A backsplash is an integral design element in any kitchen. It serves both decorative and functional purposes by protecting the walls from splashes and spills while also adding visual interest. When paired with white cabinets, the right backsplash can really make the space pop. There are lots of amazing options to consider beyond basic tile.
Why Add a Backsplash in a Kitchen with White Cabinets?
Backsplashes are highly recommended for kitchens with white cabinets for several reasons:
- Protects the wall from water damage: White cabinetry needs to be protected from spills, splashes, and splatters. Adding a backsplash prevents water from seeping into the drywall behind and causing damage.
- Easy to clean: Backsplashes create a smooth, wipeable surface. This makes clean up much easier compared to porous painted drywall.
- Adds visual interest: White cabinets look best when paired with an eye-catching backsplash. The right backsplash can inject color, texture, and personality.
- Reflects light: A properly chosen backsplash will bounce light around the kitchen. This can make the space brighter and feel more open.
- Affordable upgrade: Quality backsplash tile or panels are an easy and affordable way to update the look of a kitchen.
- Increases home value: Backsplashes are expected in today’s kitchens. Adding one can potentially increase a home’s resale value.
Most Popular Backsplash Ideas for White Cabinets
When selecting a backsplash for white cabinetry, the options are plentiful. Consider one of these gorgeous styles:
Marble Backsplash
Few materials exude luxury and timeless elegance like marble. The white cabinets combined with marble backsplash make for a striking combination.
Marble naturally has veining and patterns that inject visual flair. Pairing it with crisp white cabinets allows the backsplash to steal the show.
When selecting marble, pay attention to how dramatic the veining is. Very subtle marbles will look more subtle, while bolder patterns command more attention.
Marble does come with some maintenance considerations. It is softer than ceramic or porcelain tile and can be prone to scratching, chipping, and staining. Annual sealing is recommended to protect its beauty.
Glass Backsplash
Glass backsplashes immediately create a sleek, modern look. These can be made from glass tiles or glass sheets.
Glass tiles come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Subway style rectangular tiles are a popular option, but small mosaics and large format tiles also look great. Accent strips or borders of glass tile can provide separation from countertops.
Glass sheet backsplashes offer a seamless appearance since they are one solid pane. These are installed from countertop to cabinet for an uninterrupted look. Glass sheets can also be backpainted a bold color for even more drama.
The highly reflective nature of any glass backsplash looks amazing with white cabinetry. It will make the kitchen feel bright and open.
Metal Backsplash
For an edgy, contemporary look, metal backsplashes are a top choice. Often made from stainless steel or aluminum, metal brings industrial flair.
Stainless steel choices include sleek, solid panels or perforated sheets. The small holes add textural intrigue while allowing some of the wall color to show through.
Brushed stainless has a softly weathered look. For more vibrancy, polished stainless offers eye-catching shine.
Aluminum backsplashes have a beautiful, silvery-gray color. They can mimic other materials like marble or subway tile while providing a lightweight, affordable option. Modern metal backsplashes are also frequently embossed with textures or geometric patterns.
The sleek, neutral metallic finish of a metal backsplash allows it to pair effortlessly with white cabinets. It creates an exciting, upscale look.
Subway Tile
Subway tile backsplashes represent a versatile, classic choice for white kitchen cabinets. The rectangular shape installs in a bricklaid pattern for timeless appeal.
White subway tiles are an easy match for white cabinetry. However, don’t be afraid to infuse color with light blue, soft green, or gray subway tiles.
For added interest, consider choosing subway tiles with texture or veining. Or use accent strips of patterned or mosaic tiles. Mixing glossy and matte tiles in the same backsplash also adds great dimension.
The clean lines and minimal grout of a subway tile backsplash beautifully balance out white cabinets. It’s a fuss-free yet totally stylish combination.
Herringbone Backsplash
Herringbone patterns add loads of visual appeal to backsplashes. The zigzag arrangement of rectangular tiles creates dynamic interest.
Like subway tile, herringbone backsplashes work flawlessly with white cabinetry. Gray, black, or blue tiles in herringbone patterns pair particularly nicely.
For a unique twist, stack rectangular white tiles vertically instead of horizontally for a herringbone effect. Thin grout lines between the vertical tiles allow them to resemble wood planks. It’s an easy way to add natural, rustic flair.
Herringbone backsplashes represent a fresh, current alternative to basic bricklaid tile. The active pattern gives life and energy to all-white kitchens.
Beaded Inset Backsplash
Inset panels or tiles create neat, distinguished backsplashes. The pieces fit together like a puzzle, with a beaded edge framing each one.
This type of backsplash works well for kitchens with white cabinets seeking a seamless, built-in look. The simple frame highlights rather than competes with the crisply painted cabinetry.
Like marble, natural stone varieties such as travertine are commonly used for beaded inset backsplashes. But porcelain or ceramic tile insets also look highly polished.
For a contemporary edge, colorful glass or metal insets update the look. Their sheen plays beautifully against matte white cabinets.
Overall, beaded inset backsplashes provide a tailored finish. Their geometric form smartly balances out the clean lines of white kitchen cabinetry.
Design Tips for Pairing a Backsplash with White Cabinets
Picking the general backsplash style is the first step. Next, focus on the finer details that will make your backsplash and white cabinets look like they belong together. Keep these design principles in mind:
- Select a neutral color palette – While pops of color can work well, it’s usually best to stick with backsplash tiles that have an overall neutral coloration. Gray, blue, and taupe are safe bets. Remember that natural stone will have variation in the actual hue.
- Include some shine – Polished tiles, glass, or metal help brighten up white kitchen cabinets. Their reflective qualities play nicely against the flat matte finish of painted cabinetry. Just don’t overdo the shine.
- Align with cabinetry lines – Look at the lines of the cabinet doors and drawers. Aligning horizontal or vertical backsplash tiles with them creates nice continuity.
- Tie into other materials – Pick out a shade, tone, or texture from elsewhere in the kitchen and echo it in the backsplash. This helps everything feel unified.
- Know countertop impacts – Factor in how the edge of the backsplash will transition to the countertop material. Some pairings like marble transition more smoothly than others.
- Focus on proper sizing – Keep backsplash tile or panels to 3-4 inches wide and at standard kitchen backsplash height (4+ inches). Avoid overpowering the cabinets.
- Watch borders and accents – Use these judiciously for punctuation. They can look great but also busier. Err on the minimal side, especially with open shelving.
By selecting a style in sync with the kitchen’s aesthetic and applying basic design principles, it’s easy to artfully match a backsplash to white cabinetry.
Ideal Backsplash Heights for Kitchen Cabinets
Backsplash height is something many homeowners get wrong. Kitchen backsplashes are not created equal. Traditional standards help backsplashes properly coordinate with cabinetry:
- Bottom edge: Backsplashes should begin about 4 inches above countertops. This allows them to adequately protect the wall from spills without awkward gaps.
- Top edge: For full upper cabinets, extend the backsplash to meet the underside. With open shelving, keep it below the first shelf. Standard heights range from 17-19 inches high.
- Around windows: Continue tiling several inches beyond window trim on each side. Make cutouts for outlets.
- Along ranges: Bring the backsplash all the way up behind a range to protect from grease splatters. Go up to the ceiling if possible.
- On islands: Wrap backsplashes around open cabinetry like islands. Stop at an inside corner or window trim.
Placing backsplashes at the proper heights relative to base cabinets, uppers, islands, and other kitchen features results in a polished look. It makes the backsplash appear like an integrated element versus an afterthought.
Can You Put Backsplash Behind Kitchen Cabinets?
Given they protect and beautify, could backsplashes also go behind kitchen cabinets? The answer is yes, but this placement is rare.
Most kitchens already have drywall behind cabinetry. But in cases where walls have damage, lack water resistance, or need added color, backsplashes can work behind cabinets.
The process involves:
- Removing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware
- Detaching cabinets from the wall
- Applying thin backsplash panels or moisture-proof paint
- Reattaching cabinets over the new backsplash
Using backsplash behind cabinets is especially useful for islands. It allows tile to fully wrap islands for a finished, custom look.
But for most standard kitchen cabinet installations, backsplashes behind cabinets are unnecessary. The better investment is quality backsplash material and installation in typical visible areas.
Can Backsplash Go All the Way to Ceiling?
Home chefs often wonder, “How high should my backsplash go?” Up to the ceiling is one possibility that can work beautifully.
Benefits of a full-height backsplash include:
- A built-in appearance
- Increased protection from spills and splatters
- Ability to use fewer backsplash seams
- Height to anchor taller cabinets
Of course, going all the way to the ceiling presents some considerations:
- More cutting around light fixtures, vents, etc.
- Potentially more waste if using pricier tile
- Can make low ceilings feel lower
Some good rules of thumb are:
- Only go to ceiling with 8’+ room height
- Use large format tile to minimize seams
- Select simple tile like subway to keep costs down
- Accentuate height with vertically stacked tile patterns
In the right kitchen, a full-height backsplash can absolutely look amazing. But it still comes down to aligning with your specific space and goals.
Unique Backsplash Ideas Beyond Tile
Tile makes the most common and versatile backsplash option for white kitchen cabinets. But lately, more homeowners are exploring unique backsplash materials like:
Wood – Barnwood planks add natural rustic warmth. Reclaimed parquet or distressed wood inject modern charm.
Wallpaper – Whimsical prints, grasscloth, or faux textures like brick are unexpected. Provide waterproofing at sinks.
Fabric – Water-resistant textiles like outdoor upholstery fabric affix to the wall. Great for a soft, cozy effect.
Pegboard – The ultimate organizational backsplash. Use pegs and shelving to hang utensils in easy reach.
Chalkboard – Create a fun space to scribble grocery lists, recipes, or artwork. Use chalk marker to prevent staining.
Faux textures – From stucco to moroccan tile and brick, faux finishes mimic high-end materials at a fraction of the cost.
Murals – Make a statement with a hand-painted scenic or landscape mural in your kitchen.
Metal – Punch up backsplashes with galvanized sheet metal or add contemporary flair with perforated aluminum panels.
Mirror – Reflective mirrored backsplashes open up small spaces and play beautifully with white cabinetry.
With so many innovative alternatives available today, it’s exciting to think beyond basic tile backsplashes. Get creative with materials to make a truly unique accent wall that personalizes a white kitchen.
FAQ About Backsplashes for White Kitchen Cabinets
Many homeowners have additional questions about selecting and installing the perfect backsplash to match bright white kitchen cabinets. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What color backsplash goes best with white cabinets?
Stick with neutral, low-contrast backsplash colors. Light gray, soft beige, warm taupe, and off-white are safe choices that enhance white cabinets beautifully. Crisp white backsplashes also complement them seamlessly.
Should backsplash match countertops or cabinets?
It’s generally best to match the backsplash more closely to the countertop than the cabinet color. Since they sit right next to each other, the transition between the two materials needs to be as seamless as possible.
How do I choose a backsplash pattern?
Keep backsplash patterns simple and classic. Standard subway tiles, basic grids, or uniform staggered bricklay patterns work well. Save busy patterns like Moroccan fish-scale tiles for accent strips.
Can you put marble backsplash with white cabinets?
Absolutely! As one of the most elite backsplash materials, marble pairs wonderfully with white cabinets. Stick to less heavily veined marble. Extra sealing is needed, but the look is timeless.
Is white subway tile still in style?
White subway tile backsplashes represent a versatile classic. The color matches everything and their size/layout remain perennially stylish. Just add interest with texture, uneven edges, or special accents.
Should I get a granite or quartz backsplash?
Quartz makes the better option. It’s harder and less porous than granite, so more resistant to damage and staining. The consistent coloration also complements white cabinetry well.
Conclusion
A knockout backsplash can make or break the look of an all-white kitchen. With an endless array of materials, colors, and styles to choose from, selecting one to pair beautifully with white cabinets is key.
Focus first on the overall look you want to achieve. Then mind important principles like proper scale, continuity of lines, and accent areas. Maximize impact by using bolder backsplashes on focal walls or islands.
By thoughtfully integrating your backsplash with white cabinetry, you can protect your investment while dramatically enhancing the aesthetic. The result is a kitchen that truly stands out while retaining a classic, cohesive feel.