Yesterday's post on great tile resources for the kitchen and bath had some readers wondering what reversible things they could do to their backsplash if they're renting. Anh-Minh had a great idea to have a piece of stainless steel cut to fit the area (sort of like this idea), then it can just be removed when you move out and it works great to cover up ugly or old tile. Jump below for 10 more reversible ideas for renters to improve a backsplash:
Steel Backsplash can be done affordably!
Inspiration: Vintage Postcard Backsplash Use old postcards, use old magazines, use drawings you've made, just protect it with a sheet of plexiglass.
A Chalkboard Backsplash can replace regular paint options and give some drama and utility to your backsplash. Just paint it back to it's original color when you move.
Shelving: If you've got room, add some shelving just make sure to anchor them well and to anchor what's on them so they don't shake off in an earthquake. This is harder to undo when you move, but could be well worth it if you need more storage or to break up a lot of wall.
Add Temporary Wallpaper: they are normally vinyl based so that they can peel off more easily later so that solves some of the moisture issues and, as stated by a reader, they peel off without a trace when you're all done. (check out
![092507_mibo.jpg](http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/closeup/closeup-rebeccas-wallpaper-backsplash-059652">this version done with real wallpaper</a>).</p>
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<img alt="atla-032508-doors01.jpg" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/la/atla-032508-doors01.jpg" width="540" height="405" class="mt-image-center" /><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/how-to/look-painting-embossed-wallpaper-046247">Embossed Wallpaper</a> can be adhered to a board that)
Tile decals can be added to liven up some ho hum tile without any real work or committment. Just peel them off when you get tired of them.
Us a Glass Backsplash like Maxwell and Sara-Kate and protect the bright color you've painted.
Use Painted Pegboard to add organization and color to your backsplash. Just make sure to use glossy paint! Have it cut in sections to fit and then either drill (if you can) or affix with some crazy foam tape or braces that come down from the upper cabinets.
Paint a Bright Color if you don't have tile then you can paint the backsplash any color you want and paint it back when you move. Laura painted hers turquoise, ours is a light blue and Maxwell and Sara Kate's is a warm yellow. What color is yours?
Mirrored Backsplash can be cut to size by a local glass and mirror place (like this one in LA) and places over whatever is already there. Take it out when you're done!
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The elongated mirrors are great! They open up a small kitchen.
view bluesmusic's profile
Totally, love the mirror. I was thinking of doing this in my own kitchen: http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2008_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=487 Though with the new look I've got going on in there, I don't think mirror will work. Oh well.
view amandacollier's profile
I have backsplash on my to-do list. I was thinking about those metal-style tiles, that have stickers on the back.
view Lilli K.'s profile
amanda- thanks for that link- Ive been looking for that type of stuff online forever!!
view teeze's profile
I love the mirror. I guess if it will be a problem keppeng them clean.
Some years ago I wanted to change the boring tiles in my kitchen...but on a budget. So I choosed IKEA Hemse parquet and it worked. I just started a blog with pictures of that!
view dicemassi's profile
We have a tile back splash and a couple of the tiles had really ugly flowers on them that would show through most tile decals .I just cut a piece of neat card stock and useds tons of matte mod-podge. You can't even tell it's not tile.This has held up really well!!I can always change if it starts to look shabby.oh and it gets sprayed alot and so far no problems...
thanks!!
view tortoro's profile
I am so finding some decals! We have pure white tile backsplash which is nice, but PLAIN! I need some decals to spice things up!
view ash_c's profile
I did the black chalkboard paint backsplash last year and absolutely love it! It made such a dramatic difference in my tiny kitchen.
view UWSretreat's profile
I love the idea of the tile decals! If they're not easily available in the US, I wonder if the Blik decals would work as well...
view FiatLex's profile
When living in Boston, I missed the Mexican influence of Austin-decorating. SO I had my mother send up a pack of $2 loteria cards and used them as a backsplash like the postcards in the example given. Mixed it with some Dia De Loe Muertos items for a Cocina de los Muertos!
view LacyBones's profile
You know, I'm thinking that if the ModPodge idea works reasonably well, you could make your own decals of pretty much whatever you want. I'd print them out on high-res matte ink jet full-sheet label paper (Avery 8255), let dry, do a few coats of mod podge, THEN cut them out, stick to tile, and do a coat or two of ModPodge over them to protect the edges.
view amandacollier's profile
OMG amandacollier that online catalog is amazing. I am SO going to order a sheet of quilted chrome for my backsplash.... when I can afford it anyway.
I was looking at the ACP "metal" backplash panels for a while (you can get them at home depot and lowes, etc) but they dont have chrome... and when you have to get so many panels there are lots of seams, who knew you could get a 4'x8' sheet of that stuff! I guess the cheesy faux 50's diners have to get it from somewhere...
Thankyouthankyou so much for the link!
view qstar's profile
These are great ideas...I'm jealous! Unfortunately, my vile, beat-up pink formica counter is beyond help...the backsplash is only the top half of the problem! : P
view Siren16's profile
Wow thanks for the post! (I was one of the renters in the previous post)
In my apartment we have horrible wood paneling as our backsplash, faux woodgrain laminate cabinets and terrible 70s faux-marble laminate countertops, but luckily our landlord gave us full permission to redecorate.
view inertia's profile
What is ModPodge?
view gekko's profile