10 Temporary and Removable Backsplash Ideas for Renters
The Struggle is Real: Dealing with Ugly Rental Kitchen Features
Hunting for a rental apartment is just about the worst thing about modern urban life. Not only do you have to contend with application fees and sketchy brokers, compete with other prospective tenants, and traipse through one messy, half-packed living room after another, but once you finally find a place that you can afford and that doesn’t have literal holes in the walls, you have to move in and actually live with all the ugly, outdated apartment features that you tried desperately to ignore as you signed the lease and handed over your entire month’s income. Unless, of course, you are a DIYer.
The Solution: Temporary and Removable Backsplash Ideas
The only thing we DIYers have to live with is our penchant for hoarding supplies, politely known as being prepared. So roll up your sleeves, because today we are going to tackle one often-ignored rental eyesore – the kitchen backsplash. Keep reading to see how these temporary and removable backsplash ideas will make you love your apartment kitchen, without sacrificing your security deposit.
Peel-and-Stick Tile Backsplash
The Easiest Way to DIY Your Kitchen Backsplash
Peel-and-stick tile is definitely the easiest way to DIY your kitchen backsplash. If you can wrap a present with somewhat straight lines – admittedly a challenge at times – you can install peel-and-stick tile. It comes in an almost overwhelming array of styles. And, most importantly for our purposes, unlike real tile, the removable tile stickers can be removed at the end of your lease, when you’re on to your next heinous rental apartment.
Inexpensive and Renter-Friendly Options
Check out some more peel-and-stick tile DIY backsplash ideas:
- White subway tile backsplash from Melodrama
- Tiny white hexagon backsplash from Atelier de Curiosite
Peel-and-Stick Tile Sources
Make sure you choose an option that’s best for your particular circumstances. Not all peel-and-sticks are removable. Here are some options:
- Mosaic green tiles Buy Now
- Dark green subway tiles Buy Now
- Removable subway tile Buy Now
- Black hex tiles Buy Now
- Peel and stick poppy wallpaper from Chasing Paper
- Peel and stick farmhouse tile decal wallpaper from Chasing Paper
- Botanical removable wallpaper from Apartment Therapy
- Geometric wallpaper backsplash and tutorial from Delineate Your Dwelling
- Terrazzo removable wallpaper Buy Now
- Backsplash decals Buy Now
- Marble backsplash wallpaper Buy Now
- Bee and lemon wallpaper Buy Now
- Gaia removable vinyl wallpaper Buy Now
- Pink square wallpaper Buy Now
- DIY herringbone pained backsplash from My Blessed Life
- Chalkboard kitchen backsplash from One Kings Lane
- Charming version from designer C.S. Valentin
- Painted tile backsplash from Make Do and DIY
- Graphic painted backsplash from Door Sixteen
- Removable wallpaper behind tiles from Marianne
- Painted peel-and-stick tile on a panel from Paper Stitch
- Copper sheet rolls on a board from Amazon
- Tin tiles from the hardware store from DIY Network
- Shiplap panel from A Beautiful Mess
- Custom mosaic backsplash on a single board from Reality Daydream
- How to Install a Fake Backsplash in Your Kitchen
- How To Faux Subway Tile Backsplash
- A Seriously Extensive Shopping Guide of Gold, Copper, Bronze Kitchen Bathroom Fixtures
Fake a Backsplash with Temporary Wallpaper
A Magical Age of Sticky and Non-Sticky Solutions
We live in a truly magical age. An age where things can be sticky, and not sticky, as we wish. That’s why this other peel-and-stick trick, removable wallpaper, is another great DIY renter-friendly backsplash idea. You can simply stick it over your hideous backsplash for a year or two, and pull it up when it’s time to go! It’s an ideal solution and requires no special tools.
Removable Wallpaper Sources
Here are some inspiring images and sources to get your ideas rolling:
Etsy Sources
Here are some removable wallpaper sources from Etsy:
Change the Look of Your Backsplash with Paint
A Rental-Friendly Solution with a Little Creativity
Including paint in this roundup might be cheating a bit, since not all landlords will allow their tenants to paint. But for you lucky renters who are allowed to paint, you will just die over all the ways you can makeover your kitchen backsplash using paint.
DIY Herringbone Pained Backsplash
Check out this DIY herringbone tile backsplash:
Chalkboard Look
I know the chalkboard look has been fading in the design scene, but I will never ever tire of a well-executed chalkboard kitchen backsplash. And it’s such an easy DIY!
Painted Tile Backsplash
Did you know you can actually paint over existing tile?
Make a Removable Backsplash by Installing a Panel
A Workaround for Renters Who Can’t Paint
Renters who fall into the woefully tragic category of Being Unable to Paint, rejoice! You can still make a custom DIY painted backsplash using this workaround – paint or even tile a removable panel instead.
Removable Panel Backsplash
Food52’s Alex Kalitacreated her renter-friendly backsplash by tiling a small plywood board. She then mounted the board to the wall with a French cleat. All very accessible, and very temporary.
Customizable Options
This rental hack of creating a backsplash on a temporary board or panel can be customized in so many ways:
Conclusion
Alright, DIYers, I want to hear about your own rental kitchens. Do you have an eyesore apartment backsplash that’s in need of some love? Would you try one of these temporary DIY backsplash ideas? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments!
Looking for More DIY Kitchen Tutorials and Inspiration?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some temporary backsplash ideas for renters? *_Peel-and-stick tile, removable wallpaper, painted backsplash, and removable panel backsplash are some temporary backsplash ideas for renters._*
Can I use real tile for a renter-friendly backsplash? *_No, real tile is not recommended for renters as it is not easily removable._*
Are all peel-and-stick tiles removable? *_No, not all peel-and-stick tiles are removable. Make sure to choose a removable option._*
Can I paint my existing tile backsplash? *_Yes, you can paint over existing tile to give it a new look._*
What are some alternatives to painting a backsplash? *_You can use removable wallpaper or install a removable panel backsplash as an alternative to painting._*
How can I create a custom DIY backsplash on a temporary basis? *_You can create a custom DIY backsplash by tiling or painting a removable panel._*
