A geometric tile backsplash can add stylish flair to any kitchen or bathroom. With the variety of shapes, colors, and patterns available, geometric tiles allow you to create a customized backsplash that matches your home’s aesthetic. In this article, we’ll explore some of the unique tile designs that work for different interior decor styles.
What are Geometric Tiles?
Geometric tiles get their name from the use of geometric shapes in the tile design. This includes shapes like circles, squares, triangles, hexagons, diamonds, and more. The tiles may feature one dominant geometric shape or combine several shapes together in an interlocking or tessellated pattern.
The geometric tile shapes are often repeated in a set modular pattern, allowing them to be seamlessly used to cover a backsplash area. While geometric tiles have an orderly, structured look, they can range from simple and classic to elaborate and artistic in style.
Benefits of a Geometric Tile Backsplash
There are many reasons to consider using geometric tile for your backsplash design:
- Visually interesting – the shapes and patterns add striking visual appeal to your kitchen or bathroom.
- Design versatility – myriad shape, color and layout options to suit your style.
- Textural interest – dimensional shapes like hexagons add depth and tactile appeal.
- Sleek, modern look – geometric tiles have an updated, contemporary vibe.
- Easy to install – modular grids make for straightforward DIY installation.
- Durable and water-resistant – ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Easy to clean – sleek tile surfaces just need wiping.
With plenty of options, you’re sure to find a geometric tile backsplash design perfect for your home. Next, let’s look at how to work geometric tiles into different decorating styles.
Geometric Tiles for Traditional Style
If your home leans towards a more traditional or classic decorating scheme, fear not – there are lots of terrific geometric tile designs that will complement your style beautifully.
Color Palette
Traditional rooms tend to have an understated, neutral color palette, relying on whites, beiges, browns, black and gray tones. For the backsplash, stick with tiles in creams, grays, browns and brick reds for a seamless look. Add some interest with iridescent tiles that reflect light softly.
Shapes and Patterns
Simple geometric shapes work best for traditional rooms. Square, brick and subway-shaped tiles have an understated vibe. Herringbone patterns, zig-zags and offset brick layouts add subtle interest. Hexagonal tiles also have a vintage appeal.
Finishes
Matte, honed or brick-style finishes give a timeworn look. Glossy tiles work for a subtle gleam. Handpainted tiles with traditional motifs or floral designs make a charming focal point. Avoid vivid colors or vividly patterned tiles.
Example Tiles
- Ivory/gray brick subway tiles
- Carrara hexagon marble mosaic
- Weathered penny round tiles
- Simple white/black hexagonal tiles
With the right palette of muted hues, straightforward geometric shapes and subdued finishes, you can easily work geometric tiles into a cozy, vintage style backsplash.
Contemporary Geometric Tiles
For a sleek, modern backsplash, geometric tiles really shine. From bold prints to 3D tiles, there are endless options to create a contemporary style statement.
Color Palette
Think high-contrast – combine black and white tiles or make a color pop with bold blues, greens or yellows against neutrals. Metallic tiles in gold, silver or copper add modern glam.
Shapes and Patterns
Opt for eye-catching triangles, circles, diamonds and waved lines. Go graphic with checkerboard, zigzag or arrow designs. Combine multiples shapes for unique patterns.
Finishes
Glossy, mirrored and metal finishes have a chic, futuristic vibe. Iridescent glass tiles lend ethereal brilliance. For contrast, mix gloss and matte finishes.
3D Tiles
Dimensional, faceted tiles like concave circles or convex pentagon mosaics add sculptural depth. Wave-cut tiles build undulating optical illusions.
Example Tiles
- Black/white diagonal zigzag penny tiles
- Metallic silver hexagon mosaics
- Modern aqua glass subway tiles
- Faceted arabesque mosaic in glossy white
With bold hues, striking tile shapes and modern finishes, you can easily take your backsplash in a contemporary direction.
Rustic Geometric Tile Designs
The rustic style is all about natural textures and earthy, organic elements. Geometric tiles can work beautifully to add that handcrafted allure.
Color Palette
Stick to a natural earth-inspired color palette – terracottas, mustard yellows, sage greens and shades of brown and gray that evoke stone, wood and clay.
Shapes
Hexagons and diamonds work well for anatural faceted stone look. For organic variety, use a blend of different shapes like triangles, trapezoids and rhombuses.
Materials
Natural stone tiles in slate and travertine have an authentically rugged, textural look. Porcelain tiles that emulate stone, cement or reclaimed wood also pair well.
Patterns
Create an eclectic patchwork effect by mixing tile shapes in organic patterns rather than rigid grids. Tiles that resemble pebbles or broken stone arrangements work beautifully.
Finishes
Matte, honed, split-face and tumbled finishes in natural hues enhance the handmade look. Aged and chipped effects add to the timeworn appearance.
Example Tiles
- Split hexagon slate mosaic in multi-hues
- Cement-look porcelain tiles in organic shapes
- Faux reclaimed wood planks in weathered grays
- Tumbled natural stone mosaic in white, gray and brown
With the right organic shapes, textures and varied earth tones, geometric tiles can blend seamlessly into rustic backsplashes.
Geometric Tiles for Eclectic Style
If you have an eclectic decorating style that combines diverse colors, textures, and eras – don’t fret. With a creative tile layout, you can make geometric tiles work with your unique look.
Color Palette
Pull colors from the room accessories to determine your eclectic tile scheme. Vintage appliances? Use retro turquoise, mint or yellow. Grandmillenial decor? Soft pastels or blush pinks will match.
Shapes and Patterns
Have fun combining a playful assortment of geometric shapes – hexagons, stars, circles, squares, arrows. Create patterns by alternating or overlaying shapes.
Materials
Mix materials too – glossy tiles, handpainted tiles, patterned tiles, jewel-toned glass, and metallic can live together beautifully. Just tie colors together.
Finishes
Vary finishes like matte, gloss, crackled, marbled and iridescent for visual interest. Multi-colored tiles or handpainted motifs add personality.
Layout
Lay out tiles in an artful arrangement, overlapping shapes and frames for a collage-effect. Use mosaics sparingly as accents.
Example Tile Combos
- Mint green hexagons, blush pink diamonds, pastel blue circles
- Vintage floral designs, metallic starbursts, abstract shapes
- Weathered wood, Moroccan cement, hammered metal, subway tiles
- Iridescent glass, galvanized metal, handpainted fruit tiles
For the eclectic look, let your tile choices reflect your unique personality and decor.
Geometric Tile Ideas for Farmhouse Style
The clean, classic farmhouse style is having a major moment. Luckily, the simple beauty of geometric tiles melds perfectly with vintage farmhouse charm.
Color Palette
For a classic farmhouse vibe, opt for black, white, gray, red, aqua or mustard yellow tiles. Buttery creams and vintage greenery colors also evoke pastoral charm.
Shapes and Patterns
Simpler is better – stick to traditional square, subway, hexagon and diamond-shaped tiles. Offset brick patterns, zig-zags, diamonds, and overlapping squares add subtle interest.
Materials
White glossy subway or hex tiles have a classic backsplash look. For added texture, use slate, travertine, marble, or faux reclaimed wood tiles.
Finishes
Aged, chipped, hand-painted or crackled surfaces enhance the vintage feel. Matte and brick finishes also work well.
Example Tiles
- White crackled subway tiles
- Black and white checkered tile diamonds
- Red vintage floral patterned tiles
- Faux tin ceiling tiles in antique nickel
- Sage green hexagon ceramic tiles
By keeping the color scheme light and natural, the shapes classic and the look timeworn, geometric tiles can craft a flawless farmhouse chic backsplash.
Mediterranean-Inspired Geometric Tiles
The Mediterranean decorating style is known for old-world charm – think terracotta floors, carved wood accents and Italian plaster. So how do geometric tiles fit in? Beautifully.
Color Palette
For Mediterranean inspiration, go for tiles in warm terracotta oranges, earthy browns, vibrant cobalt blue, sunny yellow, or aged cream.
Shapes and Patterns
Opt for classic shapes like hexagons, diamonds and scalloped tiles reminiscent of Moorish architecture. Spanish inspired patterns like floral azulejos also pair well.
Materials
Natural stone tiles in travertine and marble have an antiqued look. Metallic tiles and handpainted ceramic add artisanal allure.
Textures
Hammered metal tiles, textural porcelain, split-face stone, and handpainted tiles add old-world character.
Finishes
A combination of glossy and matte tiles prevents a flat look. Tumbled stone and tiles with chipped edges have a timeworn appeal.
Example Tiles
- Terracotta moroccan cement tiles
- Metallic blue arabesque tile frames
- Travertine hexagon, diamond and octagon mosaic
- Handpainted Spanish ceramic tiles
- Crackled glaze porcelain tiles in burnt orange
With the right sunbaked hues, timeless shapes and artisanal details, geometric tiles can help bring Mediterranean warmth to your space.
Matching Backsplash Tiles to Cabinet Colors
One key design decision is choosing tiles that coordinate well with your cabinetry. Here are some foolproof tile and cabinet color combos.
White Cabinets
- White subway or hexagon tiles
- Gray, navy or black geometric tiles
- Wood-look geometric tiles
- Pale blue, green or terra-cotta tiles
Espresso Cabinets
- Cream, beige or white geometric tiles
- Hexagon stone tiles
- Metallic or sage green tiles
Gray Cabinets
- White marble, brick or penny tiles
- Black and white geometric tiles
- Wood plank geometric tiles
Navy Cabinets
- White brick, hex or subway geometric tiles
- Yellow, green or terracotta tiles
Black Cabinets
- White, red or wood geometric tiles
- Metallic or pearlized mosaic tiles
Wood Cabinets
- Cream, white or red geometric tiles
- Slate gray, navy or emerald tiles
By coordinating your tiles with cabinet colors, you can create a polished, pulled-together backsplash design.
Creative Layouts for Geometric Tiles
One of the great advantages of geometric tiles is adaptability. With a creative layout, you can customize tiles to suit any space. Here are some inspiring geometric tile design ideas:
Herringbone
- For vintage appeal, lay rectangular subway tiles in a classic herringbone pattern.
- Modern update – use glossy black and white tiles in herringbone pattern.
Stack and Offset
- Stack rectangular tiles vertically and offset rows for organic variety.
- Works well with wood, marble or glass subway tiles.
Diamond Pattern
- Create a diamond pattern with square, rectangle or hexagon tiles.
- Connect the negative space to outline more diamonds.
Multi-Shape Mosaic
- Combine geometric shapes like hexagons, triangles, diamonds together in a mosaic.
- Add visual intrigue by varying colors and materials.
Overlapping Frames
- Use metallic tiles to create overlapping squares, circles and rectangles.
- Mimic abstract art with this eclectic framed accent.
Modern Grid
- Use glossy white, black or bold colored tiles in varying grid layouts.
- Play with tight brick layouts or wide set grids.
With some thoughtful planning, geometric tiles can be configured into all kinds of unique and dazzling designs.
Creating a Geometric Tile Accent Wall or Focal Point
While tiling an entire backsplash is an option, you can also use geometric tiles to create a statement accent wall or focal point behind cooktops, sinks or vanities.
Some ways to add a geometric focal point:
Style Subway Tile Frames
Outline backsplash areas with colored, patterned or chiseled subway tiles. Fill interior with classic white tiles.
Add a Bold Geometric Mural
Use vibrant tiles to depict abstract diamonds, zigzags, tessellations or modern pop art shapes.
Install a Geometric Medallion
Frame out a section for a glossy mosaic, starburst or floral tile medallion.
Create Dimension with 3D Tiles
Use convex, concave, ridged or faceted tiles to add sculptural depth.
Build a Geometric Niche
Cut out a niche and line with mosaic tiles, cubes or 3D tiles. Great for storing spices!
By focusing attention on a smaller area, you can create maximum geometric tile impact while minimizing cost and labor.
Selecting Complementary Countertops and Cabinets
To ensure your new geometric tile backsplash doesn’t clash with existing elements, pay close attention to counters and cabinets.
Countertops
If your counters are quartz, granite, marble or other patterned surfaces, pair with simple white, black, or single color tiles so they don’t compete.
For plain solid surface or laminate countertops, make your backsplash the star with vivid patterns, textures and colors.
Richly-colored natural stone counters would pair well with metallic or glass mosaic tiles for contrast.
Cabinetry
Maple, oak, birch or walnut cabinetry look beautiful with earth tones like terracotta, jade or slate gray tiles that pick up the wood tones.
With white cabinets, go bold! Black and white graphic tiles instantly modernize. Pale blue glass subway tiles also keep the look light and bright.
For dark charcoal or espresso cabinets, brighten up the space with creamy marbles or Moroccan fish-scale tiles. Glossy white tiles also work.
To be sure your tiles, counters and cabinets work in harmony, consider all the elements together.
Caring for a Geometric Tile Backsplash
One of the biggest perks of geometric tile backsplashes is they are very easy to care for! Here are some tips:
- Use a pH neutral cleaner and soft cloth to wipe away kitchen messes as they occur. Acids can etch tiles.
- Occasionally mop tiles with a mild vinegar, water, and dish-soap solution to sanitize and deep clean.
- Re-apply sealants to natural stone tiles periodically to guard against stains.
- Grout lines may need occasional scrubbing with a special grout brush and cleaning solution.
By promptly dealing with spills and frequently wiping down your tile backsplash, you can keep it looking beautiful and sparkling.
Which Tile Materials are Best for Kitchen Backsplashes?
When selecting your geometric tiles, the options abound. From ceramic to glass to natural stone, each material has its own look.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles
Pros:
- Durable, water-resistant surface for kitchen splatters
- Available in a vast range of colors, shapes, patterns and textures
- Cost-effective option
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Porous if not sealed properly, allowing stains
- Can crack if heavily impacted
Look for: Glazed ceramic or vitrified porcelain are most impenetrable.
Glass Tiles
Pros:
- Radiant, light-reflecting sheen
- Resilient, scratch-resistant surface
- Easy to wipe down and sanitize
- Vibrant colors and artful patterns
Cons:
- Prone to shattering if strongly impacted
- Tile edges are sharp and need rounding
Look for: Tempered glass wall tile is safest in kitchens.
Natural Stone Tiles
Pros:
- Gorgeous depth, luminescence and veining
- Each tile has unique natural variations
- Withstands heat and resists moisture
Cons:
- Porous and prone to staining if unsealed
- Can be more costly
- Needs sealing every 1-2 years
Look for: Honed or tumbled marble, travertine, granite or slate.
Geometric Tile Backsplash Cost and Installation
What will a new geometric tile backsplash set you back? Here are some average costs:
- Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: $3 – $20 per sq. ft. installed
- Glass Tile: $20 – $30 per sq. ft. installed
- Mosaic Tile: $15 – $35 per sq. ft. installed
- Natural Stone Tile: $40