A light colored backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen by creating a bright and fresh atmosphere. With so many options for materials, colors, and designs, it can be overwhelming trying to settle on the perfect backsplash. By considering your goals for the space, layout, and style, you can narrow down your choices to find the ideal light colored backsplash to give your kitchen a breath of fresh air.
Benefits of a Light Colored Backsplash
There are many great reasons to choose a lighter backsplash for your kitchen remodel or redesign:
- Brightens the space – Light reflects more than dark colors, so a light backsplash will bounce light around and make the entire kitchen appear larger and more open. This effect is especially noticeable if you have a small or windowless kitchen.
- Creates a fresh look – Light colored backsplashes have a clean, crisp appearance that feels new and updated. It’s an easy way to give a fresh facelift to an outdated kitchen.
- Enhances other features – Lighter colors showcase your countertops, floors, cabinets, and decor more than a dark backsplash does. The light color allows the other elements in the kitchen to pop.
- Adds visual interest – While neutral, light backsplashes still provide an opportunity to add texture, patterns, or designs for visual flair.
- Easy to keep clean – Light colors like white or off-white hide cooking messes and are easier to keep looking new compared to darker backsplash materials.
Popular Choices for Light Colored Backsplashes
If you’ve decided to go with a lighter palette for your backsplash, you’ll next want to select the right material and color. Here are some of the most popular options:
White Subway Tile
White 3×6 subway tile is a classic choice that immediately evokes vintage charm. The rectangular shape and clean white color are timeless. Useglossy tile for a bright and sleek contemporary feel or go with a matte finish for an understated look. Subway tiles are affordable, easy to install, and durable.
White Marble or Quartz
For a luxurious appearance, natural stone like Carrara marble or white quartz are stunning. The veining in the marble or pattern in the quartz add depth and visual texture. These stones brighten the space while still feeling upscale. They do come at a higher price point than ceramic or porcelain tiles.
White Pennny Round Tile
White penny tiles are another vintage-inspired option, though they have a more playful vibe than subway tile. The small round tiles reflect light in a unique way to create movement and interest. Penny tiles involve a bit more installation work than other tile shapes but deliver tons of charm.
White Hexagon Tile
The six-sided hexagon shape interlocks to form a futuristic-looking pattern when used in white. Mixing in a few pastel blue, green, or yellow tiles increases the pop. White hexagon tile has a mod, eye-catching appeal that pairs well with contemporary kitchens.
White Brick or Shiplap
For a farmhouse feel, white brick backsplash or shiplap boards add rustic character. The white color keeps it fresh while the material and lines lend reclaimed style. This is an easy way to get the chippy, vintage warehouse look in a sleek and clean way.
White Glass Tile
Glass tile provides reflective depth, shine, and visual texture. The glass material comes in a range of shades like frosted white, milky white, or opal white. The translucency bounces light beautifully. Glass tile can be arranged in intricate patterns but has a modern vibe even in solid white.
How to Pick the Best White or Light Color for Your Space
Choosing between different shades of white or light colors for your backsplash is an important decision that impacts the whole look and feel of the kitchen. Here are tips for selecting the right light color:
- Undertones matter – Cool whites with blue undertones like alabaster or ice white read very differently than warm whites with yellow, red, or orange undertones such as cream, ivory, or pearl.
- Lighting is key – View tile or material samples at different times of day and under incandescent as well as fluorescent lighting to see how the color shifts.
- Natural light – North-facing rooms may need a warmer white to prevent a clinical appearance, while south-facing rooms can handle cooler hues.
- Cabinet color – Lighter cabinets pair better with crisp, bright whites. Darker cabinetry looks better with warm off-whites to prevent too much contrast.
- Personal preference – Some people prefer the sterile look of a cool white. Others find it harsh and are drawn to warm whites that feel cozy.
- Future plans – Will you be changing out cabinets or countertops soon? Pick a versatile white that will still coordinate.
Backsplash Design Ideas to Showcase Light Colors
Putting thought into the backsplash design ensures your light colored backsplash has maximum visual impact. Here are design ideas to consider:
All Over Color
Covering the entire backsplash surface in your light color of choice creates a seamless, unifying effect. This approach works especially well in small spaces or with subway tiles and shiplap planks. The light color makes the space feel open and airy.
Focal Point Sections
Use the backsplash as a focal point by creating a section with your light colored tile or material. For example, cover the area behind the stove or sink in a light brick or marble subway tile, keeping the other sections neutral. This draws attention to the area.
Geometric Patterns
Add modern flair with a geometric mosaic tile design in light colors. Thin grout lines in dark gray define the mosaic shapes. Mixing triangular, square, hexagonal, or circular mosaics adds cool architectural interest. Geometric patterns feel current and cutting edge.
Mixing Tiles
Using two or more complementary light tiles in varying shapes creates appealing combinations. Pair white subway tile with marble herringbone mosaic or combine glossy and matte white tiles. Offsetting the tile layout prevents monotonous rows.
Accent Stripes
Jazz up all white tiles by adding thin accent stripes of pastel color. Soft sage green, powder blue, or daffodil yellow stripes bring in just a pop of color vertically, horizontally, or diagonally across the backsplash.
Shape and Material Mixing
Mixing up shapes and materials like pairing white marble hexagon tile with rectangular white ceramic subway tile produces an eclectic effect. The random combinations of shapes and textures keep it from feeling monotonous.
Light Colored Backsplash Ideas for Common Kitchen Layouts
Certain backsplash designs and materials work especially well for specific kitchen layouts and configurations:
Galley Kitchen Backsplashes
Galley kitchens are long and narrow, so utilize subway tiles or planks to make the space appear wider and less cramped. Running the tile vertically also draws the eye up to counteract the confined feel. Stick to all white or extremely minimal color accents.
Island Kitchen Backsplashes
Since the island is the focal point in an island kitchen, choose eye-catching backsplash tile to highlight it. Geometric mosaics, marble hexagons, or a combination of white tiles create interest specifically around the island area.
Open Kitchen Backsplashes
In wide open floor plans with a visible kitchen, the backsplash takes on decorative significance. Use shaped tiles or mosaics to create a focal backsplash that anchors the open kitchen within the larger space.
Small Kitchen Backsplashes
Small kitchens need lighter colors like white to prevent a cramped feeling. Clean lined subway tile, continuous shiplap, or uninterrupted white quartz backsplashes open up tiny kitchens. Avoid dark grout colors and limit messy mosaic designs in tight spaces.
The Final Touches: Light Backsplash Accessories
Finish off your light colored backsplash with perfect complementary accessories:
- Floating corner shelves in white provide decorative function.
- Open shelving and glass front cabinets keep everything light and airy.
- Undercabinet lighting highlights and illuminates the backsplash.
- Large format artwork or framed mirrors expand the look.
- White kitchen tools, appliances, and decor prevent color interruption.
- Green leafy plants, flowers, and fruit add organic pops of color.
- White dishes displayed in open shelves continue the bright and fresh vibe.
FAQs About Light Colored Backsplashes
Still have some questions about choosing the perfect light colored backsplash? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How durable are light colored backsplashes?
Lighter solid surface materials like ceramic, porcelain, marble, and granite are very durable, stain-resistant, and water-resistant. Glass tile is prone to chipping if hit directly but holds up well otherwise. Natural materials add character as they age.
Do light backsplashes show dirt and grime?
They can, but lighter colors show messes less than darker finishes.Daily maintenance like wiping up spills quickly prevents staining. Many popular backsplash materials are non-porous and resist absorbing stains and moisture.
Should I seal a light backsplash?
Natural stone materials need sealing to prevent staining and increase water resistance. Marble and grout need regular sealing. Porcelain and glass do not require sealing. Always seal a backsplash according to the manufacturer’s directions.
How do I cut light tiles?
Use a wet saw with a diamond blade designed for ceramic, porcelain, or glass to get clean cuts. A snap tile cutter works for straight cuts in small rectangular subway tile. Use a grinder for detailedcontour cuts. Go slowly to prevent cracking tiles.
How do I clean and care for a light backsplash?
Ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. For marble, avoid abrasive cleaners and acidic products which can etch the surface. Seal marble regularly. Always spot test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.
Achieve a Light and Fresh Kitchen with the Perfect Backsplash
Choosing a light colored backsplash is one of the simplest ways to instantly give your kitchen a fresh, clean look. With so many light material and color options available, take your time considering the ambiance you want to achieve, your own personal taste, and how the light backsplash will pair with the rest of your kitchen design. Then select the perfect tile, stone, or paneling to create your bright and beautiful ideal space. Let the light shine in!