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DIY Splashback Using Wallpaper

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DIY Splashback (backsplash) with wallpaper

My friend had a new kitchen recently installed and didn’t want the usual tiled splashback for her cooker. She wanted something that was going to be a bit of a statement piece. Therefore when Wendy come across some gorgeous Dragonfly wallpaper by Harlequin, she knew that was the one for her kitchen. A DIY splashback (backsplash) with wallpaper was the way to go.
 
 
The wallpaper is protected by a piece of glass and is screwed to the wall. Plus you know what the really awesome thing about this DIY splashback, is that it’s really easy to unscrew the glass and change the wallpaper when you feel like something different.
 
 
Create a unique and stylish designer DIY splashback with wallpaper. Step by step guide.
 
 
Step by step guide on how to create your own DIY splashback with wallpaper.
 
 
 
This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to see my disclosure policy.
 
 
 

What you need to create your own DIY Splashback with wallpaper

  • Wallpaper – Depending on the size of your splashback (backsplash) and how your wallpaper pattern fits will determine how much wallpaper. Usually, you would need no more than a quarter roll. The wallpaper we used was a Harlequin Wallpaper, Palmetto Demoiselle, which comes in several different colourways. Ebay is a great place to look for odd or even part rolls of wallpaper.

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    DIY splashback with wallpaper
     
     
     

  • Wallpaper paste/adhesive

    • – you might want to add an anti fungal agent to the adhesive
     

  • Rotary cutter and mat

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  • Plywood base – This will need to be the size of your DIY splashback. We used 5.5mm hardwood ply.

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  • Glass – This again will be the size of your DIY splashback. We used a 4mm toughened low iron glass which we got cut to size at the store. We also had 4 screw holes drilled into each corner of the glass at the store.

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  • Domed mirror screws – 4, one for each corner.

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  • Tile trim – The size of the trim depends on the thickness of the DIY splashback. We used a 12mm wrap round trim in chrome. You don’t have to have a trim, its mainly about aesthetics.

 
 
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How to make your DIY Splashback

 
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  1. Measure out your splashback and get the plywood and glass cut to the size at the DIY store.

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    DIY splashback with wallpaper
     
     
     

  2. Think about how your wallpaper pattern design will fit on the splashback, measure it and cut to size. For the dragonfly design, we wanted whole dragonflies in the middle of the splashback. Therefore we ended up with one wallpaper roll width in the middle and two part widths either side.

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  3. Key your plywood by coating it with a layer of wallpaper paste and leaving it to dry.

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  4. Once dry, paste the board again and apply the wallpaper. Leave to dry thoroughly.

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    DIY splashback with wallpaper
     
     
     

  5. We used a low iron toughened glass for this splashback because if it’s not low iron the glass can have a green hue to it. The DIY Splashback and the glass were fitted to the wall altogether. With the mirror screws going through the glass and backsplash into the wall. The screws were capped off with chrome mirror screw domes.

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  6. Finally when it’s all in place you can fit the tile trim round the edge of your DIY splashback.

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DIY Splashback with wallpaper. Create a statement piece with a designer wallpaper splashback in your kitchen. Easy to change when you fancy something different.
 
 
DIY Splashback with wallpaper. Step by step guide to creating your own unique splashback.
 
 
 
Wendy loved her DIY splashback idea so much that not only did she make one for her cooker, but one for the bathroom too. She used a mid century modern Orla Kiely wallpaper for the bathroom.
 
 
Bathroom diy splashback - create your own wallpaper splashback
 
 
Create your own stunning DIY splashback with wallpaper
 
 
Create your own unique DIY splashback for your kitchen using wallpaper. Full step by step tutorial.
 
 
 
I love this DIY splashback (backsplash), I think it looks awesome in Wendy’s kitchen. There are so many fantastic wallpaper designs out there, so you are bound to find something that would look amazing in your kitchen. I know that when I eventually get a new kitchen, I will have a DIY wallpaper splashback. I also love the fact that it’s easy to change, when you fancy something different.
 
If you follow my blog you will know that I use a lot of wallpaper in my DIY’s and upcycles, click on the list below to see them.
 
Wallpapered bin upcycle
Wallpapered Marimekko Stairs
Upcycled Lampshade with wallpaper
 
 
Awesome creative wallpaper ideas for decorating your home
 
 
 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Candice M

    I noticed that you posted the article in 2016. It is now 2020. How has the back splash held up? Is there anything you would do differently now if you were doing it again? I have been toying with doing the same thing, but on a larger scale and behind a kitchen sink. Everyone is against it because they think water will get behind the glass and cause the paper to wrinkle and mildew. Any thoughts about this 4 years later?

    Thanks for any feedback you can give.

    Reply

  2. Hollie Nixon

    Splashbacks are in trend now a days, and side by you have shared very interesting content!
    Recently I have also renovated my interior using colourful and designer splashbacks and the result came out is so mesmerising.
    Looking forward to read more of such wonderful contents.

    Reply

  4. Mike Belk

    This is AWESOME! I love to see new and interesting ideas for kitchen backsplashes. I personally feel that backsplashes should be a focal point in a kitchen and this definitely is!

    DIY wins another one!!

    Reply

  5. Ruji

    Hi, thanks for posting this, just what I was looking for my bathroom, instead using paint or tiles. I wanted to ask, did you add a sealant where the glass meets the worktop? Also the bathroom splashback you posted doesn’t appear to have been screwed like the kitchen one, how did you fix that on the wall?
    The final look is amazing btw, hope my one turns out as good!

    Reply

  6. Rhea DeLong

    This is amazing and lovely. So many diy projects are just kind of junky. I am doing his in the house we are buying, as long as my husband only sees he final result since he hates handi-work fixes or crafts except the ones he does. Of course!! Lol. Love so much for posting this!! I will follow your blog!!
    ~Rhea

    Reply

  7. Adriana W.

    What i love about this is the fact that it is much cheaper than tile. Me and my husband are remodeling this house at the moment, but aren’t sure tiles are worth it (since the house won’t have such a high resale value). I think we’ll go with a splashback….thanks for the idea 🙂

    Reply

      • Fiona V

        Hi Claire
        Will water or dust get into backsplash and will the heat from the stove spoil the glue that a fixed the wallpaper to the plywood and glass? What’s the current condition? My contractor is giving loads of reasons to not use wallpaper. Appreciate your feedback.
        Thanks
        Fiona

        Reply

        • Claire Armstrong

          My friends splashback is still looking good but do make sure that the wallpaper paste/glue you used is antifungal. The glass protects it from the water and the heat. The glass is screwed into the wall so should not be affected by heat and moisture.

          Reply

    • Claire Armstrong

      I can’t remember it was a while ago. I don’t recall it being difficult the tile trim comes with instructions and is easy to cut with a hacksaw. The trim is designed to slot around the edge of the tile/glass. We bought it from our local tile shop.

      Reply

    • Claire Armstrong

      I’ve just asked my friend and she’s still waiting for the glass bill, but the plywood, wallpaper and glue cost about £70. I’ll let you know the glass cost when I find out but from other projects think it will be about £100-£150 but not certain.

      Reply

  11. Stephanie L. Robertson

    Hi Claire,
    I have a sneaking suspicion that within the next 10-15 years or so, all of those tiled backsplashes will be passe. That’s why I think your friend has such a great idea of making her own! I did a painted backsplash in my previous house, and everyone thought that it was real stone. 😉

    Reply

  12. Lana

    Hi, what a lovely idea! We just bought a house and our kitchen has now beautifully smooth walls painted with a lovely colour. I don’t want to paste tiles all over the wall and I was thinking of just making a glass cover for the backsplash part. Adding the wallpaper is a genius idea! What I’m not understanding is the screws that you used. I’m in Europe, Spain to be exact, so could you please help out with some info/link to the type of screws you’ve used? Thanks a lot!

    Reply

    • Claire Armstrong

      Sorry I don’t have a picture of the screws but they were domed mirror screws. If you go to your local DIY store they should help you pick ones suitable for the size of glass you use. When you get the glass cut, get them to drill four screw holes into the glass at the same time. The screws go through the glass and the wallpapered plywood and straight into the wall so need to be quiet long. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  15. Samuel

    Wow! Amazing! I like the color of the wallpapers. It really works in her kitchen. She can change the designs when she wants. That’s a great idea! I will try it for my kitchen

    Reply

  16. Tamars Jones

    Perfect. I like it very much. DIY projects, I always like to read the article about it. It is very innovative, and new and wonderful. Your kitchen looks brilliant and become more beautiful. Thanks for the useful information that you have shared

    Reply

  17. Robert Smith

    Really like the color of the wallpaper. It’s make the kitchen more light and fresh. This is the good ideas. I will try it out.

    Reply

  19. Vanessa D.

    Thank you for sharing this amazing idea! I recently scored a roll of vintage wall paper and have been trying to come up with a way to incorporate it into my living space, so I’m very happy to see this option.

    Reply

  22. LydiaF

    First off, can would you tell your friend how much I love the clean lines of her new kitchen? I spotted the Orla Kiely utensil holder and trashcan right away and love the print in the bathroom. But the dragonfly wallpaper used for the backsplash is just stunning! I will definitely pin this in hopes that I can use this idea someday. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us at Creatively Crafty #ccbg

    Reply

  26. Cindy

    WOW! I would have never thought about using wall paper for a back splash! But I have used old wall paper as drawer liners. Neat idea. Visiting from TOHOT. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    Reply

  27. Anna

    I love this idea and it’s just what we need to do in both kitchen and bathroom. (It’s about 6 years overdue, in fact). Thanks for the clear instructions-maybe even I could do this!

    Reply

  28. Kellie

    This is such a great idea!!! I am so glad you linked up to WASTE NOT WEDESDAY link party! We love having you. oh and a side note: I love the font on your blog it is so fun!!!

    Reply

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