Plain Sailing Speedwell vs Signal Black: Kitchen Splashback
By Decorum Studio Cornwall | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Comparisons
Compare the hand-decorated Plain Sailing Speedwell and Signal Black wall tiles for your kitchen splashback. Learn which suits bold color or classic contrast.
Quick answer
For a kitchen splashback, choose Plain Sailing Speedwell if you want a bold, cheerful blue that energizes the space. Choose Signal Black if you prefer a dramatic, grounding contrast that makes other colors pop. Both are hand-decorated in Cornwall, but they create very different moods.
Color and pattern: blue vs black
The Plain Sailing Speedwell tile is part of the Plain Sailing collection, which celebrates the full spectrum of Decorum's color palette. Its bright blue hue brings a fresh, coastal vibe to a kitchen, especially in a room with white cabinets or natural wood. The Signal Black tile, on the other hand, is a bold, hand-stencilled design that offers an organic texture. Its deep black color adds sophistication and can anchor a space with neutral tones.
Pattern-wise, the Plain Sailing tiles are individually hand-decorated in the Cornwall Studio, allowing you to create stripes or checkerboard patterns by mixing colors. The Signal Black tile's hand-stencilled finish gives each tile a unique, organic texture, which can make a splashback feel more artisanal and less uniform.
Practical considerations for a splashback
When choosing between these two, think about maintenance and lighting. A black splashback can show water spots and grease more easily, so be prepared for more frequent cleaning. A blue tile like Speedwell is more forgiving and can brighten a darker kitchen. Both are 13 x 13cm, a classic size that works well with standard grout lines and is easy to install.
Also consider the overall style: Speedwell is a full-color tile that can be mixed with other Plain Sailing colors for a playful look. Signal Black is a stencilled design that offers a more textured, organic feel. If you want a cohesive, bold statement, go with Speedwell; if you want a subtle, dramatic backdrop, choose Signal Black.
Trade-offs to consider
- Color impact: Speedwell's bright blue is eye-catching and can make a small kitchen feel larger and more airy. Signal Black's deep black is dramatic and can make a space feel more intimate. Choose Speedwell for brightness, Signal Black for moodiness.
- Maintenance: Black tiles may show water spots and fingerprints more easily on a splashback. Blue tiles are more forgiving and can hide everyday smudges. If low-maintenance is key, Speedwell is the safer bet.
- Pattern flexibility: Speedwell is a full-color tile that can be mixed with other Plain Sailing colors for stripes or checkerboards. Signal Black's stencilled texture is more uniform and works best as a solid statement. For playful patterns, go with Speedwell; for a consistent texture, choose Signal Black.
Product facts at a glance
- Plain Sailing Speedwell: Each tile has been individually hand decorated in our Cornwall Studio, highlighting the beautiful spectrum of our Decorum colour palette. Available on 13 x 13cm classic tile or 20x10cm brick. The hand-decorated finish means each tile has unique character, and the multiple size options let you customize the look of your splashback.
- Plain Sailing Black: A bold tile which is individually hand stencilled to give a more organic texture. Available on a choice of three base tiles. The hand-stencilled texture adds depth and a handcrafted feel, and the choice of base tiles lets you match the tone to your kitchen.
Which tile fits your kitchen?
Best for
- Homeowners who want a vibrant, coastal-inspired splashback that brightens the room.
- Those who enjoy mixing colors to create stripes or checkerboard patterns.
Not for
- If you prefer a subtle, understated backdrop, Speedwell may be too bold.
- If you want a low-maintenance surface that hides water spots, Signal Black might not be ideal.
