Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.
Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience.
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
Just because you rent doesn't mean you can't refresh your outdated kitchen.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
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
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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Removable Fabric 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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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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Removable 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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One-of-a-Kind Wallpaper 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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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
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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Scrapbook Kitchen 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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Make a Shiplap 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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Peel-and-Stick Tiles
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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Chalkboard Paint 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.
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