Introduction
Granite countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Not only are they durable and low maintenance, but with the wide variety of granite colors and patterns available, they allow you to add a unique touch of style to your space. Once you’ve chosen the perfect granite slabs for your countertops, the next step is selecting a backsplash that complements both your granite and the overall design of the room.
A backsplash serves both practical and decorative purposes. On a functional level, it protects the wall from moisture, splashes, and stains that can occur behind a sink or cooktop. But it also provides an opportunity to enhance the beauty of the space with eye-catching colors, textures, and designs.
With so many backsplash tile materials, styles, and layouts to choose from, deciding on the perfect look can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a backsplash design that pairs beautifully with granite countertops without creating visual clutter.
Keep It Simple
Granite countertops often have bold patterns and dramatic veining. To allow the granite to take center stage, opt for a backsplash design that is subtle and relatively understated. Solid tiles in a single glossy finish, simple subway tile, or uniform rectangular tiles are backsplash options that won’t compete with a granite countertop’s unique beauty.
Save the more elaborate backsplash designs—like mosaics, mixed metallics, or hand-painted tiles—for rooms where the countertops have a more consistent, neutral look.
Coordinate Colors
Look to your granite countertop slab for inspiration on backsplash tile colors. Choose tiles that pick up and complement the most prominent flecks and tones in the granite’s natural pattern. For example, if your granite has a rich brown background with copper and tan accents, a multi-colored tile incorporating brown, copper, and tan would tie the two elements together beautifully.
If your countertop has a bold mix of colors, consider choosing a tile that reflects one of the tones as the dominant color. This helps unify the look instead of competing with the granite’s colorful variation. Just avoid completely matching the granite—some contrast between the two is good.
Mind the Finish
Pay attention to the granite’s surface finish as you choose backsplash tiles. Honed or matte granite pairs best with backsplashes that also have an understated, natural look. Polished or glossy granite calls for reflective backsplash tile finishes like polished or metallic.
Matching the shine levels helps the granite flow seamlessly into the backsplash. Too much of a mismatch can create a disruptive contrast.
Consider Relative Scale
The scale of the backsplash tile design should align with the visual weight and busyness of the granite slab. For granite with little veining and subtle colors, small mosaic tiles or a detailed pattern can work nicely. But for granite with bold, varied patterning, limit the tile design to neutral colors and straightforward grid layouts.
Large format tiles are a foolproof choice for any type of granite. Limiting the number of grout lines automatically creates a clean, coherent look.
No matter what tile scale you select, be sure to balance it with the proportions of the room. Don’t overwhelm a small kitchen with overly large tiles.
Highlight Architectural Features
Use the backsplash to draw attention to special architectural elements in the space. For example, run rectangular subway tiles vertically near the cooktop to emphasize the height of the room. Frame the range hood or a window over the sink with eye-catching mosaic or decorative tiles.
This type of intentional backsplash design prevents these beautiful features from getting overshadowed by a showstopping granite countertop.
Know Your Options
From ceramic to glass and natural stone, backsplash tiles come in a diverse array of materials and finishes. Consider the following options to find one that pairs well with your granite:
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Durability: Very durable and moisture-resistant
- Design Options: Available in wide range of colors, shapes, sizes and finishes
- Works Well With: All granite types
Glass Tile
- Cost: Mid to high range
- Durability: Prone to chipping so best used selectively
- Design Options: Lots of shiny options like metallic, iridescent, or color shifting glass
- Works Well With: Highly-polished granite
Natural Stone Tile
- Cost: Expensive, especially for rarer or imported material
- Durability: Tough and long-lasting like granite
- Design Options: Real stone offers one-of-a-kind looks not replicable with porcelain or ceramic
- Works Well With: Honed or leathered granite
Metal Tile
- Cost: High if using real metals like copper, brass or zinc
- Durability: Naturally rust/corrosion-resistant
- Design Options: Can mimic look of real metal or have metallic painted finish
- Works Well With: Matte leathered or concrete-look granite
Layout and Patterns
In addition to material and color, the tile layout significantly impacts how the backsplash functions with the countertop design. Here are some backsplash configuration options worth considering:
All-Over Grid
Laying tile in a basic grid pattern keeps the look clean and subtle. The grout lines also help break up the expanse of tile to prevent it from overwhelming the room. Stick with uniform rectangular or square tiles and minimal color variation.
Decorative Accent Band
Adding a decorative row of mosaic or ornate tile 5-6 inches above the countertop is an elegant touch. Keep the lower courses simple and neutral. Finish with a polished edge piece for a framed effect.
Vertical Subway Tile
Run rectangular subway tiles from counter to cabinet in a classic vertical layout. Sleek, modern and endlessly versatile, this style adapts well to many kitchens. Avoid super narrow grout lines that can get messy.
Horizontal Subway Tile
For a change of pace, lay subway tile horizontally using offset stacked courses. Works especially well with longer horizontal spaces like a cooktop backsplash.
Mini-Mosaic
Tiny mosaic tiles lend visual interest when used sparingly as an accent slice or strip between sections of larger tile. Just small hits of mosaic prevent it from feeling too busy.
Geometric Patterns
Add modern flair with graphic, geometric tile designs like tessellated shapes or zigzag and arrow patterns. Stick to two alternating colors and finish with a chair rail trim piece for a bold divider.
Protect Your Investment
Once your gorgeous new backsplash is installed, be sure to care for it properly to prevent damage and maximize its longevity:
- Clean with gentle dish soap and water only – avoid harsh cleaners.
- Seal natural stone tiles periodically to guard against staining.
- Immediately clean up spills, splatters and drips to prevent stubborn stains.
- Use a tile-friendly grout release agent when cleaning to avoid stripping or eroding grout lines.
Setting the Scene
Beyond the backsplash itself, don’t forget the other design details that contribute to a cohesive overall look:
Faucets and Fixtures
Choose fixture finishes that tie in other metal finishes in the space like pendant lights or hardware. Classic choices like chrome, nickel or oil-rubbed bronze work well with most types of granite.
Sink Selection
Undermount sinks blend seamlessly with granite countertops. For a crisp, contemporary look, opt for a sleek steel or modern ceramic sink. Farmhouse apron-front sinks pair better with old-world style granite.
Kitchen Tools and Accessories
Keep gadgets, utensils and appliances on the countertop to a minimum. Decorative canisters, rugs, window treatments and accoutrements should complement the colors in the granite and backsplash.
Task Lighting
Proper lighting is key. Use fixtures positioned close to the backsplash surface to illuminate and highlight the tile design details.
FAQs
What backsplash colors look best with busy brown granite?
For brown granite with bold variation, earthy backsplash hues like sandy beige, warm taupe, bronze and mocha make for a cohesive color pairing. Crisp white also looks sharp contrasted with the dark brown granite.
Should I match my granite and backsplash?
It’s generally best not to match granite and backsplash colors exactly. Go for tiles that pick up on some of the tones in the granite but don’t try to match every single fleck and color. Having some contrast creates visual interest.
Can I use marble tile for a backsplash with marble granite?
Yes, marble backsplash tile is an elegant choice with marble granite countertops. Stick with a marble variety that has subtle veining to avoid going overboard. Calacatta marble is ideal. Use large format tiles and minimal grout lines.
What tile sizes work best with busy granite?
For granite with a very active pattern, limit the busyness of the backsplash by using larger tile sizes like 4×12” or 6×6”. This helps the eye digest the granite’s many colors and lines. Avoid intricate mosaic designs.
Should backsplash go to ceiling with granite?
It’s not mandatory to run granite backsplashes all the way to the ceiling. The standard height is 4 inches above the countertop. Going to the ceiling can work well if you want to make a design statement or fully highlight an accent wall.
How do I know if my granite needs a backsplash?
All countertops behind sinks or cooktops benefit from backsplashes to prevent water damage and staining of the wall. Visually, granite that extends to the walls with no backsplash can sometimes look incomplete from a design perspective.
Conclusion
The ideal backsplash design for a kitchen or bath with granite countertops is one that balances beauty and function. Keeping the tile work relatively simple allows the natural elegance of the granite to take the spotlight. Yet the backsplash still makes an important decorative statement in the space.
With the right tile material, color, finish, scale and layout, it’s easy to create a look that enhances and complements your investment in gorgeous granite countertops. Paying attention to these design considerations results in a tailored, cohesive style that you’ll enjoy for many years.