Backsplashes, which come in a variety of colors and textures, are a great way to add vitality to your kitchen’s visual appeal. Take a look at this list of five common types, and get acquainted with your image-enhancing options:

1. Stainless Steel

- Description: A professional look often seen in a restaurant kitchen, stainless steel backsplashes are usually installed with a plywood backing to reduce noise. Because of its neutral tone, stainless steel matches virtually any décor. It is also usually installed in one piece to prevent food and grease from sneaking into any cracks.

- Cost: Ranging from $30 to $100 per square foot.

- Cleaning: Using soft towels (abrasive materials can leave scratches), warm water, and soap will make this easy-clean backsplash shine!

- Advantages: It’s durable, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance.

- Disadvantages: Because the backsplash is installed in one piece, both the backsplash and the countertops are stainless steel. While the backsplash may be unharmed, the surface of the countertop can be scratched by knives. Food and grease stains will show up, so constant cleaning is a must, and it can also be noisy when you are moving cookware and utensils.

2. Mosaic

- Description: Mosaic backsplashes are very inexpensive. Rather than purchasing some lavish piece of art and spending a fortune framing it, use a mosaic backsplash to turn your kitchen into an artistic masterpiece at a fraction of the cost.

- Cost: Ranging from $2 to $15 per square foot.

- Cleaning: A damp cloth and soap and water clean this backsplash nicely.

- Advantages: It is a cost-effective way to add a decorative touch to your kitchen.

- Disadvantages: You must consider the look of the rest of your kitchen including the type of flooring, countertops, and cabinetry.

3. Glass Tile

- Description: If your walls have a very rough surface, glass tile backsplashes are the best fit for your decorative kitchen backdrop.

- Cost: Ranging from $30 to $100 per square foot.

- Cleaning: Clean a glass tile backsplash like you would clean any glass surface (window, mirror) in your home. A little Windex and a paper towel or a soft cloth goes a long way.

- Advantages: Glass tile is stain-resistant and has a shiny, unique look.

- Disadvantages: Stains may not stick to glass tile, but water spots and fingerprints sure do!

4. Ceramic Tile

- Description: Ceramic tile backsplashes require a smooth surface for installation.

- Cost: Ranging from $30 to $100 per square foot.

- Cleaning: Simple bathroom cleaner should do the trick. Use the same spray you would use on the bathroom floor or in the tile shower.

- Advantages: The most economical choice, ceramic tile is very durable and improves the quality of air.

- Disadvantages: Grout and grease can easily settle into the cracks between tiles.

5. Mural

- Description: A great way to add personal decorative touches to your kitchen is to add a mural backsplash of food, a seasonal setting, flowers, or even the replica of a famous painting!

- Cost: Ranging anywhere between $50 and $180 per square foot.

- Cleaning: As with any flat wall surface, soap and water on a damp cloth will do just fine.

- Advantages: There is no need to worry about poking holes in the wall for decorative picture frames and plant holders since there is already an ornamental piece in the kitchen.

- Disadvantages: It can be difficult to choose the right design based on the look of the rest of your kitchen.