Selecting the perfect backsplash to complement your granite countertops can seem daunting, but with some key considerations, you can create a coordinated, stylish look for your kitchen. Here is an in-depth guide on how to successfully match backsplash with granite.
Assess Your Granite Color and Pattern
The first step is taking a close look at your granite slabs and identifying the dominant colors, patterns, and textures. Granite has so much natural variation, so be sure to note the main hues and tones that will impact your backsplash choice. Is your granite light or dark, warm or cool-toned? Does it have prominent veining or speckles? Determining these characteristics will help narrow your backsplash options.
Consider Color Compatibility
You want your new backsplash and existing granite to work cohesively together.
Complementary Colors
Selecting a backsplash in a complementary shade to your granite is a foolproof option. For a soft beige granite, a bold navy or chocolate backsplash would perfectly complement. For a gray granite, muted blue-green is a soothing pairing. And for vivid granite, like red, balancing it with dark green or crisp white backsplash tiles makes the space visually balanced.
Contrasting Colors
If you want more of a statement, choosing a contrasting backsplash color to your granite can be striking. Pair rich brown granite with a bright turquoise backsplash or white granite with a deep purple backsplash. The key is ensuring the colors have enough separation so that each element stands out.
Matching Colors
While matching your backsplash exactly to your granite might seem safe, it can sometimes look monotonous. However, for granite slabs with lots of movement and pattern, matching the predominant color can actually allow each surface’s natural beauty to shine.
Consider Backsplash Finish
The finish of your backsplash can also impact how well it pairs with granite.
Glossy Backsplash
Glossy backsplash tile has a polished, light-reflecting sheen. Glass, ceramic, or porcelain backsplash tile often comes in a gloss finish. The sleek shine pairs best with more matte, lightly speckled or veined granite.
Matte Backsplash
Matte backsplash has no shine and a smooth, velvety look. Natural stone like marble, granite, and travertine come in a soft matte finish, as do some ceramic and porcelain tiles. Pair matte backsplash with heavily patterned or glossy granite to create contrast.
Metallic Backsplash
A glimmering metallic or iridescent glass backsplash can add a dramatic punch against naturally patterned granite. The sheen of metallics mimics the radiance of granite’s mica flakes for a complementary pairing.
Size and Shape
The scale of your backsplash tile also contributes to its compatibility with granite.
Small Tile Patterns
For granite slabs with minimal veining and pattern, small mosaic backsplash tiles, spaced closely together, can mimic natural granite textures. The busyness of tiny tiles contrasts and complements the granite’s smooth look.
Large Tile Formats
Oversized tiles, like 12×24” subway tile, make a statement against the business of granite. Large solid tiles balance out granite’s mottling for a tailored, clean aesthetic.
Mixed Tile Sizes
Varying the sizes and shapes of backsplash tile also completes granite’s natural randomness. Combining small squares, long rectangles, large hexagons draws out different dimensions in the granite’s beauty.
Creative Touches
Unique backsplash design choices can also enhance your kitchen’s granite countertops for a custom look.
Accent Stripes
Bold bands of contrasting tiles, whether vertically or horizontally, enliven backsplashes and distinctly complement granite counters. Weave metallic strips between white tiles or vibrant red bands within neutral stone.
Shape Variation
Shaped tiles, like scalloped edges or curved accents, partner gracefully with granite’s fluidity. Intersperse shaped tiles throughout the backsplash or feature them on the rangehood as an eye-catching focal point.
Eclectic Patterns
Go bold by combining varied tile sizes, textures, finishes, and colors to match the movement and eccentricity of granite. Try a range of glass, ceramic, stone, and metal tiles together for lots of depth and interest.
Install Backsplash Last
It is wise to install your backsplash after your countertops are in place. This allows you to lay out the actual slabs and truly observe how the granite looks in your lighting. Its colors and veining may read slightly differently than expected. Seeing the counters in reality provides the best guidance for backsplash matching.
When in Doubt, Be Neutral
If too many options still exist, or you want to play it safe, neutral backsplash is a timeless pairing with granite. Soft beiges, creams, grays, and white tiles always work well with the busyness of granite. Let your counters make the statement while the backsplash recedes.
With an attentive eye and some thoughtful experimenting, you can successfully determine the perfect backsplash for your existing granite. Trust your instincts and aim for a coordinated kitchen that reflects your personal style. Before you know it, you’ll have a fashionable, integrated look you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about matching backsplash with granite countertops:
How do you choose a backsplash color for brown granite?
For rich brown granite, excellent backsplash color pairings include shades like creamy white, beige, tan, light gray, navy blue, or peachy terra cotta. Contrasting or complementary shades work well with brown granite’s warmth.
What is the most popular backsplash for white granite?
White granite pairs beautifully with almost any color backsplash, like grays, blues, greens, and metallics. Mosaic, arabesque, glass, and stone backsplash tiles all complement white granite’s light neutrality.
What backsplash goes with black granite?
Black granite makes a statement and can be balanced out with lighter backsplash colors like white, cream, light gray, or wood tones. For something more bold, pair black granite with a vibrant orange, red, metallic, or patterned Moroccan style backsplash.
What color backsplash goes with dark gray granite?
For a moody dark gray granite, stick with cool-toned backsplash colors like light gray, blue-green, polished silver or chrome. Crisp white backsplash also makes dark granite pop.
Which is better for resale value, granite or quartz countertops?
Both granite and quartz make attractive resale options and add value to kitchens and baths. Granite is generally more affordable upfront, while quartz requires less maintenance. For the widest buyer appeal, however, neutral granite and quartz colors are best.
Conclusion
Matching backsplash with granite countertops comes down to assessing your granite’s specific coloring and patterning and choosing materials and hues that coordinate, complement, or contrast accordingly. Pay attention to texture and finish of tiles as well as size and shape. With some thoughtful experimenting and design choices, you can achieve a seamless, harmonious look. Taking the time to properly pair backsplash with granite results in a custom, cohesive style.