Thinking out of the (big) box for backsplash tiles

16 years ago

Hello everyone,

I've been a member from time to time and have really benefited. We are in the position to do a backsplash in our tiny city condo. The good thing is, I don't think it will cost much.

I am looking at the tiny tiles in multiple colors that are pretty in-style right now (think back to the 70s bathroom tiles, but in bright shiney colors). I know there's probably a more proper description.

I have no idea where to buy these tiles from. I've checked the big boxes (at least one) and they don't carry them (at least that I've seen).

I want to be as frugal as possible (don't we all?). I am in the Chicago area. Would i be better off trying one-owner type places off the beaten track? Again, I'm mostly interested in price and honestly, I didn't see any at the big boxes. I am looking to create something like thins:

Here is a link that might be useful: picture of the backsplash I want

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Comments (10)

california_dreamer
16 years ago
Those look like glass mosaic tiles to me. I've seen them at all the tile shops- they're very popular right now. Someone here suggested Susan Jablon mosaics. I ordered samples from her and they are beautiful- and the price was very reasonable.

Here is a link that might be useful: Susan Jablon Mosaic tiles
mustbnuts zone 9 sunset 9
16 years ago
Yes, you are looking at one inch glass tile. The smaller the tile, the bigger the price tag. Walker Zanger has some as well as Oceanside Tile.

http://www.walkerzanger.com/ that is walker zanger's internet address. Below is oceanside tile. Oceanside tile is beautiful stuff. My boyfriend is doing his backsplash in one of the glass mosaics with travertine. It is stunning.

Here is a link that might be useful: oceanside tile
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they sound interesting enough to me, being crackled and having variation. larger size might work..what size you consider? Gray is already considered dated lol. Makes no sense to me personally as all this dated thing is a new concept I'm still struggling with-how a color can be dated? but in terms of what happens in trends etc-it's on its way out, yes. they move into warmer tones. they're still into greiges for now to bridge between things a bit. white is becoming big as a neutral. wood stains are making a big comeback. this update on trends can go on and on but i'm sure you can find thousand threads here discussing it so i'll make it short. if you're really worried-it might be you're simply are not attached to a color enough. which is okay, really. then pick off-white. off white is pretty. Even very much so. I like both off whites and grays(I do have preference for much warmer grays though) so I have off whites and warm grays. And many other colors too since I love them too. I commit by choosing something of course,-but it's fine since commitment, paradoxically, is a road to freedom:) But I admit I was also worrying when choosing..well choosing everything except for stuff like toilets etc. Of course one worries, it's a hassle and an expense and you want to love it in the end. So. Try to worry less. If you can remove "dated" from the equation- great. Go with your heart's desire. If no-then ok, take it into equation and don't do gray. Worry less. You did a great job on everything else, so no reason to think your backsplash won't turn out well either. It will.
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muscat
16 years ago
The big box stores cannot hold a candle to even a small tile store. I'd just google search tile merchants in your area- I bet there are more than you'd even want to go to.
ci_lantro
16 years ago
Menard's has them.
heidikay
16 years ago
Another glass tile to check out is Lunada bay.

Heidi
magx
16 years ago
We just ordered 1X2 combo glass and slate tiles from Oceanside and can't wait to get the backspash in... Oceanside really lets you custom order your tiles selection but it's not cheap... I'll post a pic when we're finished...
jeanar
16 years ago
There are some glass tiles on Chicago's Craigslist.
melmazz
15 years ago
Hi, Nasalzak! Not sure if you found anything yet, but the Tile Outlet on Fullerton (just west of Western) has a lot of glass mosaic tiles for great prices. Of course, you get what they have there (and can't get more), but their prices are terrific! (2434 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 Phone: (773) 276-2662)
bill_vincent
15 years ago
If you're interested, I can give you the name and contact info for a top notch custom installer in your area. I'm sure he could head you in the right direction. If you're interested, shoot me an email.
bluekitobsessed
15 years ago
Have you checked out Costco even though it's a big box? (actually I believe it's one of their online only items) Nuccia did one using Costco navy blue and silver/chrome tiles about a month ago that was one of the coolest I've ever seen -- picked up the stainless appliances, then she painted a whole wall navy. Just stunning. HTH.

Here is a link that might be useful: Glass tiles at Costco

Thinking out of the (big) box for backsplash tiles

Comments (10)

california_dreamer

mustbnuts zone 9 sunset 9

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