Kitchen Backsplash Gorgeous Ideas for Every Style

A kitchen backsplash serves both form and function – it protects the walls from splashes and stains while providing an opportunity to add visual interest to your kitchen. With so many backsplash options to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right one for your kitchen’s particular style. Whether your kitchen is modern, farmhouse, contemporary or traditional, there are gorgeous backsplash ideas to make it shine. This article will provide an overview of stunning backsplash designs for every aesthetic.

Timeless White Tile

A white tile backsplash is a timeless choice that works with any kitchen style, from modern to traditional. White tiles have a clean, crisp look and naturally brighten up the space.

Popular options for white backsplash tile include:

Subway tile – Classic 3×6 inch rectangular glossy or matte tiles arranged in a brickwork pattern. Provides a traditional yet fresh look.
Hexagon tile – Small six-sided tiles that fit together in a honeycomb pattern for a vintage feel.
Mini tile – Tiny 1×1 inch tiles perfect for a more intricate backsplash design. Allows for endless pattern options.
Large format tile – Over sized 12×24 inch rectangular tiles create a seamless, contemporary look. Great for modern kitchens.

Pair white tile with lighter cabinets for an airy, open aesthetic. Or use it to contrast dark cabinetry and add balance to a moody kitchen. White tile backsplashes work with any color scheme, as an elegant neutral backdrop.

White Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

The classic white subway tile is ideal for:

Farmhouse kitchens – Mimic old-fashioned backsplashes seen in cozy rural kitchens.
Vintage kitchens – Capture a retro 1950’s feel paired with mint or robin’s egg blue walls.
Traditional kitchens – Look clean and elegant alongside shaker cabinets and stainless steel.
Cottage kitchens – Keep it bright and cheery with pastel accents and wooden elements.
Eclectic kitchens – Tie together disparate styles like modern and rustic.

Get creative with subway tile by:

alternating directions
using coordinating colors or patterns as an accent
shaping it into herringbone or chevron designs
choosing beveled edges for added dimension

Large Format White Tile Backsplash

Large glossy tiles in 12×24 inch or even 24×48 inch sizes create a sleek, seamless appearance perfect for:

Contemporary kitchens – Build a minimalist look alongside flat panel cabinets.
Modern kitchens – Make a sophisticated style statement and enhance clean lines.
Industrial kitchens – Contrast the tile with exposed brick walls and pipes.
Transitional kitchens – Add a hit of modern to soften traditional features.

Large tiles enable creative vertical installations and alternating patterns with contrasting grout colors. Their oversized scale makes a design statement.

Natural Stone Backsplashes

For an organic and luxurious aesthetic, natural stone backsplashes add elegance. Stones like marble, travertine, and granite elevate any kitchen’s style.

Consider a natural stone backsplash to complement:

Rustic kitchens – Rougher cut stones like travertine feel right at home in cozy rustic spaces.
Tuscan kitchens – Travertine, limestone and marble suit Mediterranean inspired rooms.
Traditional kitchens – Classic granite patterns pair well with ornate details.
Luxury kitchens – Elevate with rare marble types like Calacatta Oro for high-end appeal.

Unique veining and patterns in natural stone make every backsplash one-of-a-kind. Add interest by:

Mixing stone shapes like rectangular tile and circular mosaics
Choosing contrasting grout colors to accent the stone patterns
Opting for mosaic sheets for easy whole wall coverage
Including inlays at the range or behind the faucet as an accent

Stone backsplashes bring timeless, natural beauty to any kitchen.

Marble Backsplash Ideas

No other natural stone looks quite as elegant as marble. The luxurious material works in kitchens that are:

Glamorous – Pair white or gray marble with gilded accents and crystal chandeliers.
Victorian – Choose darker marble for drama alongside ornate woodwork.
Modern – Make a statement with bold veining in a sleek space.
Traditional – Soften carved cabinets and warm wood tones.
Transitional – Blend modern and traditional elements with a marble herringbone backsplash.

Marble types like Carrara, Calacatta and Statuario all have striking unique patterns. Make sure it’s properly sealed before installation to prevent stains and damage in the kitchen.

Travertine Backsplash Ideas

With its distinct peach and rust-colored hues, travertine brings a sense of Mediterranean warmth to any kitchen. Use travertine tile or mosaics to complement:

Tuscan kitchens – Enhance the Old World charm of distressed cabinets and arched windows.
Pueblo kitchens – Match the earthy tones of Southwestern adobe homes.
Eclectic kitchens – Its natural texture plays well with varied materials and styles.
Outdoor kitchens – Travertine stands up to weather and brings the outdoors in.
Spanish kitchens – Choose red travertine for dramatic accent walls in a terra cotta tiled space.

Travertine comes filled or unfilled – filled is more durable for countertops while unfilled is lovely for backsplashes. This unique stone tiles beautifully in any style.

Patterned & Colored Backsplash Tile Ideas

While neutral backsplashes have timeless appeal, don’t be afraid to make a colorful statement with your backsplash tile. Vibrant colors, eye-catching shapes, and graphic patterns transform any kitchen.

Some top options for patterned and colorful backsplashes include:

Handpainted tile – One-of-a-kind artisanal tiles that make a serious style statement.
Metallic tile – Shimmery tiles with an elegant glam touch, available in silver, gold, copper and more.
Moroccan tile – Bright colorful tiles arranged in intricate Arabic patterns and designs.
Geometric tile – Graphic diamonds, hexagons, chevrons, and triangles for visual impact.
Subway tile – Take subway tile up a notch with glossy colored versions or vertical installations.
Mosaic tile – Tiny tiles that shape breathtaking murals, images, and mosaics.

Pick colors and patterns that align with your kitchen’s overall aesthetic – bold contrasts for modern spaces, softer hues for traditional rooms, and playful motifs for eclectic kitchens.

Handpainted Tile Backsplash

Make a showstopping style statement with one-of-a-kind handpainted backsplash tile featuring stylized designs, floral motifs, birds, scenes and more.

Handpainted tiles pair perfectly in:

Cottage kitchens – Choose tiles with dainty florals and chintz patterns.
Vintage kitchens – Opt for retro inspired designs like pink flamingos.
Arts & Crafts kitchens – Select decorative tiles with Art Nouveau inspired shapes.
Eclectic kitchens – Handpainted tile adds a playful punch in quirky spaces.
Farmhouse kitchens – Scenic tiles lend rustic charm.

Handpainted backsplashes feel bespoke and inject loads of personality. They’re the ideal choice for adding a touch of artistry.

Metallic Backsplash Tile

Metallic backsplashes instantaneously add a glamorous, reflective element perfect for:

Glam kitchens – Gleaming surfaces catch the light alongside glass doors and chandeliers.
Art Deco kitchens – Mimic the sleek style of vintage streamlined spaces.
Contemporary kitchens – Modern metallic finishes like brushed bring sophistication.
Transitional kitchens – Warm up a cool metal like oil-rubbed bronze in an earthy space.

From solid metal sheets to glittering glass mosaics, shiny backsplashes make a statement. Pair metallics with dramatic dark colors for striking contrast. Gold, silver, copper and brass backsplashes infuse any kitchen with luxury.

Moroccan Tile Backsplash

For an exotic global flair, Moroccan tile backsplashes bring mesmerizing pops of color, pattern and texture inspired by Mediterranean design. The intricate decorative tiles look sensational in:

Bohemian kitchens – Embrace all the colors and patterns for a free-spirited space.
Eclectic kitchens – Combine Moroccan tiles with other styles for extra pizzazz.
Vintage kitchens – Use as an accent in a retro color scheme.
Farmhouse kitchens – Add eye-catching color to all white kitchens.
Tuscan kitchens – Compliment terracotta floors and wood beam ceilings.

Moroccan tiles blend beautifully with cabinets in navy, green, yellow and earthy neutrals. Their dazzling motifs energize any kitchen.

Gorgeous Backsplashes by Kitchen Style

Now that we’ve covered popular backsplash materials, let’s explore how to select the perfect backsplash to match specific kitchen design aesthetics.

Modern Kitchen Backsplashes

The sleek, streamlined aesthetic of modern kitchens calls for backsplashes with showstopping style. Consider these options:

Solid slab backsplashes like quartz, marble or glass
Extra large format tiles like oversized subway tile
Glossy glass, ceramic or porcelain mosaics
Metallic finishes like aluminum, stainless steel or copper
Contrasting grout colors for added pop
Neutral tones like white, black, gray and beige to keep the look clean

Modern backsplashes make an impact with bold shapes, repetitive geometric patterns, asymmetrical designs and eye-catching colors. They enhance the minimalist look instead of competing with it.

Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplashes

Warm, cozy farmhouse kitchens need backsplashes with rustic charm. Look for:

Subway tile or brick patterns with a handmade look
Distressed wood planks for a salvaged barn vibe
Tumbled natural stone like travertine or limestone
Accent patterns like zigzag or chevron tile
Vintage style ceramic, tin or porcelain tiles
Painted tiles with floral designs, roosters and chickens
Soapstone or butcher block for organic texture

For a charming farmhouse feel, opt for backsplashes with weathered patinas, earthy hues, visible veining and handcrafted imperfection.

Rustic Kitchen Backsplashes

Rustic kitchens embody uncomplicated, raw appeal. Backsplash materials that extend the natural unrefined look include:

Rough-cut stone in travertine, slate or marble
Reclaimed wood planks with natural knots and holes
Brick in faded natural red or neutral tones
Tin ceiling tiles with patina or rust
Terracotta tiles that mimic adobe or stucco
Naturally irregular stone mosaic sheets
Concrete tiles adding raw modern texture

Infuse rustic sensibilities into the backsplash. Imperfections and signs of natural wear only enhance the comfort and charm.

Traditional Kitchen Backsplashes

The hallmarks of traditional kitchens are rich wooden cabinetry, intricate detailing and timeless elegance. Select a backsplash in classic materials like:

Subway tile or penny tiles with beveled edges
Intricate ceramic mosaic patterns
Classic marble mosaics such as Carrara and crema marfil
Tumbled stone like travertine, limestone and granite
Tin backsplashes with vintage styling
Gray and white color combinations
Herringbone and geometric tile layouts

Traditional kitchen backsplashes feature classic motifs that withstand trends and stand the test of time with grace and beauty.

Tuscan Kitchen Backsplashes

Tuscan kitchen design brings the warmth of an Italian villa to any home with terra cotta, travertine and Old World charm. Authentically carry the look to the backsplash with:

Handmade ceramic tiles in rich terracotta
Travertine stone mosaic sheets with tan and rust hues
Clay tiles textured and glazed to mimic stucco walls
Decorative ceramic tiles featuring grapes, olives, scrolls and vines
Inlaid stone patterns and accents
Wrought iron or bronze for Mediterranean flair
Sun-faded designs and colors adding to the antiqued vibe

Tuscan backsplashes embrace the colors, textures and shapes of Italian countryside villas for timeworn beauty.

Contemporary Kitchen Backsplashes

The clean lined aesthetic of contemporary style benefits from backsplashes with artistic flair. Consider:

Vibrant glass, porcelain or ceramic mosaics
Sleek metal like stainless steel or zinc
Large scale graphic patterned tiles
Contrasting grout colors to accent geometric designs
Mirrored tiles or wall panels for reflective surfaces
Multicolored mosaic tiles forming abstract art murals
Custom color mixes for one-of-a-kind contemporary chic

Contemporary kitchen backsplashes make a hyper modern statement with unexpected materials, bold colors and imaginative designs.

Transitional Kitchen Backsplashes

Transitional style strikes the ideal balance between traditional and contemporary. The backsplash should serve as a bridge, blending elements from both. Great options include:

Subway tiles with pops of unexpected colors
Wood planks with modern metallic inlays
Classic patterns shaped in oversized contemporary scales
Modern materials mixed with vintage designs, like graphic pattern porcelain tiles
Natural stone slabs coupled with metal or wood accents
Mirrored tiles mingled with marble, travertine or limestone
White marble countered with dark grout for contrast

Transitional backsplashes artfully fuse old and new for the perfect eclectic mix.

Craftsman Kitchen Backsplashes

Craftsman kitchens call for backsplashes that honor the classic Arts & Crafts emphasis on artisanal details and natural materials:

Handmade art pottery tiles
Field tile featuring earthy hues and variation
Subway tile with visible crazing or crackle glazing
Hammered copper tiles adding dimensional shine
Rich jewel-toned glass tiles
Decorative ceramic Relief tiles with nature motifs
Stone like river rock slabs imbuing organic texture
Exposed brick with a patinaed finish

The heart of Craftsman backsplashes is in handmade charm, natural imperfections, fluid designs and earthy colors.

Victorian Kitchen Backsplashes

The ideal backsplash for an ornate Victorian kitchen artfully reflects the period’s penchant for lovely decoration, pattern and color:

Intricate ceramic tile mosaics befitting the intricate details
Floral and ivy ceramic tiles complementing the abundant greenery
Delicate mint, buttermilk or robin’s egg blue hues
Elegant marble mosaics like Carrara or black and white diamonds
Deep colors like burgundy, emerald or sapphire glass tiles
Metallic penny tiles adding a touch of luxury
Beaded board panels for textural visual interest

Make a Victoriana statement by embracing colors from vivid jewel tones to soft pastels, and patterns galore in the backsplash design.

Creative Backsplash Layouts

While traditional straight brickwork tile patterns remain popular, backsplash layout possibilities are endless. Get creative with these eye-catching arrangements:

Herringbone Backsplash Patterns

The zigzag arrangement of the herringbone layout brings compelling dynamic energy. Use it to direct the eye and lead lines around the kitchen. The shifting angles make for an intriguing aesthetic.

Good tile options for herringbone patterns are rectangular subway, penny or marble tiles. Tip: Use tile spacers to maintain even spacing and keep the layout aligned.

Herringbone backsplashes look sensational in traditional, transitional, rustic and contemporary kitchens alike.

Geometric Backsplash Designs

Make a modern geometric statement with triangular, hexagonal, diamond or octagonal tiles. The repeating shapes create captivating patterns that enhance any contemporary kitchen.

Take the geometric design up a notch by:

Using 3-D tiles for added depth
Alternating matte and glossy tiles
Including two contrasting colors
Outlining each shape with tile trim
Pairing with daring colors like electric yellow or navy

Geometric backsplashes demand attention – keep other finishes simple to allow the daring shapes to shine.

Stacked Brick Backsplashes

Mimic structural brick walls with stacked rectangular tiles laid in an offset brickwork pattern. The staggered rows create subtle shading for a dimensional look.

Brick backsplash variations include:

Mixing glossy and matte tiles
Using extruded 3-D tiles for added realism
Alternating mortar-colored grout with tinted grout
Choosing rustic finishes like reclaimed barn wood bricks

Take care to balance the grout lines so the rows appear stacked. This handsome layout works with any style, from modern to farmhouse.

Picture Frame Backsplashes

One easy way to customize a basic subway tile backsplash is to frame it out with trim pieces. The picture frame effect can be simple or ornate.

Options for framing materials include:

Metal bar trim in various finishes like brass, black or stainless steel
Contrasting tiles like pencil liners or decorative mosaics
Inset panels of materials like wood, marble or glass
Colored grout lines wider than spacing grout

Picture framed backsplashes add polish to basic white tile. Tailor the frame material to the kitchen design for a