Adding a backsplash is an easy way to update the look of your kitchen and protect your walls from splatters and stains. When paired with dark cabinets, the right backsplash can really make the space pop. There are so many different tile options to choose from – subway tile, mosaic tile, marble tile, and more. The design you select can complement your cabinetry while adding visual interest to your kitchen decor. Here we will explore different backsplash tile ideas to complete your dark cabinet kitchen.
Complementary Tiles for Dark Cabinets
When selecting a backsplash for dark cabinets, you’ll want to opt for tile colors that complement the cabinets without blending in too much. Warm neutral tones like white, beige, cream and light gray are safe options that will allow your dark cabinetry to stand out. Soft earth tones like tan, brown, terracotta and mustard yellow can also work well. Cooler hues like pale blue, green and purple can add a pop of color. Glossy tile tends to pair best with dark cabinetry to add light and shine to the space.
Consider the undertones of your cabinet stain or paint color and match to a tile in the same color family. For example, cabinets in a cherry stain would pair well with backsplashes in hues of red, coral and brick. Espresso colored cabinets could look stunning against a deep green or blue tile.
White Tile
A white subway tile backsplash is a classic choice that complements dark cabinets beautifully. The high contrast between the white tile and dark cabinets creates a striking look. White tile also makes the space feel bright and expansive.
To prevent too much contrast, look for white tiles with subtle gray veining or a warm ivory glaze. White marble backsplashes are another option that creates softness.
For contemporary kitchens, opt for clean-lined bright white tile and minimalist cabinets in a dark espresso finish. Or consider an intricate white mosaic tile patterned with glass, marble or metal accents.
Gray Tile
From light pewter to dark charcoal, gray tile is versatile enough to pair with any color of cabinetry. For dark cabinets, lighter shades of gray create pleasing contrast while preventing a stark look. Gray tile with brown veining can tie into the tones of wood cabinetry as well.
Cool gray marble tile makes for a sophisticated backsplash, while gray ceramic or porcelain tile creates a more modern feel. Gray subway tiles in a bricklay pattern is an easy choice. Or get creative with small gray mosaics, herringbone patterns or custom gray shapes.
Beige and Cream Tile
For a more subtle approach, backsplashes in soft beige, cream, ivory and tan work well with dark cabinetry. These warm neutral shades blend in better than bright white tile. Beige and cream glass, ceramic or porcelain tiles complement the richness of dark wood cabinets. Mosaic patterns and small tiles create visual depth.
Travertine and tumbled marble backsplashes in light tan and cream contain natural movement and texture. Use honed finishes rather than polished for a soft matte look. A beige bricklay subway tile backsplash is another smart match with dark cabinets.
Wood Look Tile
Wood-look porcelain or ceramic tiles are ideal backsplash options when your cabinets have a wood finish. Choose wood-look tiles in a lighter stained shade than your cabinets for contrast. Wide plank tiles can mimic real reclaimed wood boards. Or use skinnier faux wood subway tiles for a more traditional look.
Wood-look tile offers the warmth and personality of real wood with more durability and easier maintenance. Mix different colored planks for rustic charm. Add texture with wood-look tiles featuring visible grain lines and knots.
Bold Backsplashes for Dark Cabinets
While neutral backsplash tiles play it safe, don’t be afraid to choose something bolder. Vividly colored, patterned or uniquely textured tiles paired with dark cabinets can really make your kitchen space pop. Just take care that your backsplash doesn’t end up competing too much with your cabinets.
Black and White Tile
For high-contrast drama, a black and white backsplash is striking against dark cabinets. Try out bold black and white checkerboard tiles or classic black and white subway tiles. Use glossy tiles and minimal grout lines to create a sleek contemporary vibe.
Introduce additional pops of color with red, yellow or turquoise accents. Or add depth with glass, marble or travertine tiles mixed into the black and white design. Black brick or Moroccan tiles make for an eye-catching global style statement.
Blue and Green Tile
Vibrant blue, green or turquoise backsplash tiles jazz up deep wooden cabinets beautifully. From pale sky blue to dramatic navy, blue tile creates a tranquil mood. Green tiles in shades of lime, sage, mint and more bring nature indoors.
Glossy handmade or ceramic subway tiles in blue and green hues keep the look classic. Introduce pattern with decorative accents, mosaic tiles, or handpainted Moroccan tiles.
Patterned and Geometric Tiles
Make a bold design statement with patterned and geometric backsplash tiles against your dark cabinets. Opt for classic patterns like herringbone, chevron and hexagon made modern in colorful glossy tiles. Tile patterns featuring interesting shapes like circles, curves, arrows and triangles create visual motion.
Three-dimensional tile patterns add unique depth and texture as well. Intricate Moroccan-style tiles look especially lively against dark cabinets. Go for an eyecatching tile pattern in glossy black paired with black cabinets for dramatic effect.
Backsplash Tile Ideas by Kitchen Style
Now that we’ve covered tile colors and designs to pair with dark cabinets, let’s explore how backsplash tile can match specific kitchen design styles. From modern to farmhouse chic, your backsplash should complement your overall kitchen aesthetic.
Modern Kitchens
For contemporary kitchens with dark cabinets, sleek metallics, sparkling glass and high-contrast patterns create dramatic backsplash style.
- Solid black, white or boldly colored glossy ceramic, glass or stone tiles in large square shapes
- Metallic tiles like nickel, copper and multi-toned metals
- Glass mosaics and mixed glass/stone mosaics
- Herringbone, brick and checkerboard patterns
- 3D tiles and dimensional mosaics
Avoid crazing, crackling and visible grout lines. Use large format tiles with thin grout lines for a seamless look. Combine with industrial elements like stainless steel appliances and factory-style pendants.
Rustic Kitchens
In farmhouse kitchens with dark wood cabinetry, backsplashes inspired by nature work best. Think weathered woods, textured stones and organic patterns.
- Whites, creams and wood-look planks with visible grains and knots
- Rough wood slabs or reclaimed boards in natural stains
- Tumbled and textured marble or travertine tiles
- Terracotta and handmade subway tiles
- Brick patterns with irregular edges and spacing
- Natural stone and slate mosaics
Include vintage touches like antique-glazed tiles, crazed surfaces and unmatched grout colors. Pot racks, galvanized pendants and butcher block accents enhance the rustic charm.
Traditional Kitchens
For timeless style, traditional backsplash tile options beautifully match dark classic cabinetry. Play up the elegance with:
- Subway tiles in white, cream, gray, black and warm neutrals
- Classic patterns like herringbone and bricklay
- Marble, travertine and limestone tiles and mosaics
- Encaustic cement tiles with Victorian-inspired designs
- Metallic accents and pretty ceramic tile trims
- Mirror tiles for brightness and depth
Stick to square and rectangle tile shapes. Build up interest with specialty tiles on the range backsplash or as an accent strip. Crystal chandeliers, roman blinds and shaker cabinets keep the look timeless.
Transitional Kitchens
Transitional kitchens blend elements of traditional and contemporary style. For dark cabinets, select backsplash tiles that bridge old and new:
- White subway tile with gray veining
- Ivory, beige and cream tiles with simple patterns
- Tumbled stone tiles and mosaics
- Whimsical handpainted tiles
- Geometric designs made modern with glossy finishes
- Mix of stone and glass mosaics
Use mostly classic subway tile shapes with a few contemporary large rectangles or specialty tiles. Modern open shelving balances traditional cabinetry for that updated yet timeless look.
Cottage Kitchens
Cottage kitchens feature a laidback charm. For cabinets in deeper wood stains, choose sweet backsplash tile ideas in step with the casual vibe:
- Subway tiles in pastel hues – mint, buttermilk, robin’s egg blue
- Handpainted or stenciled tiles with floral and cursive designs
- Multicolored patchwork tiles
- Terracotta tiles and decorative accents
- Whimsical mosaics and ceramic inlays
- Distressed tiles and vintage finds
Look for tiles with crazing, veining, speckles and color variations for character. Add window valances, woven baskets and gingham curtains to complete the cheerful cottage style.
Design Considerations for Dark Cabinet Backsplashes
Now that we’ve covered the many backsplash possibilities for dark cabinet kitchens, let’s go over a few design tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your backsplash complements your cabinets tastefully:
Color Contrast
The level of color contrast between your backsplash tile and dark cabinets impacts the look dramatically. High contrast backsplashes make the cabinets recede while low contrast options unify everything.
- For contemporary styles, opt for crisp white, glossy black or bold colors
- Choose beige, gray and wood-look tiles for subtle contrast
- Match the undertone of the cabinets – blueish, reddish, yellowish
Avoid choosing a backsplash tile that’s too similar to your cabinet color or the kitchen will look flat and monotonous. Contrast is key.
Tile Size and Pattern
Tile size and pattern play into the scale and visual weight of your backsplash design.
- Default to classic 3×6-inch subway tiles or similar for busier cabinetry
- Use larger tiles, fewer grout lines and simpler patterns with ornate cabinets
- Introduce small mosaic tiles or inlays as accents against plain cabinet fronts
- Let heavily grained or detailed cabinets take center stage
Ensure your backsplash tile doesn’t compete too much with beautiful cabinetry. Let one design element shine.
Finishes and Textures
The finish and texture of your backsplash tile impacts its look and feel.
- Match polished cabinets with glossy glass, ceramic or marble tiles
- Pair distressed cabinets with tumbled stone and textured terracotta tile
- Use honed stone finishes to soften ornate polished cabinets
Make sure the tile finish corresponds to the cabinet finish for design harmony.
Backsplash Height
Standard backsplash height is 4 inches, but you can customize to suit your cabinets:
- Carry the backsplash to the bottom of wall cabinets for a seamless look
- Extend to the ceiling for a dramatic feature wall effect
- Limit to a small portion of the back wall for a minimalist look
The height of your backsplash tile can be tailored to the exact look you wish to achieve.
Backsplash Accents
Creative backsplash accents can add the finishing touch:
- Use specialty tiles like marble pencil trim along the edges
- Add a focal tile like hammered copper behind the stove
- Contrast base tiles with glass, stone or metal inserts
Infuse added personality by including artistic tile accents against your dark cabinets.
With all these backsplash possibilities for kitchens with dark cabinets, you can choose a design that fits your style perfectly. From sleek and modern to rustic and cozy, the tile you select will make all the difference. Take these considerations into account as you put together your dream backsplash and dark cabinet kitchen. The right tile choice can beautifully transform the space!
FAQs About Backsplashes for Dark Cabinets
What color backsplash goes with dark brown cabinets?
Lighter warm neutrals like cream, beige and tan work well with dark brown cabinets, as do white and gray. Wood-look planks also complement the brown tones.
What backsplash looks best with black kitchen cabinets?
Black cabinets make a statement, so feel free to go bold with the backsplash. Bright white and colorful glass or ceramic tiles pop against black. Metallic and patterned tiles look striking too.
What kind of tile is best for kitchen backsplash?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are most common and affordable for backsplashes. Natural stone like marble and travertine add elegance. Glass tile provides shine. Mosaics make for intricate designs.
How do I choose a backsplash color?
Consider the color scheme and style of the kitchen. Match backsplash colors to countertops and appliances for harmony. Contrast dark cabinets with light tiles and vice versa.
What size tile is best for kitchen backsplash?
Standard 3×6-inch subway tiles or mosaics work well. Large tiles 6×12 inches or bigger create a modern look. Mix sizes for interest. For dark cabinets, don’t overpower with huge statement tiles.
How much does it cost to install a kitchen backsplash?
Backsplash installation costs range from $800 to $1,500 on average depending on tile size, materials and labor. Simple designs with standard tiles cost less than intricate mosaic patterns. Luxury materials can increase prices as well.
Conclusion
The importance of selecting the perfect backsplash tile to complement dark kitchen cabinets cannot be understated. From gleaming whites to warm wood tones, color choice sets the mood. Classic subway style tiles or eye-catching geometric mosaics impact the visual vibe. Finishes ranging from matte to polished or textured to smooth determine the aesthetic. By thoughtfully considering all the options and aligning with your personal kitchen style, it’s possible to achieve a showstopping backsplash design against stunning dark cabinets. With this expansive guide of tile ideas, you’re sure to find inspiration to turn your kitchen into a breathtaking space you’ll enjoy for years to come. Happy designing!