Granite countertops are a classic and elegant choice for kitchens and bathrooms. However, choosing the right backsplash to pair with granite can be a daunting decision. The backsplash serves both functional and decorative purposes, so it’s important to select one that complements your countertops. Whether you prefer traditional or contemporary styles, you’ll find plenty of stylish and practical tile designs that beautifully accent granite.
Why Add a Backsplash?
Before exploring specific backsplash options, let’s examine why you need one in the first place. A backsplash protects the wall from moisture, splashes and stains. Without a backsplash, your wall paint or wallpaper could get easily damaged. The area between a countertop and kitchen cabinets gets a lot of abuse.
Some other benefits of backsplashes include:
- Enhances aesthetics: Backsplashes provide an opportunity to add color, texture and charm. They can tie together your cabinetry, appliances and countertops.
- Easy to clean: Solid surfacing or tile backsplashes clean up nicely with just mild soap and water.
- Durable: Materials like metal, glass and ceramic resist cracking, chipping and peeling.
- Provides contrast: A backsplash can prevent your countertop and cabinets from blending together.
- Showcases creativity: From mosaics to stamped metal, backsplash choices are virtually endless.
Take the time to choose a backsplash that complements your granite in both form and function.
Factors that Influence Backsplash Selection
With so many backsplash options for granite, it helps to consider a few factors as you weigh your choices:
Granite Color and Pattern
Look at the dominant hues in your granite and consider complementary colors for your backsplash tile or material. For instance, deeper blues and greens pair well with black granite. Warm granite colors like tan or brown look great with muted reds, oranges or yellows. Backsplashes in polished metallics or iridescent glass beautifully accent black, brown and gray granite.
Factor in the vein patterns and movement too. Busy granites with bold veining do best with solid backsplash colors. Choose smaller-scale mosaic tiles or glass inserts for granites with more subtle linear patterns. Larger granite slabs with sweeping movement and contrast can handle a more ornate or heavily veined tile.
Cabinetry Style
Think about the door style and finish of your cabinetry. Contemporary cabinets with stainless steel handles and hardware often look best with glass, metal or stone backsplash materials and cool, neutral colors like gray. More traditional cabinets with painted, glazed or antiqued finishes coordinate well with handmade ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Also consider if your cabinet finish is light or dark. Dark cabinets pair nicely with light granite and a light backsplash, while lighter cabinets complement darker granites and backsplashes.
Kitchen or Bathroom Function
In kitchens, consider a backsplash material that can withstand cooking splatters and the humidity of dishwashing and boiling water. Bathrooms require materials that won’t deteriorate from routine exposure to moisture.
Ease of cleaning is another practical concern in kitchens and baths. Smooth, non-porous materials like glass and metal clean up quickly. Textured tiles take a bit more effort. Make sure grout lines are sealed properly to minimize staining.
Personal Style
Think about the overall look you want to achieve – modern and sleek, old-world elegance, cottage charm, contemporary edge? Materials like metal, glass and porcelain evoke a modern vibe, while ceramic, stone and mosaic tiles have traditional and classic appeal.
Also factor in permanence. Ceramic tiles and glass sheets allow for more creativity and customization down the road than solid materials like slab backsplashes.
Stylish Backsplash Options for Granite
Now that you know what to consider, here are some stunning and functional backsplash design ideas to accent your granite countertops:
Tile
Tile is one of the most popular backsplash choices because it’s so versatile and available in endless colors, shapes, textures and patterns.
Ceramic tile resists moisture and cleans up easily. Modern styles mimic stone, metal and natural patterns, while classic ceramic options include subway tile, floral motifs and authentic vintage reproductions.
Porcelain tile provides a refined, elegant look in bathrooms and kitchens. Choose matte finishes for traditional styling or polished, high-gloss porcelain for contemporary spaces. Porcelain is more chip-resistant than ceramic and imparts a luxe vibe.
Glass tile provides brilliant color and shimmer. Use glass mosaic sheets or mix clear, frosted and iridescent glass tiles in metallic hues. Glass withstands humidity and cleans up with just a wipe. Reflective tiles make small spaces feel more open.
Stone tile like marble, travertine, slate and onyx add natural texture. Durability varies – marble scratches more easily than travertine or slate. Consider using stone tile selectively in a backsplash accent rather than everywhere.
Metal tile lends industrial appeal, especially popular in contemporary kitchens. Stainless steel, tin, aluminum and copper come in diverse finish options – from hammered and peened to smooth and polished. Use metal alone or combine with glass tile.
Statement Materials
In addition to traditional tiles, some creative alternatives add modern appeal, texture and finish options to your backsplash design.
Stainless steel sheets impart a sleek, pro-style look in contemporary kitchens. Brushed stainless provides a soft, diffused gleam that hides fingerprints. Use full sheets for a bold statement or just above the cooktop as a focal point.
Tempered glass sheets enable creativity with color accents and lighting effects. Some manufacturers offer molded glass in bubble and crackle patterns. Glass cuts easily to fit any space. Use removable frosted film for a custom look.
Stone slabs and veneers offer the beauty of natural stone without the heavy weight and installation hassles of full stone sheets. Popular options include quartzite, soapstone, onyx and marble. New lightweight materials mimic the visuals of real stone. Some slabs have metal backing for quick mounting without adhesives.
Wood introduces warmth and texture. Coordinate your backsplash wood with cabinetry finishes for fluidity. Use removable boards for easy access to wall space. Choose moisture-resistant woods like teak or avoid raw wood backsplashes near sinks and stovetops.
Painted Murals provide personalized artistry. Have a mural hand-painted directly onto your wall or commission an artist to paint canvas panels you install yourself. Look for washable wall paint.
Creative Touches
Don’t overlook small flourishes that make a big style statement:
- Add LED lighting along the backsplash or under cabinets to dramatize glass, metal or stone materials.
- Incorporate framed photos, prints and mirrors into the backsplash design.
- Choose a bold mosaic pattern for the focal area behind cooktops. Try chevron, arabesque or artsy motifs.
- Mix materials – pair metal with stone or wood with tile. Using two or three complementary materials creates interest.
- Include decorative trim like chair rail, crown molding or beadboard to define backsplash borders and frame the space.
Design Ideas for Popular Granite Colors
To spur more backsplash ideas for your specific granite, here are some stylish options popular for common granite shades:
Black Granite
The bold black background of this granite commands attention and pairs well with dramatic backsplashes or bright pops of color:
- White subway tile with dark grout lines
- Metallic mosaic tiles in silver, gold or copper
- Stainless steel or aluminum metal sheets
- Frosted or tinted tempered glass in vibrant jewel tones
- White or light gray stone slabs like marble or quartzite
- Distressed wood planks for warmth and contrast
White Granite
Play up the fresh white background with equally light and breezy backsplash options:
- Subway tiles or penny rounds with white grout
- Silver or white penny glass tiles
- Clear glass sheet with chrome trim
- Marble, limestone or travertine stone slabs
- White shiplap or painted wood backsplashes
- Navy blue glass or ceramic for contrast
Brown Granite
Warm up brown granite stones with compatible nature-inspired backsplashes:
- Cream, caramel or terracotta ceramic tiles
- Mosaic stone tiles in earth tones
- Travertine or onyx slab backsplashes
- Distressed wood planks
- Tumbled marble tiles
- Multi-colored glass tiles
Gray Granite
Cool gray granite sets the stage for modern metallic or minimally patterned backsplashes:
- White or frosted glass tiles
- Silver, tin or brushed steel metal
- Gray marble or quartzite slabs
- Boldly veined marble tile
- Slate stacked stone
- White shaker ceramic tile
Backsplash Design Tips
Follow these guidelines to create a cohesive and well-executed backsplash:
Select 1-3 complementary materials instead of too many different ones that compete. The fewer the materials, the more polished the look.
Align with countertops to maintain visual continuity. For example, both slab granite and stone tile backsplashes coordinate beautifully.
Consider the ceiling and flooring so colors complement but don’t necessarily match. Usually floors are darker than counters which are darker than the backsplash.
Include decorative accents like frames with the backsplash tiles or materials to elevate the design. Patterns and special shapes add interest.
Use caulking generously between the countertop and backsplash and between tile joints for water resistance and cleaner grout lines.
Take time planning the layout for the most seamless look and properly-sized focal accents. Draw out a sketch of your backsplash plans.
Incorporate lighting to show off glass, metal and stone backsplashes. Illumination keeps dark backsplashes from closing in a space.
Check with local suppliers for full slabs of granite, marble, quartzite and other stones to use as backsplashes. This saves on grout lines and seams.
Hire professional installers experienced with the materials you select. Pay attention to prep work, proper sealing and clean finishes.
FAQs
How high should a granite backsplash be?
The minimum recommended height is 4 inches from the counter, but many backsplashes extend up 12-18 inches for best protection and design impact. For focal areas behind sinks or stoves, some backsplashes are even taller.
What thickness of backsplash granite should I get?
3/4 inch is the recommended thickness, with 1/4-1/2 inch for lighter stone slabs installed on backerboard. Thicker granite minimizes cracks and chipping on backsplash edges.
Do you need to seal granite backsplash?
It’s a good idea to seal all granite, including backsplashes, with a penetrating sealer every 1-2 years. Sealing minimizes staining and makes backsplashes easier to clean. Use a polyurethane or acrylic sealer formulated for natural stone.
What color grout should I use with a granite backsplash?
Select a grout color that matches or blends with your granite color. For dark granite, use dark brown, black or gray grout. Lighter granites look best with grout in creams, tans or lighter grays. Some homeowners match the grout to backsplash tile or use bright white grout for contrast.
Can you use marble as a backsplash?
Yes, marble makes an elegant upscale backsplash, either as large slabs or in tile format. The main downside is that marble stains and scratches easier than granite. Take care to thoroughly seal marble backsplashes and handle them gently.
What kind of tile goes best with black granite?
White subway, glass or stone tiles pop against black granite. Other options include stainless steel, silver or bright colored glass mosaics. Creamy travertine and marble also accent black granite nicely. Or try slate stacked stone.
Should backsplash match countertops?
It’s not mandatory, but using the same material for both backsplash and countertops promotes visual harmony, especially with stone. If your countertops and backsplash are different materials, make sure the colors and textures complement.
Get Inspired and Install the Perfect Backsplash
The next step is to tap into your creativity and use these backsplash ideas to design the ideal accent for your granite countertops. Take your time considering combinations of materials, colors, patterns and textures to reflect your personal taste and style. Planning ensures you wind up with a cohesive, integrated look.
When reviewing the endless possibilities at tile showrooms and home improvement stores, keep in mind how potential backsplashes work with your specific granite color and patterning. Use large material samples and visual aids to preview the complete aesthetic before finalizing your backsplash decision.
Then proceed confidently with proper measurements, careful installation and ample sealing to protect your investment. Enjoy your new backsplash as a stunning focal point that prevents damage, adds charm and showcases your design savvy. Let the backsplash enhance and complete your whole kitchen or bath for years of beauty and convenience.
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