If you have green cabinets in your kitchen, choosing the right backsplash can bring the whole design together beautifully. The right backsplash pairs perfectly with green cabinets, adds visual interest, and completes the look of your kitchen. With so many backsplash options to choose from, it can be tricky to settle on the perfect one. Here are some of the trendiest and most recommended backsplash design ideas to consider for green kitchen cabinets.
Why Choose a Backsplash for Green Cabinets
A backsplash serves both form and function in a kitchen. Not only does it protect your walls from splashes, spills, and stains, but it brings color, texture, and personality to your design. The visual appeal of a backsplash can make or break the look of your green kitchen cabinets.
Here are some of the benefits of adding a backsplash to green cabinets:
- Completes the kitchen design: A backsplash is the finishing touch that pulls your entire kitchen together. It adds that extra pop of color and interest behind the cabinets.
- Protects walls: A properly sealed and installed backsplash will protect your wall paint, wallpaper, or drywall from water damage, grease splatter, and stains. This saves you from constantly having to repaint or re-paper damaged walls.
- Easy to clean: Backsplashes made of tile, metal, glass, or other non-porous materials are very easy to keep clean. Just wipe away messes with a damp cloth.
- Adds visual interest: From elegant marble, to handmade tiles, to colorful glass mosaics, a backsplash brings artistry and character to your kitchen.
- Reflects your personality: From modern metallic to farmhouse subway tile, your backsplash choice reflects your personal taste and aesthetic.
- Affordable: While premium backsplash materials can be pricey, there are also very budget-friendly options to consider. The smaller surface area makes it an affordable way to make a big impact.
- Long-lasting: Quality backsplash materials like ceramic tile or natural stone will last for many years with proper care and maintenance. This makes it a wise long-term investment.
So if your heart is set on green cabinets, then complement them beautifully with a backsplash that really makes them pop.
Trendy Backsplash Ideas for Green Cabinets
From warm natural tones, to punchy brights, to sleek neutrals, there are endless options for backsplashes that pair strikingly with green cabinets. Here are some of the top trending backsplash looks to consider:
White Subway Tile
Crisp, clean white subway tile is a versatile and timeless backsplash option that works with any style of green cabinets. The simplicity allows the beauty of the green finish to shine.
Subway tile comes in classic 3 in. x 6 in. sizes, but also 4 in. x 12 in. rectangular sizes for a more modern, linear look. Matte, bright, or glossy tiles all pair nicely with green cabinets.
Run subway tile in a classic brick pattern or get creative with patterns like herringbone. You can also opt just to run tiles horizontally along the wall or in a 50/50 vertical pattern.
A white subway tile backsplash keeps the look light and airy against deeper green cabinet colors. Or pair with sage green cabinets for a very soothing, minimalist aesthetic.
Finish off your white subway tiles with matching white grout for a seamless look. You can also choose a grey, light green, or cream grout for a more organic, blended style against the green.
Marble or Stone
For a natural yet very elegant pairing with green cabinets, install a backsplash using marble, stone, or other natural materials. Earthy greens pair beautifully with backsplash stone choices like:
- Carrara marble
- Travertine
- Sandstone
- Quartzite
- Pebble
- Limestone
Stone backsplash tiles come in a range of sizes, shapes, and patterns so you can customize the look. Install larger stone slabs for a seamless appearance or irregular stone shapes for lots of texture.
Mosaic sheets of tiny stone tiles are also a great way to add visual interest and reflect light against the green cabinets. Shape them into a herringbone pattern or border for extra flair.
Neutral cream, beige, grey and white stones are safe pairings with most green cabinet finishes. But don’t shy away from green-colored stone backsplashes either. Pair sage cabinets with mint green marble or emerald cabinets with serpentine stone.
Glass or Metallic Mosaic Tile
For a super radiant and eye-catching backsplash try glass or metallic mosaic tiles in shimmering colors like:
- Iridescent glass
- Sea glass
- Crackled glass
- Metallic finishes like hammered copper or tin
The light catching, multi-dimensional quality of glass tile makes it a gorgeous choice to illuminate green cabinets. The brighter and bolder your mosaic tile color or finish, the more it makes green cabinetry pop.
Install mosaic sheets uniformly or arrange individual tiles into patterns. Try a center focal point medallion in a contrasting color against the green cabinets. Mosaic tiles with borders are also a great way to add colorful trim.
Make sure your mosaic tiles are properly sealed to handle kitchen moisture and stains. Glass tiles specifically should have a water-tight backing.
Chevron or Herringbone Pattern Tile
Angling rectangular, square, or triangular shaped tiles into a chevron or herringbone pattern instantly livens up a backsplash. The zigzag effect draws the eye, adds great textural interest, and pairs so nicely with green cabinetry.
For chevron or herringbone backsplashes against green cabinets try:
- Long rectangular subway tiles
- Metro tiles
- Porcelain, ceramic, or glass tiles
- Stone like marble or travertine
Incorporate multiple colors and patterns into your chevron design as well. Try framing green cabinets with a bold color chevron backsplash border in a shade like emerald or gold.
You can install the tiles in a precise chevron formation or mix it up a bit for a more handcrafted look. The imperfect angled pattern and grout lines create great visual dynamics against solid green cabinets.
Just take care that the busyness of the chevron tile pattern doesn’t compete too much with ornate green cabinet doors. Pair chevron backsplashes with simple shaker style or slab cabinet fronts.
Wood Backsplash
For green kitchen cabinets with a natural wood, mission, or arts & crafts style, try matching with a real or faux wood backsplash. Choosing wood paneling, reclaimed barnwood planks, or textured 3D wood tiles carries the natural look throughout the kitchen.
Both light and dark stained wood backsplashes pair nicely with green cabinets:
- Light oak or maple wood backsplashes keep the kitchen feeling airy and neutral
- Dark walnut or ebony woods add beautiful contrast
- Distressed gray-stained wood looks rustic and weathered
Don’t be afraid to mix wood grains, stains, plank directions and textures for lots of visual interest. Using wood backsplashes behind green cabinets brings incredible warmth and an organic feel to the kitchen.
Finish off the wood backsplash look with trim pieces that complement the green cabinets. Try framing the wood with iron accents, bricks or terra cotta for an old world style against sage green cabinets.
Patterned or Colorful Tile
Make a bold decorative statement with a brightly patterned, colorful geometric, floral or other uniquely designed tile backsplash. From Portuguese azulejos, to decorative Moroccan zellige, to handpainted and custom ceramic tiles, vibrant and ornate backsplashes look so striking against green cabinets.
Some fun tile options include:
- Geometric multi-colored mosaics
- Mediterranean floor tile patterns like Spanish quarry tile
- Arts & Crafts style floral, fruit, or nature-inspired tiles
- Contrasting color or pattern backsplash inserts or medallions
Custom designed ceramic tiles are a wonderful way to reflect your taste and decorating style. Handpainted tiles featuring favorite flowers, fruits, herbs or even sea life motifs inject your own flair.
If your style is more modern and streamlined, graphic black and white patterned tile adds eye-catching contrast against green cabinets.
Stainless Steel
For contemporary kitchens, a stainless steel backsplash offers a sleek, modern complement to green cabinets in finishes from mint to hunter green. The stark contrast and reflective nature of stainless steel backsplashes makes the green cabinetry the focal point.
Stainless steel backsplashes come in:
- Full sheets
- Metallic mosaic tiles
- Grid patterns
- 3D raised square panels
Mix and match matte and reflective stainless finishes for added dimension. Some stainless steel backsplash tile designs cleverly mimic the look of natural materials like stone, wood grain, and concrete while offering added durability.
A pro of stainless steel backsplashes is they are very sanitary and easy to keep clean. But be aware that black stainless steel or oil-rubbed finishes may show fingerprints, water marks, and scratches more readily.
Design and Installation Considerations
Once you’ve selected the perfect backsplash tiles or materials for your green cabinets, proper planning, design, and installation will ensure it enhances your kitchen beautifully. Keep these tips in mind:
Choose Appropriate Backsplash Height
Traditionally backsplashes were installed 4 inches high above countertops. But extending your backsplash to the bottom cabinets or even all the way to the ceiling has become very popular.
Higher backsplashes prevent more wall damage and look more integrated. But also consider your ceiling height. Extremely tall backsplashes in a room with low ceilings may feel overpowering. Standard cabinet heights work well with 4 inch to 16 inch high backsplashes.
Select Durable Materials
Your kitchen backsplash takes a lot of wear and tear. Select backsplash materials that are water resistant, stain proof, and built to handle splashes, condensation, food stains, grease, and daily cleaning.
Natural stone and ceramic or porcelain tiles hold up beautifully when properly sealed. Glass, metal, and mineral-based materials are also good durable options.
Complement the Cabinets
Choose backsplash materials, colors, and textures that have a pleasing contrast with your green cabinets yet don’t clash. Accent colors paired with green work nicely.
You want the two elements to complement each other while allowing the green cabinetry to take center stage. Keeping the backsplash light and neutral is one way to make bold green cabinets pop.
Consider the Countertops
Look at how your countertop material and color relate to your green cabinet finish as well. Can the countertops and backsplash work together to create a unified look?
Lighter countertops help darker green cabinets stand out. But if your countertops are also a statement, pair green cabinets with a more low-key backsplash.
Include Decorative Borders or Accents
Turn a simple subway tile or mosaic backsplash into a real showstopper by adding a decorative border or framed accent section. Contrasting colors, patterns, textures, and materials create definition.
Green cabinets look fabulous framed with border backsplash strips in materials like metal or wood trim, brick, pencils, pinstriping, decorative liners, and mosaic inserts.
Illuminate with Lighting
Proper kitchen lighting and backlighting ensure your gorgeous green cabinets and backsplash take center stage.
Task lighting under cabinets combined with overhead lighting casts the perfect glow on your backsplash tiles or materials. Install sconces or directional lighting on rear walls to highlight special backsplash features.
Work with Green Undertones
Look closely at the dominant undertones in your green cabinets and find a backsplash that enhances them. Yellow-greens and blue-greens require different backsplash treatments.
A backsplash with green, blue, or yellow tones brings out those subtleties. But opposite undertones on the color wheel like red also make green cabinets pop.
Backsplash Ideas for Various Green Kitchen Cabinet Shades
From deep emerald to lifegiving chartreuse, the green color spectrum offers limitless shades to suit any taste for kitchen cabinets. Here are some perfect backsplash pairings for popular green cabinet colors:
Sage Green Kitchen Cabinets
- White subway tile
- Marble stone slab
- Travertine tiles
- Metal mosaic tiles
- Natural wood planks
With its grey-green hue, sage quickly feels dated if paired with loud backsplash tiles. Stick with simple backdrops that let this versatile, natural green shine.
Lime Green Kitchen Cabinets
- Bright mosaic glass tiles
- Glossy ceramic tiles
- Stainless steel sheets
- White chevron tile
- Black and white geometric tile
Lime green has enough punch on its own, so it looks best against backsplashes with neutral pops of contrasting colors and textures.
Forest Green Kitchen Cabinets
- White subway tile
- Gray stone slab
- Distressed wood plank
- Hammered copper mosaic
- Black and white chevron
The depth of forest green cabintery demands an equally bold, contrasting backsplash. Crisp white or natural weathered wood allows forest green to take the spotlight.
Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets
- Neutral stone or ceramic tile
- Stainless steel
- Mosaic glass tile
- Natural wood grain tiles
- Terra cotta tile inserts
With olive green’s earthy vibe, Tuscan inspired terra cotta tiles, textured wood grains, or handmade mosaics in neutral tones make beautiful backdrops.
Kelly Green Kitchen Cabinets
- White subway tile
- Black and white patterned tile
- Metal or glass mosaic sheets
- Wood plank tiles
- Colored glass tile accents
Kelly green’s high-gloss finish shines against contrasting backsplashes. Crisp white tile allows kelly green cabinets maximum pop.
Mint Green Kitchen Cabinets
- Marble or travertine stone
- Metallic mosaic tiles
- Colored glass tile
- Chevron or herringbone
- Geometric patterned tile
Cool-toned mint green pairs perfectly with marble, glass, and shimmering metallic backsplashes that share its delicate freshness.
Hunter Green Kitchen Cabinets
- White subway tile
- Gray stone slabs
- Stainless steel
- Galvanized metal tile
- Wood plank backsplash
With its deep forest hue, hunter green embodies natural beauty. Wood grain and stone backsplashes advance the earthiness without competing.
Emerald Green Kitchen Cabinets
- Marble slab backsplash
- Glass mosaic tile
- Contrasting chevron or herringbone
- hammered copper tile
- Geometric black & white tile
Beautiful jewel-toned emerald requires a glamorous backsplash. Metallic and mosaic tiles catch the light, allowing the emerald to sparkle.
Integrating Backsplashes Seamlessly with Green Cabinets
From prep, to installation, to finishing, properly integrating a backsplash delivers aflushless look with green cabinets and optimum functionality. Follow these tips for seamless integration:
Prepare the Wall Surface
To ensure proper backsplash bonding, walls and green cabinets require a clean, dry, and smooth installation surface. Remove any old backsplash completely and remediate any damaged wall areas.
Degloss wall areas using sandpaper for proper adhesion. Fill any divots or gouges around cabinets with spackling for a flat tiling surface.
A coat of primer further preps the walls and offers a uniform surface to apply color-matched grout against.
Measure Precisely
Taking accurate measurements ensures your backsplash tiles line up perfectly with cabinets and fixtures. Factor in uneven walls and any outlets, pipes, and switches that fall within the backsplash area.
Snap vertical and horizontal reference lines in chalk or use a laser level to keep tile courses straight. Dry lay tile arrangements before installing as well.
Cut Tiles Cleanly
Ah-ha moments will happen mid-installation where tiles need custom cuts to fit or border edges. Use a wet saw for precise cuts around and openings and perimeter edges where backsplash and cabinets meet.
Cut tiles with luggs where needed to fit closely around sockets, fixtures, and plumbing. Sand cut edges smooth for safe grouting.
Set Tiles Properly
Most backsplash tiles adhere using thinset mortar applied with a notched trowel to rake consistent even lines. This creates the ideal contact and adhesion once tiles pressed into place.
Work in small sections applying mortar and setting tiles. Use tile spacers between tiles to achieve uniform grout lines across the entire backsplash surface as you go.
Grout and Seal
Grout fills and seals the spaces between tiles, locks everything together, and can complement your cabinets. Apply grout using a rubber grout float and wipe away excess for clean grout lines.
For the finishing touch, seal grout and natural porous tiles with a penetrating or surface sealing product. This waterproofs the backsplash surface.
By following proper backsplash installation techniques, your eye-catching new backsplash will integrate flawlessly with your prized green kitchen cabinets for many years.
FAQs About Backsplashes for Green Kitchen Cabinets
- Do green kitchen cabinets work with all backsplash styles?
Green kitchen cabinets pair beautifully with all different backsplash materials and patterns. Matte and glossy ceramic or porcelain tiles, natural stone slabs and tiles, glass and metal mosaic tiles, stainless steel sheets, and wood planks all beautifully complement various green cabinet shades and finishes.
- What backsplash colors look best with green cabinets?
While green cabinetry pairs well with any color backsplash, the most popular and versatile options include white, black, gray, cream, beige, and wood tones. For added pop, consider contrasting bright or pastel backsplash colors like turquoise, yellow, or coral. Keep backsplashes light if your cabinets are a deep green.
- Should you match the countertops and backsplash with green cabinets?
It’s not mandatory to match your countertop and back