Once you’ve picked out your countertop and your fronts, it’s time to turn your attention to the possibility of kitchen wall panels or backsplash. Essential for an easy-to-maintain kitchen, panelling kitchen walls protects them from splashes and stains whilst adding to the aesthetics of the space. Available in laminate, stone and even glass, a wall panel will run the length of the countertop and become an integral part of your bespoke kitchen.
Read on to find out about the different types of materials you could use for your kitchen wall panels.
Different types of kitchen wall panels
Wall panels are an essential element of any kitchen, as they protect our walls from water, heat and food stains. They’re also another area to add a sprinkle of personality to your kitchen, whether you match them to your countertops or use them to add a unique pattern to the space.
In recent years the range of materials that can be used for kitchen wall panels has grown considerably, so you can now choose from a large variety of finishes and textures, including glass, tiling, or laminate.
Each material has its pros and cons, so it’s important to really think about how you use your kitchen and weigh up your priorities to find the material that best suits you.
Laminated wall panels: bringing colour into the room
Laminate is the easiest material to clean and the most versatile in terms of aesthetics, available in several colours and patterns.
Laminate ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a durable material that’s resistant to scratches, doesn’t rust, and is easy to clean. As long as you choose a high-quality laminate, it can be very resistant to humidity and heat.
Santos offers a large range of high-quality laminate kitchen wall panels that will match your countertops.
Imitation wood wall panels: laminate or melamine
There’s no better material than wood for bringing warmth and authenticity to your kitchen, although we advise against real wooden wall panels due to their low resistance to heat and humidity. Laminate or melamine kitchen wall panels are a great alternative for getting the look without any of the issues associated with real wood.
Imitation wood panels are available in various patterns and tones, including light oak, ash and walnut. They offer you the warmth of wood whilst being much easier to maintain.
Tile wall panels: let your creativity loose
Panelling your kitchen walls with tiles allows you to get really creative, as they come in lots of different shapes and colours. Metro tiles are a great option for industrial-look kitchens, whilst cement tiles can be used to create personalised designs in more colourful kitchens. Those of you looking for a more refined, sophisticated aesthetic might prefer smooth, square tiles that make the space feel elegant and minimalist.
Tiles are slight more economical than other materials, although they can be harder to install. Maintenance-wise, they are easy to wipe down with a damp cloth, although special care should be taken to ensure the grout and seams do not stain.
Glass wall panels, for ultimate resistance
Glass is an excellent material for kitchen wall panels because it's easy to clean, durable and heat resistant. Glass wall panels can be installed on their own or paired with another material, notably laminate, to reinforce the area immediately behind the hob.
Glass can come polished, transparent or textured, allowing you to choose from a range of styles to create a unique, bespoke space.
Stone wall panels: a solid, natural choice
Natural stone is another good option for kitchen wall panels. We like it for its raw finish, sophisticated look and heat resistance. Depending on the type of stone chosen (granite, marble or quartz), the finish can be smooth, speckled or grainy.
Although using stone to panel kitchen walls can look very sophisticated, its porous nature means it’s harder to look after. You'll need to make sure to clean gently and regularly.
Laminate stone effect
As with wood, there's the possibility of using laminate with a stone effect to lower costs and make your life that little bit easier. Laminated kitchen wall panels need much less maintenance than natural stone.
It's possible to replicate all types of natural stone, whether marble or quartz.
And that concludes our round-up of kitchen wall panels. For us, it’s a no-brainer: they’re an essential part of every kitchen, working to both protect the walls and add another personalised element to the space. Whether you opt for consistency - using the same material as your countertops - or decide to inject a little more personality with a new material, here at eba, we’d love to help. To find out more about our available materials, get in contact with our team.
