A black and white bathroom backsplash can create a dramatic, high-contrast look that is elegant, timeless, and versatile. Monochromatic color schemes using different shades of black and white are an excellent choice for contemporary, modern, traditional, or transitional style bathrooms. The visual interest comes from playing with graphic patterns, textures, and clean lines rather than a variety of colors.
Black and white backsplashes are bold yet classic, adding sophisticated style to any bathroom design. They look especially striking in bathrooms featuring marble, granite, porcelain, concrete, or other neutral countertops and floors. The contrast makes each element stand out beautifully.
Benefits of a Black and White Monochromatic Backsplash
There are many advantages to choosing a black and white color palette for your bathroom backsplash:
Timeless and Classic
A monochromatic black and white backsplash is a timeless choice that will never go out of style. The color combination is classic and elegant, suiting traditional and modern aesthetics alike. You don’t have to worry about this backsplash looking dated after a few years.
Easy to Clean
Black and white tiles resist stains and are easy to keep clean compared to light-colored grout. Their high contrast also allows you to notice dirt and grime so you can promptly wipe it away. Keeping them looking fresh is simple.
Bold Visual Impact
The high contrast between black and white creates a bold, dramatic look. Especially when paired with marble countertops, a black and white backsplash makes a striking statement. The colors are bold without being overwhelming.
Versatile Design Options
With just two colors, the design options are endless. Play with different patterns, materials, finishes, and sizes to create visual interest. Mixing glossy and matte tiles adds dimension. Large-scale graphic patterns make a contemporary statement.
Coordinates With Any Color Scheme
A black and white backsplash coordinates seamlessly with any color scheme for the rest of the bathroom. You can pair it with warm neutrals, cool grays, vibrant colors, or pastels. It provides the perfect neutral background.
Allows Focal Points to Stand Out
When you limit the backsplash to just black and white, it allows other elements like hardware, mirrors, lighting fixtures, and accessories to really stand out. The neutral palette puts all the focus on the focal points you select.
Natural Light Reflection
The high contrast of a black and white monochromatic color scheme reflects natural and artificial light beautifully. When illuminated, it creates a bright, open feel in the bathroom.
Adds Depth
Varying the scale of patterns or alternating black and white tiles creates visual depth, making a small bathroom feel larger. The layers of light and dark hues add dimension.
Easy to Achieve On Any Budget
Black and white tiles and materials are readily available at nearly every price point. With just two colors, you can create an elegant backsplash on even a tight budget by selecting affordable materials.
Popular Styles for Black and White Bathroom Backsplashes
Within the black and white color scheme, there are many stylish design directions you can take your backsplash. Consider some of these popular backsplash trends:
Bold Graphic Patterns
For a contemporary look, opt for bold geometric patterns utilizing graphic shapes. Tessellations, zigzags, angled lines, and combinations of squares, hexagons, triangles, and rectangles make a modern statement. Mixing glossy and matte finishes adds further interest.
Classic Subway Tile
The quintessential subway tile with its beveled edge is a versatile classic. Use all white tiles with black grout lines for contrast, or alternate black and white tiles. Laying the tiles in a herringbone pattern also adds flair.
Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
For an exotic yet classic look, consider black and white fish scale tiles arranged in ornate patterns. This style has major visual impact and works with traditional and boho-chic designs.
Large-Scale Porcelain Slabs
Oversized black and white porcelain floor tiles can provide a seamless, dramatic backdrop. The simple color scheme keeps the focus on the beautiful textures and minimalist lines.
Natural Stone
Elegant natural stone like marble, travertine, or limestone brings organic texture. For a bold look, select a stone with extreme white and black veining. Or use mosaics made from real stone tiles.
Mix of Materials
Using both ceramic and natural stone tiles together can create visual depth. Consider pairing the warmth of wood with cool black and white stone mosaics for contrast. Or use polished concrete or porcelain slabs as the field, with stone accents.
Black Brick
For an edgy, industrial vibe, brick-shaped black glossy ceramic tiles laid in offset rows create the illusion of black brick. Matte white grout provides definition between each “brick.”
Modern Black and White Cement Tile
Vintage-inspired encaustic cement tiles lend artisanal appeal. Black and white designs range from graphic patterns to intricate florals and geometrics, Moroccan and Spanish-style. Their handmade imperfections add charm.
Black Penny Rounds with White Hexagons
Interlocking circles and hexagons in contrasting black and white provide eye-catching geometric impact. Mixing complementary shapes and colors adds modern dimension.
Classic Checks and Plaids
Crisp, graphic black and white checks and plaids offer a nod to retro charm. Use on just the backsplash or floor-to-ceiling for a bold accent wall. Pair with vintage accessories for a fun, nostalgic style.
Choosing Your Black and White Backsplash Materials
One of the great aspects of the black and white color scheme is the myriad materials available. Consider characteristics like durability, texture, quality, and affordability when selecting materials for your bathroom backsplash.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in every possible black and white pattern and finish imaginable. The spectrum ranges from basic white subway tile to bold black and white graphic prints. Their durability makes them one of the best material choices for bathrooms. Porcelain is less porous than ceramic and resistant to moisture. For a matte look, select unglazed tiles.
Natural Stone Tile
Slate, marble, and travertine are naturally occurring stone options that provide striking veining and textural interest. Honed finishes offer a matte look. While natural stone is gorgeous, it does require more sealing than porcelain or ceramic tile. Select a high-quality stone rated for the wet conditions of a bathroom.
Glass Tile
For serious sparkle and shine, glass tile adds major visual impact. Using black, white, and clear glass together creates depth. The pieces reflect light beautifully. Glass tile works best for backsplashes, as it can scratch and chip underfoot.
Metal Tile
Metal tiles like tin, stainless steel, and aluminum provide beautiful shine and texture. Use them combined with other materials like marble or concrete. Metal tiles work great for modern and industrial designs. Be aware they can dent since they’re a softer material.
Wood Planks
Wood adds natural warmth and texture. Use black-stained planks against white subway tile or vice versa for bold contrast. Limit wood to the backsplash only since moisture can damage it. Go for water-resistant woods like teak if using in a wet area.
Creating a Cohesive Design for Your Black and White Backsplash
A black and white backsplash is easy to match with other bathroom elements thanks to its neutral, versatile nature. Keep these tips in mind for creating a harmonious overall design:
Select Neutral Countertops and Cabinets
Pair your black and white backsplash with countertops and cabinets in neutral hues like white, gray, beige, or wood tones. This allows the backsplash tile to really stand out. Echo the tones in a slab granite or marble countertop for continuity.
Include Black and White Accessories
Incorporate black and white into your faucets, sconces, knobs, mirrors, towels, shower curtains, rugs, and other bathroom accessories. This helps tie the whole room together cohesively. Mixing metal finishes (like matte black and polished chrome) adds stylistic depth and interest.
Coordinate Flooring
Choose flooring that complements your black and white backsplash, like neutral porcelain or ceramic tile, concrete, marble, or hardwood. Make sure to pick a durable floor material suited for damp bathroom conditions. Ebony stained wood or graphic black and white vinyl floors are also striking options.
Tie in Wall Color
Painting the walls a light gray or greige tone works perfectly with both the black and white backsplash and any neutral cabinets. You can also paint an accent wall black for dramatic contrast. Crisp white walls keep the space feeling open and airy.
Incorporate Plant Life
Help soften the bold black and white palette by incorporating natural greenery and plants. Simple potted succulents, ferns, or snake plants complement the minimalist color scheme. Floating shelving or wall planters allow for creative displays.
Use Mirrors to Reflect
Take advantage of mirrors to reflect and duplicate your beautiful black and white backsplash, expanding the look. Framed mirrors, medicine cabinets, built-in shelving with mirrored backing, and mirrored tiles or accents help enhance the light.
Up-lighting or Sconces
Installing directional lighting or sconces that point upward will beautifully illuminate your backsplash, allowing the tile patterns and designs to shine. Lighting is key for showing off the details.
Limit Busy Patterns
Be wary of incorporating competing prints and patterns beyond the backsplash. Keep countertops, floors cabinets, window treatments, and accessories simple. Let the backsplash be the star.
How to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger with a Black and White Backsplash
One concern people may have about using bold black and white tile is that it could make a small bathroom feel closed in or cramped. But there are easy ways to install a black and white backsplash in a small space and still keep the room feeling open and airy. Here’s how:
Use Smaller Tiles
Larger format tiles can be too overpowering in a tiny bathroom. Mosaic tiles, subway tiles, or penny rounds give a finer scale that makes the room feel bigger.
Limit the Patterned Area
Keep black and white tile to just the backsplash area, minimizing competing visual interest. Use simple neutral tiles or concrete on the floor and shower walls. The pattern has more impact as an accent.
Include White Grout Lines
White grout lines between the tiles keep the look light and airy. Black grout lines can make the space feel darker and smaller. Keeping grout light enhances brightness.
Illuminate with Plentiful Lighting
Proper illumination helps a black and white backsplash shine. Use enough lighting in the forms of fixtures, vanity lighting, and natural light to keep the room feeling bright and open. Deep shades need ample light.
Soft and Subtle Surface Textures
Glossy tiles and smooth countertops and cabinets reflect light and add to the feeling of space. Skip extremely bold 3D tiles or rough finishes that make the room feel overly busy.
Simple Mirror Arrangements
Just one expansive mirror or two symmetrically placed mirrors keep the look streamlined. Skip busy mirror grids or mismatched sizes that add clutter. Mirrors should blend right into the wall.
Neutral Wall Color
Avoid dark paint colors that may feel confining. Light gray, warm white, or greige keep walls receding. You can also paint just one accent wall black for drama.
Design Inspiration: 10 Gorgeous Black and White Backsplash Ideas
For stunning design inspiration, here are 10 beautiful examples of black and white backsplashes in various different styles:
1. Bold Graphic Cubes
Mismatched black and white glossy ceramic cubes make a contemporary statement in this modern bathroom by Jennifer Morris. The uneven 3D pattern creates visual intrigue on the walls and ceiling.
2. Elegant Marble Herringbone
Thin strips of gorgeous marble with striking white veining laid in a dramatic herringbone pattern adorn this glamorous bathroom by Studio DB. Brass fixtures nicely complement the tones.
3. Vintage Subway Pattern
This charming vintage-inspired bathroom by Amber Interiors features classic white subway tile paired with black grout for retro contrast. Timeless black open shelving and brass accents complete the look.
4. Geometric Linear Porcelain
In this bathroom by Homepolish, oversized matte black porcelain floor tiles laid vertically and horizontally in a dynamic grid pattern contrast beautifully with the crisp white wall tiles and tub.
5. Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
The walls of this elegant bathroom by Janie Molster glow with luminous black and white fish scale tiles in a dazzling Moroccan-inspired pattern. Symmetry and simplicity provide balance.
6. Modern Graphic Pattern
Sharp zigzag and arrow patterns combined with sleek white subway tiles create a bold graphic statement in this contemporary bathroom spotted on Bella Tucker.
7. Natural Stone Mosaic
This gorgeous natural stone mosaic backsplash incorporates rows of varied black, white and gray marble, travertine and quartz pieces for textural drama. Design by Studio Anika.
8. Black Brick Tile Illusion
Glossy black rectangular tiles laid in offset rows create the eye-catching illusion of bold black brick in this industrial-chic bathroom by Chango & Co.
9. Black and White Cement Encaustic Tile
This bright and sunny bathroom by Chris Snook combines vintage-look black and whitepatterned cement floor tile with graphic black and white wallpaper for a charming space.
10. Classic Black and White Check Floors
Crisp black and white checkered floor tile establishes the retro color palette of this bathroom by Martha McDonald. Metallic accents and accessories keep the look current.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black and White Backsplashes
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about designing and installing black and white bathroom backsplashes:
What tile patterns work best in small bathrooms?
Opt for smaller sized tiles like mosaics, subway tiles, or penny rounds. Mini tiles create more grout lines which makes walls appear wider. Avoid 4×4 or 6×6 inch tiles which may feel overwhelming if space is tight.
Should I use polished or matte tiles?
It depends on the look you want to achieve. Polished tiles have beautiful shine and reflect more light. Matte or honed tiles have an earthier, softer feel. Combining glossy and matte can add nice contrast.
What ratio of black to white tile should I use?
An even 50/50 ratio creates the most graphic, bold impact. If that feels too stark, opt for more white than black, like a 70/30 or 60/40 ratio. White grout lines also softens the look of black tile.
How do I clean black grout lines?
Use a grout brush and grout cleaner formulated specifically for grout. Apply the product to grout lines, let it sit per directions, then scrub clean. Avoid excessive water. Wipe tiles dry to avoid streaks.
Can you use black and white floor tile on walls?
Yes, durable ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone designed for flooring can be installed on walls. TheTileShop.com and Wayfair are great sources for finding coordinating floor and wall tiles.
What tile shapes work well together?
Mixing squares, rectangles, diamonds, hexagons, circles, herringbone, and subway shapes creates captivating patterns. Transitioning from walls to floors with different shapes also adds nice definition.
How is bathroom backsplash tile installed?
Tiles are adhered to the wall over cement backerboard, waterproof drywall, or existing tile substrate, using thinset mortar. Grouting fills in seams. Consult a professional tiler if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
Black and White Bathroom Backsplashes Offer Endless Style Possibilities
A black and white monochromatic backsplash is a dramatic yet versatile design choice that injects style, creates visual impact, and works with any decor. Whether your taste runs modern, industrial, vintage, or traditional, black and white tile backsplashes offer endless ways to add a striking focal point to your bathroom. Play with bold geometric prints, natural stones, or classic patterns like subway tiles to find the perfect look for your space. With the right materials, patterns, lighting and accessories, even a small bathroom can feel open and expansive.
Let black and white tile infuse your bathroom with sophisticated, timeless elegance or eye-catching contemporary flair. With so many possible combinations of shapes, textures, materials and layouts, a black and white backsplash is sure to be a stunning showpiece you’ll enjoy for years to come.