Choosing the right backsplash to pair with grey kitchen cabinets can be a daunting task. With so many backsplash tile options to pick from, it’s hard to know where to start. A backsplash serves both form and function in a kitchen. Not only does it protect the walls from splashes and stains, but it also adds visual interest and ties the whole kitchen together.
The backsplash you choose can make or break the look of your grey kitchen cabinets. You want something that complements the cool, neutral tone of the grey without blending into the background. The key is finding the right balance between matching and contrasting.
In this complete guide, we will walk you through all the factors to consider when selecting a backsplash for grey kitchen cabinets. We’ll cover:
- The most popular backsplash options for grey cabinets
- Backsplash colors that work with grey
- Backsplash materials and textures to consider
- The latest grey and backsplash design trends
- Tips for choosing the perfect backsplash height and layout
We’ll also include plenty of stunning backsplash ideas to inspire you. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the ideal backsplash to pair with your gorgeous new grey kitchen cabinets.
The Most Popular Backsplash Options for Grey Cabinets
When designing a backsplash for grey cabinets, you have countless materials and patterns to choose from. Some options, however, tend to look best paired with the cool, neutral grey. Here are some of the most popular backsplash tile ideas for grey kitchen cabinets:
White Subway Tile
The classic 3” x 6” glossy white subway tile has remained a popular backsplash choice for decades, and for good reason. The bright white tiles have a clean, sleek look that pairs beautifully with grey cabinets. White subway tiles create a crisp, distressed look. They also make small kitchens appear larger.
To add interest, consider a herringbone pattern or intermittent rows of penny tiles. You can also opt for beveled subway tiles or shaped tiles like hexagons. Mixing up the orientation of the subway tiles (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) also livens up this classic backsplash style.
Carrara Marble
Marble delivers an elegant, timeless look in any kitchen. For grey cabinets, creamy white Carrara marble is the perfect match. The veining in the marble provides pretty contrast against the grey.
Carrara marble backsplashes have traditional appeal, but also work nicely in modern, transitional, or even farmhouse kitchens. Keep the look refined by limiting ornate decorative tile work. Choose large marble tiles and simple metal trim.
Glass Tiles
Glass backsplash tiles lend beautiful depth and dimension. The glass catches and reflects light, adding nice shimmer. Glass tile backsplashes look striking with grey cabinets. Clear glass maintains an airy, neutral aesthetic. Or go for glass tiles that incorporate greys, whites, and silvers that tie into the cabinets.
Mixing clear and colored glass tiles together creates appealing visual texture. For variation, work in some opaque frosted or smoky glass tiles too. Glass mosaics, like penny tile designs, are also a smart match for grey kitchens.
Metal Tiles
For contemporary kitchens, metal backsplashes are hard to beat. Stainless steel, nickel, copper, and aluminum backsplash tiles all pair fantastically with grey cabinets. The cool tones and sleek metallic surfaces complement the cabinetry.
Metal backsplashes come in a diverse array of styles too. Options include rectangular and square tiles, triangular penny tiles, and mosaic sheets. Shapes like chevron, herringbone, hexagon, and octagon are common metal tile patterns. Using mixed metals amps up the modern style even more.
Graphic Patterned Tile
Bold, graphic patterned tiles let you make a dramatic style statement with your backsplash. Black and white patterns, like harlequin diamonds or checkerboards, create captivating contrast behind grey cabinets.
Geometric patterns in related colors like grey, silver, white, and black make the backsplash feel cohesive. Moroccan fish scale tile and traditional Talavera tile are other ways to incorporate vibrancy with patterned backsplash tile.
Backsplash Colors That Work with Grey Cabinets
Grey is arguably the most versatile neutral cabinet color when it comes to pairing with backsplash hues. From soft pastels to saturated jewel tones, many color schemes complement grey kitchen cabinets. Consider the look you want to achieve, and choose backsplash colors accordingly.
Black and White
A classic black and white palette allows the backsplash to stand out behind grey cabinets. The contrast between the dark and light tiles draws the eye and creates drama. Play up the black and white theme throughout the kitchen with checkerboard floors or countertops like graphicote.
Soft Blue
Powder blue, sky blue, robin’s egg—any soft blue backsplash tile adds a calming vibe to a grey kitchen. The blue is a faint pop of color that ties in nicely with the grey without overpowering it. Bring in blue accents like kitchen appliances, cookware, or decor items to complete the look.
Light Green
Sage, seafoam, mint—pale green backsplashes inject a hint of nature into grey kitchens. Light green reads as a neutral, yet still makes for a soothing and inviting backsplash color. Pair with butcher block counters for an organic cottage kitchen aesthetic.
Warm Metallics
While cool silver and grey metals match seamlessly, warm metallic backsplashes put an intriguing spin on grey cabinets. Gold, brass, bronze, copper, and antique mirror tiles pop against the grey. Just take care that the warm metallic you choose relates well to the undertones of the grey cabinets.
Deep Red
Vibrant crimson or burgundy backsplash tile makes a dramatic style statement against grey cabinets. The bold pop of color energizes the space. Limit the red to just the backsplash area, and balance it out with plenty of whites and greys so the look stays chic rather than kitschy.
Charcoal
For a moody, sophisticated effect, opt for a charcoal grey backsplash slightly darker than the cabinets. Large-scale charcoal ceramic tiles or porcelain slabs create an impactful contrast. Pair with black hardware and fixtures for a luxe look.
Backsplash Materials and Textures to Consider
In addition to color, think about the texture and overall look you want to achieve with your grey kitchen backsplash. Natural stone, metal, glass, ceramic, and porcelain backsplashes all bring different visual appeal.
Natural Stone
Backsplashes made from granite, travertine, limestone, and slate highlight natural texture. The organic veining and color variations in the stone complement grey cabinets nicely. For a contemporary edge, choose stone tiles with straight cut sides and minimal veining.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel backsplashes give kitchens sleek, polished style. The reflective surface bounces light around the space. Stainless steel comes in assorted metal tile shapes and sizes for the backsplash area. Some homeowners even use full sheets behind their stoves or sinks.
Clear Glass
Clear glass tile lends any kitchen a clean, seamless look. The transparency maintains visibility, so the space appears more open. Frosted or etched glass tiles scatter the light for added texture. Clear glass plays well with grey thanks to its neutral essence.
Subway Tile
The hallmark 3” x 6” subway tile offers budget-friendly simplicity that pairs perfectly with grey cabinets. White glossy subway tiles keep the aesthetic light and airy. Or go bold with black, grey, or patterned ceramic subway tiles. Their long, rectangular shape fills space nicely.
Wood
Wood backsplashes infuse natural warmth and texture. Light whitewashed, weathered, or blonde wood styles complement grey cabinets. Make a textural statement by orienting wider reclaimed wood planks horizontally along the backsplash.
Brick
Brick backsplashes, like white subway tile, embody classic appeal. The layered brick pattern adds tactile interest and charm. Keep the rest of the kitchen design simple to let the beauty of the brickwork shine.
Latest Grey and Backsplash Design Trends
Grey kitchens remain popular for their flexibility and the sleek, contemporary look grey cabinets create. The latest design trends see grey kitchens sporting creative, statement-making backsplashes. Here are some top trending backsplash ideas for modern grey kitchens:
Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
The Moroccan fish scale tile trend offers serious visual pop. The circular overlapping tiles gleam like fish scales, often in metallic blue and silver hues. Paired with grey cabinets, these psychedelic backsplashes energize contemporary kitchens.
Geometric Patterns
From triangles and diamonds to hexagons and octagons, geometric patterns adorn all kinds of backsplash materials. The linear motifs provide movement and modern personality against grey cabinetry.
Mixed Metals
Blending metals like stainless steel, copper, brass, and nickel produces an eclectic, bespoke backsplash style. The mix of metals in varying shapes and finishes meshes beautifully with grey for a dash of industrial edge.
Bold Prints and Patterns
Eye-catching global prints and patterns like Moroccan tiles, Japanese chiyogami, and Victorian florals make a lively statement in grey kitchens. These colorful prints bring energy and liveliness when used as an accent backsplash.
Vertical Installation
Installing rectangular tile vertically rather than the traditional horizontal creates a new, modern look. Vertical tile arrangements feel clean-lined and contemporary. Be sure to also run any subway tile vertically for a cohesive aesthetic.
Statement Light Fixtures
Use the backsplash area to highlight a decorative statement light fixture. Multipendant chandeliers, linear bar lights, or cascading geometric fixtures double as art when mounted in front of an accent tile backsplash.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Backsplash Height and Layout
Selecting the right backsplash height and layout for your space ensures it looks cohesive and well-proportioned. Follow these guidelines when designing a backsplash for grey cabinets:
Full height backsplashes that extend from countertop to ceiling provide maximum impact and a sense of verticality in the kitchen. Full height works best for backsplashes made of a single material like marble slabs or stainless steel.
Standard backsplash height is 4”-6” above the countertop. This typical height lets you incorporate decorative tiles without overwhelming the space. Standard height is ideal for most tile backsplash designs.
Limit backsplash height over counters. Only bring tile 8-10 inches above counters where no upper cabinets exist. Extending tile to the bottom of upper cabinets looks disjointed.
Carry backsplashes over vanities or cooktops onto side walls or nearby surfaces. Wrapping backsplashes around corners or edges gives the design polish.
Add an accent strip of decorative tile along the bottom of the backsplash above the countertops. Pencil tile molding or trim similarly provides detail.
Use floating shelves or open cabinets to break up an expansive backsplash space. This creates decorative negative space while still allowing your pretty new backsplash to shine.
Backsplash Ideas for Grey Kitchens
Now that we’ve covered the essential factors in choosing a backsplash for grey cabinets, let’s look at some stunning backsplash design inspirations!
Herringbone Marble + White Subway
This gorgeous kitchen mixes large-scale Carrara marble herringbone tile with classic white subway tile. The combintation of organic marble and sleek subway tiles works beautifully with the traditional shaker-style grey cabinets.
White Cabinets + Bold Forest Green Backsplash
For a colorful contrast, this kitchen pairs rich green glass subway tiles with crisp white cabinets. The deep forest green backsplash ties to the moody green cabinets flanking the cooktop range. Bold and elegant!
Rustic Wood Panel Backsplash
Reclaimed wood planks set horizontally create a stunning full-height backsplash in this transitional grey kitchen. The multi-toned wood pairs gorgeously with the modern grey cabinets. Gold accents complement the warm wood tones.
Honed Marble Herringbone Backsplash
The gorgeous grey and white honed marble herringbone backsplash pattern steals the show in this grey kitchen. Notice how the marble tile extends to the ceiling behind the stove for maximum visual impact.
Modern Graphic Patterned Tile
This sleek modern kitchen uses a graphic black and white backsplash tile pattern. The bold diamonds pair daringly well with the grey cabinetry. Extending the tiles to the ceiling gives them prominence.
White Penny Tiles + Black Accent
This traditional kitchen uses white penny tile backsplashes on the walls and behind the range. The row of black penny tiles at the top creates a striking border. Timeless and clean.
Bold Kelly Green Glass Subway Tile
For a vibrant pop of color, this kitchen backsplash features lively kelly green glass subway tiles. The emerald green color energizes the space and contrasts beautifully with the grey cabinets.
Mirrored Tiles + White Marble Finish
The reflective qualities of these mirrored backsplash tiles pair gorgeously with the grey cabinets and white marble countertops. The mirrored tiles run floor-to-ceiling behind the stove for a stunning look.
Stacked White Subway Tile Pattern
This grey kitchen backsplash uses stacked rows of white subway tile to form a rectangular pattern. The clean lines complement the modern grey cabinets and stainless appliances beautifully.
Bold Red Brick Backsplash
The bold red brick backsplash and wood counters add striking visual contrast and natural texture to offset the sleek grey cabinets in this kitchen. Notice how the red brick theme carries onto the range hood.
Conclusion
The right backsplash can make or break the look of your new grey kitchen cabinets. Luckily, grey cabinetry pairs beautifully with