Calacatta quartz is a luxurious engineered stone known for its striking white and gray veining. It’s become hugely popular for kitchen countertops and backsplashes. But with so many backsplash options available, it can be tricky to choose one that pairs beautifully with calacatta quartz. Here’s an in-depth look at the best backsplash ideas to complement this gorgeous natural stone look.
Neutral Tones That Enhance Calacatta Quartz
White Subway Tile
A classic white 3×6 subway tile backsplash is a simple yet elegant pairing for calacatta quartz countertops. The crisp white tiles allow the dramatic gray veining in the quartz to take center stage. White subway tiles also provide a clean, neutral backdrop that doesn’t compete with the counters. For a slightly more modern feel, opt for larger format subway tiles like 4×12 or 6×12.
Carrara Marble
Carrara marble backsplashes are a perfect match for calacatta quartz. The white background and subtle gray veining mimic the look of the quartz, creating a seamless transition between the countertops and backsplash. Carrara marble comes in both tile and slab options. Using large marble slabs can give a luxurious high-end look. For a more budget-friendly option, carrara marble tiles create the same aesthetic.
Gray Glass Tile
For a backsplash with a little more texture, gray glass tiles are an excellent choice. The muted gray tone complements the gray veining in the quartz. It provides dimension without overwhelming the counters. Blend and brick patterns work well to add extra visual interest. Frosted or etched glass tiles help scatter and reflect light beautifully in the kitchen.
White or Gray Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, or limestone in white and gray hues make gorgeous backsplashes for calacatta quartz. Their neutral colors put the striking quartz counters on display. Honed or matte finishes help prevent the stone tile from competing with the counters’ shine. Installing stone mosaic tiles can add great texture and depth.
Pops of Color to Contrast With Calacatta Quartz
Blue Glass Subway Tile
Bold blue glass subway tiles add cheerful pops of color to contrast the white and gray calacatta quartz counters. Blues like cobalt, navy, or sapphire look particularly striking against the marble-inspired backdrop of the quartz. Keep grout lines thin to maintain the graphic impact. Combining blue and white also creates a chic, vintage vibe.
Green Glass Tile
Deep green glass tiles in shades like emerald and forest green bring a dramatic, luxurious look to calacatta quartz backsplashes. The combination of the cool green tiles and the gray veining has an eye-catching, high-contrast effect. Add metallic accents like brass fixtures or gold hardware for even more glamour.
Multicolored Glass Tile
Why choose one color when you can have an entire rainbow? Multicolored glass tile backsplashes provide a playful pop of color. Blend a mix of complementary hues like blues, greens, and purples to allow the calacatta quartz to stand out. Tiny mosaic tiles create a pointillist effect. Keep the rest of the kitchen design simple to let the colorful backsplash shine.
Natural Stone Mosaics
Mosaics made of colorful natural stone like marble or onyx can make splendid statement backsplashes with calacatta quartz. Combining materials creates depth and interest. Installing stones in multiple colors and textures showcases the dramatic gray veining of the quartz. Opt for a mixture of polished, honed and tumbled stone for variation.
Complementary Materials for Calacutta Quartz
Metal Tile
For an ultra-modern, industrial chic kitchen, metal backsplash tiles pair perfectly with calacatta quartz countertops. Stainless steel, copper, brass and other metals reflect light beautifully and have a high-end look. Metal backsplashes also stand up to busy kitchens well. Using large-scale metal tiles allows the calacatta quartz to take the spotlight.
Wood Planks
The natural grain and warmth of wood offers a pleasing contrast to the smooth, cool calacatta quartz counters. Use vertical wood plank tiles in white oak or maple for a beach house vibe. Go bold with dark walnut or ebony wood to make the white quartz pop. Wood requires sealing to withstand moisture. But it can lend a relaxed, rustic aesthetic to the kitchen.
Brick or Cement Tile
Brick and cement tiles prove that industrial and elegant work so well together. Their raw, textural look provides the perfect complement to gorgeous calacatta quartz counters and a modern kitchen esthetic. Stick with neutral cement colors like white or gray. Or opt for red brick for a pop of color. Installing the tiles in a stack or herringbone pattern adds interest.
Large-Format Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile backsplashes offer versatility, durability, and style. Thanks to improved technology, porcelain tiles now come in very large formats like 4×12, 12×24, and even larger. Minimal grout lines provide a sleek, seamless look. Porcelain tiles come in almost endless colors and patterns to match any design aesthetic. Pair calacatta quartz with white, gray, or marble-look porcelain tiles.
Stylish & Functional Finishing Touches
Minimal Grout Lines
Wide grout lines can disrupt the smooth, streamlined look of calacatta quartz. Choosing backsplash tiles with minimal grout lines helps showcase the stone-like beauty of the counters. Tiny mosaic tiles, long subway tiles, and large-format tiles all allow for very thin grout lines. Neutral grout in white or gray keeps the focus on the gorgeous counters.
Decorative Accents
Consider adding decorative metal or glass accents to your calacatta quartz backsplash for extra personality. Penny round metal medallions provide shiny dots of brilliance. Tile inserts in etched, colored, or crackled glass can lend artful flair. Use accents sparingly for just a touch of drama against the naturally elegant quartz.
LED Lighting
Installing LED strip lighting behind a calacatta quartz backsplash creates a gorgeous illuminated accent wall in your kitchen. The light reflects and shimmers off the dramatic gray veining in the quartz. For best results, choose glass, metal, or stone backsplash tiles that allow light to pass through. Tape lights along the top of the backsplash or behind light valances for even lighting.
Stylish Backsplash Edge
Finish the transition from countertop to backsplash with a stylish decor strip like beadboard, crown molding, or a stone and metal edge treatment. This gives a built-in custom look. Edge accents that pick up colors from the backsplash tiles, like white beadboard with blue subway tiles, help tie the whole look together beautifully.
FAQs about Calacatta Quartz Backsplashes
Does calacatta quartz need a backsplash?
While calacatta quartz is non-porous and resistant to stains, a backsplash is still recommended to protect the walls from splashes and spills. The joint where the counters meet the walls is vulnerable to moisture damage without a backsplash. A well-chosen backsplash also enhances the countertops’ beauty.
What color grout goes with calacatta quartz?
Neutral grout colors like white or light gray are ideal for calacatta quartz backsplashes. They maintain the light and bright feeling. Avoid using darker grout colors that could look dirty over time and detract from the counters. Matching the grout color to subtler tones in the quartz can create a seamless look.
Can you use glass tile with calacatta quartz?
Definitely! Glass backsplash tiles like marble-look glass or colored glass pair beautifully with calacatta quartz. The glass adds great depth and refracts light, showcasing the dramatic gray veining in the quartz. Just take care to use smaller glass mosaic tiles rather than large glass sheets, which could compete with the countertops.
Should backsplash match or contrast with calacatta quartz?
It’s largely personal preference whether to match or contrast the backsplash with calacatta quartz counters. Matching white marble tile creates a unified, seamless aesthetic. Contrasting with a bold tile color makes the gorgeous gray veining pop. There are no wrong choices with this versatile quartz!
Can you put porcelain tile with calacatta quartz?
Absolutely! Porcelain tile backsplashes are a terrific complement to calacatta quartz. Thanks to improved manufacturing techniques, porcelain now comes in stunning marble and stone looks at a fraction of the cost. Large-format polished porcelain tiles beautifully mimic calacatta’s veining. Matte finishes can provide pleasing contrast.
Conclusion
With its stunning white background and mesmerizing gray veining, calacatta quartz makes a bold statement in any kitchen. Complementing it with the perfect backsplash enhances its luxurious look. Whether you prefer classic white marble or glass mosaics, neutral tones or pops of color, the options for beautifully matching this gorgeous engineered stone are endless. Choosing backsplash materials that highlight the calacatta veining will make your kitchen shine. With thoughtful design, you can create a backsplash and calacatta quartz countertop pairing that looks like a million bucks.