Glass tile backsplashes are a great choice for kitchen remodeling projects.
Nowadays, one of the most popular tiles used in homes is glass, which gives off a modern and elegant look. Glass tiles are highly versatile and come in various options to give you design freedom and flexibility. Likewise, contrary to popular assumptions, glass is highly durable, resistant to water and fire, and easy to clean and maintain.
Given all these benefits, it only makes sense that glass tile would be the perfect choice for your kitchen backsplash. It can transform your whole kitchen and provide aesthetic value while also holding up to constant wear and tear. So, if you plan to remodel your place soon, here are some kitchen backsplash ideas you can use to prepare in advance and get some inspiration.
How to Design the Perfect Glass Backsplash
It can be hard to think of kitchen backsplash ideas without knowing the specifics about the area. So before you get started with choosing your designs, here are the steps to take to design the perfect glass backsplash:
Measure the Space
Start by deciding where you want to put your backsplash and how large you want it to be. Knowing the dimensions gives you a good idea of how many tiles you will need, which can be helpful when getting quotes from professionals.
Overall, there is no rule dictating how big your glass tile backsplash should be. It ultimately boils down to preference for every homeowner. Some may want a more subtle display that only covers the area above the countertop, while others want a more eye-catching design that covers most of the wall.
Whatever you decide, the general rule of thumb is to buy enough tiles to cover 10% more than the surface area you measured in case of potential waste or issues during installation.
Choose a Glass Tile
Next, you can narrow your selection by deciding what kind of glass tile you want. The good news is that you can find these in different colors, shapes, sizes, textures, and patterns to match your preferred design and style.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with all your options, check out these kitchen backsplash ideas using glass tiles to get your creative juices running. Painted glass pairs nicely with lacquered cabinets to create a shiny, modern, and clean look. For something more timeless, you can never go wrong with a classic white subway tile.
When choosing your glass tiles, here are some tips that can help you out:
- Choose light-colored tiles for smaller kitchens to make the space look bigger and more expansive.
- Make sure your walls and furniture have already been painted before deciding on a tile color to ensure that they complement each other well.
Prepare for Installation
Once you have figured out what tiles you want to use for your kitchen backsplash, you can start preparing for installation. Start by deciding whether to hire professionals or do the work on your own.
If you have no prior experience installing tiles yourself, it can be tricky to get the job done. Before attaching the tiles, you first need to prepare the backsplash surface by cleaning it thoroughly. Depending on the type of wall tile you choose and the condition of the surface, you may also need to bond and patch the area before installation.
Given this, beginners should let professionals do the installation, especially when working with glass tiles. The last thing you want is to do a substandard job and have to get your backsplash redone after just a few months!
Maintaining Your Glass Tile Backsplash
Before jumping into all the possible kitchen backsplash ideas, one thing you might be thinking about is maintenance. While browsing through different tile options, you have likely considered this as one of your decision points. Fortunately, glass tiles are known to be low maintenance, so you can keep them looking beautiful without too much effort.
All you need to clean your glass backsplash is a cloth or soft brush and a non-abrasive cleaning solution to prevent scratching your tiles. There are also glass cleaners specifically formulated for these tiles, but generally, the ingredients around your house should suffice.
Cleaning your kitchen backsplash will be no different from cleaning glass tiles in your bathroom, if you have any.
Here are the basic tips to follow for routine maintenance:
- Regular Cleaning – If you do not have a non-abrasive or glass cleaner, mix warm water and a small amount of dish detergent. Spray your backsplash, then wipe off with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Soap Scum – Mix equal parts of warm water and white vinegar, then spray it onto your backsplash. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
- Tough Stain Removal – If you notice stubborn stains in your backsplash, especially in the grout, mix ¼ parts bleach and ¾ parts water. Spray this mixture to the grout, then clean off the stains with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Why Get a Glass Tile Backsplash?
You might already be familiar with some benefits of glass backsplashes, such as their low maintenance requirements, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. However, several other advantages come with using glass mosaic tiles or glass tiles in general. These include:
- Resistance to Mold and Mildew – Glass tiles are resistant to mold and mildew, making them suitable for the kitchen, where water splashes commonly occur. Other materials like metal and wood have tiny crevices that can turn into breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, but you do not have this problem with glass.
- Resistance to Heat – Another great quality that makes glass tiles suitable for kitchens is their heat resistance. Even while you are cooking on your stove, your backsplash will stay intact and not warp, crack, or fade due to the heat.
- Environment Friendliness – One of the less-known benefits of glass backsplashes is that they are eco-friendly. For one, glass serves as an insulator that helps maintain energy efficiency in your home. Aside from this, glass requires less energy than ceramic to produce and can be made with recycled materials.
- Visual Space Impact – Glass naturally reflects and refracts light, creating the illusion of a larger space. This attribute also ensures that you have enough natural light and visibility in your kitchen, which will be important when cooking, cleaning the dishes, and handling utensils.
With all the benefits listed above, it is no surprise that designers love using glass as a backsplash tile.
Get Professional Glass Tile Backsplash Installation Today
Overall, glass is the perfect tile for your kitchen backsplash since it is trendy and sleek, easy to maintain, durable, and versatile. In addition, you have no worries when it comes to design since you have countless options to choose from to match your kitchen aesthetic.
If you need help finding a backsplash tile for your kitchen, our team can help you out. Native Tile Design offers professional tile design in Palm Harbor to help transform your space and personalize it to match your lifestyle and preference. For more kitchen backsplash ideas and information about our tile installation services, contact us today at (727) 754-4514.