Marble countertops can add a touch of luxury and elegance to any kitchen. However, without the proper backsplash, the beauty of the marble can be lost. Choosing the right backsplash to complement marble countertops is key to creating a cohesive and eye-catching kitchen design. There are many stunning options for backsplashes that work well with marble countertops. In this article, we will explore beautiful backsplash designs for marble countertops to inspire your next kitchen remodel.
What to Consider When Choosing a Marble Backsplash
When selecting a backsplash for marble countertops, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
Color
Picking a backsplash color that complements the veining and tone of the marble is key. Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray almost always look beautiful with marble. Bold colors like navy or emerald green can also make for striking combinations. Just be sure to pick up on any subtle coloring in the marble.
Texture
Look for backsplashes with visual depth and interest. Materials like subway tile, stone, or metal backsplashes pair nicely with the smooth elegance of marble. Mixing glossy and matte textures also helps highlight the marble’s natural patterning.
Style
Look for backsplash designs that match the style of the marble counters and your overall kitchen aesthetic. For modernkitchens, sleek styles like subway tile or stainless steel backsplashes work well. In old world kitchens, classic materials like marble subway tiles or travertine add character.
Durability
Marble is delicate and prone to stains, so use a backsplash that can handle water splashes and daily wear and tear. Ceramic tile, metal, stone, and glass backsplash tiles are all durable options.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose a backsplash design that enhances the timeless beauty of your marble countertops.
Stunning Backsplash Ideas for Marble Countertops
Here are some gorgeous backsplash designs that pair beautifully with marble countertops:
Subway Tile
Subway tile remains one of the most popular and versatile backsplashes for marble countertops. The simplicity of white subway tile allows the marble to take center stage. Subway tile comes in so many colors and patterns that you can find an option that fits any kitchen’s style. Use varying sizes of subway tiles or add decorative trim for extra interest.
Photo by The Heart Dept on Unsplash
Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, and slate beautifully echo marble counters while providing eye-catching texture. Keep things classic with a marble subway tile backsplash or go bold with large-format stone tiles. Mixing different stone materials, finishes (honed, polished, tumbled), and colors creates depth and interest.
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
Metal Backsplash
For contemporary kitchens, metal backsplashes like stainless steel, copper, or zinc pair beautifully with marble’s elegant vibe. Get creative by combining metal panels or tiles with glass, stone, or ceramic accents. The reflective surface of metals highlighting marble’s depth and movement.
Photo by Reena C Design on Unsplash
Glass Tile
Glass backsplashes add a contemporary, sleek vibe alongside marble. Subway-style glass tiles are popular, but large-format glass mosaic tiles can create captivating patterns. The glossiness plays well against the marble texture while the color accentuates the marble tones. Use care with upkeep as both marble and glass can stain.
Photo by Keira Burton on Unsplash
Brick Backsplash
For an edgy, rustic vibe, brick backsplashes paired with marble counters strike the perfect balance between refined and raw. Use reclaimed brick or new thin brick tiles for easier installation. Keep the look clean by limiting other textures and accessorizing with black hardware and fixtures.
Photo by Marcin Jozwiak on Unsplash
Moroccan Tile
For an exotic, glamorous vibe, colorful Moroccan-style tiles paired with marble counters can create a bold, vibrant look. Use intricate patterned mosaic tiles or vividly painted encaustic cement tiles. Finish the space with gilded fixtures, dramatic lighting, and plants for a luxe, Moroccan-inspired oasis.
Photo by Daniel Barcafa on Unsplash
Wood Backsplash
For a natural, organic look, wood finishes like reclaimed barnwood or cedar planks complement marble’s veining in an earthy way. Distressed gray-washed wood has a modern farmhouse vibe, while rich walnut makes a luxe statement. Keep the rest of the kitchen design simple to let the marble and wood textures shine.
Photo by Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash
Design Tips for Pairing Backsplashes with Marble Countertops
When designing your kitchen backsplash to match marble countertops, keep these tips in mind:
- Pick a backsplash color that has tones matching the marble’s background color and veining. A range of neutrals like white, gray, taupe, and beige are safe choices.
- Vary the backsplash texture – marble’s smooth polish looks great against rougher materials like stone tile, brick, or wood.
- Incorporate some movement in the backsplash design. Subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern or slim 3D tiles create visual intricacy against solid marble.
- Consider overlapping materials, like combining metal and stone mosaic tiles, using marble inserts within a brick backsplash, or floating wood shelves over subway tile. The contrast showcases the marble.
- Extend the backsplash up surrounding walls, across range hoods, or even onto ceiling accents to make it a focal point with the marble counters.
- Use dark metal finishes like matte black or oil-rubbed bronze for fixtures, faucets, and hardware to define the marble against the backsplash.
- Add warmth with natural elements like rattan pendants, wicker baskets, fresh flowers, and plants to soften the cold marble and sleek backsplash materials.
Following these guidelines while browsing backsplash inspiration photos will lead you to the perfect backsplash design for your marble countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about pairing backsplashes with marble countertops:
What backsplash goes best with Carrara marble countertops?
For classic white Carrara marble, simple white subway tile, marble herringbone tile, or metal tiles in stainless steel or nickel provide an elegant, timeless backsplash.
What tile color looks good with grey marble countertops?
Light greys like silver travertine or gray penny rounds pair nicely with gray marble counters, as do subtle green or blue glass tiles that pick up veining in the marble. Crisp white subway tiles also look great.
Can you put marble backsplash with marble countertops?
Using marble for both the backsplash and countertops can look phenomenal. Just be sure the two marbles work together in terms of color and pattern. A heavily veined backsplash marble with more subtle countertops can create visual interest.
What backsplash goes with Emperador marble countertops?
The swirling colors and patterns of Emperador marble look stunning against a stark white, sleek subway tile backsplash. White allows the striking marble to stand out.
What size tile is best for kitchen backsplash with marble countertops?
With marble countertops, we recommend using subway tiles or medium-sized tiles like 4-6 inches for the backsplash. The small to medium scale creates a mosaic effect that complements the veining of the marble. Avoid very large tiles or granite slabs.
Is tile or quartz better for backsplash with marble countertops?
Tile is generally better than a quartz slab backsplash with marble countertops. Natural stone tiles like marble or travertine complement marble well, while ceramic or porcelain tiles provide more versatility in colors, patterns, and textures to pair with the marble counters.
Enhance Your Marble Countertops With the Perfect Backsplash
With so many gorgeous options, from sleek subway tiles to opulent Moroccan mosaics, finding the ideal backsplash design for your marble countertops is an exciting process. Remember to look for backsplash materials, colors, and textures that accentuate the specific veining and tones of your marble counters. Use combinations of tiles, patterns, metals, and other materials to add visual intrigue. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Picking a statement backsplash that reflects your personal style will help you get the most beauty out of your elegant marble countertops.