From preventing water damage to protecting your kitchen walls, or simply just elevating your interior décor, more modern homes are choosing to implement splashbacks in their kitchen space - and with good reason. 

Not only do they offer functional benefits but kitchen splashbacks can elevate the style of your space with very little effort involved. If you’re looking for the best ways on how to add a kitchen splashback panel to your existing layout, then keep reading as we take you through all of the things you need to know from installation to style variations.

What are the purposes of kitchen splashbacks?

Kitchen splashbacks are used in areas of the home that may see a lot of splashing and stains, such as above ovens and sinks. They protect your walls not only from staining but also from other overlooked common wear and tear factors, such as heat and water damage. While each comes with its own plethora of benefits, they are all typically made from easy-to-clean materials such as tiles, panels, glass and more.

Other than their functional advantages, splashbacks are wonderful additions for styling up your kitchen and can be a relatively cost-effective fix to a quick kitchen refresh. At Panel Company our range of kitchen splashback panels come in a wide range of colourways and textures to add more depth and intrigue to your walls with minimal effort involved.

What are the types of kitchen splashbacks?

The most important job of a splashback is to protect your kitchen and surrounding spaces, but with so many styles to choose from - it would be a waste not to take the opportunity to add some flair to your interior. Below, you can find a list of the main types of kitchen splashbacks, each with associated benefits,  to help you settle on a style that is most suited for your kitchen space:

• Wall Panels - Wall panels are the preferred choice for splashbacks as they’re both easy to install and maintain over time, eliminating the need for a big DIY project. PVC wall panels come in a wide variety of realistic styles that mimic wood grain, stone and marble textures, making it a cost-effective solution that mimics the same feel as more expensive materials. Not only are wall panel splashbacks available in a variety of styles, but they’re also 100% waterproof and built to last, which lends itself as a convenient option if you’re looking for kitchen sink splashbacks in particular. 

• Tiles - Tiles are the more common, traditional material for splashbacks and they offer a classic look while remaining hard-wearing and easy to clean. However, while tiles are easy to wipe clean, tile grouting is often harder to clean and can need more maintenance over time. 

• Glass - An elegant, strong and subtle option for kitchens. Glass splashbacks offer a refined style that won’t be as invasive of a look as other options such as stone, marble and tile. A recommended solution for those who prefer a more minimal approach to kitchen interiors. 

• Stainless Steel - Great for a more industrial-style kitchen look, these splashbacks can come in copper, bronze and brass styles. Although steel can be more prone to smudges, so would come hand in hand with regular polishing and cleaning.

• Stone - If you prefer a more natural style kitchen then stone, such as granite, is a great splashback option. However, stone splashbacks come with a larger price point than most due to the weight, look and installation. 

• Marble - Another natural look, a marble splashback can add a sense of luxury to your kitchens with a dramatic look, however, they can be more prone to cracking and chipping over time in comparison to other materials, along with a bigger upfront price tag than more popular splashback variations.

Splashback ideas for elevating your kitchen décor

While some may choose practicality over style - at Panel Company, we say why not both?

Choosing the right splashback for your home can really help elevate your kitchen area and bring a focal point to your existing interiors. Whether you’re adding new textures or making a dark kitchen brighter with pops of colour, splashbacks are a simple yet efficient way of transforming your interior décor and can be effortlessly simple to install. Below we’ve included a list of some of our favourite kitchen splashback ideas to act as a source of inspiration.

Add some colour to your kitchen

Splashbacks are often great ways of adding more colour to your kitchen. If you have white walls or white cupboards then adding a pop of colour can help your interiors stand out and add a hint of playfulness to your décor. Contrary, if your kitchen interiors are dark, opt for a paler contrasting splashback, such as these abstract pink panels, that will help to soften the space. Topped off with an elegant satin finish and offering up relatively low maintenance due to their high quality, these splashback panels are perfect options for those looking for quick cleaning and unique kitchen solutions.

Elegance Abstract Pink 8mm - £23.45

Experiment with natural textures

Using splashbacks with rustic textures is an on-trend way of incorporating a natural look into your kitchen area. A great example of a textured splashback panel is the Vox Motivo light wood panels. Incorporating lighter elements will help brighten up any small or dark kitchen and is great for bringing a more natural look into your kitchen space.

Vox Motivo Light Wood - £54.46

If wood isn’t your thing, then stone effect panels lend themselves as another way to incorporate texture without breaking the bank. Stone effect panel styles, such as the Vox Kerradeco stone grey panels help to create a bold kitchen feature without being too overpowering and are perfect for those looking to create an industrial kitchen look while avoiding any of the heavy-duty work that can often come with industrial style.

Vox Kerradeco Stone Grey - £188.90

Tile effect splashbacks

A trend that withstands the test of time, tile-effect kitchen panel splashbacks are a popular option for those looking to incorporate a classic look into their space. Favoured among those who prefer a tile look, but don’t want the hassle of tile installation and regular grout maintenance, opting for tile-effect panels can mimic that classic tile feel, without the rigorous tile routine.

One of our favourite tile effect panels is the Dumawall Plus cloudy white panels. They’re a classic white tile, which offers itself up as the perfect neutral way to be complementary across a wide range of interior décor styles. Complete with water-tight features and easy-to-clean hygienic benefits, you can also enjoy the look and feel of these stylish panels for half the price of real ceramic tiles.

Dumawall Plus Cloudy White - £113.57

If you want to create a panel splashback with something a bit more flashy than your traditional plain white tiles, then we’d recommend opting for the Dumawall Plus Vinta panels. These blue-grey, Spanish décor-inspired, panels are complete with intricate detailing, adding an eye-catching and unique look to your kitchen. Incorporating that Spanish look in a subtle colourway, these tile-style panels lend themselves as a great choice if you want to get guests' heads turning.

Dumawall Plus Vinta - £136.30

Marble effect splashbacks

While marble is a stunning, timeless look for any home, real marble can be prone to chipping and cracking over time, not to mention the cost, weight and effort of installation that often comes hand in hand with marble features. Marble also needs a more regular cleaning routine as due to the nature of the material, splashes and stains can be more visible. However, that’s where marble effect panels come in! With all the same luxurious styles but without the hassle - you can enjoy your dream interior décor without worrying about the upkeep.

These Vox Motivo Brown Marble panels are a great example of this. They’re waterproof, easy to maintain and perfectly encapsulate the look of real marble. The brown colour will help to add a layer of warmth to your kitchen which can make it feel more inviting for guests and is complete with stunning flecked patterns for a more eye-catching look. 

Vox Motivo Brown Marble - £54.46

Still undecided on whether or not implementing a kitchen splashback is right for your space? Below we’ve answered our commonly asked questions regarding kitchen splashbacks, panel splashbacks and installation to help you make the right decision. 

FAQs

Where do splashbacks go in a kitchen?

Splashbacks are made to cover areas of a kitchen where water, food and grease may splash onto your walls and act as a protective layer. Due to the PVC nature of kitchen panel splashbacks, we wouldn’t recommend opting for this style of panel over a hob, as, while our panels are fire-proof, the regular use of heat can cause panels to warp over time. However, if you’re looking for a waterproof, easy-to-clean solution to kitchen splashbacks, PVC panel splashbacks naturally lend themselves to use over sinks, food prep areas, or even as a focal piece in your existing kitchen space.

Are splashbacks easy to install?

Splashbacks are well known for being easy to install, especially if you opt for wall panel splashbacks, as our range of panels are crafted from a very easy material to fix over existing surfaces such as paint and tiles. If you want to know more about how to install panelling you can read through our FAQs page.

Are splashbacks easy to maintain?

Splashbacks are designed specifically to be easy to clean and protect your walls from pesky splashes and staining. However, depending on what material your splashback is made from will depend on how easy they are to clean and how rigorous your intended cleaning routine may be. For example, tile splashbacks will likely require more maintenance for cleaning the grouting, whereas panelling splashbacks need nothing more than a damp cloth for cleaning.

Create a stunning splashback look with The Panel Company

While kitchen splashbacks have many associated benefits, from preventing wall stains to water damage, they can also add another layer of depth to your kitchen, with patterns and styles that can leave a great impression on any guests or family members. 

If you’re considering a DIY project, or looking at ways to incorporate a kitchen splashback space for less, PVC splashback panels are an especially great choice for creating a long-lasting feature that is not only easy to install but easy to clean and maintain. If you want to find more style inspiration for your splashbacks you can browse our full range of kitchen wall panels for a wide range of colours, styles and textures to complement all interior schemes.

*While our PVC kitchen splashback panels are an excellent, affordable solution to transform your kitchen interior on a budget, due to the nature of PVC - they aren’t recommended as a fire-proof, oven splashback. Rest assured our panels are class 1 fire-rated and can withstand heat, however, constant exposure can warp our panels.