The kitchen backsplash is often an overlooked area in kitchen design, but it can have a huge visual impact and serves as a blank canvas to add style, color, texture and shine. While classic white subway tile is a popular backsplash choice, metal accents and statement tile designs are an on-trend way to transform the backsplash into a stunning focal point. From bold geometric shapes to intricate metal medallions, a metal and tile backsplash provides a dose of contemporary style and makes the kitchen feel luxe and elegant.
Why Choose a Metal and Tile Backsplash?
There are many benefits to choosing metal and tile for your kitchen backsplash design:
- Adds Visual Interest – The gleam, shine and texture of metal paired with the color and pattern of tile creates eye-catching contrast and brings high-end style to the space. Metal finishes like brushed brass, matte black and polished nickel reflect light beautifully.
- Provides Focal Point – The backsplash is centered on the wall behind the stove and sink, making it a natural spot to highlight. Metal and tile command attention in this prime location.
- Easy to Clean – Tile and metal are very durable, non-porous materials that can be easily wiped down. This is essential for a high-use area prone to grease splatters.
- Long-Lasting – Quality metal and tile materials are very resilient and will maintain their beauty for many years to come with proper care. This makes them a smart long-term investment.
- Design Flexibility – With the wide range of tile shapes, colors and patterns combined with many metal finish options, it’s easy to find or create a completely custom look.
Popular Metal Finishes for Backsplashes
From warm and refined to cool and modern, metal finishes offer endless possibilities to match any style. Here are some of the most popular metal finishes for backsplashes:
Brushed Brass
Warm glowing brass with a softly brushed finish beautifully reflects light. It has an elegant, timeless look and works with many kitchen styles from traditional to contemporary.
Matte Black
For a super sophisticated, modern look, black metal in a matte finish is hard to beat. It has an edgy, urban vibe and pops against both light and colorful backsplashes.
Polished Nickel
Nickel has a soft silvery sheen when polished that gives an airy, neat and tidy feel. It matches well with pastels, marble and ceramic tile.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
With vintage appeal, the dark brown color and patina-like finish of oil-rubbed bronze adds a handsome rustic touch and works well in craftsman or farmhouse kitchens.
Stainless Steel
A contemporary classic, stainless steel has a sleek, neutral look and bright shine. Often used for appliances, it coordinates well with other metallics like nickel and chrome.
Aged Copper
Natural looking brushed copper with verdigris patina has an antiqued timeworn appearance with green and brown undertones for an earthy rustic vibe.
Gold
For seriously glamorous dazzle, gold metal tile or accents add luxury. Go for shiny polished gold or experiment with rose gold for a warm, unique look.
Unique Statement Tile Designs
While classic white subway tile is simple and versatile, unique statement tile offers so many creative ways to make your backsplash one-of-a-kind. Here are some top trending statement tile design ideas:
Geometric Tile
From triangles and diamonds to octagons and hexagons, geometric tile patterns create visual texture and interest. Pairing glossy colors like navy blue or emerald green with brass accents energizes the space.
Herringbone
A classic pattern that adds subtle dimension, herringbone tile arrangement works with any color scheme. Extending the herringbone pattern vertically up the wall as banding with metal trim on the edges looks bold and tailored.
Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
Sometimes called mermaid scale tile, the reflective circular fish scale design in glossy colors like turquoise imparts a global, glam vibe perfect for Bohemian or exotic kitchens.
Retroinspired Tile
Channel a retro diner or post-war aesthetic with fun curving geometric shapes, 1951 arrow designs or vibrant retro color combinations like tomato red, turquoise and sunny yellow with black, white or chrome metal accents.
Handmade Encaustic Cement Tile
With an Old World artisanal look, encaustic cement tile comes in graphic patterns and vivid colors made to last. Use in focal areas or a full backsplash for artsy rustic warmth.
Mosaic Tile
A collage of tiny tiles in different colors, shapes and textures create lively mosaic designs. Mixing glass and stone together adds more dimension and sheen. Great for making a customized focal medallion.
Integrating Metal Accents
To make the backsplash really shine, strategically incorporating metal accents can take the design to the next level. Here’s how to elegantly integrate metal:
Metallic Trim
Framing tile sections or the full backsplash with thin metal trim bands in polished brass, black metal or steel adds neat polished structure. This works especially well with subway tile.
Decorative Medallions
A round, square or starburst medallion motif in the center of the backsplash as an accent made of metal tile or overlapping metal circles acts as the crowning visual focus.
Mixing Metal Finishes
Combining metal finishes like matte black with brass, or stainless steel with nickel creates a more dynamic, layered look. Just make sure it complements your overall kitchen style.
Exposed Hardware
Using metal shelf brackets, towel bars and functional hardware with an oil-rubbed bronze or black finish makes for an industrial modern accent that works with concrete, wood or metal.
Cut-Out Patterns
Using tile in a unique cut-out silhouette design like sculptural waves or botanical shapes framed in metal bands shows off the negative space in an artistic modern way.
How to Choose Metal and Tile for Your Kitchen
When selecting metal and tile materials for your dream kitchen backsplash, keep the following tips in mind:
- Take into account the overall aesthetic you want for your kitchen – modern, traditional, rustic, industrial etc. Choose finishes and styles that enhance the look.
- Consider the cabinetry, countertops, floors and other finishes already in your kitchen. Contrasting or coordinating with those elements creates a cohesive look.
- Look at metal and tile samples in person. Colors, sheen, textures and quality can vary. Ensure the materials meet your expectations.
- Think about ease of maintenance. Finishes that show water spots, smudges or dirt will require frequent cleaning.
- Choose durable, high-quality metal and tile designed for kitchen use. Carefully read specifications.
- Plan an appropriate budget for quality materials that will last, as well as hiring a professional for installation.
How to Care for a Metal and Tile Backsplash
A metal and tile backsplash is designed to handle kitchen messes and wear and tear. Follow these care tips to keep it looking pristine:
- For day-to-day cleaning, use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and mild non-abrasive soap as needed. Avoid harsh cleansers.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water and dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots, especially on metal.
- Immediately clean up any oil splatters to prevent staining. Use a degreasing cleaner formulated for tile and metal.
- Re-seal grout periodically to prevent staining and moisture damage.
- Some metals like stainless steel, chrome, nickel and copper can be gently polished to restore sheen. Use a special metal polishing cream.
- Brass and copper will develop a natural patina over time. Use metal polish sparingly if you prefer maintaining brighter finishes.
- Avoid using acidic cleaners and abrasive scrubbers/sponges which can etch and damage tile glazes and metal finishes.
Design Inspiration for Kitchen Backsplashes with Metal Accents
With so many options for mixing metal and tile, the design possibilities for a statement backsplash are truly endless. Here are just a few gorgeous kitchens with metal accented backsplashes to inspire your own designs:
Modern Luxury
Sleek stainless steel range hood makes a focal point against stunning navy blue rectangular ceramic tile and extra thick polished nickel trim. Crisp white cabinets and marble counters balance the contemporary vibe.
Vintage Industrial
The axis of matte black hexagonal tile meets rustic brick pattern tile framed in thin black metal trim striping. Open shelves with black iron brackets continue the aesthetic.
Retro Diner
Chrome-edged white subway tiles laid in an offset pattern partners with red beadboard. Curvy retro barstools and easy-clean laminate checkerboard floors finish the 1950s vibe.
Sophisticated Contrast
Large format marble-look ceramic tile in grey and white marble is bordered by black metal trim. The matte black persisted throughout the kitchen window frames and hardware.
Warm Traditional
A rectangular olive-colored ceramic tile backsplash gets a dose of shine with an inset oval brass medallion tile focal point and brass fixtures throughout this elegant kitchen.
Bohemian Glam
The greeny-blue iridescent glass and abalone shell mosaic tile backsplash enlivens this dreamy dusty pink kitchen. Brushed brass accents compliment the look.
FAQs
What are the best metal finishes for kitchen backsplashes?
Stainless steel, chrome, nickel, and brass are classic choices that resist water and fingerprints. For vintage appeal, try oil-rubbed bronze, aged copper, or black metal.
Should I use real metal or metal-looking porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile gives the look of metal like stainless steel without the higher cost. Real metal tile providesdurability and authenticity if it’s in your budget.
How do I clean metal backsplash tile?
Use a soft, lint-free cloth with mild soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleansers or pads that could scratch. For tough grease stains, use a degreasing cleaner made specifically for metal.
Can metal tile be used on the wall or floor?
Metal tile lacks the soft glaze coating of ceramic or porcelain tile, so it’s best used on backsplash walls, not high traffic floors. The wall provides added protection from scratching.
What shape of tile works best with metal accents?
Subway, brick pattern, penny tile, and mosaic tiles pair well with metal trims and borders. Large rectangular, hexagon, fish scale and geometric tile look great with inset metal medallions and accents.
Should metal accents in the backsplash match the cabinet hardware?
Matching the finishes creates a unified, custom look. Contrasting metals in the same color family like brushed nickel and polished nickel work well if you prefer mixing metals.
Conclusion
Adding some metal shine to your kitchen backsplash ideas opens up amazing possibilities to make it a jaw-dropping focal point. The combination of enticing textures, shapes, sheens and colors of metal and tile creates limitless options to design a backsplash that showcases your unique style. With the right materials, layout, care and maintenance, a metal and tile backsplash will bring you lasting function and beauty. Let your design imagination run free!