Optimal Height for Tiled Upsstands: Industry Experts Share Insights for Each Room
In kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, a tiled upstand is an essential element for managing moisture levels and providing splash protection. A practical choice for smaller areas like sinks in bathrooms is a 30cm height, while in more utilitarian spaces, larger porcelain tiles can be a low-maintenance option [1].
For wet areas like bathrooms, a 100mm to 150mm tiled upstand is standard to prevent water ingress and damage to walls. Similarly, utility rooms follow similar guidelines as kitchens for protecting surfaces from splashes [2].
The height of a tiled upstand should sufficiently prevent water from reaching the wall behind the worktop or basin but also harmonize aesthetically with cabinetry and other fittings [3]. In compact kitchens and small bathrooms, taller upstands can maximize utility without overwhelming the space [1].
If the space is a little-used area, a single larger porcelain tile can be used to cover the whole area needing protection, especially in high-dirt areas [2]. For minimal upstands, diagonal metro white tiles are perfect due to their classic brick shape [1].
In bathrooms, using wallpaper in conjunction with a tiled upstand can be an aesthetic choice to showcase a specific color, finish, or pattern. Zellige tiles, inspired by handcrafted Moroccan Zellige tiles, add vibrant color to any space and are durable ceramic subway tiles [2].
In a kitchen, a typical height for an upstand is 10-15cm, but it may be extended to the base of overhead cupboards for a cohesive finish [1]. Glazed ceramic trim tiles in dove white are suitable for finishing a white kitchen or bathroom upstand [1].
If you're looking to go beyond traditional tiled upstands, alternatives include extending marble or quartz worktops partway up the wall, using mirrored glass, or pairing materials like stone worktops with decorative tiles [1].
Colin Lincoln-Evans, the Head of Buying at Tile Mountain, a leading UK-based tile retailer, emphasizes the importance of choosing the right tiled upstand height for practicality and aesthetics. Rob Whitaker, the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Claybrook Studio, a London-based company specializing in innovative tile and bathroom designs, recommends using smaller tiles or a glazed mosaic for the tiled upstand to avoid a visually top-heavy appearance [1].
Horizontal tiles with a deep puddle glaze and high gloss finish are suitable for tiled upstands. Vertical porcelain tiles with white and deep plum veins can be used for both kitchens and bathrooms [2]. Mosaic tile sheets are flexible, easy to cut, and extremely versatile, making them ideal for DIY upstands [1].
References: [1] Tile Mountain (2021). Tile Upstands: What Are They and How to Install Them. [online] Available at: https://www.tilemountain.co.uk/blog/tile-upstands-what-are-they-and-how-to-install-them
[2] Whitaker, R. (2021). Tile Trends for 2022. [online] Available at: https://claybrookstudio.com/blogs/news/tile-trends-for-2022
[3] Lincoln-Evans, C. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to Tiled Splashbacks. [online] Available at: https://www.tilemountain.co.uk/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-tiled-splashbacks-2020
- In Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, a tiled upstand is crucial for managing moisture levels, providing splash protection, and following design guidelines [1].
- For compact kitchens and small bathrooms, taller upstands can maximize utility without overwhelming the space [1].
- A practical choice for smaller areas like sinks in bathrooms is a 30cm height, while in more utilitarian spaces, larger porcelain tiles can be a low-maintenance option [1].
- In wet areas like bathrooms, a standard 100mm to 150mm tiled upstand is used to prevent water ingress and damage to walls [2].
- Using wallpaper in conjunction with a tiled upstand in bathrooms can be an aesthetic choice to showcase a specific color, finish, or pattern [2].
- In a kitchen, the typical height for an upstand is 10-15cm, but it may be extended to the base of overhead cupboards for a cohesive finish [1].
- If you're looking to go beyond traditional tiled upstands, alternatives include extending marble or quartz worktops partway up the wall, using mirrored glass, or pairing materials like stone worktops with decorative tiles [1].
- When planning a home project involving interior design, lifestyle, home-and-garden updates, always consider the practical and aesthetic aspects of tiled upstands, as advised by experts like Colin Lincoln-Evans and Rob Whitaker [1, 2, 3].
