10 Backsplash Ideas for Your Kitchen Countertop

An attractive and functional countertop is a key element in your kitchen. If you’ve already chosen your kitchen countertop material, you will naturally want to select a backsplash to go along with it.

Aside from protecting the wall above your stove or sink against stains and spots, your backsplash is also meant to complement your kitchen countertop and bring out its distinctive features.

Here are 10 backsplash ideas to elevate your kitchen’s look.

Best Backsplash Design Ideas for Your Kitchen

The backsplash is an important part of any kitchen design. In addition to protecting the walls above a work area, it must also complement your countertop. That means choosing from a wide range of materials, textures, patterns, and tile shapes. Whether you’re looking for something sleek, minimal, or more ornate, the design possibilities are virtually endless.

1. Painted Brick Backsplash

If you have a farmhouse, cottage, transitional or industrial-style kitchen, a painted brick backsplash is your best bet. Aside from imparting a rustic touch to the space, the low-key appearance of the bricks enhances your kitchen’s beauty and natural warmth.

2. Tumbled Marble Tiles

Tumbled marble tiles are a popular way to create a rustic look in your kitchen. They have a weathered look achieved by tumbling them inside a drum, along with crushed rocks, sand, cement bits, and water.

Although each marble tile is already unique, weathering them this way increases the variety of patterns. It may take some time and effort to mix and match the tiles, but the warm countryside feel is well worth it.

3. Marble Slabs

Pair a marble countertop with a marble backsplash for this timeless white-and-grey kitchen.

While tile is the mainstay of most kitchen backsplashes, slabs are a unique approach. Unlike using multiple tiles, you have one large slab covering the entire backsplash area. Aside from creating a smooth transition between the countertop and backsplash, there’s the added benefit of not having to clean the grout lines. Marble’s subtle beauty, along with its unique variation in veining, creates a muted yet stunning look.

4. Grey Glass Mosaic Tiles

Using grey in the kitchen has actually been an ongoing trend for the past couple of years. This is because of its remarkable ability to complement almost any colour. The contrast between neutral grey and another colour (even black) gives your kitchen a modern touch.

With small grey mosaic tiles, you’re still able to maintain the grey tone since the tiles themselves won’t draw too much attention. Meanwhile, the glass gives the backsplash just enough gloss to not completely fade into the background.

5. Colour Play

When it comes to their kitchen backsplash, many people choose white, grey, or beige. While neutral shades look absolutely stunning (when used the right way), you can get creative with tiles in almost any colour you want.

To create a luxurious effect, choose black or charcoal grey tiles. The contrast between surrounding elements like the kitchen countertop and cabinetry will create a modern, eye-catching look. If you want a pop of colour, go for vibrant red or yellow tiles. You can also combine two or three colours for a bold, personalized look.

6. Metallic Look

As more and more people seek a unique but subtle look for their kitchen, metallic backsplashes have come into vogue. The metal finish gives tiles a glossy, reflective surface, which is further highlighted when struck by natural light. Depending on your kitchen decor, you can use tin, copper, or bronze backsplashes for a vintage look and stainless steel backsplashes for an industrial appearance. Hammered metals are also popular due to their unique look, and are perfect for small kitchens in need of a stand-out feature.

7. Oversized Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are a popular choice in kitchen designs because of their timeless appeal. Today, homeowners and interior designers are taking this classic look and giving it a twist by using oversized subway tiles. This also creates the illusion of a larger kitchen, especially when they’re installed to ceiling height.

8. Beadboard Backsplash

Want to give your kitchen a classic country effect? Try the unconventional pairing of a butcher block countertop and a beadboard or wood panelling backsplash. This simple, soothing arrangement is a favourite of homeowners who prefer minimalist decor in their kitchen, without making it look dull or boring. Just make sure they aren’t the same colour or it will spoil your kitchen’s look.

9. Oversized Patterns

One of the hottest backsplash trends involves the use of graphic print or large pattern tiles in solid colours. Some of these popular patterns include chevrons, herringbone, Moroccan fish scale, and laser cut.

While these oversized patterned tiles can liven up any space, using them carelessly can over-clutter your kitchen. We’d recommend a plain countertop or light-coloured cabinetry to highlight the beauty of the patterned backsplash.

Take the backsplash as high as the ceiling to create statement wall art that serves as your kitchen’s focal point.

10. Window Backsplash

Serving both as a backsplash and a window, these glass backsplashes connect you to the outdoors and inspire you to cook. Whether you choose one window, an extended row, or full-height windows, they can make your kitchen look spacious, bright, and inviting. These multifunctional design elements are a key factor for small kitchens, where space is a concern.

Now that you have a list of popular backsplash design ideas, choosing the perfect one shouldn’t be a chore. No matter which style you prefer, make sure that it matches all the other elements in the kitchen such as the countertop, cabinetry, and cooking appliances. A little thought and planning can go a long way towards creating your dream kitchen.