Adding a blue backsplash to your kitchen can be a great way to incorporate some color and personality into the space. From deep navy hues to bright aqua tones, blue backsplashes can range from subtle to standout. Choosing the right shade and style depends on the look you’re going for, whether crisp and nautical or bold and beachy. Here we’ll explore some of the most popular options for blue kitchen backsplash tile ideas.
Why Choose a Blue Backsplash?
Before diving into specific shades and materials, let’s look at some of the benefits of opting for a blue backsplash in general:
- Adds a pop of color – Blue is inherently cheerful and lively, bringing more color into what can be a neutral kitchen palette of whites and grays. It creates visual interest against cabinetry.
- Complements natural light – From sky blue to navy, the hue ties into natural light in sunny kitchens beautifully. It can make the space feel open and airy.
- Contrasts with warm wood tones – Many kitchens feature warm wood cabinetry and floors, whether light oak or darker walnut. A blue backsplash contrasts beautifully with those tones.
- Encourages creativity – Blue isn’t as expected in kitchens as some colors, so it allows for creativity. There are many shades and patterns to work with.
- Provides versatility – Depending on the exact hue, blue can feel beachy, nautical, traditional, modern, romantic, or retro. It pairs well with various styles.
Now let’s look at popular shades of blue tile and backsplash design ideas!
Navy Blue Backsplash Tile
One sophisticated and versatile option is to go for navy blue backsplash tile. Navy reads as a neutral while still providing that pop of color. Here are some navy blue backsplash ideas:
Solid Navy Subway Tile
Subway tile in a matte or glossy solid navy shade provides a classic and clean look. Paired with white grout, this traditional style feels fresh in navy. Use a matching blue and white patterned floor tile to complement it. Navy subway tile pops against light cabinets and wood counters.
Navy Tile with White Accents
Add dimension by pairing navy tiles with complementary white ones. Great combinations include navy and white checkerboard tile or navy and white Spanish mosaic tile. White hexagon tile or penny tile insets also contrast well with navy field tile.
Metallic Navy Tile
Glossy metallic or iridescent navy tile amps up the glam and interest. Using it as an accent amidst traditional white subway tile is a great way to test the navy waters without going all in. Or cover a whole wall in bold metallic navy tile.
Moroccan-Inspired Navy Tile
Patterned and decorative tiles in navy blue provide a dose of Moroccan flavor. Use encaustic cement tile or hand-painted tile with geometric and floral navy motifs as the backsplash focal point. Their vivid designs make a style statement.
Subway Pattern Using Dark & Light Blues
Playing with light and dark navy subway tiles in varying patterns creates visual texture and movement. The lighter tiles offset the darker ones beautifully. Lay them in an offset brick pattern or alternating stacks.
Distressed Look Navy Tile
Achieve a beachy, cottage feel with distressed tiles in a navy wash or patina. The worn, faded finish gives them a relaxed vibe. Combine with white grout for contrast and display shells or corals on them.
Aqua Blue Backsplash Tile Ideas
For a bolder pop of color, consider going with a bright aqua blue backsplash. These vivid hues instantly energize and modernize a kitchen. Here are some eye-catching options:
Solid Aqua Glass Subway Tile
Covering a backsplash in aqua glass subway tile makes a contemporary statement. Use glossy tile and set them in a classic brick pattern. Or lay them vertically for a sleeker look. Their translucency adds depth.
Mosaic Aqua Tile
For serious color impact, install a mosaic tile backsplash in cheery aqua. Choose a small mosaic with tile pieces set close together or larger handmade Moroccan zellige mosaic tiles. The playful pattern energizes the whole space.
Metallic Aqua Hexagon Tile
Faceted hexagon-shaped tile in a bold metallic aqua blue conveys a glam and modern vibe. Use them in place of traditional subway tile or combine with clear glass tile. Large aqua marble hexagon tile also channels luxury.
Ombre Sunset Aquas
Create a sunset ombre effect by blending aqua, teal and navy tiles in gradating shades. Lay them in horizontal rows transitioning from light to dark. Or arrange them vertically from aqua to navy across the wall.
Aqua & White Moroccan Style
Moroccan-style white square tile with an aqua starburst tile design offers global flair. Use it in a full backsplash or as an accent wall behind the stove. The aqua pops brightly against the white background.
Handpainted Aqua Spanish Tile
Vivid hand-painted and hand-glazed Spanish tile breathe life into a backsplash. Whether floral, geometric or nature designs like coral and fish, the artistic tiles convey bold personality. Pair with plain white tile.
Royal Blue Backsplash Tile Ideas
Deeper than navy but brighter than ultramarine, royal blue strikes a sophisticated and dramatic note as a backsplash. Consider these eye-catching ways to implement it:
Royal Blue Glass Subway Tile
Sleek glass subway tile in a deep royal blue shade brings contemporary style. Lay the tiles in a classic brick pattern or more creatively – modern options include vertical sets, diagonal designs, or rounded edges.
Gilded Royal Blue Arabesque Tile
For a glam Art Deco vibe, install lustrous royal blue Arabesque-shaped tile. Their elegant shape catches the light beautifully. Opt for gilded tile with gold edges or metallic gold tile accents.
Moroccan Royal Blue Zellige
Vibrant Moroccan zellige brings rich color and eclectic global style. The hand-cut encaustic tiles form kaleidoscopic patterns in white alongside brilliant royal blue. Use them sparingly as an accent or boldly across the whole backsplash.
Royal Blue Chevron Subway Tile
Lay glossy subway tile in a deconstructed chevron pattern, transitioning diagonally from royal blue to white. The zig-zag style feels clean, modern and graphic. Pair with sleek white cabinetry and metallic accents.
Retro Royal Blue & Yellow Combination
For a retro diner aesthetic, combine vibrant royal blue tiles with bright yellow ones. Use them in a checkerboard pattern, concentric squares, or contrasting vertical stripes. The color pairing is bold and lively.
Royal Blue & White Spanish Tile
Hand-painted Spanish tile offer old-world charm with contemporary pops of color. Use them to create floral and winding tile designs that incorporate white backgrounds with brilliant royal blue accents.
Coastal Blue Backsplash Tile Ideas
Want to bring beach house vibes into your kitchen? From weathered blues to ocean hues, these backsplash tile ideas channel laidback seaside style:
Weathered Coastal Blue Subway
Matte finish coastal blue subway tile in a weathered patina effect evokes driftwood and relaxed cottage living. Use white grout to allow the worn blue color to shine. Add accent shells, starfish, and sea glass.
Beach Glass Tile Mix
Create your own beach glass tile blend by combining tiles in sea glass inspired shades of blue, green and white. Varying the shades and patterns conveys an artfully collected look. Great for cottage kitchens.
Ocean Inspired Mosaic Tile
Mosaics offer opportunities for vivid ocean imagery. Choose tile with artistic motifs like stylized waves, fish, sea turtles, starfish, and seashells. Use ocean colored grout to continue the theme.
Blue & White Portolano Tile
Portolano maritime tile designs depict old world ships, navigation maps, and compasses. In classic nautical style, they feature a white background with cobalt blue and navy accents. Use sparingly as a backsplash focal point.
Coastal Ombre with White & Blue
Capture the colors of sea and sky with an ombre-effect tile installation transitioning from light aqua to mid-blue to navy. Lay subway tile in horizontal rows or mini mosaic tile flowing vertically.
Beach Hut Style with Shiplap
Use white shiplap planks as the base backsplash and accent with tiles in sea glass hues. Mini subway tile between some of the horizontal planks conveys a beach house or cottage feel.
Creative Blue Backsplash Tile Layouts & Patterns
While traditional grid layouts remain popular, don’t be afraid to get creative with the tile layout and patten design. Here are some ideas to try:
-stacked or offset brick pattern
-vertical stripes
-diagonal designs – chevron, herringbone, etc.
-moroccan fish scale tile pattern
-geometric shapes and patterns
-asymmetric layouts
-concentric squares
-edged with penny tile perimeter
-checkerboard
-modeled after ocean waves or ripples
-mosaic tile laid in picture motifs like fish or anchors
-deconstructed patterns
-negative space patterns
Get inspired by patterns found in nature, textiles, architecture, and art. Use a combination of field tile, mosaic tile, and accent tile to create one-of-a-kind designs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Blue Backsplash Tile
When selecting materials and planning your blue backsplash tile installation, keep the following factors in mind:
Color
Consider the existing color scheme and whether you want the blue to blend in or stand out. Look at kitchen finishes that the tile will be paired with.
Shade
Lighter shades like sky blue will create an airier feel, while darker shades like navy make more of a bold statement.
Tone
Cool blue tones complement stainless steel, while warmer blue-greens pair well with brass hardware and lighting.
Finish
Matte, satin, or high-gloss? Finish impacts the overall look, shine, and feel.
Material
Tile, glass, or stone? Material affects aesthetic as well as durability and ease of cleaning.
Size & Shape
Small mosaic, longer subway, or large statement tile? Shape like hexagon or arabesque?
Pattern
Uniform, geometric, asymmetrical, or artistic? Consider how the tile shapes will be arranged.
Grouting
White and light grout contrasts with blue tile, while blue, grey, and black grout matches more seamlessly.
Take each of these elements into account when selecting your perfect blue backsplash tile design.
Blue Backsplash Tile Design Ideas
Here are five stunning blue backsplash design ideas to inspire your kitchen remodel:
1. Bold Solid Blue Glass Subway Tile
Make a contemporary statement with glossy aqua glass subway tile covering the entire backsplash wall. Their brilliant color instantly modernizes the space.
2. Moroccan Royal Blue Accent
Add a pop of vibrance with brilliant royal blue and white Moroccan zellige tile displayed as an accent behind the stove. The exotic pattern makes an eye-catching focal point.
3. Weathered Coastal Blue Mosaic
Convey breezy, beach house style with tumbled glass mosaic tile in weathered coastal blue hues. Variations in shade and natural patina create visual texture and depth.
4. Navy Blue Hexagon Statement
Dramatic oversized navy blue hexagon tile laid in an offset pattern makes a bold graphic statement. Pair with clean white cabinetry and marble counters for chic contrast.
5. Vintage Aqua & White Checkerboard
Checking aqua and white tile in a retro diner style checkerboard pattern injects playful personality. Add kitchen ornaments like red barstools for a kitschy focal point.
Blue Backsplash Tile Maintenance Tips
To keep your blue backsplash tiles looking like new:
- Use a gentle cleanser and soft sponge or cloth to clean tiles. Avoid abrasive products.
- Re-apply sealers to natural stone tile annually to protect from stains.
- Immediately dry tiles after cleaning. Add a squeegee to your cleaning routine.
- For tougher dried-on stains in grout, use a mild oxygen bleach cleaner and scrub brush.
- Use painter’s tape around tiles if painting nearby walls to prevent splatters and smudges.
- Handle loose tiles carefully to avoid chips. Repair any missing or cracked grout promptly.
Following good maintenance practices will help preserve your backsplash’s vibrance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors go well with blue backsplash tile?
Blue is versatile enough to complement both warm and cool palettes. Try pairing blue tile with whites, beiges, greys, black, yellow, green, wood tones, and metallics like stainless steel, nickel, and brass.
How do I decide between glossy and matte tile?
Glossy tile offers higher shine and reflection, while matte has a more muted, honed appearance. Glossy amplifies colors like blue for vibrance. Matte feels more subtle and relaxed.
What kind of tile offers the most durability?
Porcelain and ceramic tile are very durable and resistant to moisture, stains, scratches, and high temperatures from cooking. Avoid using hand-decorated tile near the stove.
Should my grout color match or contrast my blue tile?
White and light grout provide contrast that makes colored tile pop. Matching blue, grey, or black grout creates a more seamless look. Consider sheen too – glossy vs matte grout finishes.
How do I clean and maintain blue backsplash tile?
Use gentle cleaners and soft scrub brushes. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads. Re-seal natural stone annually. Dry tile after cleaning to prevent soap scum buildup. Repair missing or cracked grout promptly.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless when incorporating a splash of blue into your kitchen backsplash. From serene and subtle to bold and vibrant, blue tile creates visual interest and adds personality to your cooking space. Focus on choosing a shade and style that pairs well with your existing decor and suits your aesthetic preferences. Then select high-quality materials, creative patterns, and proper installation for a cohesive look. With the right backsplash design, you can enjoy the upbeat vibe blue tile brings for years to come.