Selecting a backsplash is one of the most fun parts of kitchen remodeling. The backsplash serves both form and function – protecting the walls from splatter and splashes while adding visual interest and tying the whole space together decoratively. For kitchens with blue cabinets, choosing a backsplash requires some extra thought to find options that work beautifully with the cool blue tones.
The right backsplash can accentuate and pull out the shades of blue in the cabinetry, add contrast, or complement the blue with different hues. Eye-catching, creative backsplashes for blue kitchen cabinets make the space pop and feel special.
There are lots of excellent backsplash tile possibilities for kitchens with blue cabinets. Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, and slate can look gorgeous with blue cabinetry, as can unique handmade or glass backsplash tiles. Don’t be afraid to incorporate some color, pattern, texture, or metallic finishes for extra visual appeal.
This guide will explore some of the best backsplash ideas for kitchens with blue cabinets and share tips for selecting, designing, and installing the perfect backsplash for your space. Let’s dive in!
Complementary Tones and Textures for Blue Cabinet Backsplashes
One effective approach for choosing a kitchen backsplash with blue cabinets is selecting materials that pick up on and complement the shades of blue. This creates a cohesive, put-together look.
For lighter blue painted cabinets, soft neutral backsplash tiles in creams, grays, and whites are an easy choice. Beige and gray stone mosaic tiles, white subway tiles, or white marble hexagons pair beautifully with powder blue and robin’s egg blue cabinetry.
For darker navy blue stained cabinets, consider backsplashes in tones like dark gray, charcoal, soft beige, or warm neutral wood. Adding some natural texture with woven rattan tiles or seashell mosaic tiles can also complement the bolder blue hue.
Metallic finishes like stainless steel, silver, pewter, or brushed nickel are another excellent option for pairing with both light and dark blue cabinetry. Tiny mirrored tiles or tin ceiling panels can provide a reflective surface that brightens the space and accentuates the colors even more.
Light Blue Kitchen Cabinets
Some examples of backsplash tile ideas that pair wonderfully with soft light blue cabinets:
- White subway tiles
- Off-white marble hexagon tiles
- Cream or beige stone mosaic tiles
- Gray and white patterned ceramic tiles
- Silver-toned geometric metal tiles
- Frosted or etched glass tiles
Lighter multi-colored stone backsplashes with veining and patterns can also pick up on soft sky blue and powder blue hues beautifully. Travertine, limestone, and onyx tiles offer subtle, harmonious colors for light blue kitchens.
Dark Blue Kitchen Cabinets
For darker navy or royal blue stained cabinets, consider rich, moody backsplash options like:
- Dark gray slate or ceramic tiles
- Black granite stone tiles
- Bronzed or brushed metal tin tiles
- Walnut or ebony wood planks
- Black brick or herringbone mosaic tiles
- Charcoal stone subway tiles
Deep green or indigo glass tiles also pair well with darker blue cabinetry to create a dramatic, sophisticated look.
Bold Backsplash Ideas for Blue Kitchen Cabinets
While complementary neutrals are always safe, don’t be afraid to get creative and choose something bold for your blue kitchen cabinet backsplash. Vibrant colors, eye-catching patterns, and unique materials can take your kitchen from boring to beautiful.
Turquoise, teal, and cobalt blue backsplashes can enhance and pull out the blue tones of the cabinets fabulously. Watery blues and greens together create a soothing, relaxing ambiance.
Bright white backsplashes make blue cabinets truly pop. Glossy white ceramic subway tiles, white marble mosaics, or white penny rounds reflect light and add brightness to balance out the depth of navy or royal blue cabinets.
Eclectic patterned tiles in geometric shapes, Moroccan motifs, or decorative picture tile designs make for an artsy, funky backsplash. Handmade artisan tiles are available in so many creative blue, green, and turquoise color schemes to match blue kitchen cabinets.
For something truly distinctive, don’t overlook creative materials like sea glass tiles, oxidized metal panels, or recycled china mosaic tiles. Mixing modern and industrial elements like stainless steel tiles with the softness of blue cabinets livens up the kitchen.
Vibrant & Patterned Backsplash Ideas
Some eye-catching backsplash possibilities for blue kitchen cabinets include:
- Hand-painted Moroccan fish scale tiles
- Turquoise glass subway tiles
- Royal blue and white geometric ceramic tiles
- Colorful Spanish mosaic tile patterns
- Ombre rainbow glass mosaic tiles
- Illustrated storybook picture tiles
- Metallic teal penny round tiles
The options are endless for crafting a creative, colorful backsplash design that plays off blue kitchen cabinets. Visit a tile showroom and don’t be afraid to fall in love with something adventurous.
Types of Backsplash Tiles for Blue Kitchen Cabinets
Now that we’ve covered some top backsplash color and material ideas for blue kitchen cabinets, let’s look at popular backsplash tile formats to consider.
Subway Tile Backsplashes
White or light gray subway tiles are a classic choice pairing beautifully with blue cabinets. The long rectangular shape creates a clean, streamlined look. Stack the tiles in the traditional brickwork style or get creative with patterns.
Blue, green, and turquoise glass subway tiles can also establish a gorgeous contrast to bold blue cabinetry. Their rectangular shape keeps the look neat and tailored.
Stone & Marble Backsplash Tiles
Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, and slate never go out of style. Their organic texture, veining, and pattern add natural beauty. Neutral soft stones complement light blue cabinets, while darker slate and rustic travertine match navy blue cabinetry.
Marble hexagon tiles, also called penny tiles, provide a gorgeous modern look, especially surrounding a statement backsplash focal point.
Metal & Glass Backsplash Tiles
Glass, metal, and mirrored backsplash tiles are a gorgeous choice for contemporary kitchens. Reflective surfaces bounce light around and make small spaces feel open and airy.
Subway-shaped glass tiles, tin ceiling panels, stainless steel mosaics, and mini mirrored tiles are all options that pair beautifully with blue cabinets of any tone.
Mosaic Backsplash Tiles
Mosaic tiles use small pieces to form an image or pattern. Handmade ceramic, porcelain, or glass mosaics come in so many creative colors. Spanish-style mosaics with intricate Moorish patterns look stunning with navy blue cabinets.
For something more modern, select iridescent glass or Mother of Pearl mosaic tiles. Mosaics provide texture and plenty of visual appeal.
Design Tips for Backsplashes with Blue Cabinets
When designing a backsplash for your blue kitchen cabinets, keep these tips in mind:
Select a Focal Point
While a simple single tile can look great, including some focal points elevates the backsplash. Frame the range hood or cooktop area with an eye-catching shape like a herringbone brick pattern, decorated ceramic tiles, or metal range shelf.
Use an accent strip of mosaic tiles, mini subway tiles, or a listello border to add interest near the top of a basic subway tile backsplash.
Tie in Countertops
Look at samples of cabinet, countertop, and backsplash materials together. Granite, marble, or quartz countertops often pair best with matching stone or ceramic backsplash tiles.
For butcher block countertops, continue the wood up the backsplash or transition to white subway tiles. The backsplash should match or complement the counters.
Consider the Flooring
Your backsplash tile color and style doesn’t have to necessarily match the floors, but it should coordinate. Keep colors and materials cohesive. Natural stone or wood plank floors suit stone, metal, and glass backsplash tiles.
Incorporate Color and Pattern
Most backsplashes use a single background tile color, like white, cream, or gray. Add interest with accent tiles, listello borders, or mosaic feature strips in colors pulled from cabinets. Patterns and shapes break up solid materials.
Include Functional Accents
Look for opportunities to make your backsplash functional, like using knife tile strips to hold cooking utensils near the range. Install slim shelves for extra storage, hooks for hanging pots and pans, or floating spice racks.
Illuminate Properly
Thoughtful lighting is key. Use LED lighting underneath upper cabinets to illuminate the backsplash. Install sconces and pendants to cast light pleasingly on the tiles and finishes.
With good lighting, glass, metal, and stone backsplashes will sparkle.
Design Inspiration for Blue Kitchen Cabinet Backsplashes
Need some full kitchen design inspiration before selecting your blue cabinet backsplash? Here are some gorgeous examples of backsplashes paired beautifully with blue cabinets:
Light Blue Cabinets with White Subway Tile Backsplash
This soft blue kitchen uses a white brick-laid subway tile backsplash to bounce light around and accentuate the robin’s egg blue cabinets. Stainless steel appliances and hardware keep the look modern.
Navy Blue Cabinets with Marble Hexagon Backsplash
This rich navy kitchen gets warmth from brass fixtures and light oak floors. The marble hexagon backsplash and white countertops keep the look fresh alongside the dark blue cabinets.
Royal Blue Cabinets with Stainless Steel Mosaic Backsplash
Mixtures of glass, metal, and stone mosaic tiles in silver, black, white, and blue create stunning contrast against the bold royal blue cabinetry in this contemporary kitchen.
Pale Blue Shaker Cabinets with Green Glass Subway Tile Backsplash
Sage green glass subway tiles infuse color into this traditional kitchen with simple Shaker cabinets. The green ties together the cool grays, crisp whites, and light sky blue tones.
Navy Blue Cabinets with White & Blue Geometric Tile Backsplash
The white and blue geometric tile backsplash adds a colorful Moroccan pattern to this contemporary navy blue kitchen. Open shelves, gold fixtures, and marble counters keep the look light.
Powder Blue Cabinets with Natural Stone Mosaic Backsplash
Soft powder blue cabinets get the accent they need from this mosaic backsplash blending organic cream, gray, and taupe natural stone tiles. The colors are cohesive but varied.
Installing Backsplash Tiles with Blue Cabinets
Once you’ve selected the perfect backsplash tiles to complement your blue kitchen cabinets, it’s time for installation. Follow these steps for a successful backsplash tile project:
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Make sure you have all the required backsplash tile installation supplies before starting. You’ll need tools like a tile cutter, spacers, trowel, grout float, and sponge.
Purchase quality thinset mortar adhesive, grout (use a shade that matches your tile color), and sealer based on tile material. Have extra tiles on hand.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
Remove existing backsplash material if needed, re-paint walls, then thoroughly clean the backsplash area so tiles adhere properly. Fill any holes in drywall.
Step 3: Plan Your Layout
Map out the tile layout using your measurements to avoid thin sliver cuts. Decide the starting point and pattern. Leave room for outlet holes and plumbing cutouts as needed.
Step 4: Apply Thinset & Tiles
Mix thinset mortar adhesive and apply evenly with a notched trowel to a small section. Press tiles into the thinset firmly, using spacers between tiles. Check alignment frequently.
Step 5: Cut Tiles to Fit
Measure and mark tiles that need cutting to fit edges, outlets, and plumbing. Use a wet saw fitted with a tile blade to cut material like ceramic, glass, or stone tile cleanly.
Step 6: Let Tiles Set
Allow thinset mortar to cure fully (at least 24 hours) before grouting tiles. This allows excess moisture to evaporate so grout adheres properly.
Step 7: Apply Grout and Seal
Mix grout and firmly press into tile joints, then wipe away excess. Seal grout once fully cured. Apply sealant to the tiles as well for protection and easy cleaning.
With the right tiles and professional installation, you can have a stunning, durable backsplash that flawlessly complements your blue kitchen cabinets. Use the backsplash to enhance the cabinet color rather than compete with it.
The options are plentiful for backsplash tiles that pop against light or navy blue cabinetry. Choose materials and colors that accentuate the shades of blue for a put-together finished look. With smart design choices and proper installation, your new backsplash and blue cabinets will bring you years of function and beauty.
FAQ About Backsplashes for Blue Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen remodeling brings up lots of questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about selecting and installing backsplash tiles for blue kitchen cabinets:
What backsplash colors look best with blue cabinets?
Light blue cabinets look great with neutral backsplash tiles in white, cream, beige, silver, and gray tones. Dark blue cabinets pair well with moody backsplashes in charcoal, black, deep green, and wood tones. Vibrant turquoise or cobalt blue tiles can also complement blue cabinets beautifully.
What kind of backsplash is best for a kitchen?
The best backsplash tile for your kitchen depends on your style, budget, and needs. Ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, and metal backsplash tiles all have pros and cons. Consider durability, ease of cleaning, cost, and aesthetics.
Do backsplashes have to match countertops?
It’s not required for backsplashes to perfectly match countertops, but they should coordinate. Keeping colors and materials cohesive gives a uniform finished look. Many homeowners opt to use the same slab materials for counters and backsplashes.
Should you put tile all the way to the ceiling?
Full height backsplashes ending at the ceiling provide the most protection for your walls. But partial backsplashes ending at 18-24 inches high are also common, especially if you’ll use wallpaper or paint above the backsplash. Choose the look you prefer.
What’s the most popular backsplash tile size?
The two most common backsplash tile sizes are the 1-inch by 4-inch rectangular subway tile and 1-inch by 1-inch square mosaic tile. But larger format tiles like 4-inch by 4-inch squares or 12-inch by 24-inch rectangles are also popular. Mix sizes for interest.
How much does a kitchen backsplash cost?
Backsplash tile installation costs range from $10 to $70 per square foot depending on tile material and labor. More affordable ceramic and porcelain tile backsplashes average $15-$30 per square foot. High-end materials like natural stone, metal, and glass cost $50-$100 per square foot.
How do you cut backsplash tiles?
Use a wet saw fitted with a diamond tile blade to cut backsplash tiles. Mark your measurements, run water over the blade, then cut gently. Make multiple passes if needed for thicker tiles. Use an angle grinder with a diamond blade for small curved cuts.
How do you attach backsplash tiles?
Adhere backsplash tiles using thinset mortar adhesive applied to the wall surface. Use a notched trowel to spread a thin, even layer of thinset mortar, then press tiles into place. Check for proper adhesion and alignment periodically as you work.
How long does backsplash tile installation take?
The time needed to install a backsplash depends on the tile size, intricate cuts required, and total square footage. Small mosaic tiles take longer than large tiles with straight cuts. On average, experienced DIYers spend 2-3 days on most 30-60 square foot backsplash projects.
Conclusion
Installing a backsplash is an essential final step in any kitchen remodel or cabinetry update. For kitchens with blue cabinets, an eye-catching backsplash can make the space feel pulled-together, finished, and welcoming.
Hopefully this guide provided lots of inspiring backsplash ideas to complement your blue kitchen cabinets beautifully. Subway tiles, stone mosaic tiles, glass tiles, and metal tin tiles all pair wonderfully with light or navy blue cabinetry.
When designing your backsplash, select materials that highlight the blue tones or add bold, vibrant contrast. Incorporate creative patterns and decorative focal points. And don’t forget to properly prepare your backsplash area, carefully install quality tiles, and use lighting to show off their colors and textures.
With the right backsplash tile choices and expert DIY installation or professional tiling services, you can craft a backsplash that makes your blue kitchen cabinets shine. Enjoy the process of selecting beautiful, functional backsplash materials that make prepping meals in your reimagined kitchen a joy.