Choosing the right backsplash color to pair with brown cabinets can really bring your kitchen design together. The backsplash serves both aesthetic and functional purposes – it protects the walls from splashes and stains while providing visual interest. With so many backsplash options to choose from, it can be tricky to select just the right hue and material to complement your brown cabinets. This guide will explore the most popular and attractive backsplash colors to match brown cabinets, as well as factors to consider when making your backsplash selection.
Neutral Backsplash Colors for Brown Cabinets
White
Awhite backsplash is a popular choice for pairing with brown cabinets. The contrast between the white backsplash tiles and the rich brown cabinetry creates a striking and classic color combination. White has a brightening effect and makes the space appear more open and airy. A glossy white subway tile backsplash can look especially sleek and modern against the warm tones of brown cabinets. White backsplashes also provide a neutral backdrop for displaying pops of color through accessories and appliances.
Beige
Beige is an adaptable neutral that effortlessly matches with brown cabinets. Light beige backsplash tiles blend in softly with warm wood cabinetry, while still providing definition and separation between the backsplash and cabinets. The subtle contrast creates a harmonious and soothing aesthetic. Beige has enough color to avoid looking bland, but doesn’t overpower the cabinets. Matte beige subway tiles or natural stone slab backsplashes in shades of beige work well with brown cabinetry.
Cream
Cream backsplashes pair beautifully with brown cabinets, creating a charming old-world aesthetic. The hint of warmth from the creamy undertones complements the rich wood tones, while the lighter shade prevents the palette from appearing too heavy. Subway tiles, ceramic tiles, or travertine stone in creamy hues look especially lovely with brown kitchen cabinetry. Cream adds an approachable yet sophisticated element to the design.
Gray
From light dove gray to deep charcoal, gray makes for an always-stylish backsplash color with brown cabinets. Lighter grays work similarly to off-whites and beiges, providing subtle contrast without starkness. Darker grays amp up the drama and modern appeal. Matte, shiny, textured or patterned gray tiles all pair successfully with brown cabinetry. Gray stones like slate also coordinate seamlessly with the earthy appeal of wood cabinets.
Tan
For a natural, organic look, match brown cabinets with backsplash tiles in shades of tan. Tan has obvious color synergy with wood cabinetry, lending a blended, pulled-together aesthetic. Textured natural stone backsplashes in sand, brown sugar, saltillo, or caramel hues bring out the richness of the cabinet color. Mosaic tiles in warmer tan shades can also complement brown kitchen cabinets.
Colorful Backsplash Ideas for Brown Cabinets
Green
Deep green is a sophisticated backsplash color choice that pairs beautifully with brown cabinets. Dark hunter greens, emeralds, or olive shades add striking contrast and a bold, dramatic look. Mixing rich green tiles with brown wood cabinetry creates an organic yet upscale look. For a more subtle effect, use pastel green glass tiles or minty shades.
Blue
From navy to sky blue, crisp and cool blue backsplashes offset warm wood cabinets in an eye-catching way. Navy adds a moody, cozy feel, while lighter blues create a more spacious impression. Blue-toned glass or ceramic subway tiles, mosaics, or even aqua stones like turquoise make artistic additions to brown cabinet kitchens.
Rust/Terracotta
For a natural earthy look, rusty oranges, burnt reds and terracotta backsplashes bring out the richness of brown cabinets. The two tones enhance rather than compete with each other. Reddish natural stone slabs like sandstone, travertine or slate help connect the cabinets to the backsplash. Bold patterned tiles in these sunset colors also pair well with brown cabinetry.
Yellow
Sunny yellow backsplashes inject warmth and energy against brown cabinets. Mustard yellows and gold tones look especially pretty, picking up the golden flecks and grains in the wood cabinetry. Small accents of vibrant yellow mosaic tiles can make for cheerful yet still sophisticated backsplashes with brown cabinets. Pastel yellows keep the look soft and subtle.
Purple
From pretty lavenders to deep plums, purple backsplash tiles lend an unexpected pop of color to brown cabinet kitchens. Light purples provide just a whisper of color, while bold jewel-tones make a vibrant style statement. Cool-toned purple adds modern flair and contrast against the wood cabinetry. Glass, ceramic and stone backsplash materials in purple hues all pair attractively with brown.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Backsplash Color
Cabinet Stain or Paint Shade
The exact shade of your brown cabinets should guide your backsplash color selection. Warm oak cabinets with red undertones pair better with oranges and reds, while cooler chocolate browns look lovely with subtle grays or blues. Very dark brown cabinets can handle bolder backsplash colors, while lighter cabinets demand softer accents. Know your specific cabinet color and choose a backsplash that truly complements.
Personal Style
Consider your own personal design style when selecting a backsplash color for brown cabinets. Do you prefer traditional, modern, minimalist, eclectic? Match your backsplash to your style for a cohesive look. For example, bold emerald green tiles suit modern taste, while cream subway tiles have traditional character.
Countertops
Make sure to view your countertop material and color choice in conjunction with your backsplash when picking colors. Contrasting countertops and backsplashes create defined separation, while tone-on-tone provides a seamless look. For instance, brown/beige granite countertops can be offset with blue backsplash tiles.
Lighting
The lighting in your kitchen impacts color as well. Yellow incandescent bulbs warm up backsplash hues, while cool daylight LEDs lend a crisp edge. Check your backsplash color options under your actual kitchen lighting for the most accurate view.
Tile Finish
Glossy or polished backsplash tiles refract light differently than matte finishes, slightly altering the color perception. Something to keep in mind when selecting materials. A glossy or metallic backsplash tile shifts the color tone.
By thoughtfully considering these factors and all the beautiful backsplash possibilities, you’re sure to find the perfect color match for your brown kitchen cabinets. Enjoy the process of selecting your coordinating backsplash shade!
Popular Backsplash Styles for Brown Cabinets
While color provides the main visual pop, the style of backsplash tiles also impacts the overall aesthetic with brown cabinets. Here are some of the most popular backsplash tile styles for brown cabinet kitchens.
Subway Tile
Classic rectangular white or cream subway tiles arranged in a brick pattern look simply stunning with brown cabinets. The contrast pops while the shape keeps the look clean and structured. Subway tiles come in so many color variations to mix and match with brown cabinetry too.
Herringbone
Herringbone backsplash patterns add appealing visual texture and movement against solid brown cabinets. The staggered zigzag design is made up of rectangular shaped tiles or thin strips of mosaic tiles. Blue and gray are stylish herringbone colors with brown cabinetry.
Marble/Stone Slab
Elegant marble or stone slabs like granite, travertine and slate used as backsplashes seamlessly tie into the veining and texture of wood cabinetry. The blending earth tones connect the elements. Large-scale stone slab backsplashes make a distinctly natural design statement.
Patterned/Moroccan Tile
For those seeking a more vibrant and artistic backsplash aesthetic, patterned tiles like Moroccan mosaics, geometrics, arabesques and customized designs inject visual excitement into brown cabinet kitchens. The busyness contrasts with the cabinetry.
Stainless Steel/Metal
A futuristic industrial edge can be introduced by using stainless steel backsplash panels or metallic tile behind brown cabinets. The sleek, reflective metal pops against the matte warmth of wood cabinetry for striking contrast.
Best Paint Colors for Walls with Brown Cabinets and Backsplash
Choosing a wall color to finish off your brown cabinet, backsplash and countertop scheme can really pull the whole kitchen together. Here are popular paint colors for accenting brown kitchen cabinetry and backsplashes.
Off White
A soft off white wall color like almond, ivory, or very light warm gray provides a clean, bright backdrop that allows the brown cabinets and backsplash to take center stage. Crisp white trim helps the walls recede.
Light Green
Pastel sage greens, seafoams, and mints create serene kitchen walls that feel fresh but not overpowering with brown cabinets and backsplashes. These calm greens work with nearly all backsplash shades.
Beige
Light beiges, camel hues, and tan neutrals blend seamlessly with brown cabinets, adding subtle warmth to the walls. Beigey walls support a unified earthy color story in the kitchen.
Sky Blue
For a more vibrant wall color, soft sky blues add an invigorating punch against rich brown cabinets and backsplashes. The contrast of cool and warm makes both cabinetry and walls stand out.
Yellow
Warm golden yellow or mustard walls bring energy and coziness to brown kitchens. The sunny tone harmonizes with the woodsy hues of the cabinetry for an uplifting ambiance.
Gray
Light grays work well, but darker charcoal gray kitchen walls can look especially upscale and modern combined with brown cabinetry and vibrant backsplashes. The moody gray backdrop enhances the cabinetry.
Avoiding Clashes Between Backsplash and Brown Cabinets
Some backsplash and cabinet combinations unfortunately clash instead of coordinate. When selecting your materials, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid matching brown cabinets with orange-toned backsplashes. The shades often fight rather than coordinate.
- Don’t pair black backsplashes with darker brown cabinets. Too much dark color overwhelms.
- Skip stark white backsplashes with very light natural wood cabinets. Not enough contrast.
- Don’t let brightly colored backsplashes like reds and pinks overshadow soft brown cabinets. They will compete.
- Avoid busy patterned backsplashes with heavily grained wood cabinets. It’s too distracting.
With some planning and forethought, you can always find a backsplash color that perfectly suits and highlights your brown kitchen cabinets. Enjoy the process and the results!
FAQs About Backsplashes with Brown Cabinets
What is the most popular backsplash color for brown cabinets?
White and cream subway tile backsplashes are most popular with brown cabinets because they provide clean contrast and visual separation. Crisp whites and warm creams allow the rich wood cabinetry to take the spotlight.
What backsplash goes with light brown cabinets?
Light brown cabinets demand softer backsplash colors to avoid clashing. Try pale grays, beiges, creamy whites, or subtle blue and green glass tiles. Pastel colors complement the light wood tones.
What backsplash color makes brown cabinets look richer?
Deep colors like emerald, sapphire and eggplant add depth that makes brown cabinetry feel richer and more upscale. Bold, dark backsplash hues enhance the dimensionality of the wood grain.
Should you match backsplash to cabinet color?
It’s generally best not to directly match brown cabinetry to a brown backsplash. The elements will blend together and get lost. Instead, use tone-on-tone variation with lighter beiges, taupes and tans. Cream is a safe bet.
What backsplash looks best with oak cabinets?
Natural oak cabinetry looks its best with backsplash colors pulled from nature. Try creamy travertine slab, beige or gray marble, sandy-colored ceramic tiles, or even blue glass like ocean tones.
What color backsplash goes with cherry cabinets?
Cherry wood cabinets contain both warm red tones and black grains. A crisp white, beige stone, or deep green glass backsplash plays up the rich dimension of cherry cabinetry. Leaning neutral or bold both work.
Enhancing Brown Cabinets with the Right Backsplash
The proper backsplash really completes a kitchen, becoming an integral part of the overall design. With so many materials and colors to select from, it can be an enjoyable but challenging process finding that perfect coordinating hue that works with your existing brown cabinetry. Armed with the tips provided here on harmonizing and clashing color combinations, paired with your own style preferences, you’ll be equipped to find a backsplash that enhances your brown kitchen cabinets in just the right way. Happy finalizing your dream kitchen!
Conclusion
The combination of brown cabinets and an artfully selected backsplash color can create a kitchen space that is attractive, unique, and highly functional. While white and cream subway tiles remain classic and popular choices, don’t be afraid to incorporate colors like green, blue, yellow or gray for a more dynamic look. Taking factors like cabinet shade, countertops, lighting and personal style into account ensures that your backsplash not only complements your brown cabinetry but expresses your tastes. Avoid clashing colors and focus on textures and materials that bring out the best in your cabinets. With careful thought and creativity, your brown cabinet kitchen can showcase a beautiful, harmonious backsplash that really makes the space shine.