Style Selections Backsplash

Elevating Home Design Without Breaking the Bank

The kitchen and bathroom are the heart of any home, spaces where functionality meets design in perfect harmony. Among the myriad of design elements that can transform these spaces, a well-chosen backsplash can completely revolutionize your home’s aesthetic while providing practical protection for your walls. Style Selections backsplash offers homeowners an accessible path to this transformation, combining affordability with style in a way few other brands manage to accomplish.

As someone who has spent countless hours researching, installing, and living with various backsplash options, I’ve developed a particular appreciation for what Style Selections brings to the table. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner looking to put your personal stamp on your space, a seasoned DIY enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to refresh tired walls without a major renovation, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Style Selections backsplash options.

What Exactly Is a Style Selections Backsplash?

Style Selections is a house brand carried exclusively by Lowe’s home improvement stores. Their backsplash collection represents an impressive range of wall covering solutions designed specifically to protect and beautify the areas behind countertops, stoves, and sinks. More than just functional wall coverings, these backsplashes serve as artistic focal points that can tie together your entire room’s design scheme.

What sets Style Selections apart in the crowded market of home improvement products is their commitment to providing design-forward options at price points that remain accessible to average homeowners. The brand effectively democratizes stylish home design, making it possible for anyone to achieve a high-end look without the designer price tag.

The Style Selections line encompasses everything from traditional ceramic tiles to modern glass mosaics, versatile peel-and-stick options, and even three-dimensional textured panels. This diversity allows homeowners to find options that perfectly complement existing décor or serve as inspiration for an entirely new design direction.

Where to Purchase Style Selections Backsplash

As mentioned, Style Selections is Lowe’s exclusive house brand, which means these products are available exclusively through Lowe’s retail locations and their online store. This exclusivity actually works in the consumer’s favor in several ways.

First, the widespread presence of Lowe’s stores across North America means most consumers have convenient access to see these products in person before committing to a purchase. The ability to physically touch samples, assess colors against existing cabinetry, and visualize the scale of patterns in real life provides a significant advantage over ordering sight unseen from online-only retailers.

Second, Lowe’s regular sales events often include Style Selections products, creating opportunities for additional savings on already well-priced items. Savvy shoppers who time their purchases around these promotional periods can stretch their renovation budgets even further.

Finally, Lowe’s unified customer service system means any issues with your Style Selections backsplash can be addressed through a single point of contact, simplifying the process if you encounter any problems with your purchase.

For those who prefer online shopping, Lowe’s website offers the complete Style Selections backsplash collection, often with helpful customer reviews and installation guides that can aid in decision-making. Many locations also offer curbside pickup, blending the convenience of online ordering with the immediacy of in-store shopping.

The Price Point Advantage: Style Selections Backsplash Costs

One of the most compelling aspects of the Style Selections backsplash line is its price point. Home renovation costs can quickly spiral out of control, but Style Selections helps keep budgets firmly in check while delivering impressive aesthetic results. The brand effectively bridges the gap between budget materials that look cheap and high-end options that can strain finances.

Style Selections backsplash options typically range from about $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the material, complexity of design, and specific collection. This pricing structure puts them significantly below many designer brands that offer similar looks at two or three times the cost.

To put this in perspective, outfitting a typical kitchen backsplash area of 30 square feet might cost between $150 and $450 for Style Selections materials, compared to $300 to $900 or more for comparable designer brands. This difference can represent substantial savings, especially when considering the entire scope of a kitchen or bathroom renovation.

The value proposition becomes even more apparent when you factor in the longevity of these products. Unlike some budget-friendly alternatives that may need replacement after a few years, Style Selections backsplashes are designed to maintain their appearance and functionality for many years, making them investments that continue to deliver returns over time.

Material Diversity: Options for Every Aesthetic

The Style Selections backsplash collection embraces material diversity, offering options that can complement virtually any design scheme from traditional to ultramodern. This range allows homeowners to achieve precisely the look they desire without compromising on quality or budget.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Options

The ceramic and porcelain tile selections represent the backbone of the collection, offering timeless appeal with modern durability. These tiles come in various shapes and sizes, from classic subway tiles to hexagons, squares, and rectangles. Finish options include high-gloss, matte, and textured surfaces that can dramatically alter the light reflection and overall feel of your space.

The ceramic options typically offer the most budget-friendly entry point into the Style Selections line, while still providing the durability and easy maintenance that make tile backsplashes so popular. Their porcelain offerings provide enhanced durability and moisture resistance, making them particularly well-suited for high-humidity environments like bathrooms or areas around kitchen sinks.

Glass Mosaic Magnificence

For those seeking to add light, dimension, and a touch of luxury to their spaces, Style Selections’ glass mosaic options deliver remarkable results. These collections feature small pieces of glass arranged in patterns that can range from orderly and geometric to seemingly random compositions that create visual interest.

The translucent properties of glass tiles interact with light in ways that ceramic cannot, adding depth and luminosity to your walls. Many of the glass options incorporate multiple colors or metallic elements that shift in appearance throughout the day as lighting conditions change, creating living walls that continuously engage the eye.

Metal Accents and Full Panels

Metal elements add industrial chic or contemporary sophistication to backsplash designs. Style Selections offers metal-look tiles, metal-glass combinations, and even full metal panel options that can create striking feature walls.

Stainless steel options coordinate beautifully with modern appliances, creating a cohesive look in contemporary kitchens. Copper and bronze-toned options add warmth and complement wood cabinetry, while brushed nickel finishes offer a softer alternative to the brightness of chrome or stainless steel.

Stone and Stone-Look Options

Natural stone backsplashes exude elegance and organic beauty, but genuine stone often comes with a hefty price tag and maintenance requirements. Style Selections offers both real stone options, like marble mosaics, and remarkably convincing stone-look alternatives that replicate the appearance of marble, travertine, granite, and slate at a fraction of the cost.

These stone-look options typically utilize porcelain or composite materials with sophisticated printing techniques that capture the veining, color variations, and textural elements of natural stone while offering improved durability and significantly reduced maintenance needs.

Dimensions and Design: Finding the Perfect Fit

Style Selections backsplash tiles come in diverse dimensions to suit different installation preferences and design visions. Standard options include:

• Subway tiles (typically 3×6 inches)
• Square tiles (ranging from 2×2 to 12×12 inches)
• Mosaic sheets (usually mounted on 12×12 inch mesh backing)
• Large-format tiles (12×24 inches or larger)
• Peel-and-stick panels (often in 10×10 inch or similar dimensions)

Each size creates a distinct visual impact, with smaller tiles creating more grout lines and pattern opportunities, while larger tiles minimize grout and create cleaner, more contemporary looks. The choice of dimensions can dramatically affect the perceived size of your space—generally, larger tiles make small spaces feel more open, while smaller tiles can add texture and interest to larger areas.

Many Style Selections backsplash options come in sheet form, particularly for mosaics or complex patterns. These sheets typically measure 12×12 inches and are designed to interlock seamlessly, simplifying installation while maintaining the appearance of individually placed pieces. This approach makes even intricate designs accessible to DIY installers who might be intimidated by placing hundreds of tiny tiles individually.

Installation Options: Traditional vs. Peel-and-Stick

One of the most significant developments in the backsplash market has been the evolution of peel-and-stick options, and Style Selections has embraced this technology fully. Their catalog includes both traditional tile options requiring adhesive and grout as well as peel-and-stick alternatives that dramatically simplify installation.

Traditional Tile Installation

Traditional Style Selections tile backsplashes require typical tile installation methods:

• Preparation of the wall surface
• Application of appropriate adhesive (thinset mortar for most applications)
• Precise placement of tiles with spacers for consistent grout lines
• Grouting after adhesive has cured
• Sealing grout lines in most cases

This approach, while more labor-intensive, offers the authentic look and durability of conventional tile work. It provides the widest range of material options and typically the greatest longevity, especially in high-moisture or high-heat areas.

Peel-and-Stick Simplicity

For those seeking a more accessible installation process, Style Selections peel-and-stick backsplashes represent a revolutionary approach to home improvement that has democratized backsplash installation for even the most novice DIYers. These products feature adhesive backing that attaches directly to properly prepared wall surfaces, eliminating the need for mortar, grout, and many of the specialized tools required for traditional tile work.

The peel-and-stick options come in various materials, including:

• Vinyl tiles with realistic 3D textures mimicking ceramic, stone, or metal
• Gel tiles that provide a glass-like appearance with dimensional depth
• Composite materials offering enhanced durability over basic vinyl
• Real materials like thin stone or metal mounted on adhesive backing

These options can typically be cut with scissors or a utility knife rather than requiring wet saws or tile cutters, further simplifying the installation process. Many can be installed in a single afternoon, transforming a kitchen or bathroom in hours rather than days.

Installation Essentials: Tools and Techniques

Whether opting for traditional or peel-and-stick Style Selections backsplash options, proper preparation and installation are key to achieving professional-looking results. Here’s what you’ll need for each approach:

Traditional Tile Installation Tools:

• Tile cutter or wet saw (depending on material)
• Notched trowel appropriate for your tile size
• Tile spacers
• Level and measuring tape
• Mixing bucket and drill with mixing attachment (for thinset and grout)
• Grout float
• Sponges and buckets for clean-up
• Caulk and caulk gun for edges
• Safety gear (goggles, gloves, knee pads)

Peel-and-Stick Installation Tools:

• Sharp utility knife or scissors
• Measuring tape and level
• Cleaning supplies for wall preparation
• J-roller or smooth object to apply pressure
• Hair dryer (to make tiles more pliable for cutting or corners)

For all installation types, proper wall preparation is essential. Surfaces should be clean, smooth, dry, and free of grease or soap residue. For traditional tile, the surface must be structurally sound to support the weight of the tiles and adhesive. For peel-and-stick options, a primer may be recommended, especially on textured walls.

Always begin installation with a careful layout plan. Measure your space and determine the starting point that will minimize awkward cuts and ensure the most visually appealing placement. For kitchen installations, the centerline of the range or sink often serves as an ideal starting point to ensure symmetrical placement.

Adhesives and Grout: The Supporting Cast

Traditional Style Selections tile backsplashes require appropriate adhesives and, in most cases, grout to complete the installation. The specific products recommended will depend on the material of your chosen backsplash and the installation location.

For ceramic and porcelain tiles, a polymer-modified thinset mortar typically provides the best adhesion. Glass tiles often require white thinset specifically formulated for glass to prevent shadowing through translucent tiles. Metal tiles may require special adhesives or mounting systems depending on their weight and composition.

Grout options include:

• Sanded grout: Typically used for grout lines 1/8 inch or wider
• Unsanded grout: Better for narrow grout lines and soft or easily scratched tiles
• Epoxy grout: The most durable and stain-resistant option, though more difficult to work with
• Pre-mixed grout: Convenient but often less durable than mix-it-yourself options

The color of your grout can dramatically affect the final appearance of your backsplash. Matching grout colors blend with tiles for a seamless look, while contrasting colors highlight the pattern and shape of individual tiles. Style Selections offers coordinating grout colors for many of their tile collections, simplifying this decision-making process.

For peel-and-stick backsplash options, additional adhesive is not typically required, though some installers opt to reinforce high-stress areas with a small amount of construction adhesive for added security.

Performance Considerations: Heat, Water, and Durability

Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes face challenging conditions, including exposure to moisture, heat, cleaning chemicals, and physical impacts. Style Selections backsplash options are engineered to withstand these challenges, though performance varies by material.

Heat Resistance

Most Style Selections ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles offer excellent heat resistance, making them appropriate for installation behind ranges and cooktops. These materials are kiln-fired during manufacturing at temperatures far exceeding anything they’ll experience in a kitchen environment.

Metal backsplash options also generally perform well with heat, though some may be more susceptible to showing temperature variations through discoloration. Always check the specific product details for any heat exposure limitations.

Peel-and-stick options typically have more limited heat resistance, particularly vinyl-based products. While they can handle the ambient heat of a kitchen, direct installation behind a gas range or cooktop may not be recommended. Most Style Selections peel-and-stick products include specific guidelines regarding minimum distances from heat sources.

Water and Moisture Resistance

Bathrooms and kitchen sink areas present significant moisture challenges for backsplash materials. Style Selections offers multiple options specifically designed to excel in these environments:

• Porcelain tiles provide superior water resistance, with virtually zero water absorption
• Glass tiles are completely impervious to water
• Properly sealed ceramic tiles resist moisture effectively
• Many peel-and-stick options feature waterproof surfaces, though edge sealing may be needed

The grout between traditional tiles represents a potential vulnerability for moisture infiltration. Using sealed or epoxy grout and maintaining that seal over time is essential for lasting moisture protection with traditional tile installations.

Long-Term Durability

Style Selections backsplash options are designed for residential durability, with most products offering years of service when properly installed and maintained. Ceramic and porcelain tiles typically provide the greatest longevity, often lasting decades without significant degradation.

Glass tiles resist staining and color fading better than many alternatives, maintaining their appearance over extended periods. Metal options may show patina or subtle changes over time, which many homeowners appreciate as developing character.

Peel-and-stick options generally have shorter expected lifespans than traditional materials, typically ranging from 5-10 years depending on the specific product and installation conditions. However, their ease of replacement can offset this shorter lifespan for many homeowners.

Design Versatility: Styles to Suit Every Taste

The Style Selections backsplash collection encompasses a remarkable range of design aesthetics, from timeless classics to contemporary trends. This versatility ensures that regardless of your home’s architectural style or your personal design preferences, you’ll likely find options that resonate with your vision.

Classic and Traditional Designs

For homes with traditional architecture or homeowners who appreciate timeless aesthetics, Style Selections offers numerous options that reference historical design elements:

• Subway tiles in traditional white and various colors
• Arabesque and lantern patterns inspired by Mediterranean and Moorish design
• Basketweave and herringbone arrangements that evoke classical European interiors
• Floral and decorative motifs that complement Victorian and colonial-revival homes

These classic designs pair beautifully with wood cabinetry, natural stone countertops, and traditional fixtures, creating harmonious spaces that resist feeling dated as trends evolve.

Contemporary and Modern Options

For sleek, modern interiors, Style Selections delivers clean-lined, sophisticated options:

• Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines
• Glass and metal combinations for industrial-inspired spaces
• Geometric patterns including hexagons, diamonds, and linear arrangements
• Monochromatic color schemes with textural interest

These contemporary options often incorporate mixed materials and unexpected finishes that create visual interest while maintaining the restraint and intentionality that characterize modern design.

Transitional Blends

Perhaps the most versatile category in the Style Selections lineup addresses transitional design—the thoughtful blending of traditional and contemporary elements. These options bridge stylistic periods and adapt easily to evolving tastes:

• Updated interpretations of classic patterns
• Neutral color palettes with subtle variation
• Familiar materials in unexpected formats
• Combinations of matte and glossy finishes

Transitional Style Selections backsplashes serve as perfect complements to the increasingly popular transitional kitchen and bath designs that dominate today’s home renovations.

Color and Finish: Creating Mood and Atmosphere

The color and finish of your backsplash significantly impact the overall atmosphere of your space. Style Selections offers a comprehensive palette ranging from crisp neutrals to bold statement colors, all available in various finish options.

The Neutral Foundation

Neutral backsplashes provide versatility and longevity, creating backgrounds that complement changing décor elements over time. Style Selections’ neutral options include:

• Whites and creams in various tones from stark white to warm ivory
• Grays ranging from barely-there silver to deep charcoal
• Beiges and taupes that coordinate beautifully with natural materials
• Black and near-black options for dramatic contrast

Even within these neutral categories, subtle variations in tone, texture, and finish create distinctly different effects. A high-gloss white subway tile creates a bright, reflective surface that amplifies light, while a textured matte white tile absorbs light for a softer, more nuanced appearance.

Color for Personality and Impact

For homeowners seeking to inject personality and energy into their spaces, Style Selections offers colorful backsplash options across the spectrum:

• Soft blues and greens that evoke water and nature
• Warm terracottas and ochres reminiscent of Mediterranean environments
• Bold jewel tones for dramatic focal points
• Multicolored mosaics that incorporate complementary or contrasting hues

These colored options can serve various design purposes—creating focal points, reinforcing color schemes, or introducing accent colors that tie together disparate elements within your space.

Finish Effects

Beyond color, the finish of Style Selections backsplash materials dramatically affects their appearance and practical performance:

• High-gloss finishes reflect maximum light, making spaces feel larger and brighter
• Matte finishes reduce glare and hide water spots and fingerprints more effectively
• Textured finishes add dimensional interest and can conceal minor imperfections
• Metallic finishes introduce subtle shimmer that changes with lighting conditions
• Crackle glazes add vintage character to contemporary spaces

Many Style Selections collections feature multiple finish options within the same color family, allowing for sophisticated tone-on-tone installations that add depth without introducing competing colors.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Your Backsplash Beautiful

The practical reality of backsplashes is that they exist in working spaces where spills, splashes, and general wear are inevitable. Style Selections backsplash options are selected and designed with this reality in mind, but proper maintenance remains essential for preserving their appearance and function.

Cleaning Traditional Tile Backsplashes

Ceramic, porcelain, and glass Style Selections backsplashes generally require minimal maintenance:

• Regular cleaning with mild dish soap and water removes most everyday soil
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch glass or glossy ceramic surfaces
• For stubborn stains on ceramic or porcelain, a paste of baking soda and water often proves effective
• Glass cleaners work well on glass tile backsplashes for streak-free shine

The grout between tiles typically requires more attention than the tiles themselves. Grout can be cleaned with:

• Oxygen bleach solutions (not chlorine bleach, which can damage colored grout)
• Specialized grout cleaners available at Lowe’s alongside Style Selections products
• A paste of baking soda and water applied with a small brush

For long-term protection, sealing grout lines annually with a penetrating sealer will significantly reduce staining and moisture penetration.

Maintaining Peel-and-Stick Backsplashes

Style Selections peel-and-stick backsplash options generally require gentle cleaning approaches:

• Wipe with damp microfiber cloths and mild cleaners
• Avoid excessive moisture that might compromise adhesive at the edges
• Steer clear of abrasive scrubbers that could damage printed surfaces
• Promptly clean spills to prevent potential staining

Some peel-and-stick products benefit from occasional treatment with products designed for their specific material—vinyl conditioners for vinyl-based options, for example, or metal polishes for real metal surfaces.

Real-World Performance: Customer Feedback and Reviews

Style Selections backsplash products have generated substantial customer feedback, available through Lowe’s review system and various home improvement forums. This real-world feedback provides valuable insights into how these products perform in actual homes over time.

Positive Feedback Trends

Style Selections backsplashes consistently receive praise for:

• Value for money: Many reviewers express pleasant surprise at achieving high-end looks at budget-friendly prices
• Ease of installation, particularly for the peel-and-stick options
• Color accuracy between in-store samples and delivered products
• Durability compared to other products in similar price ranges
• Availability of coordinating trim pieces and accent tiles

Peel-and-stick options particularly excel in rental property scenarios, where tenants appreciate the ability to personalize spaces without permanent modifications, and landlords value the protection these backsplashes provide to wall surfaces.

Common Critiques

Balanced reviews also note some limitations:

• Traditional tile options sometimes have less dimensional consistency than premium brands
• Some peel-and-stick products may show edge curling in high-humidity environments
• Limited availability of certain styles during peak renovation seasons
• Occasional shipping damage with online orders

Most negative reviews relate to installation challenges rather than product deficiencies, highlighting the importance of following manufacturer instructions carefully and properly preparing surfaces before installation.

Comparative Analysis: Style Selections vs. Competitors

The backsplash market includes numerous alternatives across the price spectrum. Understanding how Style Selections compares to these competitors helps contextualize their value proposition.

Economy Competitors

At the budget end of the spectrum, Style Selections competes with generic home center brands and discount tile outlets. Compared to these alternatives, Style Selections generally offers:

• Superior design variety and trend awareness
• Better quality control and dimensional consistency
• More comprehensive coordination with other home elements
• Enhanced warranty protection

While some economy options may undercut Style Selections on pure price, they rarely match the combination of quality, design, and support that the brand provides.

Premium Alternatives

Against high-end designer backsplash brands, Style Selections positions itself as the accessible alternative. While premium brands may offer:

• Greater customization options
• Handcrafted elements
• Exclusive proprietary designs
• Slightly superior material quality

Style Selections delivers remarkably similar aesthetic results at fraction of the cost—often 30-50% less than designer alternatives. For most homeowners, the visual differences between a well-installed Style Selections backsplash and a premium alternative become negligible once the installation is complete.

Customization and Cutting: Adapting to Your Space

Even the most standard kitchen or bathroom requires some customization of backsplash materials to accommodate outlets, switches, corners, and edges. Style Selections backsplash options are designed with this reality in mind, offering various levels of adaptability depending on the material.

Cutting Traditional Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain Style Selections tiles can be cut with:

• Manual snap cutters for straight cuts
• Wet saws for complex cuts, available for rental at most Lowe’s locations
• Hole saws or nippers for circular cutouts around pipes or outlets

Glass tiles typically require wet saws with diamond blades to prevent chipping and cracking. Some metal tiles can be cut with specialized metal snips, while others may require power tools with appropriate blades.

Modifying Peel-and-Stick Options

The peel-and-stick Style Selections backsplash options offer significantly easier modification:

• Vinyl and composite options can typically be cut with sharp utility knives or scissors
• Gel tiles can be scored and snapped similar to thin glass
• Templates can be made from paper to test complex cuts before committing to the actual material

This ease of cutting represents one of the most significant advantages of peel-and-stick options for DIY installers, dramatically reducing the learning curve and special tool requirements.

Warranty and Support: Protection for Your Investment

Style Selections backsplash products typically include warranty protection that varies by specific product line. Generally, traditional tile products carry longer warranties (often 10+ years) than peel-and-stick options (typically 1-5 years).

These warranties typically cover manufacturing defects but not installation issues or normal wear and tear. For this reason, keeping your receipt and product packaging information is essential for any future warranty claims.

Beyond formal warranty coverage, Lowe’s customer service provides a valuable support resource for Style Selections products. Their return policies tend to be more generous than many specialty tile shops, offering additional peace of mind for buyers.

For installation support, many Lowe’s locations offer workshops on tile installation, and their website features numerous how-to guides specific to Style Selections backsplash products. This educational support significantly enhances the DIY-friendliness of these products.

The Final Assessment: Is Style Selections Right for Your Project?

After this comprehensive exploration of Style Selections backsplash options, the question remains: Is this the right choice for your specific project? The answer depends on several factors:

Style Selections Shines For:

• Budget-conscious renovators unwilling to compromise on style
• DIY installers seeking accessible installation methods
• Homeowners desiring design versatility with coordinated options
• Rental property improvements where value matters
• Quick-turnaround projects with limited lead time

The combination of accessibility, style diversity, and attainable pricing makes Style Selections backsplash an ideal solution for the vast majority of residential applications, delivering professional-looking results without requiring professional-level budgets.

Consider Alternatives When:

• You require highly specialized custom designs
• Your project involves extreme conditions beyond typical residential use
• You’re seeking the absolute premium tier of materials regardless of cost
• Your design requires unusual dimensions or formats not available in the line

Conclusion: Transforming Spaces Through Thoughtful Design

The walls behind our counters and fixtures represent blank canvases awaiting transformation. Style Selections backsplash options provide the tools to turn these utilitarian surfaces into design statements that elevate entire rooms while providing the practical protection these hardworking areas demand.

Whether you opt for the timeless appeal of ceramic subway tiles, the luminous depth of glass mosaics, or the revolutionary simplicity of peel-and-stick installations, Style Selections offers options that make professional-looking results accessible to everyone.

As kitchens and bathrooms continue their evolution from purely functional spaces to design-forward environments that express personality and style, the humble backsplash has emerged as a key player in this transformation. Style Selections has positioned itself perfectly at this intersection of form and function, delivering products that protect our homes while beautifying them, all at price points that respect our budgets.

Your home deserves thoughtful design elements that bring joy each time you interact with them. With Style Selections backsplash options, that designer look you’ve been dreaming of might be more attainable than you ever imagined.