Matching your backsplash to your countertop can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. With so many options for materials, colors, and patterns, choosing a coordinated look can be exciting yet daunting. Follow this comprehensive guide to expertly match your backsplash to your countertop for a cohesive and stylish result.
Assess Your Countertop Material
The first step is taking stock of your existing countertop material. Granite, marble, quartz, laminate, butcher block, and tile all have distinct aesthetic properties to work with.
Granite
Granite countertops have an organic, natural stone look with a sparkly, speckled appearance. Colors range from solid black to reddish pink to gray and white. Match with an understated backsplash like marble subway tile or mosaic patterns.
Marble
Marble countertops offer elegance with their soft veining and upscale allure. Hues span from pure white to gray blue. Pair with a backsplash that complements but doesn’t compete, like white subway tile or same-material marble mosaic.
Quartz
Quartz counters provide a modern, uniform look resembling natural stone. Colors and patterns are varied but consistent in tone. Contrast the uniformity with an eye-catching backsplash like handmade ceramic tile or metallic glass.
Laminate
Laminate countertops present a budget-friendly alternative with pattern and color flexibility. Match with economical backsplash materials like ceramic tile, stainless steel, or vinyl stick-on tiles.
Butcher Block
Butcher block evokes rustic, farmhouse charm in wood tones like maple or walnut. Warm up the look with backsplash materials like reclaimed wood, tin ceiling panels, or neutral subway tile.
Tile
Tile countertops allow for total creativity through color, material, and pattern. Match with complementary glass, marble or ceramic backsplash tile for a pulled-together custom look.
Consider Backsplash Materials
With your countertop in mind, explore backsplash materials that pair well.
Tile
Ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile in matching or contrasting colors, shapes, and textures. Endless pattern options. Can be expensive to install.
Stone
Marble, granite, slate, or travertine slabs or tiles. Natural material complements stone counters. Requires sealing.
Metal
Stainless steel, copper, brass, or nickel add modern flair. Durable and eye-catching accent.
Glass
Glossy, matte, or textured glass tiles or sheets lend light and versatility. Stands up to water and heat.
Wood
Reclaimed boards, shiplap, or small woven pieces for rustic charm. Not water-resistant, best used sparingly.
Mosaic
Small stone, ceramic, or glass tiles united in an intricate mosaic pattern. Timeless, artistic look.
Select Colors and Patterns
Now comes the fun part – choosing colors, patterns and textures to create your perfect backsplash to countertop match:
Matching Colors
Selecting the same hue and tone for the countertop and backsplash results in a streamlined, uniform look. For example, pair a white marble countertop with white subway tile backsplash.
Complementary Colors
Choose backsplash colors adjacent to your countertop on the color wheel for visual interest. Green countertops could match to blue, yellow or orange backsplash tile.
Contrasting Colors
For drama, opt for backsplash colors opposite your counters on the color wheel. Red counters could match purple, green or blue backsplash.
Patterns and Textures
Consider pairing patterned tile, stone mosaic, or 3-D tiles with a solid countertop. Or echo veining and patterns from counters in the backsplash design.
Metallic Accent
Add modern sophistication by integrating metallics like copper or stainless steel to tie to the countertop hardware and appliances.
Plan the Layout
Map out the precise backsplash layout to optimize the scale and visual weight:
Full Height
Cover the entire wall from counter to cabinets for a bold, head-turning look. Makes smaller spaces appear larger.
Low Profile
Minimize overwhelm in small kitchens with 4-6 inch range backsplash height. Inexpensive and allows cabinets to stand out.
Focal Point
Create an accent wall or frame range with tiled backsplash. Provides focal point without overpowering space.
Mosaic Inset
Frame range or sink area with mosaic tile inset. Highlights cooking or cleanup zone while minimizing cost of full backsplash.
Unique Shape
Make a statement with hexagons, chevrons, penny tiles, or combinations of unexpected shapes and orientations.
DIY Accent
Use removable stick-on vinyl tile, metal sheets or reclaimed wood as affordable DIY backsplash pop behind stove or sink.
Evaluate Your Budget
Prices vary greatly for backsplash materials and installation:
- Low Budget: Paint, stick-on tiles, tin panels
- Mid-Range: Peel-and-stick, vinyl, laminate, sheet metal
- High End: Natural stone, handmade tile, glass tile, mosaic
Factor in installation costs if you don’t plan on DIYing. Prepare for added costs if wall prep or plumbing work is needed behind the backsplash.
Envision Completion
The final step is visualizing the finished look. Collect inspiration images, visit showrooms and order samples to hone in on the perfect backsplash to complement your countertops. Carefully considering materials, colors, patterns and layout will ensure your backsplash and countertop are made for each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much backsplash should I have with granite countertops?
With dramatic granite countertops, a 4-6 inch backsplash is often sufficient. This provides decoration without competing. Full height is bolder.
What backsplash goes with white quartz countertops?
White quartz pairs beautifully with glass, marble or ceramic tile backsplash in whites, grays, silvers and patterns for contrast. Avoid busy backsplashes that obscure clean white quartz.
Can you put laminate backsplash with laminate countertop?
Absolutely. Matching laminate backsplash behind a laminate countertop creates a streamlined, seamless appearance on a budget. Self-adhesive laminate sheets are an easy DIY option.
What kind of backsplash goes with oak cabinets?
For oak cabinets, consider warm-toned backsplash material like travertine, marble, or ceramic tile in tan, brown, taupe, cream, golden and rust colors. Cool tones like gray can also pop nicely.
Should backsplash match kitchen countertop or cabinets?
It’s generally recommended to match the backsplash to the countertop rather than cabinets for a more cohesive look. However, contrasting materials can also look amazing if colors and patterns complement well.
Conclusion
Coordinating your backsplash design to your kitchen countertops can bring the whole space together for a polished, custom look. Assess your countertop material, explore creative backsplash options, and thoughtfully arrange patterns, textures and colors to achieve kitchen nirvana. With proper planning and design, you can craft a backsplash and countertop pairing that delights.