As kitchen backsplashes continue to grow in popularity, the varieties, and styles in which they are available increases as well. Your backsplash can be as unique as you, matching your distinctive style perfectly. As a prominent detail in your kitchen, backsplashes are often used as focal points to make a statement. From full length backsplashes to four-inch types, backsplashes are designed to make a positive contribution to your kitchen’s overall look. Today, let’s explore the pros and cons of four-inch backsplashes, also known as classic standard backsplashes. Four-inch backsplashes go back a way in kitchen history but continue to hold their own offering a timeless or transitional style to your kitchen.

The Pros of the Four-Inch Backsplash

Some homeowners prefer the classic, sleek lines of the four-inch backsplash. Here are the reasons why:

• With a four-inch backsplash, the wall space from the bottom of the upper cabinets to the top of the backsplash offers plenty of area to hang artwork or other decorative elements or put your favorite utensils within easy reach.
• The classic standard backsplash offers an ideal height to protect the wall from spills, splatters, and splashes, without taking over the space.
• A matching four-inch backsplash and countertop provides clean lines and a sleek appearance.
• If you are on a tight budget, a four-inch backsplash will lower your cost and look great, while not negatively impacting your overall design. 

The Cons of the Four Inch Backsplash

Other homeowners prefer a full-length backsplash or even none at all. Here are the cons of a four-inch backsplash.

• For messy cooks, the four-inch backsplash is simply not enough to protect the wall from spills, splashes, and splatters from grease and other liquids.
• Four-inch backsplashes, when not properly installed or grouted, can allow water, soap, oils, and other liquids to seep in and cause separation from the wall over time. 
• If the backsplash and wall behind do not feature well-thought out colors they will fail to complement one another and create a fragmented, awkward look amid the kitchen design.
• Depending on the colors chosen, the four-inch backsplash can cause the kitchen to feel closed in, distracting from the aesthetics of the entire space.

Updating Your Kitchen with a Four-Inch Backsplash 

If the timeless four-inch backsplash is your style of choice, here are some tips to help you develop your updated look and achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

• Update your Surfaces – A fresh, clean look in your kitchen begins with updated countertop and backsplash surfaces like granite, quartz, soapstone, solid surface, or modern laminate. A matching backsplash creates a cohesive, open look for your kitchen, making the investment in luxury countertop materials a wise one.
• Choose a Four-Inch Backsplash and MORE – Beginning your kitchen refresh with a matching countertop and four-inch backsplash is a great way to start, but what if you want more? Consider adding complementary surfaces above your four-inch backsplash all the way to the bottom of your cabinetry using glass, marble, stone, or metal. Each of these materials can further develop your look with unique colors, textures, and patterns, and increase the functionality of your kitchen. If you don’t want to go all the way to the bottom of the upper cabinets, consider staggering or alternating heights along the line your upper cabinets create for a distinctive, modern look.
• Get Creative with Your Design – You don’t have to stick with traditional backsplash materials if your creativity is leading you elsewhere. Add your exclusive personal touch with a variety of materials from tin to concrete to reclaimed wood, and more, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.