A black kitchen cabinet is a striking and dramatic choice that can lend elegance and sophistication to any kitchen design. While the cabinets make a bold statement, choosing the right backsplash to pair with black cabinets is key to pulling off a cohesive and eye-catching look. The backsplash serves as an opportunity to introduce contrast, color and visual interest to balance out the dark cabinets.
There are several stylish backsplash design options that work beautifully with black kitchen cabinets. From modern geometric tiles to vintage penny rounds, the backsplash can reflect either a classic or contemporary aesthetic. Choosing materials like white subway tile, marble, or natural stone can create crisp contrast and brightness to complement the rich black cabinets. Conversely, pairing matte black cabinetry with a sleek metal or black mosaic backsplash can craft a moody, dramatic kitchen space.
Considerations for Selecting a Backsplash for Black Cabinets
When selecting a backsplash for black kitchen cabinets, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
Contrast
Look for backsplash materials and colors that provide sufficient contrast from black. Materials like white, light gray, beige and wood can help lighten up the space. Stark white backsplashes look especially clean and contemporary with black cabinets.
Texture
Incorporate visual texture and interest through the backsplash materials. Glass, metal, stone, subway tile, brick, wood paneling and tile mosaics all add appealing texture that pops against black.
Style Cohesion
Choose a backsplash that coordinates well with the overall kitchen aesthetic. For traditional kitchens, classic white subway tile or marble patterns are attractive backsplash pairings. In modern spaces, concrete, metal and stone mosaic backsplashes complement black’s contemporary appeal.
Natural Lighting
Abundant natural lighting illuminates a black and white kitchen beautifully. In darker kitchens, backsplashes in lighter colors or reflective materials can brighten the space.
Personal Preference
While considering design guidelines, allow your personal taste to determine the ideal color scheme and backsplash materials for your vision. The backsplash presents a great opportunity to integrate colors, patterns and textures you love.
Top Backsplash Ideas for Black Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some of the most popular, stylish backsplash design ideas for black kitchen cabinets:
White Subway Tile
Nothing provides crisp, striking contrast against black cabinets like basic white 3×6 subway tiles. This classic backsplash option offers clean lines and brightness. Feel free to experiment with laying subway tiles in interesting patterns or designs. White penny rounds or hexagons also pair nicely with black cabinetry.
White subway tile backsplash with black cabinets. Image by Kitchen Infinity Inc.
Marble Tile
Both real and faux marble backsplashes beautifully complement black kitchen cabinets, lending an elegant, timeless look. Pair black cabinets with a white, gray, or even colorful marble backsplash for lots of visual interest. Carrara marble makes a lovely farmhouse accent, while bold patterns jazz up contemporary spaces.
Dramatic marble tile backsplash against black cabinets. Image by Ason Interiors.
Natural Stone and Mosaic Tile
Backsplashes made from natural stone materials like travertine, limestone, and slate bring organic, textured appeal to black cabinetry. These naturally-hued stones come in a range of grayish-beige tones that coordinate wonderfully with black. For a more modern mosaic effect, pieces of stone can form intricate patterns.
Black cabinets enhanced by a natural stone mosaic tile backsplash. Image by Studio DB.
Mix and Match
For lots of personality, consider a mix and match backsplash that collects an assortment of coordinating tile shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Combine black and white tiles in varying patterns over a black backsplash. Or create visual interest by blending metal, marble, glass and ceramic tiles.
Eclectic mix and match tile backsplash. Image by Chango & Co.
Brick
For an industrial vibe, brick backsplashes pair attractively with black cabinets. Choose classic red brick or modern white brick according to your kitchen’s tone. Brick backsplashes lend eye-catching texture and play with light reflection behind a dark cabinetry color.
Rustic red brick backsplash and black cabinets create an industrial vibe. Image by Clayton Co.
Wood
The natural warmth of a wood backsplash helps soften black cabinets’ serious mood. Weathered reclaimed barnwood makes a charming country accent, while horizontal planked wood evokes sleek, contemporary style. Rich wood grain provides lovely contrast and visual appeal.
Sleek wood plank backsplash with black lower cabinets. Image by Kitchens by Design.
Glass Tile
Mirrored, metallic and frosted glass tiles gleam beautifully against black cabinets, providing ample light reflection. Choose glass tiles in silver, pewter, mercury or copper tones. Use a combination of glass tile shapes and textures for dimensional appeal.
Black cabinets enhanced by metallic glass subway tile backsplash. Image by Lazenby Design.
Metal Tile
For serious contemporary edge, metal backsplashes in stainless steel, copper or brass pair slickly with black cabinets. The matching monochromatic scheme creates a bold, avant-garde look. Hammered metal and multi-toned finishes provide eye-catching shine and texture.
Sleek stainless steel metal tile backsplash and black cabinets make a bold statement. Image by John Lum Architecture.
Classic Black & White
Sometimes the simple combo of black and white is the most striking and timeless. Pair matte black cabinets with a graphic black and white tile or checkerboard backsplash pattern. This high-contrast look is eternally classy and elegant.
- checkerboard tile backsplash provides the perfect complement to black cabinetry. Image by Don Gardner.*
Design Ideas for Backsplashes with Black Kitchen Cabinets
Beyond just color and material selection, there are many creative backsplash design choices that can complement black cabinetry beautifully. Consider these backsplash ideas:
Graphic Patterns
Jazz up a black kitchen with graphic print tile, cement tile or mosaic backsplash patterns like harlequin, chevron, arabesque or dot prints. Geometric patterns and combinations of tile shape/color create captivating contrast against dark cabinets.
A geometric print backsplash provides visual pop against black cabinets in this kitchen by deVOL Kitchens.
Oversized Tile
Oversized rectangular subway tiles, hexagons or sleek polished marble slabs create a seamless, contemporary look paired with black cabinets. Limit grout lines for a smooth, sophisticated tile appearance.
This kitchen features oversized marble backsplash tiles that beautifully complement the black cabinets. Image by Studio Dearborn.
Inset Designs
Frame your backsplash area with trim molding for a built-in look. Choose tile set within the trim border for a framed accent wall effect. Inset penny tile designs also provide striking visual contrast against black.
This backsplash features a penny tile design framed by trim molding against black cabinets. Image by Brittany Ambridge.
Display Collections
Introduce personal style to your black kitchen with an eclectic backsplash display. Showcase framed family photos, art prints or a collection of plates and bowls. This eye-catching accent celebrates your own taste.
Framed art prints displayed on the backsplash complement the homeowner’s personal style against dramatic black cabinetry. Image by the New Design Project.
Shelving
Take advantage of the backsplash real estate by incorporating floating shelving against black cabinets. Open shelving provides handy space to store cookbooks, spices, oils and vinegars while introducing a modern, minimalist look.
Floating shelves make both a handy and stylish backsplash statement with black cabinets. Image by Lakeside Homes.
No matter your personal style, there are endless gorgeous backsplash possibilities to pair with your sleek black kitchen cabinets. From eye-catching patterns and combination designs to dramatic materials like marble, wood or metal, the backsplash presents the perfect opportunity to integrate visual interest, light and contrast. Thoughtfully coordinate backsplash materials and colors to craft a kitchen that feels cohesive and customized. With the right backsplash selection, black kitchen cabinets will lend a look of elegance and sophistication.
FAQ About Backsplashes for Black Kitchen Cabinets
What is the most popular backsplash for black cabinets?
White subway tile backsplashes are likely the most common and popular choice paired with black kitchen cabinets. The high contrast look is timeless, clean and contemporary.
What color backsplash goes with black cabinets?
Many colors complement and contrast beautifully with black cabinets. Some top options include white, light gray, beige, cream, navy, greige, wood tones, and pops of colors like green, blue, yellow, red or terracotta. Black and white schemes are also classic.
Do you have to have a backsplash with black cabinets?
While optional, adding a backsplash is highly recommended with black cabinets. Backsplashes serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, protecting the walls from splatters and damage while also contributing visual interest.
What kind of backsplash makes kitchen look bigger?
Backsplashes with reflective qualities, like mirrored or glass tile, help reflect light and make small kitchen spaces appear more open and spacious. Pale, neutral-colored backsplashes also recede so black cabinets will feel less imposing.
Can you do open shelving with black cabinets?
Absolutely! Built-in floating shelves make a perfect backsplash accent against black lower cabinets. Open shelving provides a place to store pretty cookware and display collections while retaining a light, airy look on top.
What backsplash goes with black stainless steel appliances?
For a unified monochromatic scheme, opt for slick metal or black mosaic tile backsplashes to match black stainless appliances. Or choose white, beige or wood backsplashes to create appealing contrast.
How high should you go with a backsplash?
Full height backsplashes that extend all the way up to the undersides of the upper cabinets make a dramatic statement and provide the most protection. Standard backsplash height is 4 inches above countertops, while more common is 18-24 inches high.
What backsplash is timeless?
Classic white subway tile and Carrara marble backsplashes have endured through eras as timeless and versatile backsplash materials that suit both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
Conclusion
The perfect backsplash design can provide the ideal complementary accent to sophisticated black kitchen cabinets. Visually balance out the serious mood of black cabinetry by selecting backsplash materials and colors that inject brightness, contrast and personality. From a fresh white subway tile to dramatic marble, luxe metal and rustic wood, exciting backsplash possibilities abound. Thoughtfully consider the overall kitchen aesthetic, lighting and architectural details when choosing a backsplash for black cabinets. With creativity and cohesive design, your dream backsplash can craft a stunning kitchen backdrop that provides the ideal finishing touch to elegant black cabinetry.
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