I would not put those in a kitchen, I think they would be a pain to keep clean.

I like them, they are different, but I would do something with them somewhere else.

Or Should I go something more basic and flat such as these chevron tiles?

Christinero....you are so right about being impractical. But they do look cool. What do you think about the textured one ( 3rd pic) or the chevron tiles above?

I like the textured one, as well, but I think it's still impractical for a kitchen back splash. Flat is good, and so is basic, depending on how busy your counter top and floors are.

Countertop will be white large format, marble-look quartz with some black veining. Cabinets - high gloss white. And flooring will be a pale oak laminate. Essentially an all white kitchen.

I would look at something with a little bit of color for the back splash, then. Maybe back painted glass?

My backsplash doesn't get dirty (guess I don't cook as much as others? idk), so I'd get what I like aesthetically.

I think they have a great, modern look to them! They are fine for a backsplash; use glass cleaner when you make a mess.

I think they'd be fine--you only get splatters on the backsplash instead of sheets of water deposits and soap scum like in a shower.

Unless the company that manufactures them advises against use as a backsplash, go for it! They're super cool.

Those are super cool! But in an all white kitchen, I'd see if they had them in a pale color, maybe sea blue or green...they would look like sea glass.

3-D tiles look like they belong in a frozen yogurt shop (that's where I see them all the time in Philly, and it seems to be the only place I see them). They are really designed for commercial spaces.

More importantly, why are you trying to draw attention to a backsplash? That's something that serves as a background for other more interesting things to be seen against.

So Tatts, you don't think that the backsplash should be a focal point of the kitchen... A la..."hey isn't that a cool backsplash." You think it should be a supporting player for things on the counter? Note my cupboards will be a modern glossy white. And the counter will be white marble-looking quartz with some black veining.

Thanks!!

Kristen Petro. Thanks so much for mentioning the practical challenge of 3d tiles on a backsplash where one would typically have electrical outlets. It did not occur to me. But then that's why you are a Pro.

Hallett - That is a beautiful backsplash!! And different too. I appreciate you letting me know about your work around for electricals.

jenwen.... app reciate your suggestion re using a colour. I do want to keep my infrastructure elements neutral though. And that is why I was considering adding dimension, and so a way to get a little personality in the back splash while keeping it white.

You could maybe bring the box forward and butt the tiles up to it, using a product like this:

Sarah..... I was just thinking the same thing as you. The matte provides a contrasting texture.

And your suggestion to put electrical outlets on the sides of the cabinets is a flat-of-the-hand-to-the-forehead moment for me. Such a simple but perfect solution for 3D backsplash. I know I can do it on one side. Will have to check with my contractors for the side where the fridge is.

I am now taking another look at the first option. I do love the look. It has personality without being in your face.

Thanks very much for taking the time to provide your thoughts!!

Your backsplash will be a focal point in your kitchen, in the sense that it will be on a vertical surface that will be more visible than the countertop.

But you will want to ensure that everything works together as a whole, so that one element does not "fight" any of the others for attention.

The items that are fixed choices (for you, it sounds as if those would be your cabinets and countertop) will determine the appearance of the others (your backsplash and wall color). How they all might go together and complement each other is easier to see after your fixed choices are installed. Good to shop now, but there’s no substitute to sitting tile samples on the counter to see how they look with counters and cabinets at different times of the day and in different kinds of light.

We have a similar color scheme - white quartzite counters with black veining and bright white cabinets. We're in the process of choosing a backsplash that will be beautiful and special but not so much so that it competes with the countertop for attention. And you might be surprised by how challenging it is to find a white that "goes" with other white elements in your kitchen!

Also, for your outlets, you might consider plug mold installed under and at the back of the upper cabinets. Got that idea from Gardenweb - we love ours - multiple outlets just where we need them, and out of sight! Our backsplash will be interrupted by only two switchplates. Just remember that if you have an electrical device that lives on your counter, the cord may show (unless that device is tall enough - like our coffeemaker - to hide the cord).

As for 3D tile - I would avoid it in the kitchen. Even if the type of cooking you do doesn’t produce a lot of grease or splatter, the 3D tile will provide more surfaces on which dust will settle. You can provide plenty of backsplash interest with a beautiful glaze or pattern.

Imns grc... Thanks for you thoughtful input. I do need to do my research now, and select an option or a shortlist. I am doing a major reno gutting the kitchen and 2 bathrooms ( plus other stuff like new floors, new ceiling, wall coming down, wall being moved) in a condo I am buying. So almost a gut job.

Two reasons a really need to get ideas now:

1. I need to consider the whole budget as I may go for an expensive tile in one place and need to go lower in another, so I come in on the net budget.

2. Once I take possession, and I won't know the date until the very last minute when the seller gets probate, my contractors will be moving quickly, working in the empty condo, to get everything done within 1 month, so I can then move in. (Until then, my pooch and I are couch surfing.)

There are what feels like a million decisions to be made ( and related research and shopping to do). And I think I need to narrow down as much as I can before the craziness of renovations sets in.

Your point is taken though that with one or 2, or maybe 3 tile options, it is wise to see them in the space beside the cabinets and counter. Lighting affects everything.

As for the outlets and switch plates (I forgot about those), I like how you have minimized what sits on the backsplash. I am fortunate that at one end of the counter I will have a pantry and at counter level inside will be an appliance "garage /area" with outlets inside. Could probably have a switch plate back into that area from the counter side. Also in the peninsula counter there will be a coffee centre at the far end by the back wall with its own electricals. At the waterfall end of the peninsula, I will have electricals in my tech drawers. Plus an electrical pop-up tower from the counter. All that being said, I am not sure if I will need much right on the backsplash. I will need to have that chat with my contractors.

Whew!

I have seen more recently a few showhomes with 3D tile backsplashes. We always seem to be behind trends here so I can’t tell you what that means. But I think they are interesting. Like another poster, I don’t really get backsplashes that dirty where I can see it being 3D being that much of an issue. Indeed, we have been without a backsplash at all behind our stove for the last 6 years (house came without) and the painted wall looks just fine and rarely has splatter.

Thanks Rai Kai, for your vote in favour of 3D.

While I do not recommend dimensional tiles where outlets and other trims will be installed, it doesn’t mean we are not called upon to make it work. We are finishing up a mid-century modern remodel with a dimensional backsplash.

Good points, Kristin. Given the layout and electrical placement needs for my kitchen, I think I will speak to my contractor now to determine if they see feasible work-arounds for the tile I am considering.

Thanks!

I used a great tile from Porcelanosa that has only a slight dimension to it for our office kitchen.

Very nice tile, Kristin! I am currently considering 2 tiles. This dimensional one:

I love the look and the price is excellent @ ~$5sf. But it is not a white-white. It is a tad creamy. And my cabinets i think will be high gloss white-white. Does that matter?

And I just found this one which is a 2' x2' porcelain that looks like a mosaic, but is a smooth large tile. (I first thought of it for my bathroom floor.) Would this one look OK as a back splash in a modern kitchen? If I don't use it as a backsplash I will for sure use it as a bathroom floor, as I love it.