A brown kitchen backsplash can bring a natural, earthy warmth to your cooking space. With so many shades of brown to choose from, you can easily find the perfect tone to complement your cabinets, countertops, and overall design aesthetic. Read on to explore all the stylish possibilities a brown backsplash has to offer!
Why Choose A Brown Backsplash?
There are many reasons to consider a brown backsplash for your kitchen remodel or redesign:
- Warm and cozy vibes – Shades of brown evoke soothing, natural elements like wood, leather, coffee, or cocoa. It brings an inviting, cozy ambiance.
- Complements wood cabinets – A brown backsplash beautifully matches and accentuates wood cabinetry. The tones highlight the wood’s natural grain.
- Accentuates granite or quartz – Brown hues often coordinate well with popular countertop materials like granite, quartz, or marble. It ties the full space together.
- Versatile neutral – Brown is an extremely versatile neutral. It’s easy to find brown tones that work with any color scheme from bold primaries to pastels to sophisticated neutrals.
- Distinct from white – A brown backsplash stands out from the increasingly popular all-white kitchen aesthetic. It makes for a unique, memorable statement.
- Available designs – Brown backsplashes can be created with ceramic tile, porcelain, glass tile, metal tile, stone slab, or even wood. The available materials and patterns are nearly endless!
Shades of Brown for Backsplashes
The range of brown shades and undertones available means you can find the ideal match for your kitchen design:
Light & Neutral Browns
Soft, pale browns work beautifully for a subtle backsplash that blends into the overall kitchen aesthetic. Consider options like:
- Tan
- Fawn
- Cream
- Khaki
- Buff
- Beige
- Mocha
- Latte
- Chocolate Milk
These muted shades pair well with both warm and cool color schemes and materials like marble, wood, or stainless steel.
Medium & Transitional Browns
The mid-range brown tones can add a transitional look, sitting in the middle of the light and dark ends of the brown palette. Explore medium shades like:
- Milk chocolate
- Hazelnut
- Chestnut
- Walnut
- Pecan
- Almond
- Toasted coconut
- Taupe
- Driftwood
These adaptable neutrals work with classic to modern styles and most granite, wood, or painted cabinets.
Dark, Bold & Vibrant Browns
Deep, cocoa browns make a bold statement and instantly warm up a space. Consider nearly-black hues such as:
- Espresso
- Coffee bean
- Chocolate
- Cocoa
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Café au lait
- Macchiato
- Truffle
Pair these dramatic shades with white cabinets, stainless steel, or stark colorful accents for striking contrast.
Warm, Reddish Browns
The brown family also includes shades with a distinct reddish or russet undertone. These earthy hues include:
- Rust
- Terracotta
- Adobe
- Tuscan red
- Chestnut
- Mahogany
- Merlot
- Clay
- Sienna
Choose these backsplash colors to complement cherry or other reddish wood cabinetry for a harmonious look.
Cool, Grayish Browns
On the other side of the spectrum, brown can take on a cooler, grayer tone. Options like these add a subtle dash of color while still looking neutral:
- Taupe
- Slate
- Ash
- Mineral
- Driftwood
- Greige
- Stone
- Shadow
- Mushroom
Pair these with grays, blues, greens, or other cool metals and materials for a harmonious, balanced kitchen palette.
Backsplash Ideas for Popular Brown Shades
Now let’s explore backsplash inspirations and ideas for specific shades of brown:
Creamy Beige Brown Backsplash
A creamy beige brown evokes warm neutral elements like sand, suede, or light wood. To use this versatile, pale brown shade:
- Choose subway tiles or rectangular solid tiles for a classic backsplash layout.
- Pair with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances to allow the brown shade to stand out.
- Accent with white grout lines so the tile color pops.
- Mix in some tiles with veining or mottling for visual texture and interest.
- Extend the tiles to below the upper cabinets for a full backsplash effect.
[example cream beige brown backsplash image]
Frothy Cappuccino Brown Backsplash
The airy tan color of a frothy cappuccino makes an approachable brown for any style kitchen. Try these tips:
- Opt for glossy ceramic or porcelain tiles rather than matte for a sheen that mimics steamed milk.
- Use a mix of solid tiles and those with swirling painterly designs.
- Introduce warm metals like brass fixtures, lighting, or cabinet hardware.
- Choose a deep brown grout that provides definition between the tiles.
[example cappuccino backsplash image]
Sleek Espresso Brown Backsplash
For an ultra-modern take, make a bold statement with nearly-black espresso brown tiles:
- Look for oversized formats like 12×24″ subway tiles or wide planks.
- Arrange in an offset, brickwork, or herringbone layout for contemporary style.
- Use several shades from dark brown to black for a blended yet dramatic effect.
- Consider tiles that mimic natural materials like wood or leather for rich texture.
- Pair with bright white cabinets, stainless steel, or pops of vibrant color for striking contrast.
[espresso brown backsplash example image]
Rustic Sepia Brown Backsplash
Embrace farmhouse charm with a sepia-toned backsplash:
- Select natural stone like granite, marble, or travertine slabs in warm, rustic earth tones.
- Arrange a decorative mosaic for added visual interest.
- Mix in reclaimed wood shelves or accents for eclectic flair.
- Set against crisp white cabinetry or exposed brick walls for old world ambiance.
- Use copper, bronze, or antique brass hardware and fixtures to complement.
[sepia brown backsplash inspiration image]
Minimalist Taupe Brown Backsplash
For a pared-down modern aesthetic, work with a taupe brown shade:
- Choose matte finish tiles in a seamless linear look.
- Use extra large tiles or porcelains planks installed in a sleek stacked pattern.
- Opt for taupe grout to blend in rather than contrast.
- Illuminate with hidden LED lighting strips for ambiance.
- Pair with cabinets, countertops, and metals in similar muted, neutral tones.
[taupe brown backsplash image]
Textured Cocoa Brown Backsplash
Rich cocoa brown instantly sets a moody, upscale tone. For texture:
- Select tiles with dimensional surfaces like handmade ceramics, crackled glaze, or pebbled textures.
- Introduce other materials like wrought iron, wood, or woven rattan for depth.
- Arrange tiles in a varied pattern or medley for intrigue.
- Use light grout to allow the tile textures to shine.
- Consider open shelving in wood tones to complement the backsplash.
[textural cocoa backsplash photo]
Weathered Driftwood Brown Backsplash
The soft grayish-brown patina of weathered driftwood evokes coastal or cottage style. Capture this look with:
- Porcelain planks made to mimic reclaimed wood’s grain, knots, cracks and imperfections.
- Actual reclaimed wood boards installed creatively as a backsplash.
- Muted gray-brown ceramic tiles with subtle variegation.
- A mix of stone, tile, and wood materials for eclectic charm.
- Traditional touches like beadboard, imaginative open shelving, or shiplap inserts.
[weathered driftwood brown backsplash]
Backsplash Tile Material Options
To achieve your ideal brown backsplash, consider which material best complements your kitchen style:
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles offer versatility at an affordable price point. Choose brown shades with:
- Matte, satin, or glossy finishes
- Classic subway tiles or creative mosaic shapes
- Intricate designs from geometric patterns to natural stone looks
Porcelain is less prone to chipping and water damage. Both materials are easy to clean, durable, and come in countless brown varieties.
Natural Stone Tile
For a high-end look, natural stone like marble, travertine, or granite pairs beautifully with brown cabinets. Pros:
- Genuine elegance and timeless appeal
- Unique stone veins, whirls, and flaws provide intrinsic texture
- Withstands heat and is naturally water-resistant
- Can be honed, tumbled, or polished for different finishes
Cons include higher cost and heavy weight requiring professional installation expertise.
Glass Tile
Glass tiles lend an ultra-modern yet organic feel, with these advantages:
- Nearly endless brown and metallic color variations
- Mimics the shine and depth of natural gems
- Distinctly smooth, glossy or frosted glass-like texture
- Allows light to pass through for a luminous effect
- Resilient and waterproof
Use care with heavy cast iron or stone cookware that could shatter glass.
Metal Tile
For dramatic flair, metal tiles in brown finishes add industrial edge. Consider:
- Rusted, weathered, and oxidized metal looks
- Real or faux wrought iron, copper, bronze and tin
- A wide range of metallic sheens from matte to polished
- Powder-coated colors like oil-rubbed bronze
- Intricate textures from diamond plate to custom prints
Metal may dent if subjected to impact and requires special cutters. But it makes a serious style statement!
Wood Plank Tile
Wood-look plank tile recreates rustic hardwood charm on an impervious backsplash surface. Benefits include:
- Looks and feels like real wood minus maintenance
- Mimics oak, cedar, maple, teak, and other wood grains
- No splintering, sealing, or needing to avoid water/moisture
- Provides variation in color and knotty texture
- Can cut and install just like ceramic or porcelain tiles
This wood lookalike suits farmhouse, cottage, craftsman, and eclectic spaces.
Stone Slab
For organic richness, natural stone slabs like granite, marble, soapstone, or travertine have unique allure. Consider:
- Honed, polished, flamed, or leathered stone finishes
- One-of-a-kind veins and whorls
- Withstands heat and is naturally water-resistant
- Can make a statement as a full slab or be cut into tile
- Matches countertops available in the same stone
Stone’s weight and potential staining require careful sealing and maintenance.
Creative Brown Backsplash Design Layouts
With your perfect brown tile or material selected, now arrange them into an eye-catching backsplash design. Consider these captivating layout options:
Stacked
Installing longer, thinner rectangular subway tiles or wood planks in a stacked pattern provides clean lines and visual height. Avoid over-cluttering the space.
[stacked brown backsplash photo]
Brick
A classic brickwork layout sets rows of tiles in a staggered, offset pattern mimicking stacked bricks. This adds depth and geometry.
[brick brown backsplash inspo image]
Herringbone
For visual intrigue, set elongated tiles in an angled herringbone motif. This symmetrical zig-zag pattern pulls the eye across the space dynamically.
[herringbone brown backsplash pic]
Geometric
Make a statement by using angled tiles or mosaic sheets to create geometric forms like chevrons, arrows, diamonds, hexagons, or triangular peaks.
[geometric brown backsplash image]
Ombre
Create a soothing ombre effect by blending tiles in graduated shades of brown, from dark to light or warm beige to deep cocoa. The organic look adds movement.
[ombre brown backsplash photo]
Patterned
Some tile varieties feature intricate patterning. Use these judiciously as bold focal points amidst solid tiles or on one section of the backsplash only.
[patterned brown backsplash inspo]
Eclectic
For cottage charm, combine an assortment of different brown tiles with alternate materials like wood shelves, wrought iron, or woven accents for an eclectic collage.
[eclectic brown backsplash image]
Mosaic
Tiny mosaic tiles lend visual richness when applied across an entire wall or just a single section. Opt for mesh-mounted mosaics for easiest installation.
[brown mosaic backsplash inspiration]
With everything from neutral to bold shades and countless materials, patterns and layouts to play with, the possibilities are endless for a brown kitchen backsplash that brings natural warmth to your cooking space!
Brown Backsplash Ideas with Different Cabinet Colors
The shade of your existing kitchen cabinetry will influence which brown backsplash colors coordinate best. Here are brown backsplash ideas for popular cabinet colors:
Brown Backsplash with Espresso Cabinets
For a monochromatic scheme, match an espresso brown backsplash with rich espresso cabinets.
- Use a slightly lighter or darker tile brown than the cabinet color.
- Opt for glossy tiles that reflect light and add dimension.
- Accent with metallic pendants, stainless steel, or stone countertops.
[espresso cabinets with brown backsplash photo]
Brown Backsplash with Black Cabinets
Ground stark black cabinets with an earthy brown backsplash.
- Choose a mid-tone brown like milk chocolate or coffee.
- Pair with white quartz countertops to keep the space bright.
- Add wood open shelving for warmth.
[black cabinets and brown backsplash image]
Brown Backsplash with White Cabinets
Crisp white cabinetry allows a brown backsplash tile to take center stage.
- Pick any shade of brown from light camel to dark espresso brown.
- Use white grout lines and lighting to highlight the tile tones and textures.
- Consider a third coordinating color like navy blue for accents.
[white cabinets brown backsplash inspiration]
Brown Backsplash with Gray Cabinets
For a unified neutral palette, match brown backsplash tile to gray cabinets.
- Select brown and gray tones in the same color family, with similar undertones.
- Install subway tiles vertically to draw the eye up and make the space feel taller.
- Splash other neutrals like white or black on the backsplash too.
[gray cabinets with brown backsplash pic]
Brown Backsplash with Wood Cabinets
Complement the rich grain of wood cabinetry by pairing it with brown backsplash tile.
- Choose a brown backsplash in a similar shade or slightly lighter than the cabinets.
- Warm up the space with natural stone or reclaimed wood accents.
- Use bronze, gold, or antique brass hardware and fixtures to tie together.
[wood cabinet and brown backsplash combination photo]
Enhance Brown Backsplash with Countertops
Your counters and backsplash should work in tandem. Here are ideas for countertops that coordinate beautifully with brown backsplash tile:
Brown Backsplash with White Quartz Countertops
Crisp white quartz makes brown backsplash tones pop.
- A light beige or tan brown backsplash prevents too much contrast with the white.
- Darker chocolate brown backsplash works with a quartz incorporating brown, gray, or black veining.
Brown Backsplash with Granite Countertops
Earthy granite countertops blend seamlessly with brown backsplash tile.
- Select granite slabs in shades of brown, beige, cream, or taupe that pick up the backsplash coloring.
- Allow the brown and gold flecks in the granite to shine by pairing with a solid brown tile.
Brown Backsplash with Marble Countertops
The natural patterns of marble coordinate effortlessly with brown backsplash tile.
- Choose marble veined in shades like caramel, cocoa, cappuccino, or honey.
- Pair with brown tile that reflects the background color of the marble stone.
Brown Backsplash with Butcher Block Countertop
For an all-wood kitchen, match brown backsplash tile to a butcher block countertop.
- Complement reclaimed, wooden butcher block with ceramic tiles mimicking wood planks in a similar stain.
- Use actual wooden boards on the backsplash for a harmonized look.
Brown Backsplash with Concrete Countertops
Industrial concrete countertops work with brown backsplash when you pick an integrated color scheme.
- Choose concrete in natural earthy hues like sand, stone, or slate.
- Find brown backsplash tile in a matching soft brown, taupe, or mushroom shade.
FAQs About Brown Kitchen Backsplashes
Still have questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about backsplashes in shades of brown:
Is a brown backsplash outdated?
Far from outdated, brown is a classic neutral shade perfect for both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs. The natural, welcoming tone suits any style.
What color cabinets go well with a brown backsplash?
Brown backsplashes pair beautifully with natural wood cabinetry as well as white, black, or gray. Coordinate backsplash and cabinet colors in harmonizing shades.
Should the countertop or backsplash match the cabinets?
It’s most important for countertops and backsplash to match each other. They’ll serve as a cohesive backdrop for cabinets in a coordinating color.