sophisticated look.

Ways to redo backsplash

 

ACRYLIC DIY BACKSPLASH

Ok, so it’s not exactly glass, but it sure looks like it! This acrylic backsplash is a great, affordable alternative to solid glass, and delivers a result that’s just as stunning. You can find the whole tutorial from Fog Modern here!

dusty blue shiny backsplash over white kitchen counter

 

Where to Find Materials to Cover up an Old Backsplash

Before we move on, I thought it might be helpful to leave you with a few resources. As mentioned above, stick-on materials are a great way to cover up an old backsplash. Wayfair, Home Depot, Amazon, and even Etsy all have so many beautiful options. Here are a few of my favorites.

Star Pattern Peel and Stick Tile Decals

This first example is from Wayfair, where there is a TON of variety available. But this one stood out to me. In fact, I’m actually a bit obsessed with this look. I mean, this would completely transform a kitchen with a boring backsplash.

peel and stick tiel decal sticker backsplash with blue and white star pattern

 

Vinyl Backsplash Panel

Love an all-white kitchen, but want a touch of creativity in your backsplash? Go with a fun tile shape. You get the best of both worlds here. This is a convenient PVC panel just like the faux tin backsplash example we shared above with this panel available at Home Depot.

white backsplash in kitchen

 

Glass Faux Stone Backsplash Panel

Ok, here’s a look totally unlike anything we’ve seen so far. This faux stone backsplash from Etsy is made from tempered glass and ready to install. faux stone glass backsplash over stovetop

 

Etsy might not be the first place you think to look for home improvement materials, but there are actually so many unique stick-on backsplash options on there! Search for peel and stick backsplash or backsplash panel and you’ll be amazed at the variety.  It’s worth it to browse if even just for some inspiration on creative backsplash ideas.

 

Enjoy Your Newly Updated Backsplash!

Did you learn some great kitchen backsplash ideas that go right over tile? I hope you found one you love enough to try in your own home! Maybe you’re inspired to take on a whole DIY kitchen renovation?  Well, if that’s the case, you should check out our post How to Install a Backsplash so you can put your new inspiration to work, then perhaps check out our guide, “How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets without Sanding,” so your cabinets can have a brand new look to match! But don’t forget, simply organizing your kitchen will make a big difference in itself! Best of luck with your kitchen projects, we hope you love how they turn out!


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9 Comments

  1. Sheri September 19, 2016 at 10:32 am

    OUTSTANDING ideas!! I don’t know which one to do first but I will definitely be doing a couple of them. I just stumbled onto your website, I already have it bookmarked and on my desktop. I can’t wait until I have time to come back and loos at everything!!

    Reply
    1. Sheri September 19, 2016 at 10:34 am

      It’s ‘look’ not loos. I should have read it before I hit send : )

      Reply
  2. dudie sipe March 7, 2017 at 7:18 am

    I LOVE my kitchen!!! It has a brick wall with a fireplace that is a double fireplace. The other side of it is in my formal living room. The kitchen is spacious, sunny and very homey. However…the counters are a faux butcher block laminate. YUCK!!!!! I don’t have the money right now for new counters. I am going to try the painted counters. Even if I mess up, I’m going to give it a try. It’s only paint. Wish me luck!!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  3. Cathy Laducer February 21, 2018 at 4:20 pm

    What type of outlet covers do we use?

    Reply
    1. Kathy Woodard February 27, 2018 at 6:09 pm

      You can use just regular outlet covers, we use stainless steel ones from Home Depot. You may have to get longer screws than what come with the outlets though!

      Reply
  4. Dave March 28, 2019 at 7:53 pm

    Impressive as always! Love your work

    Reply
  5. Denise DiClemente March 11, 2021 at 1:30 pm

    I love that first look with the gray, blue and white and would like to replicate that.
    Is that stencil available to purchase?

    Reply
    1. Kathy Bates May 4, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      That is actually a sticker, and there is a link there in the post to purchase it if you are interested!

      Reply
  6. Universal Stone November 4, 2022 at 9:04 am

    When the kitchen feels outdated or tired, one of the best things that can make a change is new backsplash. Thanks for sharing these superb kitchen backsplash ideas!

    Reply

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