Kitchen backsplashes are often overlooked as a design element, but they can make a huge visual impact in any kitchen. Choosing the right backsplash involves considering factors like your kitchen’s overall style, budget, and needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best kitchen backsplash design ideas for 2023 to help make your decision easier.
An Introduction to Kitchen Backsplashes
A kitchen backsplash is a protective surface that you install on the wall behind sinks, stoves, countertops and other kitchen workspace areas. Not only are backsplashes functional and practical, protecting your walls from water splatters, oil, heat and stains, but they also provide an opportunity to add visual interest and personality to your kitchen design.
Backsplashes come in an endless array of materials, colors, patterns and textures. Glass, ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone, metal, and mosaics are some popular backsplash options. The design possibilities are virtually endless!
When selecting a backsplash, consider factors like:
- Your kitchen’s existing design scheme and color palette
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
- Moisture resistance
- Heat tolerance (if behind a stove or oven)
- Budget
- Personal style and aesthetics
A well-chosen backsplash can enhance your kitchen’s decor and style. Let’s explore some of the most popular and stylish kitchen backsplash ideas for your next remodel or new home build.
Gorgeous Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for 2023
Timeless Subway Tile
Subway tile backsplashes are a classic and timeless choice thatSuit any kitchen style, from traditional to modern. These 3″ x 6″ rectangular glossy tiles are an iconic backsplash staple.
Benefits:
- Timeless, classic look
- Budget-friendlyoption
- Easy to install in straight or diagonal patterns
- Durable and water-resistant
- Easy to cleanand maintain
- Mesh well with countertops like marble or quartz
Subway tile backsplashes have a timeless, classic look. Image Source
Jazz up basic white subway tiles with colored grout for extra pop. Gray, blue, and charcoal grey are popular grout shades. Or opt for a subway tile with built-in color variations or patterns.
Herringbone Pattern Tile
Herringbone tile patterns add visual intrigue and dimension with their zigzag design. The interlocking “V” or fishbone shape makes a statement as a kitchen backsplash. It works in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
Benefits:
- Timeless, classic zigzagdesign
- Adds depth and interest
- Can be achieved with actual herringbone tiles orstandard tiles set in a herringbone pattern
- Visually expands smaller kitchens
A herringbone tile backsplash adds lovely visual texture. Image Source
When installing a herringbone backsplash, choose a simple, single-color tile that won’toverwhelm the space. White, gray, black and beigework well.
Statement Geometric Tile
For a contemporary kitchen, make a bold statement with a geometric tile backsplash. Triangle, hexagon, diamond, or octagon-shaped tile in bold colors or patterns create drama and interest.
Benefits:
- Makes a dramatic style statement
- Captures the eye
- Fits modern, contemporary kitchen aesthetics
- Draws attention toyour backsplash over countertops
A geometric tile backsplash makes a bold style statement. Image Source
Opt for glossy tiles in a single bold color, or choose two colors for dramatic contrast.
Natural Stone Tile
For an organic yet polished look, natural stone tiles make stunning backsplashes that complement most kitchen designs. Granite, marble, travertine and slate bring natural texture and earthy elegance.
Benefits:
- Natural beauty and variation
- Available in range of colors and finishsuch as matte, honed and polished
- Water-resistant and durable
- Can be budget-friendly dependingon the stone type
- Pairs nicely with natural materials like wood cabinets
Richly-hued slate tile adds natural drama to this backsplash. Image Source
Select a stone that aligns with your kitchen’s color scheme. Softer tones like cream limestone or white marble create a light and airy look, while darker finishes like black granite or blue slate make a bold statement.
Awesome Accent Strip
Add visual intrigue with an accent tile stripe or band incorporated into your backsplash design. This eye-catching touch works with any tile style, from subway to stone.
Benefits:
- Adds color, pattern and interest
- Helps break up solid backsplash tile
- Can complement countertops
- Provides opportunity to layer in extra color and texture
An accent tile stripe energizes this white subway tile backsplash. Image Source
Use accent tiles sparingly to maximize visual effect. Place them vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Accent colors like bold red, deep green or navy make the biggest impact.
Chic Metallic Backsplash
Few designs radiate glamour and luxury like a glossy metal backsplash. Copper, brass, bronze and nickel add shine and reflect light beautifully.
Benefits:
- Mirror-like reflective surface
- Embossed or hammered metal finishes provide visual texture and interest
- Works with myriad kitchen designs from modern totraditional
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Easy to clean
Warm brass tile infuses this kitchen with glamorous shine. Image Source
For serious sparkle, choose mirrored glass tiles – especially effective behind open shelving.
Rustic Charm of Tin Backsplash
If you adore rustic, farmhouse style, a tin backsplash offers weathered, vintage appeal. Tin ceiling tiles in square and penny tile shapes work beautifully behind stoves or sinks.
Benefits:
- Rustic, old-world character
- Textured, dimensional shaped like squares, diamonds or hexagons
- Often feature charming distressed patinas
- Sturdy and water-resistant
- Budget-friendly option
Charming vintage tin tiles infuse rustic farmhouse character. Image Source
For a modern twist, opt forminimalist tin tiles in black. Or combine with white subway tile for striking contrast.
Handmade Encaustic Cement Tile
If you love one-of-a-kind style, encaustic cement tiles are an artistic backsplash choice. Cement tiles get their color and design from pigmented cement rather than glaze. Each tile is handmade, resulting in artisanal imperfection.
Benefits:
- One-of-a-kind artisanal aesthetic
- Vibrant designs and rich colors
- Great durability for kitchens
- Antimicrobial and stain resistant
- Easy to clean
Vibrant encaustic cement tiles make a stunning handcrafted backsplash. Image Source
Jazz up your backsplash with Moroccan-inspired patterns, colorful floral designs or abstract geometrics.
Versatile Glass Tile
Sleek and eye-catching, glass tile backsplashes inject shine while easy-wiping surfaces simplify maintenance. Glass tiles come in a rainbow of colors, finishes (glossy, frosted, crackled) and shapes.
Benefits:
- Adds radiant shine and elegance
- Water and stain resistant
- Easy to maintain
- Durable surface stands up to heat and moisture
- Available in endless colors and finishes
Mirrored glass tiles reflect and enhance light beautifully. Image Source
Install a sea of glass mosaic tiles or combinewith larger glass subway tiles for stylish contrast. Frosted glass mutes the shine.
Rustic Wood Plank Backsplash
Wood not only warms a backsplash with natural texture but also complements countertops like quartz and solid surface. Both reclaimed barn wood or tongue and groove planks work beautifully.
Benefits:
- Natural material warms upkitchens
- Distressed planks have vintage character
- Contrasts nicely with countertops
- Budget-friendly option
- Easy to install
A reclaimed wood backsplash has rustic warmth. Image Source
Seal wood backsplashes properly to handle moisture. Work with water-safe glues and sealers to avoid warping.
Charming Penny Tile Backsplash
Inspired by early 20th century subway tiles, penny rounds offer vintage vibe along with visual texture and dimension. Their small scale packs a design punch.
Benefits:
- Vintage appeal works in traditional to contemporarykitchens
- Multicolored penny tiles have a mosaic effect
- Adds tactile texture when youwant a tile change from subway
- Can be laid in fun patterns like herringbone
- Durable porcelain versions available
Multicolored penny tile makes a lively mosaic statement. Image Source
Use penny tiles sparingly as an accent or go bold with a sea of copper polka dots against white.
Fabulous Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles
Recreate the industrial charm of a tin ceiling with steel, plastic or foam faux tin tiles. Budget-friendly and easy to install, faux tin brings vintage character without the headaches of real metal.
Benefits:
- Affordable alternative to real tin
- Mimics charming tin ceiling look
- Super easy peel and stick application
- Moisture and rust resistant materials
- Lightweight tiles easy to cut and install
Faux tin tiles offer rustic character minus the fuss of real metal. Image Source
Pick black or colored faux tin tiles for extra flair. Install in classic patterns or unique designs.
Fabulous Faux Brick Backsplashes
Without the weight and maintenance of real bricks, faux brick veneer backsplashes capture charming vintage character. Concrete, plastic, and vinyl panels easily mount for a budget-friendly redo.
Benefits:
- Captures real brickwork aesthetic
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Quick and simple installation
- Realistic 3D brick detailing
- Moisture and stain resistant
- Affordable option for brick look
Faux brick veneer backsplashes recreate the texture of real brickwork. Image Source
Look for molded designs that recreate brick contours convincingly. Aim for peel and stick panels for true simplicity.
Backsplash Design Tips and Considerations
Now that you have plenty of backsplash design ideas to consider, let’s explore factors to keep in mind to nail your execution. Planning ahead helps ensure you backsplash complements your kitchen beautifully.
Selecting Materials
- Consider your kitchen’s overall aesthetic – should your backsplash coordinate or contrast with cabinetry finishes to make a statement?
- Factor in ease of cleaning and moisture resistance based on backsplash location. For behind a cooktop or sink, waterproof ceramic, porcelain or glass work best.
- Determine texture and shine preferences. Satin or polished finishes have high reflectivity that can brighten kitchens with soft lighting. Matte is ideal for a more muted effect.
- Weigh durability. Tiles firmly attached to substrate and sealed properly resist cracking, chipping and staining. Metals offer antimicrobial properties.
- Decide whether a DIY or pro installation is best based on your skills and design complexity.
Choose the Right Color Palette
- Take design cues from existing elements like cabinetry, countertops, appliances or flooring so your backsplash enhances the overall space.
- Factor in how much natural light your space receives. Warm saturated hues like deep reds may get visually overwhelming in small, low-light kitchens.
- A monochromatic color scheme using tonal shades of one color can be cohesive and chic.
- For drama, go bold with contrasting colors. Pair deep navy blue with polished brass accents for a luxe look.
- Neutrals like white and gray create an airy, open look and pair seamlessly with most cabinetry. Use texture and sheen to add interest.
Select the Right Style
- Match backsplash design style with your kitchen’s overall aesthetic – traditional, contemporary, rustic, etc. Subway tiles suit traditional cottage styles charmingly while faceted glass dazzles in modern spaces.
- Consider your choice of sink and faucet finishes to allow cohesive coordination. A polished chrome sink pops against brushed metal subway tiles.
- Backsplash height and positioning influence visual appeal. Extending tiles to the ceiling draws the eyes up while capping tiles along the countertop line provides contrast.
- Incorporate design motifs that tie in with other architectural details and decor. For example, Spanish style patterns for a kitchen with arched entries or industrial metal and ri