How can I create a cheap backsplash for a rental?

Hi Kelly, I would end it at the end of the cabinet or you could go at a slant angle from the cabinet to the end of the counter which would look nice. The cheapest backsplash would be using paint and a stencil. There are so many nice stencils now. They also make a peel and stick backsplash that you can remove with a blow dryer. You can get it online or at home improvement stores like lowes or home depot.

If you're permitted to paint, do the wall above stove, and to the left, ending below cabinet edge, then cover with glass, adhering it to the wall with mirror clips, set into anchors.

I used peel and stick wallpaper for my backsplash. It's budget friendly and perfect for renters, as it is removable. http://beautyforasheshome.com/faux-subway-tile-backsplash/

Peel-N-Stick!!! Many designs and comes right off!

We lived in military housing for many years and I use clear contact paper to prevent stains on the walls. Easy to clean or remove and replace.

cheapest is paint. Lots of people are saying peel and stick faux tile backsplash but I have done that and those are kinda pricey. Advantage of peel and stick is ease of installation and removal. If you decide to go that route make sure your wall is very very clean before attempting to install. If you paint that wall first—paint the same color as the “grout” in your peel and stick tile so and minor gaps will not show, and wait 30 days after you applied the final coat of paint before attempting to adhere the “tiles.” If you own the rental you could use subway tile especially if you feel competent enough to do it yourself. Subway tiles are really “in” right now and they cost very very little. It is probably less expensive to use subway tile with a stripe of the more expensive tile than to use peel and stick. End your tile at cabinet. I’ve seen it done to the counter and that always seems strange unless you are taking the tile to the ceiling in that whole area.

If you are the renter, ask your landlord/management company if you can put one up. Have a picture of what you want to put up and he may let you do it if he thinks it will up to rentability of the unit. If no go and they allow you to put up pictures, you could make a thinnish board to fit and put the backsplash you want on it and use screws to Mount it on the wall. You can take it down and take it with you when you move again. I put up plexiglass as a backsplash behind the stove in one house I lived in and it worked great, too.

Paint, wallpaper, peel & stick or bead board.

You can buy tin ceiling tiles in many different colors. Or buy white and paint the design the color of your choice or use different colors. Then install using command strips. They come 18” tall so no cutting necessary.

This is similar to what I’ve purchasss before. Comes in 60 colors. It says nails but command strips would work.

https://www.metalceilingexpress.com/metal-ceiling-tiles/pattern-119b-classic-mini-diamond-backsplash

I would go to Habitat for Humanity and pick up some cheap tile. They have beautiful tiles there from leftover contract jobs. Then you can put it up and forget it for years.

Contact paper/peel and stick. I have one that looks like marble and very washable. $2 to $5 dollars a roll.

My favorite economical and removable backsplash is

a mirror. You can find them at most stores like target and Walmart.

They are easily cleaned and reflect light, brightening up your kitchen.

Hi, Paint - wallpaper - Sticky Tiles - Stencil - Newsprint etc.

I don't look at other folk's answers so I may be repeating an answer. I would have the tile, etc installed above the entire counter top. You may be surprised how economical you could do a tile back splash. Even Home Depot and Lowe's have

economical deals on tile or Liquidation Stores.That being said--I always wanted to try some of those old fashioned metal tiles that stick on that come in silver, copper, etc. Good luck!

Contact Paper! Just peel it off when you leave, or when you get tired of the color/pattern. It's fun and easy! Change it every month if you want to...I do it about every 3 months or so....!

Do speak to your landlord! If there is no backsplash at all, it really needs one. Offer to do the work yourselves if they pay for the materials. I've done this many times and all landlords have said, "OK! Thanks for doing the work for me!"

Hi Kelly, I used some large peel and stick wall stickers I found at Dollar Tree. They're wipe clean and easily removable. It's here on Hometalk:

www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/backsplashes/adding-colour-and-pattern-to-a-painted-back-splash-31835569