Adding a stylish backsplash is one of the best ways to update the look of brown kitchen cabinets. The right backsplash can inject personality and visual interest into your kitchen design. When paired with brown cabinets, the proper backsplash can create a cohesive and pulled-together aesthetic.
In this article, we will explore plenty of chic and unique backsplash ideas to complement brown kitchen cabinets. Whether you prefer modern, rustic, or traditional styles, there are many backsplash options to choose from. Read on for beautiful backsplash inspiration!
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Backsplash for Brown Cabinets
Before deciding on a backsplash for your brown kitchen cabinets, keep the following factors in mind:
Color
Consider backsplash colors that will pair nicely with brown. Warm neutral tones like beige, tan, cream, and white look beautiful with brown cabinets. You can also opt for buff, taupe, or greige hues. Cooler grays and blues can add balance. Don’t be afraid to incorporate some color too – greens, blues, and reds all complement brown cabinets nicely.
Texture
Look for backsplashes with interesting textures and patterns. Subway tiles, marble or travertine tiles, stone slabs, and mosaics all add visual depth and dimension. Materials like metal and glass tiles also bring unique texture.
Style
Match the backsplash to your overall kitchen aesthetic. For traditional kitchens, classic subway tiles or marble backsplashes suit brown cabinets. Modern kitchens can handle bolder glass or metal backsplashes. Farmhouse, rustic, and cottage styles look great with brick, wood plank, or stone backsplashes.
Budget
Backsplash materials range widely in cost. Ceramic or porcelain tiles tend to be budget-friendly options. Natural stone and glass tile cost more but provide a luxury look. Plan your backsplash design carefully to work within your budget.
Stylish Backsplash Ideas for Brown Cabinets
From warm neutrals to eye-catching patterns, here are some gorgeous backsplash ideas to inspire your brown cabinet kitchen.
White Subway Tile
Nothing beats classic white 3″ x 6″ subway tiles when paired with brown cabinets. The clean white tiles pops against the brown and keeps the space feeling light and bright. Lay the tiles in a simple staggered brickwork pattern for a timeless backsplash that complements any style.
White subway tiles create a crisp, classic backsplash for brown cabinets. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f6/23/ea/f623ea91b2116b1c68db0de5812d5b9b.jpg)
Beige Subway Tile
For a warmer, softer look than stark white, go for beige subway tiles with brown cabinets. Beige has a subtle creaminess that adds a touch of vintage charm. Use a white grout to keep the tiles from blending together. Mixing beige and white tiles also creates visual interest.
Beige subway tiles lend a warm, vintage vibe against brown cabinets. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b6/15/92/b61592371150b12b7fc38a170fbc3b79.jpg)
Patterned Subway Tile
Go beyond basic subway tile by using patterned variations. Subway tile with deco shapes, interesting colors, or designs add personality. Use patterned tile sparingly as an accent strip against neutral tiles. Or create a statement by covering the entire backsplash in patterned subway tile.
Patterned subway tiles in shades of teal inject visual intrigue. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/93/67/36/93673636ac199a543b986149d7dcd64a.jpg)
Marble Tile
For a high-end, luxe look, install marble tile behind brown cabinets. The natural veining and swirls of marble add organic beauty. Stick to smaller marble tiles or mosaic sheets so the gorgeous detailing shows. Keep the rest of the kitchen simple to let the marble backsplash shine.
A marble mosaic backsplash elevates this kitchen with brown cabinets. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b1/d2/7f/b1d27f8ecd5f00a3032e90fa190ee04b.jpg)
Herringbone Tile
The classic zig-zag pattern of herringbone backsplash tile brings visual motion and texture. Maintain the brown cabinet color scheme by choosing tiles in earthy hues like terracotta, brown, taupe, beige, or brick red. The small size of herringbone tiles creates tons of grout lines for added character.
Herringbone tiles in subdued taupe complement these brown cabinets. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/79/48/d1/7948d12ca1a240b047e1acedfde12a88.jpg)
Travertine Tile
For rustic Old World charm, use backsplash tile made of natural travertine stone. Travertine comes in a creamy ivory color that pairs perfectly with rich brown cabinets. The inherent holes and imperfections in travertine tiles provide loads of texture. Use small mosaic travertine tiles or elongated subway-style tiles.
Travertine tile backsplashes complement brown cabinets beautifully. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cd/e9/37/cde9375f205a953419b2882c3d6a8034.jpg)
Wood Plank Tile
The natural beauty of wood always looks wonderful against brown cabinets. Using wood-look porcelain or ceramic plank tile is an easy backsplash choice. The long, horizontal lines create a cohesive look. Mix planks in varying wood grains, colors, and widths for added dimension.
Wood plank tile backsplashes complement the warm tones of brown cabinets. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/21/e8/58/21e8587f0429f51571feef3e9d25bf5b.jpg)
Brick Tile
For a vintage vibe, install a backsplash of brick tile behind brown cabinets. The rough texture and earthy red-brown color of brick pairs perfectly with darker wood cabinets. Use real reclaimed bricks or faux brick tiles for easier installation. Keep the rest of the kitchen on the simpler side to let the brickwork shine.
Reclaimed brick tiles complement the rustic wood cabinets in this kitchen. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/42/33/23/423323a8bb2591e838369efb6a6b429d.jpg)
Subway Tile Backsplash Accent
Instead of a full backsplash, use subway tiles as a single focal point behind the range or stove. Flank the tile section with open shelves or painted walls. The tile backsplash accent adds color and texture without overwhelming the brown cabinets.
A small backsplash accent of subway tile adds a pop of color. [Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/39/57/66/395766cda90614de6d2535346072fcae.jpg)
Mixed Metal Tile
For a super modern style, combine metal backsplash tiles in stainless steel, copper, brass, and bronze metallic finishes. The mixed metals and shiny surfaces pair beautifully with dark brown cabinets and warm wood floors. This eye-catching backsplash option makes a sleek design statement.
A multi-metal backsplash creates an ultra-modern vibe with brown cabinets.[Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/db/ec/d8/dbecd863dd2f3093b5258d8ae38dbac2.jpg)
Hexagon Mosaic Tile
For a funky retro feel, install a backsplash using hexagon-shaped tiles. The unique six-sided shape allows for cool geometric designs when the tiles are applied in a mosaic pattern. Use tiles in varying earth tones like beige, brown, brick, tan, and cream for a harmonic look with brown cabinetry.
A geometric hexagon tile mosaic creates an eclectic backsplash design.[Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1c/9b/05/1c9b0503d2f7127e516c4d6f2816cc03.jpg)
Green Glass Tile
Glass tiles are a gorgeous backsplash choice that boost shine and color. For brown cabinets, glossy emerald or sage green glass tile pops beautifully. The jewel tones contrast nicely with the brown while pulling out any green details elsewhere in the kitchen. Mix with neutral tiles for further contrast.
Emerald green glass tile makes a vibrant statement against rich brown cabinets.[Source](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/81/2c/7f/812c7f53ee0b5c27a76022d3b7bbec92.jpg)
Design Tips for Backsplashes with Brown Cabinets
When designing your brown cabinet kitchen backsplash, keep these tips in mind:
- Use warm-toned backsplash materials like stone, brick, or wood to complement the brown cabinets. Cooler grays and beiges also work well.
- Incorporate natural texture with materials like marble, travertine, or brick tile. The brown veining pairs great with wood cabinetry.
- Mix subway tile sizes like a classic 3×6 with elongated 4×12 planks. Use different grout colors as well for contrast.
- Vary the tile layout. Running bond, herringbone, stacked, and other patterns add visual interest.
- Use an accent strip of mosaic tile or colored glass tile against a neutral backsplash as a focal point.
- Consider open shelving, trim details, or floating wood shelves to break up the space between countertops and cabinets.
- Install undercabinet lighting or sconces to illuminate and highlight the backsplash tilework.
- Select grout in a lighter color than the backsplash tile. White or ivory grout makes the tiling pop.
- Choose an accent color pulled from elsewhere in the kitchen, like appliances or artwork, and match the backsplash to it.
FAQs about Backsplashes for Brown Kitchen Cabinets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about selecting a backsplash to match brown kitchen cabinets:
What color backsplash goes best with brown cabinets?
Some of the most popular backsplash colors for brown cabinets include cream, beige, tan, light brown, white, gray, and blue. Warm neutral tones complement brown cabinets beautifully. Don’t be afraid to incorporate some color too.
Do you need a backsplash with brown cabinets?
While not absolutely necessary, adding a backsplash is highly recommended with brown cabinets. The backsplash ties the whole kitchen together visually by filling the space between countertops and wall cabinets. Backsplashes also protect the walls from splatters and moisture.
What kind of backsplash can make a room look bigger?
Using backsplash tiles in lighter colors like white, cream, or beige can help give the illusion of a larger space. Glossy tile material and smaller tile sizes also tend to make kitchens appear bigger and more expansive.
What backsplash color makes kitchen look modern?
For a contemporary kitchen with brown cabinets, opt for a sleek backsplash in materials like glass, metal, or porcelain. Cool gray and beige tones keep the look modern. Mosaic and miniature tile sizes combined in geometric shapes also give a modern vibe.
What backsplash goes with cottage kitchen?
Cottage-style kitchens look beautiful with backsplashes made of brick, travertine tile, marble, or wood planks. Herringbone and subway tile patterns work well too. Keep colors light and neutral like cream, beige, or gray.
What is a good size tile for backsplash?
The most common backsplash tile sizes range from 1×1 mosaics to 6×6 tiles. Standard 3×6 subway tile and 4×4 tiles remain versatile options. Larger tiles around 4×12 help small spaces appear bigger. Mixing up tile sizes adds interest to the design.
Conclusion
The proper backsplash brings together the look of any kitchen while also protecting walls from splatter and spills. For kitchens with brown cabinets, the backsplash you choose can make or break the design aesthetic. Warm, natural materials like stone, wood, and brick complement brown cabinetry beautifully. Don’t shy away from color either. Vibrant backsplash tile in green, blue, and beyond can inject personality into your space. With so many gorgeous options, there is a unique backsplash idea perfect for any style. Use the inspirations and tips above to design a stunning, cohesive kitchen backsplash for your brown cabinets.