A black bathroom backsplash can add an elegant and dramatic vibe to your space. With the right design and materials, a dark backsplash can create a sophisticated look that stands out. In this article, we’ll explore ways to incorporate black backsplashes into your bathroom design and highlight the benefits this dramatic choice can provide.
Why Choose a Black Backsplash?
There are several reasons to consider using a black backsplash in your bathroom remodel or redesign:
Makes a Bold Statement
A black backsplash instantly grabs attention and makes a bold stylistic statement. The dark color creates contrast against other materials in the space, like light countertops or tile floors. This contrast catches the eye and accentuates the backsplash as a focal point.
Provides Sophisticated Elegance
Black has a luxurious, elegant appeal that can lend a spa-like feel. Paired with materials like marble, metal accents, and polished stone, a black backsplash exudes sophistication. The color also has a timeless appeal, avoiding trends for a classic look.
Visually Expands Space
Contrary to popular belief, dark colors like black don’t necessarily make a space feel smaller. A black backsplash can provide the illusion of depth, making a bathroom feel more expansive. The color also hides grime and water spots better than lighter materials.
Creates an Eye-Catching Accent
A black backsplash becomes an accent against lighter cabinetry, walls, and countertops. This contrast draws attention and can be leveraged to create a dramatic, artistic look. Use black to make a small section like behind the sink a striking focal feature.
Provides Flexible Design Options
Black is a versatile neutral that works with any style. Contemporary, modern, traditional, transitional, or eclectic – a black backsplash can complement them all. The color pairs well with any finish, from matte to high-gloss, and natural to vivid.
Popular Types of Black Backsplash Tile
There are lots of tiling options to create a black backsplash. Consider the following materials and looks:
Glass Tile
Glass tile comes in every color, providing limitless options for black backsplashes. Consider reflective, opaque, or frosted glass in mosaic sheets or small rectangular layouts. Use shimmering glass tiles to catch the light.
Metal Tile
Metal backsplashes make a seriously dramatic statement, especially when paired with black. Stainless steel, copper, bronze, and other metals create an avant-garde, industrial vibe. Choose metal tiles like tin ceiling panels or modern metallic mosaics.
Porcelain Tile
Matte black porcelain tiles have a sophisticated look reminiscent of slate. The non-reflective surface beautifully absorbs light and masks everyday bathroom grime. Porcelain is affordable, simple to install, and comes in many sizes and shapes.
Marble & Stone
Elegant marble, granite, soapstone, and other exotic stone varieties provide natural black backsplash options. Pair these with gold fixtures for a glamorous art deco style. Honed finishes hide fingerprints and water spots on black stones.
Mosaic Sheets
Black mosaic sheets make for an artsy backsplash option. Rectangular glass, ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles are mounted to mesh-like sheets, simplifying installation. Use mosaics to spell out words, names, or shapes for customization.
Design Ideas for a Black Backsplash
Approach your black backsplash design with creativity and purpose. Consider the following ideas:
Limit to a Focal Area
Using black only behind the sink or vanity keeps it an accent. Try glossy piano black glass tile in a small space to amplify the drama. Allow other areas to fade into the background with neutral tiles.
Blend With Walls
For a cohesive look, bring black tile onto the walls around counters or tubs. Use the same tile or bricks, or a floor-to-ceiling geometric, floral, or abstract design. Contrast with lighter wood or marble vanities.
Pair With Contrasting Materials
While black matches almost everything, go for bold by pairing it with white, gray, wood, or gold. For example, combine black glass subway tile with white grout and carrara marble counters. Let each element shine.
Use Specialty Shapes
Mosaic sheets, fishscale tiles, mini bricks, hexagons, and other specialty shapes add interest. Use dimensional tiles like 3D cubes or curved pieces to make the backsplash pop. Stick to matte finishes to avoid looking busy.
Incorporate Metallics
Warm up black with metallics like brass for an industrial feel. Try hammered copper sinks, gold faucets, bronze sconces, or silver mirrors against the dark backdrop. A little metallic goes a long way.
Considerations for a Black Backsplash
A black backsplash requires some special considerations during planning and installation. Keep the following in mind:
Lighting is Crucial
Proper lighting keeps a black backsplash from feeling too dark and dreary. Use ample overhead lighting, sconces, and vanity lighting. Light tiles directly to create a shimmering effect. Natural light can also illuminate black surfaces.
Take Grout Color Into Account
Lighter grout like white or gray prevents black tiles from blending together. But darker grout like charcoal highlights each tile and looks more seamless. Consider the tile size and design when choosing grout.
Prepare the Surface Properly
Black shows every imperfection. Make sure underlying walls are smooth and flawless before installing tile. Remove wallpaper, fill holes with spackle, and sand. Primer and paint help create an evenly colored base.
Use Dark Caulk
Regular white or clear caulk will stand out. Use black or dark gray caulk that matches the grout, especially around sinks, faucets, soap dispensers, and mirrors. This finishing touch keeps the look refined.
Establish a Focal Point
Don’t let the black backsplash fade into the background. Make it a focal feature by highlighting the area with lighting or metallic accents. Use an intricate design or specialty shape tile to draw the eye.
Clean Regularly
Black tile shows water spots, toothpaste, soap scum, and grime. Establish a regular cleaning routine using a squeegee, soft cloth, and mild cleaner. Take care of spills quickly before they have a chance to set.
Stylish Black Backsplash Inspiration
Here are some stunning ways to implement a black backsplash and maximize the drama:
Geometric Drama
Make a geometric or tiled pattern the star with glossy black and white penny tiles or hexagons. Pair with rough wood shelves and black framed mirrors for contrast. Add pops of gold.
Geometric black and white penny tile backsplash makes a dramatic statement. Source
Modern Marble
Pair matte black marble subway tiles with white marble counters for an elegant look. Use black grout for a seamless effect. Include black wood or metal accents and gold detailing.
Matte black marble backsplash and white counters create an elegant modern look. Source
Luxe Metal
Make metallic the star. Use a layered mix of gold, brass, and black metal tiles for an avant-garde look. Include black stone counters and modern gold fixtures.
Mixed metal tiles in black, brass, and gold create a glamorous backsplash. Source
Honed Stone
Use rectangular honed black slate tiles laid in a brick pattern combined with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and detailing for an earthy spa bath.
Honed slate black tile backsplash provides natural drama. Source
Choosing Grout and Accents
When designing your backsplash, don’t forget about grout and accents. These finishing touches can make or break the look.
Grout Considerations
Choosing the right grout color requires balancing the goals of making the tile color pop while also minimizing visible grime.
- White or light gray grout contrasts with black tile, but shows dirt easily.
- Dark gray or black grout blends better but can cause tiles to look murky.
- Colored grout like navy can complement black for a unique look.
Consider matte vs. glossy grout finishes based on the tile texture. Finally, use a grout sealer to protect porous grout against stains.
Metal Finishes
Metallics pair beautifully with black backsplashes. Go for bold contrasts or matching finishes:
- Oil-rubbed bronze has an earthy appeal against black stone tile.
- Polished chrome pops against black glass or porcelain tile.
- Modern black stainless steel feels seamless and matches a black mosaic backsplash.
- Aged brass or copper provide warmth.
Drama With Decor
Take the look even further with coordinating decor:
- Black and white art, floral arrangements, and ceramics reinforce the color scheme.
- Candles, cotton balls, soaps, and accessories in black and white keep the look cohesive.
- Glass vases, jars, and bottles add gleam and shine.
Benefits of a Black Backsplash
Let’s recap the many benefits of choosing a black backsplash for your bathroom redesign:
- Makes a bold stylistic statement
- Provides sophisticated elegance
- Visually expands smaller spaces
- Becomes an eye-catching focal point
- Matches any decor style
- Easily dresses up backsplash area
- Creates contrast with countertops and cabinetry
- Masks water spots and grime
- Options from tile, marble, glass, metal, and stone
- Pairs well with gold, wood, white, and gray
- Endless design possibilities for shapes and patterns
Final Thoughts
A black backsplash can instantly amplify the drama and elegance in your bathroom. Use high contrast, pops of metallic, specialty shape tile, creative patterns and textures to make this dark choice come alive. Tailor the finish and grout to complement your black backsplash tile and overall decor.
With the right materials, lighting, accents, and care, a black backsplash adds an artistic, spa-worthy flair. So embrace the dark side and take your bathroom design to daring new heights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Bathroom Backsplashes
Considering a black backsplash in your bathroom remodel? Here are answers to some common questions about choosing and installing this dramatic design element.
Is a black backsplash harder to keep clean?
Black backsplashes are prone to showing water spots, toothpaste, and other grime. Minimize this by using less porous tile, applying a grout sealer, and cleaning regularly. Matte or honed finishes hide dirt better than glossy tile. Proper lighting also helps hide imperfections.
What color cabinets go well with a black backsplash?
Black backsplashes pair beautifully with white, gray, or wood cabinetry. The contrast creates a striking look. For contemporary designs, combine with black stained wood or matte black cabinets. Avoid matching black cabinets and backsplashes, which could feel dark and closed-in.
Should I choose black grout or white grout?
It’s an aesthetic choice. White or light gray grout provides contrast that makes black tiles pop but shows dirt readily. Black or dark gray grout hides grime better but can cause dark tiles to look murky. Consider the tile design and finish when deciding on grout color.
What kind of tile works best for black backsplashes?
It depends on your desired look and budget. Ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, glass, and metal tile all come in black options. Porcelain is affordable and hides water well. Marble, glass, and metal create a more high-end, glamorous look. Mosaics make a big visual impact.
What color cabinets and countertops work with a black backsplash?
White, gray, wood, and even black cabinets complement a black backsplash. Pair with white, gray, or patterned countertops for contrast. Butcher block, concrete, or black granite counters also coordinate beautifully. Avoid pairing a black backsplash with red, yellow, or vibrant cabinets and counters.
How do I highlight a black backsplash?
Use proper lighting like built-in vanity lighting, sconces, and overhead fixtures to illuminate the backsplash area. Choose specialty shape tile, metallic accents, or an intricate mosaic pattern to attract attention. Layer lighting, warm metals, marble, and glossy materials against the black.
Should I take grout color into consideration?
Yes, grout color impacts the overall look. White or gray grout contrasts with black tile but shows dirt. Black or dark gray grout hides grime better but can make tile look dark and muddy. Colored or metallic grout offers creative alternatives to traditional white.
How do I prevent a black backsplash from feeling too dark?
Proper lighting is key for preventing a black backsplash from feeling dreary or closed-in. Use glossy tile to reflect light. Incorporate contrasts like white counters and cabinets. Extend tile to the walls and ceilings. Finally, keep the shower and floor tile light.
What kind of wall color goes well with a black backsplash?
Because the backsplash stands out, keep surrounding walls light to medium in tone. Gray, beige, light blue, and taupe work well. Paint or wallpaper a single accent wall in a coordinating pattern or color for a focal point. Avoid matching black walls and backsplash.
What about dark grout vs. light grout with black tile?
Again, this depends on the look you want. White or gray grout creates separation between the tiles but shows dirt quickly. Black or dark gray grout hides grime better but causes the tiles to blend together more. Consider tile size, texture, and finish when choosing grout.