Introduction
Choosing the perfect backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your small kitchen. With the right design and tile choices, you can create the illusion of a larger, more expansive space. Backsplashes serve both form and function—protecting the walls from splashes and stains while also providing an opportunity to add visual interest. When working with a small kitchen, that visual interest is key to making the space appear larger.
The backsplash takes up a decent portion of real estate in a small kitchen, so selecting one that makes the space appear bigger is a smart move. Using certain tiles, patterns, layouts and colors can trick the eye, making a compact kitchen seem much more spacious. In a small kitchen, it’s all about taking advantage of what you have and choosing options that maximize and enhance the existing layout and footprint.
This guide will explore numerous backsplash design ideas that can help create the illusion of a bigger, more expansive small kitchen. From choosing the right tile sizes and patterns to utilizing color and lighting, there are many ways to make a small space shine.
Work With Longer Tiles for a Seamless Look
One of the easiest ways to make a small kitchen appear larger is to use longer tiles for the backsplash. Longer tiles have fewer grout lines, creating a more seamless, expansive look. The goal is to trick the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is. With less grout, there is less disruption on the wall.
Rectangular subway tiles are a great option. They are classic, clean, and contemporary. Go for a longer, skinnier subway tile to reduce the number of grout lines in your small kitchen backsplash. 3-inch by 6-inch is a nice proportion. Lay them in a brickwork pattern for even fewer grout lines.
Planks are another excellent choice for small kitchen backsplashes. Their lengthwise orientation draws the eye sideways, giving the illusion of width. Use 2-inch by 12-inch or 3-inch by 12-inch planks to maximize this effect. Lay them vertically or horizontally to suit your space.
Installing 12-inch by 24-inch rectangular tiles vertically can make a ceiling appear taller. Positioned horizontally, they’ll exaggerate the width of your kitchen. Large tiles like these help the eye glide smoothly across the space with little interruption.
Strategic Patterns Can Enhance the Feeling of Openness
Integrating strategic patterns into the backsplash design can also enlarge a small kitchen visually. Keep the overall scheme clean and minimalist, and use patterning sparingly to prevent overwhelming the compact space.
For example, a backsplash with a solid color as the background and a bold yet simple geometric shape or stripe can lend interest without clutter. Keep the stripe thin, around 1 inch wide, and at least 5 inches between stripes. Likewise, small-scale geometric patterns like triangles or diamonds add flair without dominating the aesthetic.
Mosaics can open up a small kitchen beautifully when done right. Opt for larger mosaic tiles and simple uniform patterns to maintain that seamless look. Penny rounds offer dimension while keeping grout lines to a minimum. Modern mosaics in soft neutral colors or coordinating glass tiles infuse texture without diminishing the sense of space.
Force the eye to move across the backsplash with these types of directional designs. Install tile patterns in horizontal rows or a brickwork layout. Vertical or stacked designs will make the space feel shorter and more confined.
Stick With Light, Reflective Colors
Color choice has a huge impact on how large a small kitchen feels. Lighter, brighter colors naturally make spaces appear bigger and more open. Soft neutrals, pale pastels, and reflective shades are ideal for maximizing space.
Stark whites and bright whites expand and enhance small kitchens. The clean, light color is endlessly reflective, bouncing light around the room. It creates a fresh, contemporary look. For soft contrast, pair with grays, beiges, and taupes.
Buttery yellows, almond, and antique white are warm options that keep things light and airy. Beiges with gray, brown, or peach undertones also work beautifully. Paint the upper cabinets a pale neutral while using a bit darker shade on the lowers for contrast.
Reflective finishes like high-gloss subway tiles infuse even more light. Polished tiles in whites, grays, and silvers mirror the space. Mix glass mosaic tiles or metallic finishes in for added radiance and dimension. Carrera marble offers that stunning white sheen.
Just be sure to balance light tiles with some color. All-white can feel sterile. Add warmth with wood accents, greenery, and pops of accent colors in appliances, stools, and décor.
Go for the Long Look with Horizontal Tiles
Laying tile horizontally maximizes the illusion of width in a small, narrow kitchen. Horizontal lines draw the eye side-to-side, playing up the length of the space. This orientation works magic at making a small kitchen appear longer than it is.
Subway tiles, planks, and mosaics all look fantastic installed horizontally. Combine various heights, widths, textures, and colors for interest. Mix in some vertical patterning as well to create defined zones within the continuous horizontal backdrop.
Using tile or stone slabs that run the entire length or width of a backsplash is another option. Minimize grout lines by cutting the material to fit, only needing seams where the backsplash ends. These long clean lines keep the look uninterrupted.
Continuing materials horizontally along adjacent walls or surfaces enhances the illusion even more. Use the same backsplash tiles on side walls or run them onto the hood surround. Take tiles all the way to the ceiling for a taller look. Extending tiles to cabinetry maintains that streamlined vibe.
Play with Scale for Trickery
Strategically playing with scale is another excellent visual trick in a small kitchen backsplash. Combining tiles of different sizes and proportions carefully can maximize the feeling of space.
Pairing thinner, smaller tiles with longer planks tricks the eye into seeing more expansiveness. Graduating tile sizes from small to large draws interest to the back of the kitchen. Inserting a few oversized tiles into a field of smaller ones makes the space around them appear bigger.
Vary grout line thickness between tiles also. Thinner grout lines allows the focus to stay on the tile while thick lines break up the pattern. Be sure to maintain proper spacing based on tile type and size. Consistently spaced grout lines keep the look cohesive.
Incorporate architectural shapes as insets for scale contrast. Octagons, honeycombs, or thin bricks can pop against a neutral field of rectangles. Continue the geometric motifs throughout décor and cabinetry for unity.
Open Shelving Provides Breathing Room
Installing floating shelves in place of upper cabinets instantly makes a small kitchen feel more spacious and less confined. The airy openness allows your eye to travel upward, enhancing the sense of height. Shelving also contributes to a lighter, brighter ambiance.
Stagger the shelves at varying levels for dimension. Try two or three shelves of different lengths, leaving plenty of open wall space. Floating corners shelves adjacent to window frames looks fresh and modern.
Continue the backsplash tile onto the open shelves to tie the whole wall together beautifully. Or switch to complementary wood shelves for warmth and texture. Then echo the tones in cabinetry, window frames, or flooring.
Style shelves minimally for a lightweight look. A few handmade pottery pieces, gleaming copper pans, or a trailing plant vine keep things airy. Glassware or dishware in the same color scheme integrates seamlessly. Avoid clutter.
Proper lighting is crucial for floating shelves. Position pendant or recessed fixtures to spotlight shelves and contents. Sconces flanking the composition illuminate while adding architectural interest.
Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Space
Nothing maximizes light and space better than the reflective power of mirrors. Install backsplashes featuring mirror tiles to magnify light and the feeling of openness in your small kitchen.
Full mirrored backsplashes create endless reflections that make a compact kitchen appear twice as big. But small splashes of mirror tiles can also do the trick. Add a few here and there within a complementary tile design. Or highlight specific areas like behind a sink or stove.
Antiqued mirror tiles offer gorgeous vintage flair. Handcrafted, opaque looking-glass tiles establish rustic charm. Clear beveled mirror tiles keep the aesthetic thoroughly modern and sleek.
Incorporate mirrors into the overall kitchen design as well. Hang a statement mirror near a window to reflect even more light. Use mirrored cabinets, a refrigerator, or stove hood to multiply visual space.
Just beware of going overboard with mirrors and creating a chaotic disjointed effect. Thoughtfully position them to maximize reflections that make the space feel larger and more continuous.
Embrace the Illusion of a Bigger Window
In a small kitchen, it’s all about taking advantage of what you have. Make the most of a window by using the backsplash to create the illusion of a larger window frame and view. This visually expands the room.
Run tiles right up to the window trim or casing on either side. Extending the backsplash to the edges of the window makes it appear wider. Continue tiles above and below the window as well for a taller vertical look.
Choose tile colors and materials that reflect and maximize natural light from the window. Glossy white subway tiles, gleaming marble, or glass mosaics showcase sunlight beautifully. Metallic tiles in copper and nickel also amplify luminosity.
Consider a graphic tiled “frame” around the window for a burst of color and interest while still enhancing the size. Or mirror tiles surrounding the window reflect light and views.
With a backsplash that frames up to the window, your eye naturally gazes out onto the expanded view. Place a planter of herbs on the sill and install a roman shade to soften and warm up the architecture.
Embrace the Sparkle of Glass Tiles
Few materials reflect light as brilliantly as glass tile. Adding glass backsplash tiles infuses radiance, luminosity, and the illusion of extra space. Glass tile projects a clean, bright ambiance.
Subway glass tile is an excellent backsplash choice for small kitchens. Its classic shape suits any style, from traditional to contemporary. The reflective nature makes the room gleam.
Mosaics with tiny glass tile pieces create dazzling patterns. Try a simple uniform mosaic for wide reflective swaths. Or make a bold statement with an intricate design as a focal backdrop behind the stove.
Glass penny tile offers retro flair. Use metallic glass penny rounds in copper, bronze, silver, or gold for a glitzy art-deco style pop. Balancing colors is key with the reflective material.
To generate more light reflection, set clear, transparent glass tiles into the design. Cloudy, frosted, and opaque glass still bounces light around but show less mirror-like reflectivity.
Choose the Right Lighting for a Spacious Glow
Proper lighting can make all the difference in how big a small kitchen feels. Bright overhead lighting combined with accenting fixtures generates an open, spacious ambiance.
Pot lights and track lighting shine directly down, casting an inviting glow on backsplashes, countertops and work areas. Spotlights illuminate specific tasks without overwhelming the compact area.
For an ambient glow, paint the ceiling a light color and install recessed can fixtures. Space cans evenly to disperse soft general lighting. Dimmer switches allow adjusting brightness as needed.
Use directional lighting to highlight particular backsplash features. Sconces or pendant lights positioned to accent shelving create definition. Under cabinet lighting illuminates surfaces and displays.
Natural light multiples spatial effects. A skylight floods the room with sunshine and feels endlessly expansive. French doors welcome luminous views and a sense of more space beyond.
Infuse Some Modern Rustic Charm
The clean lines and geometric forms of modern design merge seamlessly with raw, tactile rustic elements. This creates a welcoming and spacious ambiance perfect for a small kitchen.
Rough wood-look porcelain planks establish warm, organic texture. Natural stone mosaic tiles in creamy hues soften the setting. Pair with sleek stainless appliances and contemporary cabinetry.
Use reclaimed barn wood on floating shelves and paneled walls to generate an expanded rustic cottage feel. Contrast with crisp white cabinets and modern metal hardware.
Concrete backsplashes with inlaid wood details exude modern industrial charm. Extend the concrete look to the countertops for a streamlined, spacious aesthetic. Open metal shelving maintains the airy vibe.
Brick backsplashes embody vintage appeal but modernize well with clean finishes and white grout. Incorporate architectural salvage pieces and factory carts for character.
Accent Strategically With Color
Pops of accent colors can make a small kitchen backsplash sing. Thoughtful use of bolder hues highlights specific areas and breaks up any monotonous feel.
Use an intense shade like navy blue or emerald green on the lower third of a backsplash. Keep the upper two-thirds a light neutral. The darker color grounds the composition while the lightness expands upward.
Try a vivid mosaic tile pattern contained to just behind the stove or sink. This concentrated color becomes a focal point against calmer tiles surrounding it.
Introduce color through materials like colorful handmade tiles, painted ceramic, or smalti glass. Limiting to just a few strategically placed tiles prevents overwhelming the petite palette.
Painted cabinets in deeper hues like charcoal, navy, and forest green enrich the scheme without diminishing the light. Match upper cabinet color to backsplashes for a unified and expansive look.
Let Backsplashes Flow Seamlessly Into Other Surfaces
Unifying the entire aesthetic maximizes the spatial illusion in a small kitchen. Maintain the flow by transitioning backsplashes seamlessly into surrounding cabinetry, walls and counters.
Run the tiles all the way up to the ceiling and onto side walls for a streamlined look. Use floating or wall mounted cabinetry so tile extends behind for continuity. The same tiles flowing across multiple planes tricks the eye.
Matching countertop materials to backsplashes also enhances continuous flow. Quartz counters that mimic subway tiles or coordinating solid surfaces keep things cohesive. Natural stone slabs on both surfaces align elements.
If counters contrast strongly, blur lines with matching edging. A brick mosaic backsplash with marble pencil trim along the countertop edge softens the transition.
Painting wall cabinets, trim, and walls the same color as backsplashes ties everything together as well. Consistent finishes help various components feel unified.
Accent with Wood for Warmth
Wood adds an inherent warmth and expansiveness that opens up small spaces. Integrating natural wood elements into the backsplash ties the whole kitchen together in an airy, welcoming way.
Wood trim framing the backsplash gives a built-in look. Extended wood shelving also warms up the surroundings. Try floating shelves in a contrasting wood but matching tone to cabinetry.
Use bamboo, maple, ash, or oak strips within a backsplash design to establish cohesion. Weave them into subway tile patterns or alternate with mosaics. Horizontal wood-look planks soften the setting.
Wood beadboard makes a great backsplash material, evoking cottage charm. Pair white cabinets with pastel backsplash tiles and rustic wood accents.
Accent walls in reclaimed wood planks expand the space while infusing comfort and texture. Let an accent wall contrast with or complement the backsplash.
Go for a Green Statement Wall
Nothing greets the senses and suggests space better than the varying greens of living plants. A planted backsplash makes a bold lively statement and immediately freshens up a small kitchen.
Self-watering vertical planter systems offer amazing versatility. Choose succulents and trailing greenery to cascade down the wall. Their air-purifying abilities boost wellness.
Build out custom cubbies to hold individual planters. Leave breathing room between cubbies and supplement with ambient lighting. Mix blooming plants and leafy greens.
Use a pegboard as the base and customize plant location and arrangements. Hang planters at different heights for dimension. Let vines wander and leaves brush surfaces.
Frame out the backsplash area with wood and fill with pea gravel and river rocks. Set concrete or ceramic planters right into the gravel to root in.
Add Architectural Appeal with Textured Tiles
Tiles with intricate textures and high relief surfaces contribute incredible architectural detail. Their customized shapes and patterns carve out visual space while remaining streamlined.
Opt for textured tiles selectively behind the stove or flanking the window for targeted enhancements. Elaborate surface tiles provide beautiful contrast to otherwise sleek surroundings.
Highly tactile Moroccan tiles awaken the senses with their colorful zigzags and mosaics. Their vibrancy commands attention on an accent wall or alcove.
Concrete tiles offer both texture and cool modern refinement. Keep hues soft and use judiciously to avoid starkness. Partner with wood and marble for balance.
For an artsy pop, try hand-painted and hand-poured tiles with original glazes and finishes. Their one-of-a-kind quality energizes small kitchen backsplashes.
Open Things Up with Glass Shelving and Cabinets
Glass is inherently excellent at conveying openness and space. Incorporating glass elements into shelving, cabinets, and surfaces maximizes light-reflecting transparency.
Full glass door cabinets maintain an airy quality even while closed. Glass-front upper cabinets keep the ambiance lofty and lightweight. Open shelving allows glassware to shine.
Frosted glass adds an intriguing rippled texture while still letting light pass through. Etched glass filters light beautifully. Colored glass panes infuse jewel-toned richness.
Mirrored glass multiplies visual space within cabinet interiors. Using it on back panels reflects stored items. Glass knobs and handles continue the transparent theme.
Be sure to display beautiful dishware, glassware or decor behind glass fronts and shelves. Try LED lighting to spotlight collections through panes.
Create Definition with Niches and Shelves
Defining individual zones within a small kitchen helps divide up and expand the space visually. Built-in niches and shelving are great architectural ways to carve out specific areas.
Frame out a recessed nook to house