A matte finish brings a clean, sleek look to any space, and kitchen backsplashes are no exception. Matte backsplashes provide an understated elegance that works well in both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs. Unlike shiny or reflective surfaces, matte finishes minimize glare and fingerprints, creating a soothing and streamlined aesthetic.
Benefits of a Matte Backsplash
Matte backsplash tiles and materials offer many advantages for the kitchen:
Timeless and Versatile Styling
Matte surfaces have a subtle look that blends well with any style, from modern to farmhouse chic. The understated matte texture gives a timeless appeal rather than dating the space. Matte materials like ceramic, metal, glass, and porcelain tiles work equally well in vintage cottages or sleek high-rise apartments.
Practical Low Maintenance
The non-reflective matte surface cleverly disguises grime, splatters, and fingerprints. Busy kitchens with regular meal prep and cooking will benefit from backsplashes that conceal messes. Simply wiping with a damp cloth easily removes dust and food spatters, keeping the backsplash looking freshly installed for longer.
Soft, Muted Aesthetic
The refined matte look creates a soothing vibe in the kitchen, different from the high-shine of glossy tiles and metals. Especially paired with lighter neutral hues, matte backsplashes produce an airy, calming aesthetic. The muted surface directs attention to other elements like dramatic hood vents, sleek cabinetry, or bold wall color.
Versatile Visual Interest
While understated, matte materials are available in a diverse range of styles. Subtle mottled, cracked, or textured tiles, as well as shaped or beveled metals, add quiet visual variety. Matte finish options like concrete, stone, quartz, and stained wood grain offer subdued but impactful textures and patterns.
Serves as a Neutral Backdrop
The versatility of matte backsplashes makes them ideal as a neutral background in an eclectic, colorful, or boldly decorated kitchen. Unlike glossy metal or vibrant mosaic tiles, matte surfaces recede, allowing other elements like a statement hood vent or colorful appliances to pop. Their neutrality provides design flexibility.
Popular Matte Materials for Kitchen Backsplashes
Many materials commonly used for backsplashes come in matte finish versions that bring sleek, modern appeal:
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Both ceramic and porcelain backsplash tiles offer matte finishes that deliver an upscale, silky aesthetic. Available in endless colors, shapes, patterns, and sizes, matte ceramic and porcelain tiles provide design flexibility. Durability and easy maintenance are also big benefits.
Metal Tiles or Sheets
Metal backsplashes like tin, stainless steel, and aluminum are available with softly brushed matte textures. Matte metal brings a quiet contemporary edge, versus the bold look of shiny metals. Beveled, embossed, or patterned matte metal tiles add visual impact and dimension.
Glass Tiles or Blocks
Frosted, etched, and pebbled glass tiles have an inherently matte look. Combining the sleekness of glass with a matte texture removes the fragility and shine. Normal glass hazards like showing fingerprints are minimized. Glass blocks also come in mattified versions.
Stone or Faux Stone
Backsplash materials like slate, limestone, and travertine have an inherently soft, matte finish. Matte versions of faux stones like quartzite, soapstone, and marble offer the look of natural stone without maintenance and durability issues. Modern matte stone tiles exude natural zen.
Concrete
Understated matte concrete adds an urban edge, evoking modern warehouse loft aesthetics. The mottled color variations and subtle gritty texture of concrete backsplashes beautifully contrast with sleek cabinetry and stainless steel. Concrete’s sound absorption also helps reduce kitchen noise.
Pairing Matte Backsplashes with Kitchen Elements and Materials
The adaptability of matte backsplash tiles or sheets ensures they work beautifully paired with all common kitchen materials and finishes:
Matte Backsplash + Glossy Countertops
Combine matte backsplashes with quartz, granite, or solid surface countertops in polished high-gloss finishes to create stylish contrast. For example, a sleek white matte ceramic subway tile backsplash offsets dark gray or black shiny quartz counters beautifully.
Matte Backsplash + Matte Countertops
For a calm, cohesive look, pair matte backsplashes with matte countertops like concrete, leathered granite, or hand-rubbed lacquered wood. The consistent matte textures result in a minimally modern, serene aesthetic. A wood grain matte porcelain backsplash with matte soapstone counters is an earthy combo.
Matte Backsplash + Vintage Cabinetry
A matte tiled, metal, or concrete backsplash serves as a modern foil to vintage inspired cabinetry and fixtures. For example, a soft gray matte glass subway tile backsplash refreshes and lightens the look of classic wood cabinets without competing.
Matte Backsplash + Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances, vent hoods, and fixtures work seamlessly with matte backsplashes. The matte surface enhances stainless steel’s inherent modern appeal. Matte stone or concrete backsplashes create an edgy but refined pairing with stainless.
Matte Backsplash + Bold Cabinet Color
Dark blue, green, or black stained cabinets make a dramatic style statement, balanced beautifully by a neutral matte backsplash. Compare the look of glossy tiles, which could feel overly reflective. Matte backsplashes like ceramic subway tiles calm the boldness.
No matter what cabinetry, counters, appliances, or color schemes are involved, matte backsplashes unify kitchen elements in their versatility and discretion.
Matte Finish Backsplash Ideas
Creative matte backsplash design ideas include:
Monochromatic Matte
Using matte backsplash tiles in a single neutral hue, like beige, gray, or taupe, cultivates a soothing, minimalist look. The mono color scheme gives an airy, expansive feel. Add visual texture by combining matte tiles in multiple sizes or interesting shapes.
Bold Matte Geometric
Make a contemporary style statement by using glossy tiles, metal sheets, or glass blocks in bold saturated colors, graphic black & white, or geometric patterns. For example, combine matte navy tiles and shiny orange tiles in a retro zig zag pattern.
Mosaic Matte
Small matte tiles, glass, or metal pieces in a mosaic pattern add lively personality. Neutral colored mosaics read as soft and calm, while vibrant matte mosaics create an eclectic, artsy kitchen vibe. Install either in a full backsplash or as an accent band.
Ombre Matte
Choose matte tiles or sheets ranging from dark to light in a single hue to create a graduating ombre effect. Soft color variations add subtle drama and visual texture versus uniform color. Try light gray to charcoal, beige to chocolate, or sky blue to navy.
Faux Matte Vegitation
Matte ceramic or porcelain tiles etched with images of leaves, branches, ferns or grasses bring organic style to modern kitchens. Combining faux vegetation with matte concrete or wood look tiles makes a nature-inspired statement.
Matte Stone Strips
Running matte stone strips vertically along the backsplash provides textural contrast to tile or painted wall areas. Slate, travertine, or ivory strips make a clean-lined farmhouse splash. Try thin quartzite strips on either side of a stainless vent hood.
Matte Metal Accents
Add strips or geometric shapes using matte tin, copper, or stainless steel as modern accents on ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile backsplashes. Matte metal trim along the edges of a concrete or stone backsplash also enlivens the look.
Design Ideas for Making Matte Backsplashes Stand Out
Since matte materials have an inherently understated aesthetic, thoughtful design is key to making them stand out. Consider these ideas:
Vary Matte Textures
Combining the visual textures of different matte materials creates added backsplash dimension. For example, pair the mottled surface of concrete tiles with the smoothness of matte glass strips. Or combine matte metal mosaic sheets with heavily textured matte stone tiles.
Strategic Bold Color
Splashes of glossy bold tiles, painted sections, or colorful appliances against matte backsplashes jazz up the look. A matte white or neutral backsplash grounds bright red or cobalt blue range hoods beautifully. Consider boldly colored glass insets.
Special Shapes
Molded matte tiles, metal sheets, or glass blocks in interesting shapes provide a subtle but artistic look. Try sculptural 3D tiles, curved metal sheets, or circular glass block patterns to lend unique personality to matte backsplashes.
Dramatic Lighting
Showcase a matte backsplash by installing strategic lighting like mini pendant lights over a kitchen bar, under-cabinet lighting strips, or recessed ceiling fixtures. Dramatic down-lighting creates visual interest on the surface textures.
Negative Space
Leaving intentional gaps when arranging matte tiles or sheets helps create a one-of-a-kind look. Jagged-edged natural stone pieces or randomly spaced reclaimed wood strips use negative space artfully. Showcase your matte materials like art.
Matte Finish Backsplash Ideas for Specific Kitchen Layouts
The adaptability of matte materials makes them ideal backsplash solutions for all types of kitchen layouts:
Galley Kitchen Backsplashes
Long, narrow galley kitchens benefit from simple, clean-lined matte backsplashes like ceramic subway tiles or continuous metal sheets. Avoid over-complicating tiny galley kitchens and draw the eye down the length of the space with minimalist matte splashes.
Island Kitchen Backsplashes
Make a matte backsplash the dramatic focal point of an open concept island kitchen. Use artsy matte mosaic patterns, an oversized statement tile design, or bold ombre color scheme to make the backsplash pop. Keep surrounding surfaces simple.
Small Kitchen Backsplashes
For tight kitchen spaces, avoid glossy, mirror-like backsplashes that can make them feel more cramped. Instead, small kitchens thrive with airy, light matte backsplash tiles or sheets. Visually opening up small kitchens.
Large Kitchen Backsplashes
In a spacious luxury kitchen, matte backsplashes remove formality and soften cavernous spaces. The adaptability of matte materials allows for creative statement designs like a mosaic medallion backsplash over a kitchen bar.
Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplashes
For vintage-style farmhouse kitchens, combine traditional tiles like matte white subway with eye-catching matte materials like concrete, reclaimed wood planks, or handmade encaustic cement tiles for character.
Contemporary Kitchen Backsplashes
Sleek, minimalist contemporary kitchens achieve their refined aesthetic beautifully with muted matte backsplash materials. Try a stunning matte stone slate wainscoting or muted matte glass and metal combinations.
Enhancing Matte Backsplash Installation
Proper installation of matte backsplashes ensures they make the desired stylish impact:
- Use premium quality thinset mortar suitable for the matte material you choose. Follow all manufacturer instructions.
- Carefully mix thinset mortar to avoid air pockets that can cause tiles to crack or detach.
- Apply thinset evenly across the installation area using proper technique with a notched trowel.
- Take care installing delicate handmade tiles like encaustic cement to avoid chipping edges.
- Use plastic tile spacers between tiles or sheets to ensure even spacing for a clean finish.
- For intricate patterns like herringbone, precisely measure and laser-guide each piece.
- Ensure outlet placements don’t disrupt the design integrity. Adjust as needed.
- For metal sheets, use special metal cutting shears to trim pieces accurately around edges.
- Avoid staining grout during installation by cleaning residue immediately using a grout sponge.
- After grouting, avoid sealing matte porous tiles like travertine, which need to breathe. Instead use a grout release.
With proper planning and careful installation, it’s easy to achieve a showstopping matte backsplash design that enhances the kitchen.
Caring for Matte Backsplashes
The beauty of matte finish backsplashes lies in their subtle, low maintenance elegance. Keep that refined appeal lasting with simple care:
- Use a gentle pH neutral cleaner for periodic backsplash cleaning rather than harsh chemicals which can etch tiles.
- Always wipe backsplashes using a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching delicate matte surfaces.
- Re-seal natural stone backsplashes like matte slate or travertine yearly to avoid staining and water damage.
- Rinse soap, water and cooking residues thoroughly from backsplash surfaces after cleaning to minimize mineral deposits.
- Avoid placing hot pans directly on matte backsplash surfaces which can scorch or stain the finish.
With routine gentle cleaning and minimal periodic maintenance, matte kitchen backsplashes retain their like-new sophistication for years before needing replacement.
Matte Backsplash Alternatives
While matte tiles, metal sheets, concrete, or stone offer durability and easy-care elegance, alternative backsplash ideas provide similar sleek appeal:
Matte Glass Splash
For a ultra modern look, a custom printed or frosted matte glass sheet backsplash makes a unique alternative to tile. Matte glass resists fingerprints and conceals splatters like tile.
Matte Wallpaper
Removable peel-and-stick wallpaper with matte stone, geometric, or artistic prints lets you change up backsplash visuals easily. Use matte waterproof wallpaper behind a stove or sink.
Matte Paint Color
In a rental, try swaths of muted matte color like light gray or almond on the backsplash wall or paint the entire backsplash wall a matte neutral. Easily update the look with fresh coats of matte paint.
Faux Matte Panels
For a temporary facelift, install faux matte ceramic tile, metal, or stone panels over an existing backsplash using liquid nails or double-sided tape. Remove seamlessly.
Matte Laminate
An affordable way to test a matte stone or tile design is using matte laminate sheets applied right over an old backsplash. Use matte contact paper for a short-term change.
With creative use of alternative materials, it’s possible to achieve the on-trend matte backsplash look almost anywhere.
FAQs About Matte Finish Kitchen Backsplashes
What are the most popular matte backsplash tile sizes and shapes?
Classic 3×6 inch subway tiles, 4×12 inch rectangular tiles, and 1×4 inch pencil liner tiles are elegant matte options. Interesting matte hexagons, fishscale tiles, and sculpted 3D tiles also make artistic yet simple backsplash designs.
How do you create contrast with matte backsplashes?
Add strips of glossy tiles in bold colors like gem tones for pops of contrasting shine. Install a gleaming chrome or black metal vent hood against a light neutral matte backsplash. Choose glossy countertops with matte splashes.
What color grout should you pair with matte backsplashes?
Neutral matte backsplashes look best set off by pure white or very light gray grout. Avoid competing with subtle matte materials by using a dark or brightly colored grout. White grout makes matte tiles pop.
Can you use matte backsplash tiles on the wall or floor?
Matte ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles meant for backsplashes can generally be installed on walls, floors, or countertops in most home spaces. Check manufacturer guidelines on usage limitations or slip resistance ratings.
Are matte or glossy backsplashes easier to clean?
Matte finishes conceal messes, fingerprints, and water spots better than polished gloss backsplashes. Gloss shows every smudge while matte hides grime. However, glossy tiles sometimes resist staining and etching better.
What kind of lighting works best with matte backsplashes?
Soft, uniform lighting is ideal for showing off matte backsplash textures and colors without casting shadows. Recessed LED lights, under-cabinet strips, or strategically placed mini pendants illuminate beautifully.
Conclusion
A matte finish backsplash brings numerous benefits like versatility, practicality, and visual appeal to any kitchen decor. Matte materials from ceramic and porcelain tiles to glass, metals, concrete, or stone offer endless stylish options from classic to contemporary. With creative design choices and proper installation, a matte backsplash serves as a timeless, low maintenance focal point that elevates the kitchen.