How to Tile a Backsplash with Vintage Tiles
I wanted to add a backsplash to the wall behind our stove. Today I am sharing how to tile a backsplash with vintage ceiling tiles.
I did it! I have wanted to do this project for over a year and I love it. I used vintage tin ceiling tiles and added a great focal point in my kitchen. I am so excited to share with you how to tile a backsplash with vintage tiles!
How to Tile a Backsplash
I love vintage tin ceiling tiles.
I used them on top of a coffee table I made from a vintage chest. I put them above our fireplace in our master bedroom. I also put them in the ceiling of our laundry room in Waco.
Last week I installed them as a backsplash behind out stove.
Over a year ago I saw these vintage ceiling tiles at my favorite store in Waco, The Findery.
The minute I saw them I thought they would make a great backsplash. In case you are wondering why we don’t have a backsplash, it was mostly due to my indecision. When we finished the Waco house remodel, I couldn’t seem to find a ceramic tile to use as a backsplash. I kept looking but I thought the ceramic tiles looked boring.
Quite a few of you questioned why I didn’t have a backsplash. I decided I was fine with the shiplap and it has held up great. But I knew I needed something behind the stove.
A year later (as in last week) I finally made it back to Waco. Miraculously, The Findery had some of the ceiling tiles left and I picked out the ones I needed!
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I measured the space and had figured out that I needed 35 six inch tiles. Of course I should have bought these a year ago when The Findery had a gazillion of them. Fortunately when I went through all of the ceiling tiles at the store and found 35 tiles that had the same pattern.
The colors were different as obviously these had come from different rooms. So I decided to paint the more “yellow ones” a lighter and whiter color so they would match.
I mixed some acrylic paints and was really happy with the end result.
Next, I sealed the tiles with a matte clear and then pre-made nail holes in sides of the tiles.
The next step was to lay out the tiles and make sure they all fit.
Huh? The tin ceiling tiles had been cut and they didn’t all measure exactly the same. So I had to lay them out, move a few around, and come up with the best fit.
I didn’t expect them to look perfect. In fact, I didn’t want them to look perfect. I just didn’t want any gaping holes!
How to Install a Tile Backsplash
I did a bit of measuring before I started so that the tiles would fit and apply straight. I started in the middle of the top row because I wanted the top tile to fit flush under the vent hood.
Once the first tile was nailed in, I added another tile to the right.
I alternated on each side and completed the entire top row.
I am so happy with how this looks!
I followed the same format and finished the third, fourth and fifth rows.
The last step was hanging the awesome sign from Oh Sweet Skye.
I wanted to show this up close photo so you could see that the tiles aren’t prefect. I like them that way!
Don’t these look great from a distance?
Who knew that the tile backsplash would be such an amazing focal point?
Frequently Asked Questions
You can buy new and old ceiling tiles everywhere! I found mine at The Findery but you can also find them on Etsy, The Home Depot and many stores online.
So what do you think?
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Good Morning, what range do you have? I need a white gas and this one looks great. Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth, I love the stove that I insstalled in the Waco kitchen. Glad you found the link to the info. I hope you love it too!
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I love the stove in the Waco kitchen. Brand? Our county flea market is coming up—once a month April thru fall! Can’t wait.
Never mind just found it on your Waco remodel page. 🙃
Love the tiles, but the sign (on its own gorgeous)is a bit to much for me. Still lovely kitchen and house
I love the tiles! They really add to the vintage look for the kitchen and the sign is the finishing touch! Good choice!
Thank you so much Darlene, I love how this turned out!
I love it but then I love all your ideas. Just wanted to let you know that my emails from you are still labeled about Vintage finds at Round Top. I’m not sure if its just mine or everyone. I’ve always wanted to go to Round Top. Thanks for the information on how to navigate it!
Thank you for reaching out Maureen. Oops, I forgot to update the email subject yesterday 😉 Round Top is really amazing, I hope you plan a trip!
I’ve ever come across vintage ceiling tin tiles already cut!!
👏👏👏👏
I would absolutely love buy them if I did!!
LOVELOVELOVE your backsplash!!
DEFINITELY want to do this!!!!
👍
Thank you so much Tina! I was so excited when I found them at the Findery in Waco. I linked some that I found on Amazon. I hope you give this a go!
Absolutely love the backsplash. I put peel and stick wall covering over my existing ceramic tile
I am ver pleased with the look. Of course I would rather it was the real thing. I’m looking into products to do the kitchen ceiling. I’m not able to do this myself, and my carpenter isn’t to enthused at present. Love your decor