Adding a backsplash to your kitchen can completely transform the look and feel of the space. Backsplashes not only provide an extra layer of protection from water damage and stains, but they are also a great way to infuse personality and visual interest behind the kitchen sink and stove. With so many tile options to choose from, backsplashes are the perfect opportunity to get creative. Whether you prefer traditional subway tile, handmade ceramic, or glass mosaics, the backsplash tile possibilities are endless. Read on for some of the top trendy and eye-catching backsplash tile ideas to inspire your next kitchen remodel.
Popular Backsplash Tile Materials
When selecting a material for your backsplash tile, there are many options to consider that can directly impact the overall style and look of your design. Here are some of the most popular backsplash tile materials to help narrow your search:
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile
A timeless classic, ceramic and porcelain backsplash tiles are hard-wearing, easy to clean, and come in a vast array of colors, shapes, sizes, and finishes. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles have a shiny, sleek appearance, while unglazed options have more texture and give a terracotta look. There are so many unique styles to choose from, making ceramic and porcelain extremely versatile for both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs.
Glass Tile
Glass backsplash tiles are available in a huge spectrum of colors, can be opaque or translucent, and have a reflective, shiny surface. Glass tiles create a sleek, modern look and bounce light around the kitchen. Glass tile is also very low maintenance but can chip if struck too hard. Consider transparent glass tile to create fun dimensional patterns or metallic glass for a glamorous look.
Metal Tile
From stainless steel to copper, metal backsplash tiles lend an industrial vibe and reflective surface to kitchens. Made from recycled metals, metal tiles are extremely durable, scratch resistant, and easy to clean. Brushed metal finishes have a softer matte look, while polished metals brightly gleam. Use metal backsplash tile behind the stovetop or range to make it a focal point.
Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, granite, and slate have distinct veining, textures, and appearance. Stone backsplashes provide a high-end, elegant look and feel. However, natural stone is porous and requires yearly sealing to prevent stains. Stone tile comes in various cuts like subway, mosaic, ledger, and linear.
Peel & Stick Tile
Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles offer an affordable, easy DIY-friendly option requiring no grout or adhesives. Great for renters or temporary upgrades, peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are self-adhesive vinyl tiles that simply stick on and peel off intact. They come in ceramic, marble, glass, and other designs. However, long-term durability can be a concern with peel-and-stick tiles.
Top Backsplash Tile Trends & Styles
Beyond just the material, the style and overall design of your backsplash tile can truly make it stand out as a stunning focal feature. Here are some of the hottest backsplash tile trends:
Subway Tile
A backsplash tile classic, white 3×6” glossy subway tiles arranged in a brick pattern provide a clean, classic look. For a modern twist, opt for gray, black, or bold-colored subway tiles. Stack the tiles horizontally or diagonally in a herringbone/chevron pattern. Subway tiles have grout lines that can attract grime, so use a dark grout or mini tiles with thin grout lines.
Hexagon Tile
Hexagon-shaped tiles provide visual interest and bring honeycomb-inspired style to kitchen backsplashes. Mix variated sizes of hexagons or create Penny Patterns using different colored hex tile shapes. To add interest, alternate directions or materials and leave negative space between shapes. Hexagon tile works well as a full backsplash or as an accent.
Bold & Vibrant Colors
Why stick with safe white backsplashes when you can make a bold statement with vibrant color? From emerald greens to cobalt blues, go bright and energize your kitchen with colorful backsplash tile. Opt for solid blocks of color, fun patterns, or combine multi-colored mosaic tile shapes. Primary colors and jewel tones work great in contemporary kitchens.
Moroccan-Style Tile
Intricate patterned tiles reminiscent of Moroccan motifs, like zigzags, tile mosaics, and geometric shapes, add visual depth, dimension, and global flair to backsplashes. Typically handmade, the colorful, mosaic-like tiles are eye-catching focal features. Use all over or as an accent backdrop behind the range.
Metallic Tiles
Metallic backsplashes offer instant glam and reflective shine. Polished gold, silver, copper, and brass-hued natural stone or glass tiles gleam and act as the jewelry of the kitchen. Metallic backsplashes pair nicely with marble countertops and modern cabinets. Use sparingly as an accent or cover the entire backsplash for dramatic impact.
3D Tiles
Three-dimensional backsplash tile adds texture and contours to kitchen backsplashes. Subtle concave and convex shaping casts shadows and makes the tile visually pop with depth. Handmade artisan tiles often feature 3D shaping for added visual architecture. Use creatively to spell out words or names for personalized charm.
Mosaics
For artsy eclectic flair, mosaic backsplash tiles composed of tiny 1-inch tile pieces come in countless colors and shapes to form limitless patterns and designs. Use mosaic sheets for efficiency or mix variated individual tiles. Go for uniform geometric mosaics or make mosaic pictures using irregular broken shards.
Wood-Look Plank Tile
Wood-look plank tile mimics the appearance of real hardwood with the durability of porcelain or ceramic tile. Horizontally oriented, the planks have a modern, warm natural visual texture. Wood-look tiles come in weathered, whitewashed, or reclaimed wood styles. Use instead of or paired with subway tile.
Tile Accent Strips
Make your backsplash tile design pop by integrating eye-catching accent strips or borders. Use contrasting colors, patterns, textures, or materials to outline sections or adjoin countertops to backsplashes. Accent strips break up solid tile and add customizable flair. Try metallic strips between subway tiles or colorful mosaic borders.
Unique Backsplash Tile Layouts & Patterns
Beyond just the tile itself, creatively laying out and designing the backsplash tile adds further visual impact and customization. From fun patterns to strategic tile cuts, your backsplash tile design possibilities are endless.
Herringbone
A herringbone backsplash pattern arranges rectangular tile in zigzag interlocking rows at a 45 or 90-degree angle. The dynamic staggered pattern instantly livens up traditional straight bricklay subway tiles. White, black, or gray subway tiles commonly laid in herringbone patterns make great contemporary backsplash designs.
Chevron
Like trains tracks pointing to a central vanishing point, chevron backsplash tile patterns create visual motion and depth. Stack rectangular tile in an inverted V shape and alternate colors for a bold look. Pair with plain surrounding tiles to frame the chevrons. Chevron backsplashes provide a dynamic yet classic style statement.
Stacked
Stacking rectangular subway, plank, or other uniformly sized tiles builds clean vertical columns of tile. Stacked layouts work well on linear backsplash designs or behind kitchen stoves. Vary colors and textures as you stack for dimensional appeal. Alternate between glossy and matte tiles for added visual interest.
Basketweave
Basketweave patterns interlace rectangular tiles horizontally and vertically in an over-under pattern mimicking a woven basket. This interlocking grid-like design adds texture and a paired down approach compared to busy mosaic tiles. Use varying tile colors and glossiness for contrast.
Fish Scale/Octagon
For a whimsical backsplash, lay out 3×6-inch rectangular tiles or combine smaller octagon, hexagon pieces in a fish scale pattern. The uneven, overlapping scalloped rows create cascading visual movement and dimension. Use contrasting colors and vary the scale shape for greater effect.
Geometric
Make a contemporary style statement by integrating geometric shapes like circles, triangles, diamonds, pentagons, and octagons in black, white, and bold colors. Line up shapes in uniform rows and columns or lay them out in more abstract collage-like patterns. Geometric layouts lend mid-century modern and retro appeal.
Picture/Mural
Get creative and design your backsplash tile to depict a picture, landscape, pattern, logo, or saying. Using square tiles of various colors, map out your image like a mosaic to recreate any picture or artwork. For less commitment, use individual accent tiles for focal impact.
Tile Cutting
Strategically cutting tiles into unique shapes like curves, circles, zigzags, diamonds, and customized designs adds major personality. Combine cut tiles with traditional full tile pieces in complementary colors and patterns for lots of charm and individuality.
Stylish & Eye-Catching Backsplash Design Ideas
Now let’s explore some full backsplash design ideas featuring trendy tiles laid out in creative ways for stunning styles guaranteed to be the highlight of your kitchen.
Circular Pattern
Black hexagon tiles laid out in abstract rings and arcs make a mesmerizing statement over white quartz countertops. The circular backsplash focal feature provides plenty of visual motion. Try this circular pattern in metallic tiles for even more glamour.
Photo by [Wells Interiors Inc](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/wells-interiors-inc-pfvwus-pf~458285053) on [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/vancouver-bayshore-residence-transitional-kitchen-vancouver-phvw-vp~918565)
Vertical Stacking
Floor-to-ceiling vertically stacked elongated gray and white plank tiles make a contemporary clean-lined statement. Paired with open shelves and marble accents, this backsplash features on-trend neutral tones laid out in an eye-catching simplified pattern. The vertical orientation draws the eye up.
Photo by [Studio DB](http://studiodb.net/) on [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/clarendon-hills-kitchen-and-family-room-transitional-kitchen-chicago-phvw-vp~127887185)
Chevron Subway Tile
This gorgeous backsplash combines white chevron-stacked glossy subway tiles outlined with slim black accent strips. The framed zig-zag patterned tiles paired with the sleek modern cabinets create visual interest and depth behind the stove.
Photo by [Mackenzie Collier Interior Design](http://www.mackenziecollier.com/) on [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/san-francisco-mint-plaza-residence-contemporary-kitchen-san-francisco-phvw-vp~135454669)
Herringbone Mosaic
Tiny mosaic tiles laid in a three-toned blue and white herringbone pattern make a beautifully eye-catching backsplash full of depth and visual texture behind the stove. The mosaic tiles contain smooth glass, iridescent cracked glass, and matte stone for lots of surface interest.
Photo by [Martha O’Hara Interiors](https://www.marthaohara.com/) on [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-of-the-day-july-19-2016-traditional-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~88917641)
Bold Diamond
Make a contemporary glam statement in your kitchen with a glossy emerald green glass subway tile backsplash laid in a bold diamond pattern. The deep jewel tone looks luxe and reflective paired with brass accents. The simple diamond layout prevents the rich color from feeling too busy.
Photo by [Paloma Contreras Design](https://www.palomacontreras.com/) on [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-glam-kitchen-modern-kitchen-dallas-phvw-vp~43229787)
Geometric Tiled Island
This contemporary kitchen backsplash features a stunning blue geometric tile design surrounding a marble-topped kitchen island. The rectangular cook space is framed in varying shades of blue geometric tiles laid in angled columns. The vibrant mosaic tile pattern makes a captivating focal point.
Photo by [Rachel Reider Interiors](https://rachelreider.com/) on [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-london-townhouse-kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-london-phvw-vp~135226667)
Minimalist Linear
Less is more with this contemporary backsplash featuring thin horizontal and vertical charcoal grey strips over white quartz countertops. The pared-down linear layout complements the modern minimalist cabinetry without competing. Add slim strips of metallic or colored tile to make it pop.
Photo from [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-kitchen-miami-phvw-vp~578660)
Moroccan Fish Scale
Intricately hand-laid blue and white mosaic ceramic tile in a whimsical fish scale pattern creates visual rhythm across this backsplash. Complementing the arched doorways, the Moroccan-inspired tiles lend artistic global flair and plenty of personality to the kitchen.
Photo by [Sugarboo Designs](https://sugarbooandco.com/) on [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/carmel-valley-retreat-rustic-kitchen-san-diego-phvw-vp~135437420)
Black & White Geometric
This mesmerizing backsplash linear design features handmade black clay tiles intricately arranged in a geometric concentric stripe pattern, providing plenty of visual texture and movement. The simple black and white color scheme keeps the dazzling layout from feeling busy.
Photo from [MSquaredHK on Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/580441022/xs-black-and-white-linear-backsplash?ref=shop_home_active_27&pro=1)
Stacked Plank Subway
This transitional backsplash pairs beveled white plank tiles with classic white brick-laid subway tiles staggered in a running bond pattern. The contrast of horizontal and vertical lines along with recessed grout creates subtle grid-like texture. Finish with a polished stone or marble accent strip to define the backsplash.
Photo from [Eden Bath on Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/austin-residence-traditional-kitchen-austin-phvw-vp~62905/)
Hexagon Mosaic
Cover your entire backsplash surface in a dynamic mosaic of variegated blue, purple, and mirror-finish silver
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