Contents
- Why a backsplash is indispensable
- What is a kitchen backsplash?
- Tiles versus a modern backsplash
- 10 design categories
- Material comparison
- The full material table
- Frequently asked questions
- Your perfect backsplash
- Further reading
Why a kitchen backsplash is indispensable in 2026
The kitchen is the beating heart of the house. You cook there, eat there, welcome guests there and increasingly work from home there. But while you pick your worktop, tap and appliances with care, the wall behind the kitchen is still underrated. Wrongly so: a well chosen kitchen backsplash sets the tone of the whole room at a single glance.
A backsplash is more than practical protection against grease spatter and water marks. It is a design element that adds colour, texture and personality to your kitchen. Whether you like clean marble, warm wood or a bold photographic print. The possibilities are endless.
In the Netherlands, demand for made to measure kitchen backsplashes is growing fast. Figures from Statistics Netherlands show the number of home renovations rose by more than 8% in 2024. The kitchen is the most renovated room of all. Which makes sense: for a relatively small outlay (from €100) you give the kitchen a completely new face.
In this guide we cover everything: from the most popular design styles and material choices through to fitting and upkeep. No sales talk, just honest advice based on thousands of backsplashes delivered.
🎨 Free simulation service
Want to see what a backsplash looks like in your kitchen? Upload a photograph of your kitchen and receive a realistic simulation. Completely free and without obligation. Request your simulation →
What is a kitchen backsplash and why does it matter?
A kitchen backsplash (also called a splashback or kitchen wall panel) is the wall surface between the worktop and the wall units. This is exactly the zone that takes the most punishment: cooking spatter, steam, grease and water. Without protection the wall soon suffers and cleaning becomes a misery.
Traditionally, tiles were used as a kitchen wall covering. That works, but it has drawbacks: grout discolours, mould forms in the joints, and laying them is labour intensive. Modern backsplashes solve all of this. They consist of one continuous panel without grout or seams, and wipe clean in minutes with a damp cloth.
At Designerwand we produce made to measure backsplashes in three materials: DW Original (aluminium composite), Solid (solid aluminium) and Glass (tempered glass). Every panel is produced to the millimetre, including cut-outs for sockets and pipework.
Tiles versus a modern backsplash: the comparison
Torn between traditional tiles and a modern backsplash? This table makes the difference clear.
| Property | Traditional tiles | Modern backsplash |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting | Tradesperson needed, 1 to 2 days | Do it yourself, 30 to 60 minutes |
| Upkeep | Grout cleaned or replaced regularly | Wipe with a damp cloth |
| Hygiene | Mould and bacteria in the grout | Seamless, no moisture traps |
| Made to measure | Limited to standard tile sizes | Accurate to the millimetre |
| Design options | Dozens of patterns | 500+ designs plus your own photo |
| Lifespan | 15 to 25 years (grout sooner) | 20+ years without discolouring |
| Price (average kitchen) | €200 to €800 including laying | From €100 (fitted yourself) |
| Seams and grout | Many joints (the weakest point) | None, a seamless panel |
💡 Did you know?
Research by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) shows that seamless surfaces are significantly more hygienic than surfaces with grout. Bacteria settle in porous joints. Exactly why professional kitchens have used seamless walls for years.
10 popular design categories for your kitchen backsplash
Which style suits your kitchen? Below we go through the ten most chosen design categories for a kitchen backsplash, with honest pros and cons for each style.
#01 · ★ Best for luxury kitchens ★
Marble Designs
Marble has been synonymous with luxury and timeless elegance for centuries. A marble kitchen backsplash gives any kitchen an instantly premium look. From classic white Carrara to dramatic black Nero Marquina. At Designerwand you get the look of marble without the upkeep of real stone.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- Heat resistant
- Seamless surface
- UV resistant
- Moisture resistant
Advantages
- A timeless look that will not date
- Suits almost every kitchen style
- No upkeep, unlike real marble
Points to consider
- A popular choice, so less unique
- Light colours show fingerprints sooner
Why choose this style?
Choose marble if you want a kitchen that looks just as stylish in ten years as it does today. Ideal for white and grey kitchens, modern country house style and kitchens with marble worktops.
“Marble is the safest choice for a reason: it is the only material design equally at home in a penthouse and a farmhouse.”
#02 · ★ Best for industrial kitchens ★
Concrete, Tiles and Stone
The raw, unpolished charm of concrete and natural stone is the trend of recent years. A concrete look backsplash combines an industrial look with the convenience of a smooth, seamless surface. According to Dutch interior magazine vtwonen, the industrial kitchen remains one of the most chosen styles in 2026 too.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- A robust look
- Easy to clean
- A tough tile look without grout
- Various shades available
Advantages
- A perfect match for steel appliances
- Disguises dirt and fingerprints
- Versatile: from pale cement to dark slate
Points to consider
- Can feel cool in small kitchens
- Dark variants make small rooms feel smaller
Why choose this style?
Ideal for loft style kitchens, open living spaces and anyone who likes a tough, unaffected look. Combine with wooden worktops for the perfect balance.
“Concrete does not have to be cold. Combine a concrete look backsplash with warm wood and plants, and you create a kitchen with character.”
🛒 View all concrete and stone designs →
#03 · ★ Best for kitchens with atmosphere ★
Flowers
A floral backsplash brings life, colour and warmth into the kitchen. From subtle watercolour blooms to lush botanical prints. Floral designs turn a neutral kitchen into a room with personality. Popular in kitchens with a country or Scandinavian scheme.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- Available in every shade
- From subtle to bold
- UV resistant colours
- Easy to combine
Advantages
- A unique statement piece in the kitchen
- Brings colour without painting the walls
- Enormous variety in style and colour
Points to consider
- Busy prints can overwhelm a small kitchen
- A matter of taste, so agree it with the household
Why choose this style?
Perfect if you love atmosphere and personality. A floral backsplash is an eye catcher that makes guests look twice. Ideal for light kitchens with neutral units.
“The kitchen is the new canvas of the house. A floral backsplash is the artwork you see and appreciate every single day.”
#04 · ★ Best for warm kitchens ★
Wood
Wood brings warmth, a natural feel and cosiness into any room. A wood look backsplash combines that look with the practical advantages of a seamless panel: no rot, no upkeep, moisture resistant. From rustic oak to clean Scandinavian birch. It works anywhere.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- Moisture resistant (no rot)
- Easy to look after
- From rustic to modern
- Warmth in the kitchen
Advantages
- Makes any kitchen instantly cosier
- A perfect match with white or green units
- No upkeep, unlike real wood
Points to consider
- Can get busy with a wooden worktop and a wooden floor as well
- Dark wood makes small kitchens feel smaller
Why choose this style?
Choose wood if you are after warmth and comfort. It works particularly well in white kitchens that need dressing up, and in kitchens with a country or Scandinavian style.
“A wood look backsplash is the interior stylist’s secret: it adds warmth without the practical drawbacks of real wood.”
#05 · ★ Best for playful kitchens ★
Patterns and Stripes
Patterns and stripes add movement to the kitchen. From geometric shapes and herringbone to classic stripes. This category is for anyone who wants to use the kitchen wall as a design element. Graphic patterns are, according to The Art of Living, one of the rising trends in kitchen design.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- Graphic and modern
- Colour combinations possible
- From subtle to striking
- Can make a space feel larger
Advantages
- Adds character to neutral kitchens
- Vertical stripes make a low ceiling feel higher
- Endlessly combinable with your existing interior
Points to consider
- Busy patterns clash with busy worktops
- Takes more design sense to get the balance right
Why choose this style?
Ideal if you want a modern, graphic kitchen without overdoing it. Stripes and geometric patterns work particularly well in clean, contemporary kitchens with flat fronts.
“A pattern on the backsplash does for the kitchen what a statement necklace does for a simple outfit: it finishes it off.”
🛒 View all patterns and stripes →
#06 · ★ Best for minimalists ★
Textures
Texture designs are the subtle choice for anyone after character without striking colours or patterns. Think soft linen like prints, brushed metal or hammered copper. These backsplashes add depth in an understated way.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- Subtle but effective
- Timeless design
- Neutral shades
- Suits every kitchen style
Advantages
- Never too busy, always in balance
- Strengthens the material feel of the kitchen
- Combines with anything
Points to consider
- Can be too subtle if you want a real eye catcher
- The effect shows less on a small backsplash
Why choose this style?
Choose textures if you want to enrich the kitchen visually without the risk of a backsplash that is too busy. Particularly suited to clean design kitchens and the Japandi style.
“Texture is the whisper that lifts a kitchen from tidy to considered.”
#07 · ★ Best for foodies ★
Food and Drink
What suits a kitchen better than an ode to food and drink? From fresh herbs and citrus fruits to coffee beans and wine bottles. This category is a feast for the eye. Popular with keen home cooks and wine lovers.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- Thematically fitting
- Lively colours
- A talking point guaranteed
- Unique in the kitchen
Advantages
- Strengthens the kitchen atmosphere like nothing else
- A perfect match for the room
- Always a conversation starter
Points to consider
- A very specific taste, not for everyone
- Could put buyers off if you sell
Why choose this style?
Choose Food and Drink if your kitchen really has to be yours. Ideal if you cook often, entertain guests, and the kitchen is the heart of your home.
“A kitchen with a culinary backsplash says it straight away: here we cook with passion.”
🛒 View all food and drink designs →
#08 · ★ Best for classic kitchens ★
Antique Tile
The charm of antique Portuguese, Moroccan or Delft tiles, without the drawbacks of real tiles. This category combines historical patterns with modern technology: a seamless panel that looks like a beautifully tiled wall. According to AD Wonen, the retro tile trend has held its popularity for years.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- Historic charm
- No grout, no mould
- A Mediterranean feel
- Available in various styles
Advantages
- All the charm of antique tiles, zero upkeep
- A unique atmosphere that is hard to achieve otherwise
- Suits classic and eclectic kitchens alike
Points to consider
- Not suited to ultra modern, clean lined kitchens
- Colourful variants call for neutral units
Why choose this style?
Choose antique tiles if you want a kitchen with a story and character. Ideal for country house kitchens, 1930s homes and anyone who loves a Mediterranean feel.
“Antique tiles on a backsplash are like a vintage watch: they tell a story of craftsmanship and taste.”
🛒 View all antique tile designs →
#09 · ★ Best for one of a kind kitchens ★
Photographic
A photographic backsplash is the ultimate statement. From a panorama of the Amsterdam canals to a close-up of droplets on a leaf. The possibilities are literally endless. You can also have your own photograph printed. With the free simulation service you see exactly how it will look beforehand.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- Your own photo possible
- Photo print quality
- Free simulation available
- A 100% unique result
Advantages
- Completely unique, no two alike
- Your own photo or one from the collection
- Maximum impact as an eye catcher
Points to consider
- The uploaded photo has to be high quality
- A personal choice can affect resale
Why choose this style?
Choose photographic if you want a kitchen that is 100% unique. Perfect for creative minds, travellers (think of your favourite holiday photo) and anyone who will not settle for ordinary.
“The finest kitchens are the ones with a personal story. Your own photograph on the backsplash is that story, every single day.”
🛒 View all photographic designs →
#10 · ★ Best for cosmopolitans ★
Cities
Bring the New York skyline, the canals of Amsterdam or the Eiffel Tower into your kitchen. City designs are popular with city dwellers, travellers and anyone who loves architecture. Available as photographic prints and as stylised illustrations.
- Made to measure
- 3 material options
- An international range
- From photo to illustration
- Black and white or colour
- Large format impact
Advantages
- Brings atmosphere and wanderlust into the kitchen
- Black and white variants suit any kitchen
- Gives the kitchen a cosmopolitan air
Points to consider
- A personal taste, not everyone likes skylines
- Busy prints need a calm kitchen as a base
Why choose this style?
Choose cities if you want a talking point in the kitchen. Particularly suited to open plan kitchens where the backsplash is visible from the living room.
“A skyline on your backsplash is the perfect reminder that life is bigger than the kitchen, but that the best conversations start there.”
Material comparison: which kitchen backsplash material suits you?
Three materials, three characters. Each with its own strengths. Here is everything you need to make the right choice.
Material 1
DW Original: Aluminium Composite
The most chosen material and the basis of the Designerwand collection. DW Original consists of two aluminium layers with a polyethylene core. Light, rigid and easy to work. The high grade UV print guarantees vivid colours that do not fade.
Advantages: Lightweight (easy to fit yourself), good value, suitable for any kitchen, including behind induction and ceramic hobs.
Uses: Ideal as an aluminium kitchen backsplash with induction or ceramic cooking, in bathrooms and in offices.
From €100 · Material 2
Solid: Solid Aluminium
For those who want the best. Solid is a 2mm thick solid aluminium panel with an exceptionally smooth, scratch resistant finish. The material feels premium and has a subtle sheen that gives the design extra depth.
Advantages: Maximum durability, heat resistant (suitable behind gas hobs), scratch resistant, a professional look.
Uses: Perfect behind gas and induction hobs, in professional kitchens, in hospitality, and as a premium made to measure kitchen backsplash.
From €150 · Material 3
Glass: Tempered Glass
The ultimate choice for a glass kitchen backsplash. 4mm tempered safety glass with the print on the reverse. The glass protects the image and gives unmatched depth and shine. It meets NEN standards for safety glass.
Advantages: Spectacular depth, extremely heat resistant, hygienic (glass is non porous), easy to keep clean.
Uses: Ideal behind gas hobs, as a design statement, in high end kitchens and for anyone who wants the finest finish.
From €200 · Decision guide
How do you choose the right material?
Use these simple rules of thumb:
- Budget conscious plus induction or ceramic: choose DW Original
- Gas hob plus maximum durability: choose Solid
- Premium look plus a sense of depth: choose Glass
- Still unsure? Order a material sample and feel the difference for yourself.
Fitting
Fitting and upkeep tips
All three materials can be fitted yourself. Fix the panel with adhesive (we recommend Bison Poly Max) or screws. The panel can go straight over existing tiles. No demolition needed.
Upkeep: use a soft cloth with warm water and, if needed, a mild detergent. No abrasives or scouring pads. That is all there is to it. See our full upkeep tips on the FAQ page.
The full material comparison
| Property | DW Original | Solid | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium composite | Solid aluminium (2mm) | Tempered glass (4mm) |
| Thickness | 3mm | 2mm | 4mm |
| Weight | Light | Medium | Heavy |
| Heat resistance | To ±80°C | To ±200°C | To ±250°C |
| Suitable for | Induction, ceramic | Gas, induction, ceramic | Gas, induction, ceramic |
| Upkeep | Damp cloth | Damp cloth | Glass cleaner |
| Made to measure | To the millimetre | To the millimetre | To the millimetre |
| Look | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Guide price | From €100 | From €150 | From €200 |
| Fit it yourself | Yes, easily | Yes | Yes (with care) |
🔎 Tip: order a sample
Would you like to feel and judge the material yourself before you order? Order a material sample and compare the materials at home in your own kitchen. That way you know for certain you are making the right choice.
Frequently asked questions about kitchen backsplashes
What does a made to measure kitchen backsplash cost?
A made to measure kitchen backsplash from Designerwand starts at €100 for the DW Original material. The exact price depends on three things: the material you choose (DW Original, Solid or Glass), the dimensions of your backsplash, and any cut-outs for sockets. On the product pages at designerwand.nl you see the price straight away once you enter your measurements. Compared with having tiles laid by a tradesperson (on average €400 to €800 according to Werkspot) a backsplash often works out cheaper, certainly if you fit it yourself.
Which material is best behind a gas hob?
Behind a gas hob we recommend Solid (solid aluminium) or Glass (tempered glass). Both materials cope with the higher temperatures a gas hob produces. Solid is heat resistant to ±200°C and Glass even to ±250°C. The DW Original material is designed for induction and ceramic hobs, where the heat is less direct. If in doubt, choose Solid for the best balance between price and heat resistance.
Can I have my own photograph printed on a backsplash?
Absolutely. You can upload your own photograph and have it printed on any of the three materials. Think of a holiday photo, a botanical close-up, or a personal piece of artwork. The only requirement is that the photograph has enough resolution for the size you want (at least 150 DPI at print size). Not sure whether your photo is suitable? Make use of the free simulation service: send a photograph of your kitchen and the design you want, and we will produce a realistic rendering of the end result.
How do I look after my kitchen backsplash?
Looking after a backsplash takes very little. For DW Original and Solid: wipe the panel with a soft, damp cloth and if needed a drop of washing up liquid. For Glass: use a standard glass cleaner. Never use abrasives, scouring pads or aggressive chemicals. For stubborn grease marks a little all purpose cleaner helps. The surface is smooth and non porous, so dirt barely sticks to it. More tips are on our FAQ page.
What is the difference between DW Original, Solid and Glass?
DW Original is aluminium composite (3mm): light, affordable and ideal for induction or ceramic. Solid is solid aluminium (2mm): premium, scratch resistant and heat resistant for gas. Glass is 4mm tempered safety glass: spectacular depth and maximum heat resistance. All three are made to measure and printed with the same high grade process. The difference lies in weight, heat resistance and appearance.
How long is the lead time?
The standard lead time at Designerwand is 5 to 10 working days from ordering. Every panel is produced to measure in the Netherlands, which means there is no stock but also no compromise on quality. In busy periods (around Black Friday or Christmas) the lead time can run a little longer. After production you receive a track and trace code so you can follow the delivery. Do you have a specific deadline? Then get in touch and we will look at what is possible.
Can I order a sample first?
Yes, you can order material samples to judge the quality and the material at home. A sample gives you a good impression of the print quality, the weight and the finish of the material. That lets you compare the three materials side by side in the light of your own kitchen. Useful, because on a screen a material always looks different from how it looks in reality.
Do you offer a simulation service?
Yes. Designerwand offers a free simulation service. Send a photograph of your kitchen and pick a design from the collection (or upload your own image). Our team then produces a realistic montage of how the backsplash looks in your particular kitchen. That helps enormously in making the right choice, especially if you are torn between several designs or colours. The service is completely free and without obligation. You are not committed to anything.
Does a backsplash fit every kitchen?
Almost always, yes. Because every backsplash is made to measure, the panel fits your kitchen exactly, whatever the dimensions or shape. The panel can be supplied with cut-outs for sockets, switches, pipework and corners. Whether you have a small studio kitchen or a large kitchen diner: made to measure means it always fits. The panel can also go over existing tiles, which makes demolition unnecessary.
Is a backsplash better than tiles?
In most situations, yes. A backsplash has no grout (more hygienic), is quicker to fit (30 to 60 minutes against 1 to 2 days), offers more design options (500+ designs against a few dozen tiles), and is easier to look after. The one scenario in which tiles can be the better choice is on very small surfaces, or if you specifically want the handmade character of artisanal tiles. For anything beyond that, a modern backsplash is the logical choice. See the full comparison above.
Can I fit a backsplash myself?
Yes, most customers fit the backsplash themselves. The panel is fixed with adhesive (we recommend Bison Poly Max) or screws. Fitting takes 30 to 60 minutes on average. You need no special tools. The panel can be glued straight over an existing tiled wall, so no tiler is needed. Once fixed, you seal the edges with silicone in a matching colour. Detailed fitting instructions are supplied with every order.
Find Your Perfect Kitchen Backsplash
Choose from 500+ designs in three high grade materials. Made to measure in the Netherlands and delivered within 10 working days. Still unsure? Request a free simulation and see the result in your own kitchen.
View All Backsplashes → Request a Free Simulation →
Further reading
Material
All about the DW Original material
Find out why aluminium composite is the most chosen material for kitchen backsplashes. Specifications, advantages and uses.
Service
Free Simulation Service
See how your chosen design looks in your own kitchen. Upload a photograph and receive a realistic montage. Completely free.
Samples
Order a material sample
Feel the difference between DW Original, Solid and Glass. Order a sample and judge the quality at home in your own kitchen.
