Your home’s open walls should have backsplashes because they serve a purpose and look good. They go well with the overall design of the house and are simple to clean up after those inevitable kitchen spills.
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How Do I Stop The Backsplash On An Open Wall?
The backsplash is typically constructed with an overall height of about 4 inches in areas with top counters. The peak of the backsplash will, therefore, be significantly separated from the base of the wall cabinets. The majority of historic homes with original kitchens have backsplashes that are 4 inches wide. Instead of being made of tile, these backsplashes were typically constructed from the same material as the kitchen countertop. For instance, a granite countertop and 4-inch granite backsplash could give the impression that the countertop is climbing the wall.
Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of the practice of extending the backsplash up to the base of the wall cabinets, making it the standard way to install backsplashes in homes, particularly in kitchens.
To help you decide based on various settings, let’s move on to some general guidelines for where to end backsplash on open walls.
Basic Guidelines For Backsplash Placement
Where the backsplash on your open wall starts and ends depends on a number of factors. If there is a visible row of upper and lower cabinets, a backsplash might be necessary, but that isn’t always the case. So, here are some pointers for circumstances that aren’t so obvious:
Look For Smooth Transitions
Use a super smooth transition to mark the end of the backsplash. The top border of your backsplash should match any existing lines in the area. When choosing where to end your backsplash, common lines to take into account include the base of upper cabinetry, the bottom of your window, and the range hood.
A room may appear disjointed if there are too many lines in it, but by extending existing lines, the design remains consistent and organized.
Seek Out A Natural Halting Point
A natural stopping point should be sought out when installing a backsplash. This could be a window, a wall, the border of the cabinet, or something else entirely. To give the backsplash a clean edge, use tile edging trim or bullnose tiles. It is also possible to use an unusual edge pattern, such as a collection of hexagonal tiles with tapered edges.
Finish Within A Corner
Consider the backsplash’s vertical extent after deciding on its height. Most design professionals concur that a corner’s interior is a great place to switch from one material to another. If your countertop touches a sidewall, you’ll get the inside corner.
Stick Only To The Primary Cabinet Walls
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to backsplashes. The backsplash guards against food spills, cooking oil stains, and water stains on the walls above the counter. Although pushing the envelope for aesthetic reasons is acceptable, there is no need to go all the way to the top. On the other hand, it seems great.
What Point Should The Backsplash Be?
Where there is a kitchen countertop, the backsplash is typically constructed at a height of about 4 inches overall. As a result, there will be a substantial space between the base of the wall cabinets and the peak of the backsplash.
Most old homes with original kitchens have backsplashes that are 4 inches wide. In place of tile, backsplashes like these were frequently made of the same material as the kitchen countertop.
For instance, a granite countertop with a 4-inch-high granite backsplash may give the appearance that the countertop is beginning to climb the wall.
It has become standard practice to install backsplashes in kitchens to extend them up to the base of the wall cabinets over the past few decades.
Where To End Backsplash On An Open Wall
However, you must keep in mind that there is no set rule for where the backsplash should end if there is no obvious location for it to do so, such as on an open wall. Instead, you can consider a few different possibilities.
You might try to locate an existing line and end it there. Ending on a similar vertical line should be where your kitchen countertop and cabinets are located. The backsplash should continue until that point.
Even though the majority of people believe that a backsplash should go all the way to the countertop, some designers prefer to use upper cabinets as a guideline for where to end a backsplash on an open wall.
By doing this, unpleasant transitions and the backsplash’s visual conflict with the blank wall space are eliminated. Utilizing backsplash tiles that can be tapered off in an intriguing manner is also another creative solution to this issue.
Where Does The Backsplash Finish?
There is no clear-cut answer to this query; it all depends on your personal preferences and the overall layout of your kitchen. To decide where your backsplash should end, there are a few general rules you can adhere to.
Initially, think about the height of your cabinets. Your backsplash might need to reach the ceiling if your cabinets are tall. This will produce a continuous, uninterrupted look that can be very sleek and contemporary. On the other hand, if your cabinets are shorter, you might want your backsplash to stop at or just below the countertop. The appearance of your kitchen will be cleaner and less cluttered as a result.
The size of your kitchen should be taken into account as well. Keep your backsplash uncomplicated and neat-looking if your kitchen is small. On the other hand, a large kitchen can accommodate a more complex backsplash design. Decide on something a little more dramatic if you have the room!
Finally, consider the overall design of your kitchen. If your kitchen is traditional, you might want a backsplash that is timeless and understated. In contrast, you might want to select a backsplash that is bolder and more striking if your kitchen is more contemporary. For best results, choose a design that goes well with the rest of your kitchen.
What Happens If My Upper And Lower Cabinets Aren’t Line Up?
This is one of the main reasons people ask, “Where should I begin and end the backsplash in my kitchen?” There are a few things you can do if your upper and lower cabinets aren’t in line. The backsplash could be stopped where the upper cabinets are supposed to end, but we usually advise aligning it with the base cabinets. Another option is to gradually connect the top and bottom by taping your tile or angling your stone backsplash. Another option is to align the backsplash with the base cabinets, then extend it all the way to the ceiling. This is a smart decision for open concept rooms because it creates a designated area for the kitchen.
Conclusion
Your question about how to end backsplash on an open wall should now be answered, we hope. Do not forget that a full-height backsplash might not be as expensive or unsightly as you imagine. Traditional porcelain tiles may offer a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic for just a little bit more money per square foot than a more expensive material used sparingly. This makes them a more opulent-looking alternative.