Which backsplash option

[origami]

I’m being indecisive about backsplash options. Which one would you vote for?
1. Mix n match shades of off-white subway tile. It has a bit of wavy texture to it
2. warm gray pointy shaped subway tile. No texture to this one

Prices are about the same. the colors in the photos are off, especially on the countertop sample piece. But hopefully you get the gist. I’m considering making either one of these vertical but haven’t decided that either. 

Attachments:

[dr.girlfriend]

I think it depends on what "feel" you are going for. I like smooth 'n pointy, it feels more modern/transitional. The chunky variable tile has more of a brick look to me and reads more "country."

That said, what tile is that second one? I'm planning on using a chunky, variable-colors-of-white, slightly wavy tile in my bathroom that has a little bit of iridescence to it (Ivy Hill Tile Narangasett) and I'm hoping that yours is not it because it seems more wavy than I would like but I'm also aware the tile I chose seems to be variably wavy in different pics and so I'm still on the fence.

[origami]

Feb 12, 2023 13:21:46 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

I think it depends on what "feel" you are going for. I like smooth 'n pointy, it feels more modern/transitional. The chunky variable tile has more of a brick look to me and reads more "country."

That said, what tile is that second one? I'm planning on using a chunky, variable-colors-of-white, slightly wavy tile in my bathroom that has a little bit of iridescence to it (Ivy Hill Tile Narangasett) and I'm hoping that yours is not it because it seems more wavy than I would like but I'm also aware the tile I chose seems to be variably wavy in different pics and so I'm still on the fence.

It’s Villa zellige pearl opal from Floor & Decor

I also think it’s the light that makes it look so wavy in pics (this one and the 1 you’ve mentioned because I saw that one too.) in person it’s different so I’d recommend getting a sample if you don’t have one yet

[sparty04]

I personally like the first one. Just make sure the actual tiles that you pick look like the sample. I can't tell if these are marble or not, but everything that was marble that I liked was just plain boring white and nothing like the sample when I looked at what I could actually buy (since the color varies with marble)

[mrsukyankee]

What I'd be concerned about with the more textured tile is cleaning. We have brick tile in our kitchen and it's a bitch to clean. So, just keep that in mind (I love the look of it but hate the cleaning of it behind our stovetop).

[origami]

I think they’re both ceramic

[mpm]

I prefer the smooth one, with the points horizontal, not vertical.

[definitelyO]

the 2nd one looks like a smooth finish vs. a rough brick finish (in the photo anyway). not sure what size the rectangle ones are - they look tiny - but if they are more like a 2x4" then I could see those working. I agree that a rough brick is hard to clean and looks dated. I considered the picket - but my hesitation was that the picket was 12" and it didn't look right IMO between the upper and lowers as you would only really see the one picket.

[origami]

Feb 13, 2023 13:28:13 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

the 2nd one looks like a smooth finish vs. a rough brick finish (in the photo anyway). not sure what size the rectangle ones are - they look tiny - but if they are more like a 2x4" then I could see those working. I agree that a rough brick is hard to clean and looks dated. I considered the picket - but my hesitation was that the picket was 12" and it didn't look right IMO between the upper and lowers as you would only really see the one picket.

You’re right. They’re not rough brick. They’re polished ceramic. 2.5x8”

Good point about the picket size.

[magic]

I vote for the first one but would you consider doing a color? I know it’s not what you asked but with the white cabinets, I think it would look so nice!

[mrsukyankee]

Feb 13, 2023 14:55:03 GMT -5 origami said:

Feb 13, 2023 13:28:13 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

the 2nd one looks like a smooth finish vs. a rough brick finish (in the photo anyway). not sure what size the rectangle ones are - they look tiny - but if they are more like a 2x4" then I could see those working. I agree that a rough brick is hard to clean and looks dated. I considered the picket - but my hesitation was that the picket was 12" and it didn't look right IMO between the upper and lowers as you would only really see the one picket.

You’re right. They’re not rough brick. They’re polished ceramic. 2.5x8”

Good point about the picket size.

I love the brick style (or we could have changed it when we redid the kitchen) so I'd probably go with the brick style know that I know they are polished ceramic. I think it's a lovely brick.

[darby]

I prefer the picket tile laid horizontal, just because I think it’s more interesting, but I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

[nicolewi]

My parents had almost this exact same debate. They just built a condo. They have a very light quartz counter, white cabinets, medium wood floor.

They debated white pickets from Floor & Decor, vs. a wavy subway in white. I think could be literally the same options, but in different colors. They originally chose the pickets (were going to be vertical) but then CHANGED to the ripply subway tile and I love it. So I would go that direction. We think it looks less "trendy" than the pickets and makes for a more neutral backdrop. The texture looks great in the condo and picks up the light a bit and I prefer that to if it were flat. For yours, I also like the subway is lighter in tone...but that's just me. The grays go great together, I just would want to keep my kitchen really light.

[simpsongal]

Can you buy both and do a dry lay on site and make the call? F&D has a good return policy. I don't think I'd do either vertical.

[origami]

Feb 14, 2023 14:27:11 GMT -5 nicolewi said:

My parents had almost this exact same debate. They just built a condo. They have a very light quartz counter, white cabinets, medium wood floor.

They debated white pickets from Floor & Decor, vs. a wavy subway in white. I think could be literally the same options, but in different colors. They originally chose the pickets (were going to be vertical) but then CHANGED to the ripply subway tile and I love it. So I would go that direction. We think it looks less "trendy" than the pickets and makes for a more neutral backdrop. The texture looks great in the condo and picks up the light a bit and I prefer that to if it were flat. For yours, I also like the subway is lighter in tone...but that's just me. The grays go great together, I just would want to keep my kitchen really light.

That’s so funny they had the same debate!

[dancingirl21]

We have very similar to the brick pattern one. This is Bedrosians Cloe White. It’s not flat, but isn’t as wavy as yours. Maybe an option if you like that look?