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12 Removable Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

White brick backsplash in all white modern kitchen

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Just because you rent doesn't mean you can't refresh your outdated kitchen. Ripping out the floor or painting the cabinets may be prohibited by your lease, but there are other ways you can spice up your space. A removable backsplash can transform a major kitchen element without putting your security deposit at risk.

Tip

When calculating how much tile or backsplash to order, add an additional 10 percent for damaged tiles or mistakes made during application.

  • 01 of 12

    Fake a Herringbone Backsplash

    White and gold backsplash
    Classy Clutter

    This eye-popping herringbone backsplash was created using a Sharpie oil-based paint marker. The keen DIYer behind this project at Classy Clutter traced a piece of subway tile (over and over) to create the repeating tile pattern.

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  • 02 of 12

    Tile Decals

    Blue and white backsplash
    Quadro Style

    Give an old tile backsplash or boring blank wall a fresh and stylish new look with removable tile stickers. Options made of nonporous vinyl are a cinch to wipe clean. To apply each decal, just peel and stick.

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  • 03 of 12

    Removable Fabric Backsplash

    Colorful backsplash
    Alvhem

    If your kitchen backsplash is nothing more than boring drywall, you can dress it up with upholstery fabric and acrylic sheeting.

    After cutting both materials to fit between your countertop and cabinets, soak the fabric in a mixture of one part decoupage glue to two parts water, and then gently wring it out. Using a wallpaper squeegee to smooth out creases and wrinkles, adhere the front side of the wet fabric to the back of the acrylic sheet. Let the fabric dry. Next, attach your new backsplash to the wall using double-stick tape.

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  • 04 of 12

    Reclaimed Wood Backsplash

    reclaimed wood backsplash

    Getty Images / redphotographer

    Give your kitchen a dash of rustic charm using reclaimed wood. Before installing, apply three coats of water-resistant sealer to the planks. Once the planks are completely dry, adhere each one to the wall using removable adhesive putty.

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  • 05 of 12

    Removable Tile Backsplash

    Blue and white tile backsplash
    Food52

    Need a removable backsplash solution that can handle nasty food splatters? Cover a custom-sized piece of plywood with real tile, using tile mastic, then grout the tile so it's just like the real thing. Hang the tiled board over the backsplash, behind the stove or sink, or anywhere.

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  • 06 of 12

    One-of-a-Kind Wallpaper Backsplash

    Yellow and black backsplash

    Spoonflower

    Add a bold pattern to your rental kitchen by creating a one-of-a-kind backsplash using scraps of peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper.

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  • 07 of 12

    Contact Paper Backsplash

    Contact paper backsplash
    Walking With Dancers

    If you have ninja-like scissors skills, you can create any tile shape you fancy with contact paper. Simply cut out the pieces to look like tile, then stick them on the wall, leaving little gaps between the pieces to simulate grout joints.

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  • 08 of 12

    Faux Subway Tile Backsplash

    Subway tile backsplash
    Sweet Parrish Place

    If you love the look of subway tile, expect to pay up to $12 per square foot to install the real thing—or you can fake it for a lot less using black and white paint.

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  • 09 of 12

    Scrapbook Kitchen Backsplash

    Scrapbook paper backsplash
    Art Bead Scene

    You can fake the look of colorful tile for less than $20, using heavyweight scrapbook paper. Apply each sheet, one at a time, using water-resistant decoupage glue and sealer, such as Mod Podge Outdoor. When it's time to remove your creation, spray it down with water to make peeling it off easier.

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  • 10 of 12

    Make a Shiplap Backsplash

    Vinyl flooring backsplash
    All Things With Purpose

    Love shiplap? This idea allows you to get the look on the cheap with temporary peel-and-stick vinyl flooring planks. You can leave them as-is or paint them any color. Planks with a wood-grain surface look the most authentic.

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  • 11 of 12

    Peel-and-Stick Tiles

    Stick on backsplash
    Thrifty Crafty Girl

    So you love glass mosaic backsplashes, but your landlord won't let you install one in your rental. No problem! The backsplash above was created using a product called Smart Tiles. While it looks like the real deal, it's easy-to-remove vinyl.

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  • 12 of 12

    Chalkboard Paint Backsplash

    Chalkboard paint kitchen backsplash
    Brooklyn Home Maker

    All you need is a blank wall and chalkboard paint to create a kitchen backsplash perfect for jotting down grocery lists.