Backsplash Tile Shapes Most Popular and Unique Backsplash Tile Designs

A backsplash serves both practical and aesthetic purposes in a kitchen. Not only does it protect the walls from splashes and stains, but it also adds visual interest and brings out the style of the space. With so many backsplash tile shapes and designs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the right option for your kitchen. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and unique backsplash tile shapes to consider.

Rectangular Tile

The most common and versatile backsplash tile shape is the basic rectangle. Rectangular tiles come in all sizes, colors, textures, and materials. They can be easily mixed and matched for a customized look.

Benefits of Rectangular Backsplash Tiles

Available in endless options at various price points
Can be oriented vertically or horizontally
Create clean lines and a contemporary vibe
Easy to cut and install in any layout
Coordinate with countertops and other finishes

Rectangular subway tiles are a backsplash staple, often using glossy white ceramics in a classic brick pattern. For a modern twist, bold colors, metallics, or elongated sizes make a statement. Stacked or staggered layouts add visual interest to simple rectangular tiles.

Unique Ways to Use Rectangular Tiles

Contrasting grout colors
Varying tile sizes and orientations
Patterned or textured tiles
Accent strips and borders
Decorative listello, trims, and mosaics

With the right combination of tiles and layout, rectangular backsplashes can achieve any style – traditional, transitional, contemporary, rustic, and more.

Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles create a honeycomb effect, packing the geometric shape tightly together. The interlocking six-sided tiles have a vintage feel but also work in contemporary spaces. Hexagon backsplashes come in ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, and stone.

Benefits of Hexagon Backsplash Tiles

Timeless, elegant style
Naturally draw the eye to the focal point
Opportunity for creativity in patterns and colors
Available in wide range of materials
Provides dimension and visual interest

While white hexagon tiles are popular for a cottage or farmhouse aesthetic, bold colors and varied materials modernize the hexagon shape. Mixing matte and glossy finishes adds depth. Offset bricks and unique color combinations make for an eyecatching backsplash. Hexagons can also be paired with other tile shapes.

Unique Ways to Use Hexagon Tiles

Offset brick layout in contrasting colors
Paired with rectangular subway tiles
Ombre or gradient color schemes
Metallic or iridescent glass tiles
Large scale hexagons for drama

Hexagon backsplashes work especially well behind cooktops and range hoods where the shape draws the eye. Embrace the versatility of the hexagon in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.

Penny Round Tile

Just as the name implies, penny round tiles are small, circular tiles resembling copper pennies. Typically 1 inch or smaller, the tiles have a vintage vibe reminiscent of the early 1900s. But they also create modern impact when installed in fun patterns.

Benefits of Penny Round Backsplash Tiles

Small scale good for palettes and accents
Intricate, eye-catching patterns
Looks handcrafted and artisanal
Provides texture and dimension
Works in many color schemes and styles

While penny rounds often come in glossy white, black, or blue ceramics, they also make a statement in bold colors and metallics. Use diamond, herringbone, or basketweave layouts to transform the small circles into mesmerizing designs. Line up rows in contrasting colors for a checkerboard effect.

Unique Ways to Use Penny Rounds

Statement backsplash behind stove
Contrasting grout for visual pop
Metallic tiles for glam or industrial style
Combine with rectangles and hexagons
Install in herringbone or diamond patterns

Don’t overlook the power of small pennies. Though tiny in size, when installed creatively, penny round backsplashes steal the show, especially surrounding focal areas like rangetops.

Fish Scale Tile

As the name suggests, fish scale tiles are arranged to resemble the scales of a fish in overlapping rows. The curved, circular shape of the individual tiles create a unique look and texture within the backsplash.

Benefits of Fish Scale Backsplash Tiles

Mimics natural pattern of fish scales
Overlapping design is highly decorative
Adds elegant texture and visual interest
Works in varied color palettes
Matches modern, transitional, or cottage styles

While fish scale tiles traditionally feature blue, green, and white hues inspired by the ocean, modern colors like metallic coppers, bold jewel tones, and glossy blacks heighten the drama. Stagger rows in contrasting colors for bold definition.

Unique Ways to Use Fish Scale Tiles

Overlapping rows in alternating colors
Contrasting grout color adds depth
Metallic scales for glamorous style
Combine with glass mosaic tiles
Install as an accent border or focal point

Make a statement with the beautiful contours and overlapped arrangement of fish scale tiles. Their fluid shape softens hard lines and adds motion to backsplashes.

Chevron Tile

Angled in an inverted V shape, chevron tiles have movement and direction to lead the eye. The zigzag point draws attention, often pointing towards the stove, sink, or other focal feature. While chevrons traditionally feature two colors, modern variations include a single color and material for subtle texture.

Benefits of Chevron Backsplash Tiles

Leads the eye and creates movement
Angled shape is inherently decorative
Works in traditional or contemporary kitchens
Can be simple two-tone or multi-colored
Makes a statement behind cooktops

To highlight the angled shape, pair glossy and matte finishes. Metallic chevrons in copper, gold, or silver glam up the look. For a bold statement, opt for daring colors like emerald green or sapphire blue. Adding glass, stone, or marble tiles amplifies the drama.

Unique Ways to Use Chevron Tiles

Lead the eye to focal points and architecture
Use with rectangle and square tiles
Go for bold colors like red, purple, or teal
Alternate matte and glossy finishes
Choose a striking material like handmade glass

Chevron backsplashes work with everything from modern farmhouse to industrial loft styles. Tip the chevron shape to create strong direction in the kitchen.

Octagon Tile

For an uncommon shape with vintage appeal, octagon backsplash tiles deliver eye-catching results. The eight-sided shape features clean lines punctuated by header and stretcher tiles that create an interlocking pattern. Octagons range from ceramic and porcelain to hand-cut stone and glass.

Benefits of Octagon Backsplash Tiles

Unique shape for one-of-a-kind backsplash
Interlocking layout with built-in pattern
Classic, geometric style works anywhere
Handmade and antique options available
Pairs beautifully with rectangle tiles

While white octagon tiles evoke old-world charm, going bold with ruby red or sapphire blue makes a smashing modern statement. Complement the shape with square and rectangular tiles in contrasting finishes. Mix in accent pennies, hexagons or listellos for extra flair.

Unique Ways to Use Octagon Tiles

Colorful octagons as an accent wall
Blue and white traditional style
Black and white modern farmhouse
Go metallic like gold, rose gold, or copper
Float octagons randomly as artistic accents

Let octagon tiles contrast with countertops and cabinets to make them pop. Their eight angles and built-in patterning create captivating texture within backsplashes.

Ombre Tile

Ombre refers to a graduation or fade between colors, usually moving from light to dark. Ombre tiles take this concept and apply it to backsplashes for a striking two-tone or multi-color effect. The ombre look can be achieved within a tile or by blendingcomplementary hues.

Benefits of Ombre Backsplash Tiles

Gradient color effect adds visual interest
Blending of colors is highly decorative
Works with any color combination
Has a painterly, artistic aesthetic
Pairs beautifully with stainless steel

Ombre glass subway tiles transition from frosted white to blue for a soothing coastal vibe. Or go bold with vibrant yellow that fades to rich orange. Ombre works particularly well with metallics like copper to gold or silver to black. Choose colors that complement your cabinetry and countertops.

Unique Ways to Use Ombre Tiles

Fade light to dark, matt to glossy
Include an accent row of centered tiles
Pair with cut glass, marble slab, or stone
Create your own custom ombre blend
Use multiple ombre hues for a sunset effect

Make a statement with the gorgeous blending of ombre tiles. Their inherent gradient draws the eye across the backsplash and makes colors pop.

Moroccan Tile

Inspired by the vivid tiles of Morocco, these backsplashes feature colorful geometric shapes and patterns. Often hand-painted or artisanal in nature, Moroccan tiles enliven a space with their fearless use of jewel tones, intricate motifs, and bold patterns.

Benefits of Moroccan Backsplash Tiles

Vibrant colors like teal, violet, gold
Intricate patterns are visually striking
Artsy, handcrafted look
Lends an exotic, worldly flair
Works great in eclectic, bohemian spaces

While Moroccan backsplashes traditionally use blue, green, yellow, and terracotta hues, modern versions embrace fuchsia, seafoam green, and other colors. Metallic golds and copper update the look. Opt for authentic Moroccan tiles or domestically produced versions with similar patterns.

Unique Ways to Use Moroccan Tiles

As a bold focal area behind stove
Combine with rectangular tiles
Pair with rustic or modern elements
Use as an accent border or medallion
Intersperse with solid tiles for color pops

Moroccan backsplash tiles lend exotic flair whether installed as a statement wall or integrated with everyday subway tiles. Embrace the fearless patterns and colors.

Wood Look Tile

Wood-look backsplash tiles allow you to achieve the beauty of natural wood with the functionality of porcelain or ceramic tile. Replicating oak, maple, driftwood and other woods, these realistic tiles have variation and texture. Durability and moisture resistance make them perfect for kitchen backsplashes.

Benefits of Wood Look Backsplash Tiles

Provides warmth and natural texture
Realistic looks replicate popular woods
Durable and water resistant
Works with many cabinetry styles
Allows for bold wooden backsplash

Matte finishes and grain detailing take wood-look tiles to the next level. Pair with exposed beams, butcher block countertops and rustic or farmhouse decor for a cohesive look. While whitewashed and light woods are on trend, go bold with ebony or cherry styles.

Unique Ways to Use Wood Look Tiles

Mix wood grains for added interest
Use brick, herringbone and chevron patterns
Contrast vertical and horizontal planks
Pair with ceramic tiles like subway
Install wood-look 3D wall panels

Wood-look backsplash tiles lend a reclaimed quality while being easy to maintain. Take the backsplash to rustic new heights.

Stone Tile

Dimension and texture make stone backsplash tiles a stunning yet enduring choice. Tiles made from natural stone like marble, travertine, and slate as well as engineered quartzite provide variation and beauty. Stone tiles complement many design aesthetics.

Benefits of Stone Backsplash Tiles

Timeless, classic material and aesthetic
Natural texture adds depth and interest
Variation in stone colors and veining
Can be matte, shiny, or lightly textured
Extreme durability for years of beauty

While marble tile provides elegant veining in grey, white and black, travertine offers a rustic, chiseled look. Slate grey and quartzite bring moody, earthy tones. Use large format stone tiles or mosaic sheets for added impact.

Unique Ways to Use Stone Tiles

Statement marble slab behind cooktop
Extensive multicolored slate mosaic
Travertine subway tiles in brick pattern
Contrasting stone mosaic inlay
Linear stone strips alternating with solid tiles

Let the natural beauty of stone shine through. Whether used as an accent or full backsplash, stone tiles lend timeless sophistication. Choose matte, honed, or polished finishes.

Patterned Tile

Why stick with plain tiles when you can opt for pattern and texture? From Moroccan motifs to decorative pictorial tiles, patterned backsplashes enliven kitchens with colors, designs, and dimensional details.

Benefits of Patterned Backsplash Tiles

Injects color, whimsy, and personality
Pattern possibilities are endless
Encompasses pictorial, ceramic, porcelain
Can include decorative 3D details
Makes backsplash the focal point

Intriguing backsplash patterns like Mediterranean floors or artsy floral designs make kitchens pop. Spanish inspired tiles use intricate detailing in vivid hues. Handpainted tiles showcase quirky vegetables, fruits or utensils. Middle Eastern patterns enchant with geometric designs.

Unique Ways to Use Patterned Tiles

Bold focal wall behind cooktop
Contrasting patterned inserts
Coordinating colors and textures
Mixing multiple coordinating patterns
Pairing with solid tiles for balance

Patterned backsplash tiles tell a story. They bring artistry and global inspiration to kitchen design. Make the backsplash the star with ornate Spanish tiles or everyday dishes and utensils handpainted into scenic masterpieces.

Glass Tile

Glass backsplash tiles capture light and reflect shine for an eye-catching look. Made from recycled glass, they offer iridescent, metallic and ombre designs. Used creatively, glass tiles create backsplashes with depth, artistry and brilliance.

Benefits of Glass Backsplash Tiles

Reflect and refract light beautifully
Distinctive iridescent and ombre effects
Available in range of textures and finishes
Can mimic natural materials like stone
Great for adding pops of color and shine

While clear glass tiles expose lights and create depth, colored glass absorbs and emits color. Combine glass with ceramic, porcelain or stone for contrast. Use accent strips, borders and medallions to spotlight glass tiles.

Unique Ways to Use Glass Tiles

Ombre or fused multicolor glass
Metallic glass tile mosaics
Clear glass tile backsplash with lights
Mix frosted and clear glass together
Accent with colored glass decorative tiles

From color to brilliance, glass backsplashes make a statement. Let them reflect light and creativity throughout the kitchen space. They prove elegance doesn’t need to be understated.

Handmade Tile

For artisan appeal, handmade backsplash tiles provide beautiful uniqueness. Clay, ceramic and glass are transformed into one-of-a-kind tiles. Expect slight variations in sizing, colors and finishes. Installation can also be customized to your space.

Benefits of Handmade Backsplash Tiles

Unique character from handcrafted charm
Small batches produce distinctive tiles
Colors, shapes and textures not mass produced
Opportunity to customize ordering
Creative techniques like carved clay or cracked glaze

Handmade tiles may use traditional methods like kiln-firing or mosaic making. Or they can embrace modern techniques like graffiti-style patterns. Terracotta, talavera, encaustic and moroccan tiles are often handcrafted.

Unique Ways to Use Handmade Tiles

Focal backsplash wall behind range
As artistic listello borders and accents
To create a backsplash mural or scene
Moroccan patterns highlighting kitchen details
Mixing an array of coordinating handmade tiles

Handmade backsplash tiles add artistry, nostalgia, and human qualities to kitchens. With custom design possibilities, create a backsplash as unique as your home.

Metal Tile

For industrial edge, the gleam and grit of metal backsplash tiles is bold and daring. Choices like stainless steel, tin, copper, brass, and nickel make metallic magic. From solid sheets to metallic mosaic, metal transforms backsplashes into shine statements.

Benefits of Metal Backsplash Tiles

High-shine and reflective qualities
Industrial vibe with exposed brick or concrete
Penny tile rounds in copper, nickel, or chrome
Varied finishes from matte to polished
Can mimic other materials like wood or stone

Pair metal backsplashes with exposed ductwork, stainless steel appliances, and factory pendant lighting. Contrast metal’s sleek lines with the softness of wood cabinets and furnishings. Hammered metal and rivet details crank up the industrial ambiance.

Unique Ways to Use Metal Tiles

Oversized stainless panels behind cooktop
Rivet and screwhead mosaic for texture
Weathered patina metals like rustic copper
Geometric or diamond-shaped penny tiles
Mixing metallic with glass and stone mosaic

Infuse your kitchen with machine-age marvel. Metal backsplashes reflect character, resilience, and tenacity. Let copper, brass or stainless steel shine boldly.

Statement Tile

For drama and impact, statement backsplash tiles command attention. Oversized patterned Moroccan tiles