Forget Tile Backsplashes: Erin Napier's Affordable Way To Add Vintage Charm

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A tiled backsplash is a practical choice, but if you want to wow guests with your kitchen design, why not try something a bit more unexpected? From unconventional materials to eye-catching finishes, there are plenty of alternative kitchen backsplash ideas that can make a statement. If you're after something unique, stylish, and infused with vintage charm, a mercury glass-effect backsplash could be right up your alley.

Also known as silvered glass, mercury glass is a decorative style in which the mirror is clouded and features speckled age spots for a distressed, vintage effect. It comes with designer approval, too: HGTV star Erin Napier used the idea in Season 3, Episode 10 of "Home Town." Discussing the design plans with the homeowners, Napier emphasizes that backsplashes don't have to be tile. "Tile is cool, but we can use glass," she says. "We can make it unexpected, and then it's more personal that way."

Real mercury glass backsplashes can be pricey, but luckily, it costs very little to DIY. The biggest expense is the glass, which has to be made to order so it fits your desired wall area. After that, all that's needed to create the mercury glass effect is mirror silver spray paint, vinegar, and water. Those additional supplies should cost less than $20.

Backsplashes need to be durable, so you'll need to make sure you choose the right glass for this DIY. For made-to-measure glass sheet kitchen backsplashes, you can expect to pay between $10 and $60 per square foot, depending on the type and finish you choose. Erin Napier opted for reclaimed glass instead of new glass, which can help keep costs down. However, you could also just cover a small section of your kitchen wall, such as the area behind the stove or coffee station, if your budget is tight.

Both annealed and tempered glass are suitable, although tempered is more durable, especially when it comes to withstanding heat. This is particularly important if you plan to install your backsplash behind a stove. In terms of thickness, you should aim for ¼ inch or more to ensure durability, but be aware that the extra weight of thicker glass sheets may require stronger wall reinforcement.

Installation of the glass itself can be done yourself by gluing the slab to the drywall with silicone and then caulking the edges. That said, you may want to consider hiring a professional to avoid scratching or cracking your panel. Labor costs for installation will typically be around $80 to $120, and the job generally takes about two hours.

Once you have your glass panel, you can start the mercury effect DIY. The HGTV designer began by spraying the back of the glass panel with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water. This acidic solution will effectively mingle with the spray paint, preventing it from drying evenly on the glass and creating cloudy spots.

Immediately after applying the vinegar solution, spray your glass with several thin coats of mirror-effect paint, such as Krylon's Looking Glass Silver-Like Aerosol Spray. This will interact with the vinegar droplets on contact. Some sources online suggest using the spray paint first, followed by the vinegar solution. Regardless, both methods are effective. Just be sure to dab the vinegar residue one the paint is dry and install the glass slab with the painted side against the wall to prevent it from wearing. And there you have it — a kitchen backsplash that's bound to get guests talking.

Since this DIY creates an aged glass effect, it works especially well in kitchens with a vintage feel. Consider pairing it with distressed kitchen cabinets, which can be done by sanding down painted fronts. Or, follow Napier's lead and complement the look with brass vintage-style door hardware.