A beautiful backsplash is the key to a stylish and timeless kitchen design. With so many options available, from sleek subway tiles to ornate mosaics, choosing the right backsplash may seem overwhelming. However, going with a traditional backsplash is a foolproof way to achieve a classic, elegant look for your kitchen.
What Defines a Traditional Kitchen Backsplash?
A traditional kitchen backsplash typically displays the following characteristics:
Timeless Materials
Traditional kitchen backsplashes emphasize classic, time-honored materials like ceramic tile, metal, stone, and glass. Subway tile, marble, travertine, and stained glass are all popular traditional backsplash options. These materials have a refined, sophisticated look and have been used in kitchens for centuries. Their durability and long-lasting nature make them a perfect choice for a backsplash meant to stand the test of time.
Familiar Shapes and Patterns
Shapes like squares, rectangles, hexagons, and subtle patterns like basketweave or herringbone typify a traditional backsplash. These familiar, minimal designs allow the beauty of natural stone or ceramic to take center stage. Elaborate backsplash designs and mosaics are generally more contemporary. A traditional backsplash gets its character from the materials used rather than ornamental shapes.
Neutral Tones
While a traditional backsplash can incorporate colors like navy, burgundy, or forest green, neutral hues tend to dominate. Cream, beige, white, gray, and black are commonly seen in traditional kitchen backsplashes. These muted colors have an understated yet sophisticated look. They also make the perfect backdrop for bolder kitchen elements like bright stainless steel appliances or colorful oven mitts.
Cohesive Design
All elements of a traditional backsplash form a unified, cohesive design. The backsplash seamlessly integrates with cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and other kitchen details. For example, a neutral subway tile backsplash beautifully complements white Shaker cabinets and gray quartz countertops. All the pieces perfectly coordinate.
Why Choose a Traditional Backsplash?
There are several excellent reasons to select a traditional backsplash over a more modern or eclectic design:
Timeless Appeal
A traditional backsplash is characteristically timeless. While bold patterns and colors come and go, traditional materials like marble or subway tile remain classics. This helps a traditional backsplash retain its elegance and avoid looking dated.
Versatility
From French country to industrial and beyond, a traditional backsplash fits nicely with many kitchen design aesthetics. Its versatility allows it to look tailored without limiting options for cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and decor.
Investment Value
Kitchen updates with traditional backsplashes tend to have better resale value. Familiar materials and subtle designs appeal to a wide range of buyers. Trendy backsplash materials and patterns may fall out of favor and decrease a kitchen’s resale potential.
Easy Matching
Finding countertops, cabinets, floors, and accessories to coordinate with a traditional backsplash is effortless. The availability of matching pieces in similar neutrals or natural materials is abundant. Pulling together a cohesive look is seamless.
Visual Balance
Traditional backsplashes act as a balancing element in a kitchen’s design. They provide an eye-pleasing space between visually busy countertops and cabinetry. This prevents the kitchen from feeling cluttered or overwhelming.
Popular Types of Traditional Kitchen Backsplashes
While the general look of a traditional backsplash remains consistent, there are several specific styles that offer distinct beauty. Popular options include:
Subway Tile
Subway tiles are rectangular ceramic tiles most commonly 3 by 6 inches, though other elongated sizes also qualify. Their flat faces and slim grout lines create a sleek, minimalist look. Subway tile backsplashes are timeless and affordable yet give a kitchen an elevated feel. They come in a vast array of solid hues like white, gray, black, and cream plus handmade glazes.
Marble Tile
Both Carrara and Calacatta marble make splendid traditional backsplash materials. The veining in marble results in a stunning depth of texture and a slight shimmer. While marble backsplashes come in polished and matte finishes, the natural variation and patina of a honed finish best fits traditional kitchens. Marble’s opulence is tempered by neutral white and gray tones.
Travertine Tile
For a backsplash with rustic warmth, few materials compare to travertine. Organic-looking holes, pits, and edges in travertine stone provide loads of character. Travertine comes in beige, ivory, gold, and gray colorations that feel perfectly at home in traditional kitchens. The natural stone surface has delightful depth and appeal.
Tin Backsplash Tiles
Tin tiles impart a lovely retro vibe in traditional kitchen backsplashes. They consist of small stamped metal tiles shaped into diverse geometric or nature-inspired designs. A tin tile backsplash offers eye-catching visual texture and sheen without overpowering a space. Tin tiles come in metallic tones like silver, copper, bronze, and gold.
Herringbone Brick
Rows of rectangular bricks arranged in an interlocking herringbone pattern make for an ornate yet classic backsplash. Red clay bricks have old-world charm while neutral mortar joints add subtle contrast. Brick backsplashes complement traditional spaces from French farmhouse to stately Victorian.
Stone Slab
For a backsplash with a seamless, built-in look, large slabs of naturally cut stone are perfect. Granite, limestone, sandstone, and slate all make durable, low-maintenance backsplash options full of veining, cracks, and texture galore. The rich, earthy shades like tan, salt-and-pepper, and gunmetal gray found in natural stone slabs exude rustic elegance.
Stained Glass
While often reserved for accent spaces, stained glass makes a dramatic traditional backsplash. Colorful stained glass tiles, medallions, or inlaid designs enliven traditional kitchens with pops of jewel tones and whimsy. Light streaming through stained glass casts enchanting shadows and gives depth to the backsplash.
Handpainted Tile
Tiles individually handpainted in traditional motifs like florals, geometrics, and landscapes provide exceptional backsplash charm. Talented artisans recreate heritage designs in ceramic and porcelain tiles ranging from vividly colored Spanish patterns to delicate blue and white Delft tiles. Handpainted tiles feel simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.
Beaded Board
Horizontal wooden boards with trim called beadboard offer cottage character in traditional backsplashes. Usually painted white, beadboard imparts homey warmth and charm through visible individual planks. The subtle grooves in beadboard also lend visual interest and dimension when used as a backsplash.
Selecting the Right Traditional Backsplash Design Elements
Choosing compatible design elements brings all the pieces of your traditional backsplash together into a unified whole:
Color
Stick to a neutral color palette for your backsplash and surrounding kitchen elements. Crisp white and various shades of cream and gray make classic partners for traditional backsplashes. If using a stone like marble or travertine, let its natural coloring inform your palette.
Texture
Incorporate backsplash textures that align with your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. For contemporary traditional, lean into sleek marble or glass tiles. Rustic traditional designs benefit from heavily veined stone slabs or handpainted tiles with visible brushstrokes.
Size
Determine proper scale and tile size by considering your kitchen’s proportions. Small kitchens can support busier backsplash tiles like subway bricks while spacious rooms suit dramatic large-format slate tiles. Balance is key.
Finish
Honed stone, ceramic, and glass provide an authentic traditional look. While unpolished, the subtle sheen enhances natural beauty. RMS and cleft finishes in stone also have wonderful patinas. Satiny tiles work for formal traditional spaces.
Grout Color
Choose grout in a neutral tone close to your tile color for a seamless effect. With subway tiles, gray or white grout preserves the minimalist aesthetic. For stone tiles, grout slightly darker than the stone prevents a dated contrasted, grids look.
Accents
Minimal traditional backsplash accents like thin beveled listello border tiles, classic insets, or a delicate decorative medallion elevate the design with grace. Handpainted or mosaic tiles reserved for an accent wall or alcove keep ornate elements balanced.
Backsplash Ideas for Popular Traditional Kitchen Design Styles
From cozy cottage to stately traditional, a beautifully designed backsplash is vital for executing several popular traditional kitchen aesthetics.
Farmhouse Traditional Kitchen
- White subway tile backsplash
- Beadboard backsplash painted or stained a light neutral color
- Honed marble tile backsplash with white grout
- Field tile backsplash in muted green, navy, or black
Transitional Traditional Kitchen
- Stacked marble tile backsplash in white and gray
- Elongated gray glossy subway tile backsplash with thin silver listellos
- Mirrored or etched glass tile backsplash
- Multicolored handpainted floral tile behind the range
Rustic Traditional Kitchen
- Natural travertine tile backsplash with tan grout
- Randomly shaped slate tile backsplash in a mix of warm grays
- Brick herringbone backsplash with cream mortar
- Distressed tin ceiling tiles on backsplash
Formal Traditional Kitchen
- Black and white basketweave marble tile backsplash
- Intricate stained glass tile backsplash
- Gray and white diamond-pattern ceramic tile backsplash
- Mirrored subway tile backsplash bordered with bead board
Old World Traditional Kitchen
- Medallion of richly colored handpainted tiles
- Multicolored Portuguese painted tiles
- Antiqued tin backsplash tiles forming vines, flowers and leaves
- White marble backsplash with thin green glass tile inlay
Victorian Traditional Kitchen
- Pale blue ceramic subway tile backsplash
- Delicate floral-print ceramic tile behind the range
- Small square ceramic tiles in black, white, and gray arranged in a checkerboard
- White tin backsplash with embossed tiles in fruits, flowers, and scrolls
Maintaining the Beauty of a Traditional Backsplash
A traditional backsplash is built to last for many years with proper care. Follow these tips to keep it looking its best:
- Seal natural stone tiles annually to prevent staining and discoloration. Use a non-glossy sealant on honed finishes.
- Clean ceramic and porcelain tiles with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Dust metal backsplashes routinely and polish gently with a soft cloth to restore shine if needed.
- Use a gentle cleaner approved for glass on glass tile backsplashes to avoid scratching.
- Re-grout as needed. Discoloration and cracks allow moisture to seep in and cause damage.
- Address any moisture issues immediately. Seal leaky fixtures, windows, etc. to keep the backsplash free of mold and mildew.
- Protect delicate tiles like handpainted tiles or glass with a clear glass shield to prevent scraping and chipping.
- Use paint touch-up kits made for backsplashes to fix any damaged areas promptly.
FAQs
What are some pros of a traditional kitchen backsplash?
Some of the major pros of a traditional kitchen backsplash include a timeless, classic look, versatility to match any kitchen style, long-lasting durability, easy maintenance, and the ability to add visual interest without overpowering a space.
What neutral colors work best for traditional backsplashes?
Whites, grays, beiges, and black are all neutral colors that complement traditional backsplashes beautifully. Cream, almond, dove gray, charcoal, and crisp white are ideal go-to shades. Always match grout color to the neutral tile color.
What are some budget-friendly traditional backsplash options?
Affordable traditional backsplash materials include white subway tile, brick veneers, beadboard, tin ceiling tiles, and faux stone wallpaper. For a lived-in look, mixing pricier stone or marble with regular ceramic tiles can cut costs.
Should a traditional backsplash match cabinets or countertops?
It’s generally best for a traditional backsplash to coordinate rather than directly match surrounding elements. Subtle color and texture contrast creates interest. Just ensure all your kitchen finishes blend well and suit the overall traditional style.
What flooring works with a traditional kitchen backsplash?
Hardwood, tile, vinyl, and natural stone floors such as marble, limestone, or travertine pair beautifully with traditional kitchen backsplashes. Just keep flooring neutral and somewhat understated. Avoid busy patterns that compete visually.
How large should tiles be in a traditional backsplash?
Smaller tiles like subway, hexagon, or square 4-6 inch tiles maintain a classic look. For a more seamless effect, structured patterns using larger 8-12 inch tiles or full slab backsplashes also succeed traditional kitchens. Balance the tile size with the room size.
What grout color should I pick for a marble tile backsplash?
For marble, select a grout color that is a close match to the lightest color or vein in your marble tiles. Off-white, light gray, pale almond, and beige are safe options. You want the grout to complement the marble’s beauty, not stand out.
Elevating a Kitchen with a Traditional Backsplash
A well-designed traditional backsplash breathes sophistication and timeless charm into any kitchen. Classic materials with neutral tones and minimalist patterns craft backsplashes with enduring universal beauty. Subway tile, marble, and travertine remain perennial favorites thanks to their versatility, durability, and calming aesthetic. For those looking to evoke a hint of heritage in a contemporary space or restore vintage glory in a historic home, a traditional backsplash is a transformative yet simple kitchen addition. With an array of styles from farmhouse to formal, the design possibilities are truly timeless.