Add Color to Your Kitchen or Bath with a Glass Tile Backsplash

Few additions to your kitchen or bath add more color and variety than a glass tile backsplash. Furthermore, few installations fit the particulars of glass tile better than backsplashes for sinks and countertops. Most glass tile is manufactured in smaller, mosaic type tiles. While this makes glass tile installations particularly vibrant and colorful, it also makes them one of the most time-consuming and challenging tiles to lay down. It's why backsplashes and countertops are two of the best uses of glass tile. Not only does a backsplash create an opportunity for how to add color to your kitchen, but as a smaller kitchen project, a glass tile backsplash is often installed in just a few days after delivery by a professional tile contractor.

Glass Tile Backsplash Design
There are so many different ways to use glass tile on backsplashes and countertops that it's often hard for homeowners to choose which method will look best in their home. Multi-colored, glass mosaic tile is probably the most popular choice because it adds vibrancy and life to any room. Single color tiling projects shouldn't be overlooked, however. A modestly colored backsplash made of narrow, alternating glass tiles can be just as attractive, especially if you're looking for something a little more understated. Finally, the small size of many glass tiles makes these tiles perfect for mixing and matching with other tiling materials, such as stone, ceramic, metal, and even cork. If you're still feeling stumped when it comes to design, visit some websites of the most prominent glass tile manufacturers, such as Oceanside glass tile, to get a taste of some of the most cutting edge tile design in the industry.

Glass Tile Types
Besides basic backsplash and countertop design, you'll also need to choose between different tile types for your new tile installation. Glass tile comes in an almost infinite range of colors and shapes and in many different types of glass as well. Bubble glass tile, for example, is made by trapping air bubbles in the glass during the manufacturing process. The bubbles give the tile character, texture, and a less formal appearance than other glass varieties. Glass tile sheets make installation easier by pre-gluing mosaic glass tile designs to easy to install sheet backing. And if you're looking for something a little more natural, you might look into iridescent glass tile and glass tile that mimics certain varieties of slate and stone. Oceanside glass tile, for example, has a stunning line of high-end glass tile options that really push the limitations of what most homeowners expect glass tile to look like in that regard.

Install a Green Glass Tile Backsplash
Other than designs and tile types, you also have a say in where your new glass tile comes from. The glass tile industry has been a leader in using recycled materials to create stunning new products. In fact, there are entire companies that specialize in selling only glass tile made from recycled materials. Even if those companies aren't carrying exactly what you want, you can rest easy knowing that new tiles, like those sold by Oceanside glass tile, can always be recycled and reused again when you're ready for a new look for your glass tile backsplash or countertop.

Other Ways to Add Color to Your Kitchen

• Walls: By far the easiest and cheapest way to add color to your kitchen is with your kitchen walls. Wallpaper isn't nearly as dead as current decorating trends would have you believe. Moreover, don't dismiss the benefits of specialty house painters who can offer an array of beautiful painting textures and applications.

• Countertops: As already noted, glass tile is a great option for colorful countertops, but most homeowners who select colorful countertops choose solid-surface counters, such as Corian. Newer lines of reinforced laminate counters also offer bold options to add color to your kitchen and with a less expensive price tag.

• Appliances: White and stainless steel have dominated for appliances for several decades, but they're not the only options. Red and blue are popular, and appliance manufacturers offer more options with each passing year.

• Cabinets: Exasperated by the number of wood species, grains, and textures, many homeowners find it just as easy and just as pleasing to paint their wood or faux wood cabinets.