Choosing the right countertop and backsplash combination can make or break your kitchen’s design aesthetic. With so many options for materials, colors, and patterns, it can feel overwhelming trying to coordinate your countertops and backsplash in a way that is both stylish and functional. Follow this guide on how to seamlessly match your countertop with backsplash for a put-together look.
Factors to Consider When Matching Countertop and Backsplash
Before selecting your materials, think about these key factors to create a cohesive look:
Color
Choose a backsplash color that complements your countertop hue. For a monochromatic look, select the same color family in different shades or textures. Neutral countertops like white marble pair well with just about any backsplash color. Bold countertop colors like emerald green can be matched to vibrant backsplash tile in the same shade.
Material
Consider how the textures and finishes between the countertop and backsplash will work together. Match natural stone countertops with stone tile backsplashes. Pair metal or concrete countertops with glass or ceramic backsplash tile. Mixing matte and polished finishes can create visual interest.
Style
Keep your overall kitchen aesthetic in mind. Traditional kitchens tend to feature classic backsplash tile patterns like subway tile with neutral countertops. Contemporary spaces can handle bolder backsplash designs. Make sure your combination aligns with your desired style.
Countertop Materials and Best-Matched Backsplashes
Here are some top countertop materials and our recommended backsplash pairings:
Granite Countertops
Granite’s elegantly speckled pattern lends itself to matching backsplash tile that picks up the stone’s colors. Glass, metal, or ceramic mosaic tile in shades found in the granite make for a seamless transition from countertop to backsplash.
Subway tile, marble mosaic, or larger stone tiles also beautifully complement granite countertops. Stick with either neutral grey and beige tones or bold colors like emerald green depending on your granite hue.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz’s gleaming, consistent appearance matches well with modern glass, metal, or ceramic backsplash tile. Tile available in a wide range of colors and patterns lets you customize your backsplash design.
Natural stone tile backsplashes also pair attractively with quartz for a harmonious blend of man-made and natural materials. If your quartz has distinctive veining, select a backsplash tile that reflects that.
Marble Countertops
As a high-end natural stone, marble countertops call for an elegant backsplash tile material like marble mosaic or larger marble tiles. Glass or ceramic tile in soft earth tones or metallic hues also complete a marble countertop backsplash beautifully.
Echo the marble’s swirls and patterns with tumbled marble, travertine, or pebble stone tile. Keeping a marble backsplash simple allows the gorgeous countertop to take center stage.
Concrete Countertops
The industrial vibe of concrete countertops can be enhanced with backsplash tile in materials like stainless steel, copper, or colorful glass. Large ceramic tiles or reclaimed wood backsplashes will also match the modern, minimalist look of concrete.
Contrast the matte texture of concrete with polished or glossy backsplash tiles. Concrete’s neutral gray color provides a blank canvas for unique backsplash designs.
Wood Countertops
Wood countertops impart a natural, rustic feel that pairs well with stone or ceramic tile backsplashes. Match the wood species of your countertop with wood-look porcelain tiles for a seamless look.
Mosaic tiles work nicely with wood countertops, as do subway tiles and hexagon tiles in neutral colors like white. Avoid bold colors or patterns that may compete with wood’s striking grain patterns.
Backsplash Tile Ideas for Popular Countertop Materials
Here are some stunning, on-trend backsplash tile ideas to match with today’s most popular countertops:
Marble Countertops
- Marble, travertine or pebble mosaic tiles
- Neutral ceramic subway tiles
- Metallic glass tiles or stone
- Tiles featuring marble patterns or veining
Quartz Countertops
- Vibrant ceramic or glass mosaic tiles
- Polished stone tiles like granite
- Geometric pattern ceramic tiles
- Ombre glass tiles fading from light to dark
Granite Countertops
- Tiles in shades matching the granite colors
- Tumbled natural stone mosaic tiles
- Glass, ceramic or metal mosaic tiles
- Subway tiles in complementary tones
Concrete Countertops
- Reclaimed wood planks
- Stainless steel or copper tile
- Bright, glossy glass or ceramic tiles
- Natural stone tiles like slate
Design Tips for Matching Countertops and Backsplashes
Follow these expert design tips when selecting your countertop and backsplash materials to create a pulled-together look:
- For small kitchens, limit the number of materials. Pairing granite countertops with a granite backsplash creates visual flow.
- Mixing countertop and backsplash colors while staying in the same color family keeps your scheme cohesive. For example, pair navy blue countertops with aqua backsplash tile.
- Vary tile size, shape, and orientation to add interest. Using all one size or shape of tile can look monotonous.
- Incorporate decorative accents into your backsplash like chair rail trim, metal inserts, or border tiles. This defines the transition from countertop to backsplash.
- Maintain at least a 3/8-inch gap between the countertop and backsplash. This prevents cracking from natural material expansion.
- Seal natural stone countertops and backsplash tiles to prevent staining and increase durability.
- Limit patterned backsplash tile to small sections, like behind the stove. Too much pattern can look visually overwhelming.
Common Backsplash Pitfalls to Avoid
Steer clear of these backsplash faux pas when designing your kitchen:
Mismatched Color Schemes
Don’t combine backsplash and countertop colors that clash, like emerald green countertops with a red and orange mosaic backsplash. Stick to a cohesive color scheme.
Too Many Materials
Using more than two or three material types can look disjointed and busy. Stick with one or two main materials like marble countertop and subway tile backsplash.
Improper Grouting
Make sure to use sanded caulk between countertop and backsplash. Using the wrong grout or sealing product leads to cracking and moisture damage.
Dated Styles
Avoid outdated backsplash looks like country geese tiles or overly intricate Mediterranean-style backsplashes. Keep your backsplash trendy and timeless.
Ignoring Scale
Oversized backsplash tiles paired with tiny mosaic countertop tile looks strange. Keep tile sizes and proportions compatible.
No Coordination with Cabinets
Your backsplash should tie into your cabinetry as well for a fully pulled-together kitchen design.
FAQs
How do you choose a backsplash color?
Consider the undertones of your countertop and cabinet colors. Complementary backsplash hues include shades in the same color family or analogous colors on the color wheel. Neutrals like white or gray backsplashes are safe bets.
What is the most popular backsplash right now?
Subway tile remains the most popular backsplash style, followed by marble mosaic, ceramic mosaic, and stacked stone. These all provide timeless, classic looks.
What backsplash goes best with white countertops?
White countertops pair beautifully with nearly any color backsplash. Contrast white countertops with black, navy, or charcoal backsplash tile. Or keep it neutral with natural stone mosaic or white subway tiles.
Should backsplash match countertops?
It’s generally best to coordinate countertops and backsplash through color, finish, material, or style for a seamless look. Exact matches can sometimes look monotonous, so consider shades in the same color family.
Does backsplash have to match cabinets?
Matching your backsplash to your cabinetry creates a more streamlined kitchen design. Contrasting your backsplash and cabinets makes them stand out individually. So it comes down to your style preferences.
Conclusion
Selecting compatible countertop and backsplash materials ensures your kitchen design looks polished, purposeful, and put-together. Keep color, texture, style, and scale in mind when pairing countertops with backsplashes. Complementary materials like granite countertops with stone backsplash tile or concrete countertops with metal backsplashes make for natural-looking combinations. With the right backsplash tile, you can bring your countertops to life and add that final touch of flair to your perfect kitchen.