Choosing the perfect backsplash to pair with white granite countertops can be a fun yet challenging process. With so many backsplash tile options to pick from, it’s important to find one that complements the white granite while adding visual interest and personality to your kitchen design. Here are some of our top tips for selecting a backsplash that looks stunning with white granite countertops.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a backsplash for white granite, there are a few key factors to take into account:
Color
Look for backsplash tiles in colors that complement white granite’s neutral yet rich tone. Soft tones like cream, grey, and beige are safe choices, while bolder pops of color can make for an eye-catching contrast. Consider a blue, green, or terra-cotta backsplash against bright white granite.
Texture
The texture of the backsplash tile can accentuate the sleek, smooth finish of polished white granite. Subway tiles, glass tiles, and stone tiles all pair beautifully and provide visual and textural contrast.
Finish
While most white granite has a polished finish, backsplashes can provide contrasting matte textures. However, you’ll also want to match up the finishes – for example, pair polished granite with polished marble backsplash tiles.
Style
Rustic, modern, traditional – match the backsplash style to your overall kitchen aesthetic. White granite’s versatility allows for anything from subway tiles to intricate mosaics.
Top Backsplash Options for White Granite
Based on color, texture, finish, and style, here are some of our favorite backsplash tile options to pair with white granite:
Glass Tile
Glass backsplash tiles catch the light beautifully, adding a glamorous and reflective element against white granite. Glass tile comes in every color, from bold primaries to muted neutrals like sea glass green or foggy grey that pair seamlessly with white granite. A combination of glass tile shapes and sizes creates visual interest.
Marble Tile
Elegant marble backsplash tile instantly classes up a white granite kitchen. The subtle veining in marble adds depth without competing too much with the granite. White Carrara marble is a perfect match, but experiment with fantastical patterned or colored marble as well.
Metal Tile
For contemporary kitchens, metal backsplash tiles are a striking match for white granite’s sleekness. Stainless steel, copper, brass, and nickel all pop against the white backdrop. Metal tiles can be plain or embellished with patterns and textures.
Subway Tile
Classic white 3×6 subway tiles pair beautifully with white granite countertops, especially in farmhouse style kitchens. Go for a bright white glossy tile or try a subtle marbled look. Stack the subway tiles in a herringbone pattern for added flair.
Travertine Tile
For a rustic Tuscan feel, natural stone travertine tiles make an earthy backsplash for white granite. Travertine comes in shades of cream, rust, grey, and ivory, often with little holes and imperfections that lend organic texture.
Pebble Tile
Bring a freeform, natural vibe to the kitchen with pebble backsplash tiles against white granite. Real pebbles or ceramic facsimiles in soft earth tones, greys, and taupes create a subtly varied mosaic that picks up white granite’s veining.
Design Ideas and Accents
Finish off your perfect white granite and backsplash tile combo with these design elements:
- Accent tile stripes: Use a contrasting tile color or texture to border sections of the backsplash or frame the range.
- Mosaic tile accents: Dot mosaic tile medallions in portions of the backsplash as focal points.
- Listello: Listello borders in marble, travertine, or glass add a finishing touch.
- Sleek metal edges: Pair tile with stainless steel Schluter strips or metal edging for contemporary style.
- Granite counters lab: Create a unified look by using backsplash tile to “lab” or cover a portion of the granite backsplash.
- Creative shapes: Use specialty tile shapes like hexagons or fish scales for captivating backsplash designs.
- Two-tone look: Mix and match tile materials like glass and marble or travertine and subway tile.
FAQ
What backsplash goes with white granite and white cabinets?
For an all-white palette, marble, glass, or subway tile backsplashes complement white granite and cabinets beautifully. Add contrast with dark grout.
What color backsplash goes with Santa Cecilia granite?
Santa Cecilia is a white granite with grey veining. Soft grey, frosted glass, silvery metal, and Carrara marble backsplashes perfectly match this granite.
What backsplash goes with Uba Tuba granite?
Uba Tuba granite has a cream color with dark grey and black flecks. Creamy travertine, taupe mosaic tiles, and beige marble backsplashes pair nicely.
What backsplash goes with New Caledonia granite?
New Caledonia is an extremely bright white granite. For contrast, pair it with bold turquoise, navy blue, or emerald green glass tile. Stainless steel tiles also shine against this white backdrop.
Can you put tile directly on granite backsplash?
It’s not recommended to apply tile directly onto a granite backsplash, as the surface needs to be prepared first. Make sure to properly prep the granite by cleaning and etching it before applying a tile mortar and cement backerboard.
What color grout looks best with white subway tile and white granite?
For white subway tiles against white granite, bright white or light grey grout matches well without too high contrast. You could also consider a subtle sage green or very light blue grout.
Conclusion
The array of backsplash tile options that pop against white granite countertops provide so many ways to personalize your kitchen’s style. Whether your look is modern farmhouse, industrial, or traditional, there’s a backsplash tile that can complete your dream design featuring white granite. From marble to metal and glass to subway tiles, the ideal backsplash accentuates the crisp, bright finish of white granite for a seamless yet statement-making kitchen aesthetic. With your creative vision and the right backsplash tile, you’re sure to end up with a kitchen space you’ll love coming home to.