Choosing the right backsplash color to pair with gray countertops can make a huge impact on your kitchen’s overall design aesthetic. The backsplash serves as a focal point in the kitchen, so selecting a color that complements your gray countertops is key to pulling your space together. There are many stylish options to consider when deciding what color backsplash looks best with gray countertops.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Backsplash Color
When selecting a backsplash color to complement gray countertops, there are a few important factors to take into account:
- The undertones of your gray countertops – Gray can take on different undertones like cool blue-grays or warm greige tones. Identifying the undertones will help determine whether you should opt for a backsplash with cool or warm hues.
- The style of your kitchen – Modern kitchens tend to look best with sleek, monochromatic backsplash and countertop pairings. Traditional kitchens can incorporate more ornate backsplash tiles in contrasting colors.
- The rest of your kitchen elements – Look at your cabinetry color, hardware finishes, and flooring to identify a backsplash color that works cohesively with the overall design.
- Your personal color preferences – While trends come and go, choose a backsplash hue that appeals most to your own color tastes and preferences.
Taking these factors into consideration will help narrow down your backsplash options to find the best colors for your gray countertops.
Best Backsplash Colors for Gray Countertops
Here are some of the most popular, stylish, and versatile backsplash color options to pair with gray countertops:
White Backsplash Tile
A white backsplash is a classic choice that looks beautiful with gray countertops in any kitchen style. Crisp white tiles create a light, airy look and prevent the space from feeling too dark and heavy. White granite, marble, ceramic, or porcelain backsplash tiles all coordinate well with gray.
White backsplashes work especially well with light to medium gray countertops. Pair white subway tiles or mosaic tiles with a gray quartz countertop for a clean and bright aesthetic. Or opt for a Carrara marble backsplash and gray marble countertop for a sophisticated classic look.
Light Gray Backsplash
For a more subtle, monochromatic color pairing, install a backsplash in a lighter shade of gray that is a tone or two lighter than your countertops. Light gray backsplashes help create a seamless look since the countertop and backsplash blend together instead of contrasting.
Light gray marble, quartzite, ceramic, or porcelain backsplashes coordinate beautifully with medium gray countertops. Try pairing a matte ceramic gray backsplash tile with a polished gray quartz countertop for cohesive style and texture.
Navy Blue Backsplash
Bold navy blue makes for an eye-catching backsplash color with gray countertops. Navy adds striking visual contrast and dimension against the muted gray. The dark navy tone enhances gray countertops with cool undertones.
For a contemporary look, install sleek navy glass or ceramic subway tiles as a backsplash against gray quartz. Or go for an artistic look with handmade navy blue mosaic or crackled glazed ceramic tiles. Navy blue works well to create a sophisticated, vibrant kitchen backdrop.
Black Backsplash
Another high-contrast option is to pair charcoal black backsplash tiles with gray countertops. The dramatic color combo looks especially stylish in modern kitchens. Sophisticated black granite, porcelain, or metal backsplash tiles pop against gray.
For a muted look, try installing black cement-style subway tiles against a gray marble countertop. Or make it contemporary with glossy black ceramic tiles against gray quartz. Keep the rest of the kitchen simple and streamlined to allow the black and gray color scheme to stand out.
Gray Brick Backsplash
Incorporating patterned or textured gray backsplash tiles adds visual interest to pair with solid gray countertops. For example, light gray brick-patterned backsplash tiles behind a darker gray countertop make for a dynamic look.
Gray brick tiles have a rustic, natural vibe that works well in farmhouse kitchens. Stacked gray stone backsplash tiles also complement gray countertops nicely. Pairing the textural backsplash with smooth countertops balances the overall aesthetic.
Multicolored Mosaic Backsplash
For a lively splash of color, install a multicolored mosaic tile backsplash with gray countertops. Italian glass, ceramic, or porcelain mosaic tiles in an array of colors, like blue, green, yellow, and terracotta, create a vibrant cheerful look.
The colorful tiles pop against neutral gray countertops. Keep the grout lines minimal for a seamless look. Use this lively backsplash idea in casual cottage-style or eclectic kitchens. The multi-colored tiles will reflect light nicely against dark charcoal gray countertops.
Natural Stone Backsplash
Natural stone backsplashes like marble, travertine, or slate in tan, taupe, cream, and ivory hues make beautiful pairings with gray countertops. The earthy tones complement both warm and cool grays.
For example, install travertine subway tiles in a beige/brown variation behind gray soapstone counters. Or opt for white Carrara marble tiles to match the gray veining of gray marble countertops. Let the naturally occurring patterns shine through.
Wood Backsplash
Wood brings warmth and texture to balance out the smooth, sleek look of gray countertops. Using real hardwood or porcelain tiles printed to mimic wood backsplashes creates a nature-inspired aesthetic.
Gray stained wood planks, ceramic wood-look tiles, or porcelain barnwood-style backsplash tiles all complement gray countertops attractively. The backsplash helps add visual depth and breaks up the flat gray surface.
Metallic Backsplash
For a glamorous dramatic option, install a polished metal or stainless steel backsplash against gray countertops. The reflective surface generates the illusion of more light and space.
Metallic backsplashes like nickel, copper, brass, or silver paired with gray bring out the counters’ sophisticated urban loft style. Or go for dazzling gold, bronze, or glass mosaic tiles to create a swanky Art Deco kitchen vibe.
Best Type of Backsplash Tiles for Gray Countertops
Along with choosing the right backsplash color, selecting the appropriate backsplash tile type and finish is also imperative to create a cohesive look with gray countertops. Here are some top tile options:
- Subway tile – Classic rectangular white or light gray subway tiles always work seamlessly with gray countertops. The elongated shape and straight lines mirror countertop edges.
- Mosaic tile – Small mosaic tiles in an array of colors, stone, or glass materials installed in a grid-like pattern reflect light beautifully against gray.
- Marble tile – Elegant marble backsplash tiles like Carrara or Calacatta in soft white and gray hues coordinate impeccably with gray marble counters.
- Metal tile – Sleek metal or stainless steel tiles in silver, copper, brass, or nickel offer smooth, reflective contrast against gray countertops.
- Ceramic or porcelain – Available in countless colors and prints, matte or glossy finishes. Great for making a bold color splash or simple match with gray counters.
- Brick or stacked stone – Rustic, earthy brick, stone, or wood-look tiles provide lovely textural contrast against smooth gray countertops.
How to Decorate a Kitchen with Gray Countertops and Backsplash
When designing your entire kitchen around gray countertops and a coordinating backsplash, consider these decorating tips:
- Incorporate stainless steel appliances for a cohesive contemporary look.
- Use silver, nickel, or matte black kitchen hardware like faucets, handles, and lighting fixtures.
- Pick soft sage, light blue, or ivory paint colors for the surrounding cabinetry. Avoid high contrast.
- Consider gray hardwood or uniquely patterned vinyl flooring to continue the chrome color scheme.
- Blend gray countertops and backsplashes with an island painted the same hue.
- Add pops of color or texture with accessories like plants, colorful cookware, window valances, rugs, and barstools.
- Layer in multiple gray elements like stone walls, tile floors, pendant lights, and upholstered stools.
- Install recessed and accent lighting to highlight the beautiful grays and backsplash focal point.
With smart decorative choices, it’s easy to design a stylish, holistic kitchen around gorgeous gray countertops and backsplash combinations.
Common Questions about Backsplashes with Gray Countertops
Many homeowners have additional questions when deciding what color backsplash complements gray countertops. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What color flooring looks best with gray countertops and backsplash?
Light-colored hardwood, gray vinyl plank flooring, porcelain tiles, and cork flooring all coordinate beautifully with gray countertops and backsplashes. Avoid floor colors that are too bold so they don’t compete.
What paint color goes well with a gray backsplash and countertops?
Soft whites, pale grays, light blues and greens work well. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray and Benjamin Moore Silver Lake Blue are nice options. Stay close to a monochromatic color palette.
Should I match the backsplash color to the counters exactly?
Not necessarily. Going one or two shades lighter or darker can look more dynamic. For example, pair light gray marble backsplash tiles with darker gray quartz counters.
What backsplash is better with dark gray countertops?
White, light gray, navy, black, or metallic backsplashes help prevent dark gray countertops from feeling too heavy. Boldly contrasting colors work best with darker grays.
Can you use a gray backsplash with white countertops?
Absolutely! Gray backsplash tiles create an eye-catching contrast against crisp white countertops. Light gray, dove gray, and even bold charcoal gray backsplashes complement white counters beautifully.
Stylish Backsplash and Gray Countertop Combinations
Here are some fabulous gray countertop and coordinating backsplash combinations to inspire your kitchen remodel:
- White Carrara marble backsplash with gray Carrara marble countertop – Elegant and timeless
- Ink navy glass subway tile backsplash with matte gray quartz countertop – Modern and bold
- Multicolored Italian porcelain mosaic tile backsplash with glossy concrete-look gray countertop – Vintage eclectic charm
- Black granite herringbone backsplash with cool gray soapstone countertop – Sophisticated contrast
- Gray brick ceramic tile backsplash with warm gray stained wood countertop – Rustic cottage style
- Matte white ceramic subway tile backsplash with polished gray and white speckled granite countertop – Retro diner flair
- Frosted glass penny round tile backsplash with gray and white swirled quartz countertop – Sleek modern farmhouse
- Ivory travertine subway tile backsplash with gray marble slab countertop – Elegant and natural
With the right backsplash and gray countertop combination, you can create a kitchen backsplash design that expresses your unique style. Use the color pairing and tile options in this guide to help select the perfect backsplash to match your gorgeous new gray countertops.
In Conclusion
The backsplash is one of the most visible and stylish aspects of any kitchen. Choosing a backsplash color and material that perfectly complements gray countertops will tie your whole kitchen together beautifully. Whether you opt for a crisp white subway tile backsplash or bold navy mosaic tiles, take colors, patterns, textures, and styles into consideration to create a cohesive aesthetic. With the right backsplash pairing, your gray countertops can become the centerpiece of your dream kitchen design.
We hope this comprehensive guide has helped provide valuable insights and inspiration for determining what color backsplash pairs best with your gray countertops. Do you have any other questions about selecting the perfect backsplash? Let us know in the comments!