Easy Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

The first step to creating a simple, no frills, easy-to-install kitchen backsplash is to determine the amount of backsplash you want in your kitchen. For many homeowners, a backsplash is a utilitarian affair meant to keep cooking and cleaning spatter off the walls. But for others, the backsplash is a great opportunity to express their design style with an eye-catching, visually impactful backsplash.

Regardless of your approach, you’ll need to determine the amount of material you’ll need for your easy kitchen backsplash, even before you determine the type. To do so, simply decide how much of the wall surface you want to cover with the backsplash (it’s often anywhere from 25% to 100% of the space between the countertops and cabinets or countertops and ceiling).

Once you’ve figured out the scope of the backsplash, mark off the surface area and measure the square footage to figure out how much material you’ll need.

Now, you may be thinking paper doesn’t sound terribly durable, and imagining the disastrous results of food spatter on it—but fear not, the paper you’ll use will rest under a protective coating of clear shellac or varnish, so that it’ll wipe clean easily, and the paper will always be protected. In terms of the paper itself, heavy-duty card stock with interesting designs or colors, or even old maps, newspaper clippings or magazine cutouts can be repurposed to great visual effect.

The paper you choose should be applied to a thin layer of plywood that can be nailed to the wall, then protected with a clear coating.

Similarly, you may want to experiment with a fabric backsplash.

Everything from tablecloths to old dresses can be repurposed for a backsplash, fastened to a thin piece of plywood and then coated with protective sealant to keep moisture off and allow for easy cleaning. This is a great way to add visual interest to any easy kitchen backsplash design.

For a truly useful, easy and simple kitchen backsplash, you can also consider a peg board design.

Simply install peg board panels throughout your backsplash area (and feel free to paint or finish them as you see fit beforehand; no need to leave them the classic brown pegboard color).

Then festoon the backsplash with as many hooks and other convenient accouterments as you like for an easy kitchen backsplash that’s unique, efficient and attractive.