A kitchen backsplash can make or break the look and feel of your kitchen. It serves both form and function – protecting the walls from splashes and spills while also providing an opportunity to add visual interest. When paired with wood cabinets, the right backsplash can really enhance the natural warmth and beauty of the wood. Whether your style is modern farmhouse, traditional, or contemporary, there are plenty of fabulous tile options that will complement wood cabinets beautifully.
The Importance of a Backsplash in a Kitchen
A kitchen backsplash is sometimes treated as an afterthought, but it is such an integral part of the kitchen’s design. Not only does a backsplash protect the walls from inevitable splashes and stains that come from cooking and cleaning, but it really provides an opportunity to showcase your personal style.
The backsplash takes up a significant portion of visual real estate in the kitchen, so the materials, colors, and designs used will dramatically impact the overall aesthetic. From sleek, modern designs to ornate Old World-inspired tile work, the backsplash choices are endless.
Beyond just looking pretty, a backsplash serves the very practical purpose of keeping your walls clean. Without a backsplash, walls get damaged more easily from moisture, oil splatters, and general cooking mess. The backsplash takes all that abuse so you don’t have to repeatedly repaint. Easy-to-clean tile is a much better solution than drywall for a heavy-use area like behind a stove or sink.
So when renovating a kitchen or building new, don’t forget to give the backsplash its due attention! Make sure it complements your cabinetry, counters, appliances and overall design vision.
Complementing Wood Cabinets with Stylish Backsplash Tiles
Wood kitchen cabinets offer a flexibility in design that is hard to match with other materials. The rich, natural patinas and unique grain patterns of wood bring organic warmth and texture to kitchens that cannot be duplicated. When selecting a backsplash to pair with wood cabinetry, you’ll want to choose materials and colors that enhance the beauty of the wood itself.
Here are some tips for picking the perfect backsplash tile to match your wood kitchen cabinets:
Select Natural Hues
Stick with earthy, nature-inspired hues for your backsplash tiles rather than stark whites or bold primaries which can clash with wood’s mellow color variations. Warm beiges, browns, tans and other neutrals will complement the wood beautifully. Adding veining, mottling or subtle color variations in the tiles prevents the backsplash from looking flat and uniform.
Consider Natural Materials
Natural stone tiles in materials like marble, travertine, slate or pebbled mosaics can mimic the variation found in wood grains. Concrete tiles are another popular option. Wood-look ceramic or porcelain tiles are also produced now if you want wood cabinetry to seamlessly carry to the backsplash. Mixing some glass, metal or ceramic tiles into a predominately natural stone backsplash adds depth and visual interest.
Include Metallic Accents
A touch of shine breathes life into neutral backsplash palettes. Adding a metallic mosaic tile border, Odyssey polished marble inserts, or antique mirrored tiles behind a stove back panel are simple ways to incorporate sheen. Just stick to metallic accents sparingly to avoid looking too busy or flashy.
Set Off with Texture
Wood cabinets have an inherent natural texture from the wood grain. Play with different textures in the tile itself to complement this. Combine tiles with glossy and matte finishes, add handmade art tile details, or use textured surfaces like hand-troweled plaster tiles. Just don’t overdo the variety of textures which can cheapen the look.
Focal Points Provide Contrast
Most designers recommend picking one highly decorative focal tile, perhaps behind the range or around the window over the sink to provide some contrast to the wood cabinets. Handmade encaustic cement tiles, decorative ceramic tiles depicting nature scenes or geometric/moroccan motifs make stunning focal points without competing directly with the wood cabinetry.
Vary Tile Sizes
Creating a patchwork effect with different sized tiles adds interest to a neutral colored backsplash. Mixing large and small format subway tiles, beautiful decorative insets and mosaics prevents a dull uniform appearance. Framing the range hood with border tiles of a different size or laying out tiles in a herringbone/brickwork pattern also breaks up the space beautifully.
Create Interest with Shape
Beyond just square and rectangular tiles, explore diamonds, hexagons, arabesque shapes and curved forms to complement traditional or contemporary kitchens. Tiles with rounded edges have a softer look that pairs nicely with the warmth of wood cabinets. Installing tiles in a stack bond pattern rather than running lengths horizontally or vertically changes the dynamics of the space.
Set the Tone with Color
Don’t be afraid to bring color into the backsplash! The area around a white or stainless steel range is the perfect opportunity to incorporate some bold or unexpected color. Primary colors can be done tastefully even with traditional kitchen designs. Just remember that bolder colors will really pop against natural wood hues, so apply them judiciously according to the mood you want to set.
With so many backsplash tile materials, colors, shapes, sizes and patterns to choose from, there are endless ways to beautifully complement wood kitchen cabinetry. Always view tile samples and full boards in the space before purchasing to get an accurate impression of how well the tiles will pair with the wood tones and kitchen lighting. A thoughtfully designed backsplash will not only protect the walls but also enhance the functionality and beauty of a kitchen.
Choosing Backsplash Tiles for Light and Dark Wood Cabinets
The key to picking the perfect backsplash tile color is looking at the undertones of your wood cabinets. Light and dark woods each require a slightly different approach when selecting a coordinating backsplash. Here are some tips for choosing backsplash tiles for both light and dark wood kitchen cabinets:
For Light Wood Cabinets:
- Whites, creams, warm grays and beiges are safe backsplash colors for light woods like maple, birch, ash and oak. The lighter wood keeps the space feeling open and airy.
- Pastels like seafoam green, sky blue and pale violet complement without overwhelming the light cabinetry.
- Tan, buff or sand colored natural stones blend seamlessly with light woods. Travertine and limestone are great choices.
- Avoid pure white backsplashes as they can look stark and cold against warmer light woods. Creamy off-whites are safer.
- Bold primary colors like cobalt blue or fire engine red need extra large spaces. They pop brightly against light woods.
- Metallic mosaics, hammered nickel details and champagne bronze tiles make lovely accents.
- Choose glass, ceramic or porcelain tiles with gray, taupe or beige veining for dimension.
For Dark Wood Cabinets:
- Lighter beiges, warm grays, soft whites and cream tiles counterbalance the richness of dark woods like cherry, walnut or mahogany.
- Avoid pure black, dark green or navy blue backsplashes as these tend to look too somber and heavy.
- Natural stone options like marble, travertine and light limestone open up smaller, darker spaces.
- Clear or frosted glass tiles add a nice sheen and reflect more light. Smoky grays or muted blues work well.
- Warm metallics like antique gold, brass, and oil-rubbed bronze make the space feel warmer.
- Bright pops of color in berry, mint or sky blue enliven the space. Limit to use as an accent.
- Charcoal grey stone tiles paired with white grout lines look modern and crisp.
- Don’t be afraid to mix wood tones in the backsplash and cabinetry to add visual interest.
Trust your eye when selecting backsplash tile colors. The most important consideration is choosing colors, materials and styles you find visually pleasing with your cabinetry. Always view the full tiles in person before purchasing. The small differences in wood grains, finishes and kitchen lighting could impact your initial vision for the backsplash tile colors.
Modern Tile Backsplash Ideas for Contemporary Kitchens
If you have a contemporary kitchen with a sleek, minimalist style you will want your backsplash tile to complement that aesthetic. Clean lines, geometric shapes, solid colors and metallics are ideal modern backsplash tile choices. Here are some contemporary, trendy backsplash ideas for modern kitchens:
Solid Color Glass Subway Tile
High-gloss, solid colored glossy subway tiles lend a refined simplicity that is perfectly suited to modern kitchens. Their uniform bricks create neat linear grids. Look for thin beveled-edge tiles or staggered herringbone layouts. Solid whites, blacks and bold primaries make the biggest impact.
Metallic Accent Tiles
Metallic backsplashes instantly add glamour and polish to modern kitchens. While expensive solid sheets of stainless steel or zinc are common behind commercial cooking surfaces, affordable accent tiles in metals like bronze, copper and chrome can provide the same contemporary aesthetic. Cluster shimmery metallic mosaic tiles behind the stove or frame the range hood.
Geometric Patterns
From triangles and diamonds to octagons and hexagonal fish scales, geometric tiles are ideal for contemporary, streamlined spaces. Lay them in alternating patterns or create clean borders around uncluttered white or neutral tiles. Metallic geometric tile inserts also add modern flair.
Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
The Moorish fish scale pattern brings movement and visual depth to blank backsplash expanses. Available glazed in an array of colors from bold cobalt blue to earthy terra cotta, the interlocking tiles create rhythm and interest. Perfect for bohemian to mid-century modern designs.
Graphic Patterned Tile
Make a graphic statement with high-contrast patterned tiles featuring bold lines, retro dots, chevrons, or mod flowers. Keep the surrounding tiles neutral to let the dazzling prints take center stage. Handmade cement tiles offer intricate patterns.
Multi-Colored Modern Mosaic
Clusters of tiny glass, porcelain or ceramic mosaic tiles in multiple colors, shapes and finishes provide artistic flair. Choose mosaics with good color blending. Keep groupings tight together rather than spread out for best effect. Great behind cooktops or surrounding windows.
Mercury Glass Tile
The shimmery, mottled look of antique mercury glass translates beautifully to backsplash tile. Available in actual glass or faux reproductions, the subtle silvery sheen fits right into glamorous modern spaces. Mercury glass tile mimics the look of stainless steel at a fraction of the cost.
Dark Porcelain Wood-Look Plank Tile
Wood-look ceramic planks bridge the gap between natural and industrial. The rich dark ebony and espresso hues of porcelain wood-look tiles have a color uniformity that real wood lacks. Their matte texture offsets sleek surfaces in modern kitchens.
Handmade Cement Tile
With an artisanal, Old-World vibe, handcrafted cement tiles impress with their intricate patterns and eco-friendly manufacturing process. The inherent variations between tiles add depth and authenticity. Their durability makes them ideal for heavy-use kitchen backsplashes.
Brick Veneer Tile
Simulated brick backsplashes lend an urban loft feel even in suburban spaces. The textural interest of brick’s uneven surfaces combined with its patina of age adds character. Red bricks look bold and industrial against dark cabinetry.
With fewer design elements to compete with your clean lines and pops of color, a modern backsplash has a chance to shine. Choose tiles with lots of visual impact to prevent contemporary kitchens from feeling too sterile.
Backsplash Design Ideas for Farmhouse Style Kitchens
The charm of farmhouse style kitchens lies in their classic warmth and rustic simplicity. When selecting a backsplash for a farmhouse kitchen, traditional white subway tiles are a natural go-to choice. But don’t be afraid to get creative with colors, shapes and materials while still maintaining that cozy farmhouse vibe. Here are some backsplash design ideas perfectly suited for farmhouse kitchens:
Classic White Subway Tile
The quintessential farmhouse backsplash is white 3×6 glossy ceramic subway tile installed in the traditional bricklaid pattern. Expect this combo to retain its popularity as clean white suites farmhouse style kitchens beautifully. To add interest, combine varying sizes of white subway tiles or frame the range hood with pencil tiles.
Beadboard Backsplashes
Beadboard paneling instantly invokes Home & Hearth. Use genuine tongue and groove beadboard or faux panels crafted from materials like metal or vinyl. The thin parallel grooves provide lovely texture and dimension. Paint it white or pastel blues and greens that evoke cottage life.
Natural Stone Accents
While white tiles keep farmhouse backsplashes looking light and airy, consider incorporating some natural stone details for depth. Travertine inserts with their tan rippled texture or framed slate tiles over the stove bring lovely neutral contrast. Touchable stone adds warmth.
Delftware Tiles
Delftware’s distinctive blue and white pottery design is borrowed often in farmhouse kitchens. Use genuine antique Delft tiles or ceramic reproductions to create picture tiles depicting pastoral scenes, windmills and animals. These tiles tell a story. Cluster in groupings on the backsplash or range surround.
Weathered Wood Planks
Reclaimed wood planks make a natural backsplash choice for the farmhouse obsessed. Varying wood grain patterns, knots and distressing add incredible life. Light whitewashed oak has a cottage feel. Accent with ceramic knobs for hanging kitchen tools.
Pegboard Organizers
Keep your backsplash functional by affixing a section of pegboard for hanging frequently used cooking utensils and tools. The organized display contributes to that always Instagramable farmhouse style. Paint it a soft pastel hue to complement white cabinetry.
Fabric Backsplash
Waterproof fabric backed with acrylic coating can transform a blank wall into a rustic showstopper. Choose floral prints or gingham in cheery reds, blues and yellows. Install using liquid nails or heavy duty construction adhesive. It’s easily removable for laundering.
Herringbone Patterned Tile
Visually striking, the chevron motif created by overlapping rectangles in a herringbone pattern adds lovely dimension and movement to backsplashes. Available in glossy white subway tiles or multicolored handmade encaustic versions. The zigzag design feels both vintage inspired and fresh.
Accent Tiles with Farm Motifs
Don’t shy away from using tiles decorated with charming farm related motifs like roosters, cows, produce crates, tractors and farming implements. Spotlight them as decorative focal points surrounded by classic white subway tiles. Quirkier than traditional pastoral tiles.
Get creative remixing traditional farmhouse backsplash staples like beadboard and subway tile with unexpected materials and patterns. The key is maintaining that comfortable, vintage feel no matter your design choices.
Backsplash Ideas for Kitchens with Granite Countertops
With its elegant array of natural colors, gleaming polish and durability, granite remains a preferred material for kitchen countertops. Pairing it with the right backsplash tile can elevate the beauty of both. Here are some perfect backsplash ideas if you have granite countertops:
Match Natural Stone Tones
Selecting a backsplash tile that picks up some of the flecks of color and veining found in your granite countertop brings visual harmony. Subway tiles, mosaics or stacked stones in neutral hues of beige, taupe, tan or mocha brown are ideal. The tiles don’t need to match exactly, just coordinate.
Vary Materials
While you can certainly do all natural stone, mixing in some glass, metal or ceramic tiles adds interesting contrast. The array of materials makes the space feel thoughtfully curated. Just make sure any mixed materials share a common color palette.
Lighten It Up
To keep smaller spaces from feeling too heavy, choose a lighter toned backsplash tile. The weighty dark granite provides contrast against a backdrop of soft cream, light gray or white tiles. Glossy finishes also lend lightness. Add pops of color as accents.
Incorporate Granite Tile
If your countertop is a highly patterned granite, introduce some uniformity by incorporating the granite material into the backsplash itself. Many stone suppliers sell coordinating granite tiles or thin backerboard veneered in the granite. Use sparingly as accents.
Emphasize Metallics
The shimmer and sparkle of metallic backsplashes like stainless steel, copper and glass subway tiles complement the glow of polished granite. Metallics mesh well with both traditional and contemporary kitchens. A great way to incorporate more glam.
Create Focal Points
Use the backsplash as an opportunity to provide contrast and drama from all the neutral granite. Handmade accent tiles depicting scenes, geometric prints or bright colors clustered together grab attention and prevent a monotonous look.
Contrast with Darker Colors
Bold backsplash colors like navy blue, charcoal, wine red or emerald green pop brightly against light granite countertops and cabinetry. They work to make a statement in larger kitchens. Use sparingly or on range surrounds.
Frame It Out
Define the space with framing tiles of a contrasting color or finish. Outline range hoods, niches, windows or the entire backsplash perimeter with liner tiles, moldings and trim. This strategy works well if mixing multiple backsplash types and colors.
Granite’s natural beauty pairs so well with an endless variety of backsplash materials from metals and stone to ceramic and glass. Always view granite samples alongside the potential backsplash tiles before finalizing to make sure you’ll be pleased with how well they complement each other in your specific kitchen lighting and overall design.
Choosing a Backsplash to Match White Kitchen Cabinets
An expansive white kitchen instantly evokes feelings of openness and purity. When matched with a crisp white backsplash, it achieves a light, airy aesthetic. But all-white backsplashes can also read as sterile or monotonous if not done thoughtfully. Here are some excellent options for choosing a backsplash that complements classic white kitchen cabinets:
Classic White Subway Tile
This traditional go-to backsplash option meshes seamlessly with white cabinets. The matching white maintains the clean, spacious illusion. Vary