Backsplash tiles can make or break your kitchen design. As a focal point behind the stove and countertops, the backsplash bears a lot of visual weight, so choosing eye-catching and trendy backsplash tile is key to creating a stunning kitchen aesthetic.
From natural stone and marble to bright pops of color and modern geometric patterns, backsplash tile options are endless. The backsplash tile trends reflect both classic elegance and contemporary flair, allowing you to find the perfect style to match your taste and kitchen design vision.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about selecting trendy, head-turning backsplash tiles for your kitchen or bath. We’ll explore the top backsplash tile ideas and materials on trend right now, plus design tips to choose and lay tile with confidence. Read on for inspiring backsplash tile ideas to refresh your space with wow-factor!
What Makes a Backsplash Tile Trendy and Eye-Catching?
Not all backsplash tiles are created equal when it comes to visually appealing design. Certain qualities and characteristics make for a head-turning, modern backsplash, while others can fall flat. So what should you look for to find trendy, eye-catching options?
Unique Shapes and Patterns
Geometric, mosaic, arabesque and moroccan-inspired shapes instantly catch the eye. Backsplash tiles with interesting shapes, angles and repeat patterns create visual interest and depth. Opt for mosaics, a herringbone bricklay pattern or creatively overlapping tiles to make the backsplash the star of your kitchen.
Bold, Vibrant Colors
Bright, saturated backsplash tiles in colors like emerald green, cobalt blue and marigold orange are huge right now. Even if you use color sparingly, a bold backsplash makes a statement and brings life to the whole kitchen.
Natural Textures and Finishes
Organic, natural backsplash tiles lend an earthy, rustic feel with texture and depth. Options like stone, travertine, marble, slate, and handmade terra cotta have beautiful variations that feel cozy and timeless. Mix glossy and matte finishes for added dimension.
Minimalist and Modern Aesthetic
Clean lines, simple patterns, and solid blocks of color embody the sleek, contemporary style that defines today’s trendy backsplash tiles. Options like white subway tile and porcelain with minimal veining feel fresh and modern.
Top Backsplash Tile Materials
With so many types of backsplash tile materials to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow it down. Here are the most popular, on-trend backsplash tile materials for this year:
Subway Tile
A classic choice, white 3×6” glossy subway tile instantly makes a kitchen look clean and contemporary. Opt for sculpted, beveled edges or add subtle variations in tone for extra interest. Subway tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern add beautiful dimension.
Marble Tile
Prized for its elegance and natural veining, marble tile makes a luxe, timeless backsplash. Carrara marble is a favorite, along with bold, graphic options like Calacatta Gold, Estatuario, and Stone Forest. Mini mosaic marble tiles are also on trend.
Porcelain Tile
Low-maintenance and design-forward, porcelain is today’s most versatile backsplash tile option. Available in every imaginable color, finish and pattern, porcelain backsplash tiles mimic looks from cement and natural stone to metal and glass, and more.
Glass Tile
Adding a glittering, reflective element, glass backsplash tiles come in clear, frosted, or colored varieties. Glass mosaic tiles revive traditional kitchens, while large-format patterned glass tiles create an ultra-modern vibe.
Metal Tile
Whether inspired by stainless steel, copper, brass, or other metals, metal backsplash tiles make a serious style statement with gorgeous shine and luster. Try a full metal tile backsplash or use metallic accents for a hint of glam.
Travertine Tile
The naturally rustic, earthy beauty of travertine tile makes it a top backsplash choice. Tumbled travertine has an antiqued, worn finish, while honed travertine is more subtly textured. Use mosaic travertine tiles alone or combined with other natural stone.
8 Top Backsplash Tile Design Ideas and Trends
Now that you know about the most eye-catching tile shapes, colors, and materials for backsplashes, here are the top backsplash design ideas and trends to inspire your kitchen remodel or refresh:
1. Statement Colors and Patterns
From vibrant gem tones to retro-inspired patterns, bold backsplash tiles pack visual punch. Contrast classic white cabinetry with emerald green or sapphire blue glass or ceramic tiles in graphic shapes and arrangements. Retro monochrome black and white patterns, like harlequin diamonds or concentric circles, also revive traditional kitchens.
2. Organic Natural Stone
Create a cozy, welcoming vibe with backsplash tiles in natural travertine, marble, and slate. Stick to a single organic material or combine sizes, shapes, and tones for variation. Subway-style marble mosaics offer an updated take on classic white marble. Blend metallics like copper penny tiles or pyrite cubes for a glam look.
3. Modern Minimalism
Clean and contemporary, the minimalist kitchen trend calls for backsplashes in sleek, simple materials like white subway tile, porcelain slab, or glass. Limit veining and patina for a seamless look. Use just one or two complementary tones, like crisp white and grey, for an unfussy, modern aesthetic.
4. Moroccan-Style Tile
Intricate mosaic patterns in vivid color palettes evoke far-flung Moroccan design. Tiny mosaic tiles lend antique charm while vibrant colors and glossy finishes feel fresh and trendy. For show-stopping impact, install the mosaic tile from countertops to ceiling.
5. Oversized Statement Tile
Oversized backsplash tiles make a bold style statement, especially when arranged in an offset brick pattern. Extra-large subway tiles, 12×24 porcelain slabs, or wide planks of marble, travertine or porcelain create contemporary contrast beside standard-size tiles on other walls.
6. Hexagons and Fish Scales
Angular tiles in geometric shapes breathe new life into traditional kitchens. Interlocking mosaic hexagons or diamond fish scale tiles pack visual punch when executed in black and white or with pops of color. Use alone or in combination with marbles, stones, or ceramic tiles.
7. Natural Wood Look
The natural beauty of wood translates perfectly to porcelain and ceramic backsplash tiles. Whether simulating weathered barn boards, oak planks, or birch logs, the textured warmth of wood-look tile is on trend. Set modern wood-look porcelain in contemporary patterns like herringbone or chevron.
8. Unexpected Materials
Looking to really make a design statement? Take your backsplash tile to the next level with unexpected materials like dichroic glass, iridescent stone, or handcrafted ceramic and terra cotta. Bring in texture and mixed finishes to create a truly one-of-a-kind focal point.
Expert Tips for Choosing Eye-Catching Backsplash Tile
With endless gorgeous backsplash tile options to consider, choosing the perfect design to match your kitchen can feel overwhelming. Follow these expert tips to select stunning, on-trend backsplash tiles with confidence:
- Consider the overall design scheme – Let your kitchen’s existing style, color palette, and finishes guide your backsplash tile choice. Seek either cohesion or deliberate contrast.
- Gather inspiration – Look at images of backsplashes you love and note appealing colors, materials, shapes, and arrangements. Identify common threads to define your ideal style.
- Select quality materials – Porcelain, ceramic, stone, glass and metal backsplash tiles are durable, attractive options that withstand moisture, heat, and everyday wear-and-tear.
- Mind the budget – Prices range widely based on material, size, and intricacy. Set realistic expectations and allocate budget accordingly, investing in higher-end tiles for maximum impact if desired.
- Account for grout lines – Grout width impacts the overall look. Thin grout lets small mosaic tiles blend together while wide grout accents oversized slabs. Choose grout color purposefully, not as an afterthought.
- Order extra tiles – Overestimate your tile needs by 10-15% to avoid both falling short or ending up with expensive extra full boxes you can’t return. Budget extra for breakage or future repairs.
- Envision the finished look – Study how factors like light, tile edges, layout patterns, and grout color will affect the overall aesthetic before finalizing your choices.
- Ask about sales and discounts – Many tile showrooms offer 10-20% discounts on overstock or discontinued options. Ask for deals on remnants or loose tiles for smaller projects, too.
How to Lay Backsplash Tile Like a Pro
Once you’ve selected gorgeous, on-trend backsplash tile designs, proper installation is key to creating a flawless, eye-catching focal point in your kitchen. Use these pro tips for laying backsplash tile successfully:
Choose the Right Substrate
Porcelain, ceramic, glass, and stone tiles work best installed on cement backerboard. Water-resistant and designed for tile adhesion, backerboard provides a stable, long-lasting base. For DIYers, backerboard is easier to install than traditional mortar on lathe or plaster walls.
Prep the Surface
Ensure the backerboard is firmly attached to wall studs before tiling. Wipe away any dust. Apply acrylic-based primer to seal the surface and improve adhesion. Skim coat any uneven areas with thinset mortar.
Dry LayTiles
Before mixing adhesives and mortar, lay tiles on the countertop as a test run. Ensure you have enough tiles, that the layout aligns properly, and that any niche or outlet cutouts work. Make adjustments before permanently setting tiles.
Mix Mortar and Apply
Follow instructions to mix thinset mortar, which holds tile in place on the wall. Apply mortar with a notched trowel, using the trowel ridges to evenly spread the right amount. Only cover small sections at a time to prevent mortar drying before tile is set.
Set the Tiles
Firmly press tiles into the mortar, using spacers to ensure even alignment. Push out any air bubbles between tile and mortar. Allow tiles to set 24 hours before grouting. Remove spacers and scrape away any stray dried mortar.
Apply Grout and Seal
Push grout between tile joints, wiping away excess. Grout lines should be uniform for a clean look. Once grout dries, apply sealant to protect porous tiles from moisture and staining. Use caulk for tile joints near sinks, counters, and cabinets.
Style for Showstopping Impact
For maximum visual impact from your trendy backsplash tile, incorporate decorative accents and display pieces. Hang utensils from floating shelves, mount an ornate hood, or showcase heirloom dinnerware. The right finishing touches truly elevate your whole kitchen design.
With endless possibilities for eye-catching and on-trend backsplash tile, you’re sure to find the perfect style to transform your kitchen. Use this guide for inspiration, expert advice and pro installation tips to confidently create a head-turning focal point that will wow for years to come. Happy design hunting for your dream backsplash!
Frequently Asked Questions about Backsplash Tile Design Ideas
What are the most popular backsplash tile sizes?
Subway tile (3×6 inches) remains the quintessential backsplash tile, with other common sizes ranging from 1×1 mosaics up to 4×12 and 6×12 standard tiles. Oversized planks and slate up to 12×24 inches make a contemporary statement. Varying sizes together in patterns creates visual interest.
Should backsplash tile match cabinetry or countertops?
Tiling the backsplash in the same material, finish and color as the counters and cabinets creates a cohesive, seamless look. However, don’t be afraid to use the backsplash as a creative contrast to other elements. Bold backsplash tile paired with neutral cabinetry makes a captivating focal point.
How high should a backsplash be installed?
Full-height backsplashes extending all the way up to the underside of wall cabinets are a popular look today. Standard height is to install 4-6 inch tall tiles above countertops. Higher backsplashes of 16-24 inches protect more of the wall while making a bolder design statement.
Should backsplash tile go all the way to the ceiling?
Full ceiling-height backsplashes create a showstopping, dramatic effect. Since they require meticulously waterproofing the walls and involve tricky tile cuts where walls meet ceiling, full-height backsplashes are best left to tile professionals (unless you’re an ambitious DIYer!).
What’s the best grout color for backsplash tile?
White or very light grey grout suits any color or style of backsplash tile and keeps the focus on the tile design itself. Matching the grout color closely to the tile minimizes the visible grout lines for a seamless look. Choosing a contrasting grout color makes the grout lines a decorative statement.
Can you use decorative tiles alone for a backsplash?
Absolutely! Many homeowners opt to use all decorative tiles like Moroccan mosaics, fish scale glass, or handmade ceramics alone for the backsplash. This creates vibrant focal point while allowing more simple, budget-friendly counters and back walls. Just ensure the decorative tiles are properly sealed and suitable for wet areas.
What backsplash tiles work best with white cabinets?
White cabinetry allows you to get creative with bold, colorful backsplash tile since the cabinets act as a crisp, neutral backdrop. White kitchens look stunning dressed up with emerald green glass subway tiles, Punchy patterns like retro geometrics, or organic textures like marble, travertine and stone.
Should I Hire a Contractor to Install Backsplash Tile?
For novice DIYers without much tiling experience, hiring a contractor to install the backsplash ensures a professional-quality result. However, with proper planning, tools and patience, ambitious DIYers can tackle tiling their backsplash successfully. Seek help from experts at the tile store for advice on DIY installation.
Conclusion
A trendy, eye-catching backsplash tile design can reinvent the look and feel of your entire kitchen. With the hot backsplash trends spanning statement colors, bold patterns, natural stone and porcelain looks, minimalist styles and so much more, you’re sure to find the ideal backsplash tile to match your taste, cabinetry and overall kitchen aesthetic.
Use this guide to break down today’s top backsplash tile shapes, materials, colors and arrangements. Peruse the examples and expert tips to narrow your focus while still allowing room for creative liberties and personal flair. Thinking through all the elements – from proper prep and installation to lighting, grout and decorative accents – results in a stunning, cohesive backsplash design you’ll love for years to come.