Choosing a backsplash for maple cabinets can seem daunting with so many options to consider. But ultimately, the right backsplash should complement and enhance the beauty of your maple cabinetry. Here are some of our top recommendations for stunning backsplashes that pair perfectly with maple cabinets.
Neutral Backsplashes
White Subway Tile
A classic white 3×6 subway tile backsplash is a timeless and versatile choice that looks beautiful with maple cabinets. The clean, crisp white subway tiles create a bright, airy look that allows the warm tones of the maple cabinetry to shine. Offset the subway tile bricks in a staggered, stacked layout for added visual interest. For a subtle touch of contrast, opt for grout in a light gray.
Carrara Marble
Elegant Carrara marble backsplash tile in a polished or honed finish adds a lovely organic texture that works well with maple’s inherent pattern and grain. The white marble with delicate gray veining provides understated contrast. For extra dimension, mix in some marble mosaic tiles or listello border tiles. Carrara marble gives a kitchen rich visual appeal.
White Hexagonal Tile
For a geometric backsplash option, white hexagonal tiles can be a chic choice with maple cabinets. The unique shape of the hexagon tiles creates movement and interest behind the cabinetry. Choose a small mosaic size hex tile and lay them in a brickwork pattern for best results. The hexagonal shape mirrors some of the angled lines seen in the maple woodgrain for a cohesive look.
Warm Toned Backsplashes
Beige Subway Tile
Warmer beige subway tiles offer a versatile neutral backsplash color that pairs attractively with maple cabinetry. Look for tiles in hues like almond, biscuit or sand for a subtle touch of warmth. Stack the 3×6 beige subway tiles in an offset staggered pattern to establish visual rhythm. Then pick a grout color that blends with the tile or pops slightly.
Travertine Tile
For a backsplash with rustic, Tuscan-inspired character, travertine tile has an organic look that works well with maple cabinetry. Travertine comes in a range of warm earthy colors from ivory to walnut that highlight maple’s natural beauty. The pitted surface and veining add natural texture and dimension. Use travertine in a brick laid pattern or alternating squares.
Cream Backsplash Tile
Cream-colored backsplash tiles offer the versatility to pair with many cabinet styles, including maple. Look for ceramic or porcelain tiles in creamy hues with subtle brown, gray or beige undertones. The soft cream color allows the attractive grain patterns and rich undertones of the maple cabinets to take centerstage. Consider finishing with grout in a light almond shade.
Colorful Backsplash Ideas
Ocean Glass Tile
For a splash of vibrancy, consider blue ocean glass tile with reflective, watery hues and a light glossy finish. When paired with warm maple cabinetry, the sea glass blue backsplash tile contrasts beautifully with the wood tones for visual impact. Install the small glass mosaic tiles in a cascading brickwork layout to mimic waves and maximize the shimmer.
Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
Make a bold style statement with a Moroccan fish scale tile backsplash in glossy blue, green or multicolor. The interlocking curved tiles create a mesmerizing mosaic look. When paired with maple, the vibrant Moroccan tiles pop against the rich woodgrain. Use a contrasting grout to accentuate the fish scale pattern and enhance the dimensional effect.
Subway Tile with Colorful Accent
For a touch of color, go for classic white subway tiles dressed up with a bold accent stripe of color. Bright kelly green, cobalt blue or tomato red are eye-catching choices. The color accent stripe can run horizontally, vertically or diagonally across the backsplash. Not only does this add liveliness, but it helps anchor the backsplash design and highlight the maple cabinets.
Backsplash Ideas That Contrast with Maple
Black Hexagon Tile
Make a dramatic statement by pairing maple cabinets with a dark charcoal or black hexagon tile backsplash. The bold contrast of rich maple woodgrain and dark tile creates visual impact and dimension. Use varying sizes of black hexagon tile for interest, and opt for a matching dark grout to seamlessly connect the tiles. This unique combo infuses traditional maple with modern edge.
Gray Stone Tile
Go for an edgy urban vibe by coupling maple cabinets with slate gray stone backsplash tiles. Natural stone slate tiles in dark charcoal gray have movement and texture that plays off the inherent variation in the maple cabinetry. Install gray slate in a straight stacked layout, or piece together irregular stone shapes. The moody gray and brown veining against the maple evokes an architectural, industrial style.
Black & White Geometric Tile
Make your maple kitchen cabinetry the focal point with a playful black and white geometric tile backsplash. Black and white diamonds, chevrons or concentric circles placed in asymmetrical patterns pop against the maple background. Use high contrast with glossy tiles and bright white grout. The retro vibe of this geometric duo feels both nostalgic and fresh.
FAQs
What are the most popular backsplash colors with maple cabinets?
The most popular backsplash colors with maple cabinets are whites, creams, grays, and beiges. These versatile neutrals allow the beauty of the maple cabinetry to shine. Soft whites like subway tile and Carrara marble are top choices. Warm beiges and almond colors also complement maple well.
What kind of backsplash goes best with maple kitchen cabinets?
Subway tile, marble, travertine and hexagon tile backsplashes tend to pair particularly well with maple kitchen cabinets. Materials with some natural pattern and texture work nicely to contrast and accent the distinctive maple wood grain. Neutral colored tiles in white, cream, beige and gray are safe choices.
Should you match backsplash to maple cabinets?
It’s not necessary to exactly match your backsplash color to maple cabinets. Contrasting or complementary colors often work better to highlight the cabinets. However, you generally want to stick with a backsplash color in the same tone family for a cohesive look. Warm maple cabinets suit backsplashes in warm neutral hues.
What backsplash color makes maple cabinets pop?
Vibrant backsplash colors like navy blue, kelly green, and tomato red make maple cabinets pop beautifully. The bold colors contrast the warm wood tones and make the cabinetry the focal point. If you prefer a more subtle look, soft neutral backsplash colors with gray, cream or taupe undertones also neatly highlight maple cabinets.
What backsplash goes with light maple cabinets?
Light maple cabinets suit white, cream, taupe and light gray backsplash colors particularly well. Good tile options include: white subway, Carrara marble, white/cream hexagon, and soft gray stone. Make sure to choose grout colors that blend or lightly contrast. For light maple, avoid backsplashes with warm gold/brown undertones.
What is a good backsplash color with dark maple cabinets?
Rich darker maple cabinets look great paired with more saturated backsplash colors. Go for deeper shades like navy, charcoal gray, dark slate stone tiles, or even black. A black and white geometric backsplash also pops against dark maple. For a softer contrast, try beige or almond colored subway tile.
Conclusion
With maple cabinetry, you have lots of stylish backsplash possibilities. Choose from clean, bright whites like subway and marble for a refreshed classic maple kitchen. Or opt for beiges, taupes or soft grays for a more contemporary but subtle look. Don’t be afraid to make a bold color statement with a jewel tone, black accent, or retro geometric design to contrast and accent maple’s natural beauty. The options are practically endless for creating your perfect maple cabinet and backsplash pairing.