Choosing a backsplash that complements your countertops is key to creating a cohesive, stylish kitchen design. With so many backsplash and countertop options available, making the right match may seem daunting. However, by considering color, pattern, texture, and material, you can easily find a backsplash and countertop combination that aligns with your personal style.
Factors to Consider When Matching Backsplash with Countertops
When determining how to match backsplash with countertops, keep the following factors in mind:
Color
Selecting a backsplash and countertop with similar or complementary colors is the easiest way to create a cohesive look.
- For granite, marble or other patterned countertops, choose a backsplash color that matches the most dominant color in the stone. This helps the backsplash blend in.
- With solid surface countertops like quartz, choose a backsplash color that matches the countertop exactly or pick a slightly different shade that complements it.
- For neutral countertops like white, beige or black, the possibilities are endless. Go bold with a brightly colored backsplash or keep it simple with a subtle neutral.
Pattern
- If your countertops have a visual pattern or texture, select a backsplash with a similar look. For example, pair marble countertops with marble subway tile.
- Avoid competing patterns. If your countertops are busy, opt for a solid colored backsplash. Save patterned backsplashes for countertops with little or no pattern.
Texture
Consider the surface finish of both the backsplash tile and countertop:
- Match glossy countertops with polished backsplash tiles and matte countertops with honed or textured backsplash tiles.
- Varying the textures can create contrast and interest. For instance, pair a polished granite countertop with a textured slate backsplash.
Material
Choose backsplash and countertop materials that work well together:
- Natural stone countertops like granite coordinate nicely with stone backsplash tiles like marble or travertine.
- Tile backsplashes are commonly paired with solid surface countertops like quartz.
- Glass, ceramic or metal tile backsplashes can add pops of color and shine to neutral countertops.
- Wood or brick backsplashes complement concrete, stainless steel or painted countertops.
Coordinating Stone Countertops and Backsplashes
Natural stone countertops like granite, marble and quartzite are very popular kitchen options. Here are some pointers for pairing stone countertops with a stone tile backsplash:
Granite Countertops
- Similar colored granite backsplash: Selecting granite backsplash tiles in a color that matches the stone pattern of your countertop is a foolproof option. Blend them together seamlessly.
- Complimentary granite backsplash: Backsplash granite in a shade a bit lighter or darker than your countertops provides enough contrast while still coordinating.
- Mosaic backsplash: Tiny mosaic backsplash tiles can mirror the colors of a granite countertop with more flexibility. Use several shades that tie in with the overall stone color.
- Marble or travertine backsplash: Honed marble or travertine tiles provide an elegant contrast next to the speckled pattern of granite.
Quartzite Countertops
- Same Quartzite Backsplash: Quartzite has less pattern variation than granite. Using the same slab for both creates uniformity.
- Marble Backsplash: The white, gray or black veining of marble pairs nicely with quartzite to add subtle detail.
- Metal Backsplash: The strong pattern of quartzite can handle an eye-catching metal or stainless steel backsplash.
- Mosaic Backsplash: Small mosaic tiles in shades found within the quartzite design pulls everything together.
Marble Countertops
- Marble Subway Tile: Matching marble countertops with marble subway tiles is a luxurious combination. Select a shade with similar veining.
- Herringbone Marble Backsplash: For more interest, herringbone marble backsplash brings directional texture.
- Stone Mosaic Backsplash: A mosaic backsplash containing marble, travertine and glass tiles picks up on the marble colors.
- Metallic Backsplash: The subtle pattern of marble allows for an exciting backsplash made of metal or stainless steel tiles.
Backsplashes for Popular Countertop Materials
In addition to natural stone, there are many other countertop materials to consider for your kitchen. Here are some backsplash recommendations for other common countertops:
Quartz Countertops
- Tile backsplash (ceramic, marble, glass)
- Stainless steel backsplash
- Mosaic backsplash
- Patterned porcelain backsplash
- Wood backsplash
Concrete Countertops
- Stained glass backsplash
- Natural stone tile backsplash
- Stainless steel backsplash
- Wood plank backsplash
Butcher Block Countertops
- Subway tile backsplash
- Tin backsplash
- Stainless steel backsplash
- Salvaged wood backsplash
- Brick backsplash
Laminate Countertops
- Vinyl backsplash
- Ceramic tile backsplash
- Stainless steel backsplash
- Painted glass backsplash
Tile Countertops
- Accent tile backsplash
- Mosaic tile backsplash
- Contrasting stone backsplash
- Stainless steel backsplash
Design Inspiration for Matching Backsplash with Countertops
Need some visual inspiration for pairing your countertops and backsplash? Here are some beautiful kitchen design ideas:
White Marble Countertops + White Marble Subway Tile Backsplash: A classic and timeless combination perfect for traditional or modern kitchens.
Black Quartz Countertops + Blue & White Arabesque Tile Backsplash: The pop of pattern and color from the backsplash brightens up the dark countertops.
Wood Butcher Block Countertops + Red Brick Backsplash: Contrasting textures and colors create vintage charm.
Gray Concrete Countertops + Gray Slate Subway Tile Backsplash: Matching the muted tones results in an edgy industrial vibe.
White Quartz Countertops + Sage Green Glass Tile Backsplash: Soft green glass tiles give the crisp white countertops a dose of color.
Brown Quartzite Countertops + Neutral Stone & Glass Mosaic Backsplash: The multi-colored mosaic ties into the variation of the quartzite.
Black Granite Countertops + Multicolored Stone & Glass Backsplash: The vibrant backsplash keeps the dark granite from feeling too somber.
FAQs About Matching Backsplash with Countertops
Still have questions about how to coordinate your backsplash with countertops? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I match backsplash color to countertops?
Choose a backsplash color that is the same as or complementary to a dominant color in your countertops. With patterned stone countertops, match the backsplash to the background color rather than accent colors.
What is the most popular backsplash for white countertops?
White subway tile is the most popular backsplash paired with white countertops for its clean, classic look. However, any color or pattern backsplash can work beautifully with white countertops.
What backsplash goes best with dark countertops?
To balance out dark countertops, use a light colored or vibrant patterned backsplash. Glass, ceramic and metal backsplash tiles in whites, beiges or bold colors create contrast.
What backsplash looks best with granite?
Granite backsplashes coordinate seamlessly with countertops. But you can also choose marble, travertine, slate, mosaic tiles or even stainless steel to pair with the flecks of color within granite.
What is the most low maintenance backsplash?
Porcelain, ceramic and glass tile backsplashes are resistant to stains, scratches, heat and moisture. This makes them easy to clean and durable choices. Stainless steel backsplashes are also very low maintenance.
Can you use the same quartz for backsplash and countertops?
Yes, you can often use the same quartz slab for both countertops and backsplash. This guarantees a perfect color match. Many fabricators can cut the backsplash pieces from remnant pieces.
Conclusion
Choosing the right backsplash tile color, pattern, texture and material to match your kitchen countertops results in a pulled together, harmonious look. Take your time considering all the options. There are endless ways to coordinate backsplashes with countertops using stone, tile, metal, glass and more. Just keep the overall style of your kitchen in mind. With the right backsplash and countertop combination, you can’t go wrong creating a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.