50 Stylish Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Your kitchen backsplash offers endless opportunities to express your style in your kitchen. The truth is, backsplashes that are intended to protect your walls from food splashes can also be a conversation piece.

 Whether you’re enjoying a tranquil moment by yourself or entertaining guests, the right kitchen interior design can set the mood for your day. Pick a calming color scheme like whites and light blues, or, for a more daring design, add a bright mosaic tile backsplash. No matter the style you choose, your backsplash can make a statement in your kitchen.  

You can install your own kitchen backsplash or get the perfect fit from a pro. No matter how you want to enhance your space, there’s a creative kitchen backsplash idea for you.

Subway Tiles

Subway tile backsplashes are as versatile as they are plentiful. Try a subway tile backsplash in any style or color you can imagine.

1. Subway Tile with Black Grout

Try breaking up white kitchen cabinets with a dash of black. White subway tiles with black grout provide some classic contrast while sticking to your color scheme. As a bonus, black grout is easy to clean, and will hide cooking stains and natural wear-and-tear. 

2. Beveled Subway Tile

Beveled white subway tiles are ideal for a modern kitchen backsplash. For a new slant on a timeless look, try beveled subway tiles with a glossy finish. Paired with green lower cabinetry, this backsplash gives your countertops more dimension. 

3. Subway Tile Picture Frame

Do more with less! A simple white subway tile can go a long way if you get creative. This picture frame design with a herringbone pattern is made entirely of subway tile and rail molding. There are a dozen different patterns you can create with a simple rectangular tile.    

4. Glossy Subway Tile Backsplash

Trying to brighten up a modern kitchen? Try a white subway tile with a glossy finish. Adding white gloss tiles between dark cabinetry can make a small kitchen feel bigger and brighter. 

5. Colored Subway Tile Backsplash

Subway tiles come in every color and finish imaginable. This subway tile backsplash with a matte finish in this efficient galley kitchen lends a vintage, exposed-brick feel. Colored subway tiles are an inexpensive way to add a pop of color to your kitchen.

6. Vertical Subway Tiles

Installing subway tiles vertically instead of the traditional horizontal arrangement adds a modern and unique touch to a backsplash. The vertical orientation draws the eyes upward, elongating tight spaces and adding extra visual interest. Choose contrasting grout colors or use colored subway tiles for added impact.

7. Subway Tiles with Metallic Accents

Introduce a touch of glimmer and shine to your backsplash by incorporating subway tiles with metallic accents. These tiles feature a metallic finish or metallic flecks for added texture. The reflective qualities of the metallic tiles add depth and sparkle, creating a luxurious look.

8. Subway Tiles with a Crackle Finish

Subway tiles with a crackle glaze finish add vintage charm and an aged look to your backsplash. The crackled appearance adds character and texture, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timeless appeal. This weathered effect complements farmhouse, cottage, or similar aesthetics, infusing your space with a rustic yet elegant ambiance.

Faux and Natural Stone 

The path to achieving a modern and elegant look is often paved with marble.

9. Marble Backsplash

A marble backsplash makes any kitchen look and feel expensive. For homeowners who want a backsplash that is both beautiful and easy to clean, a marble backsplash is a popular choice.   

Whether you go for natural stone or a man-made substitute, slab backsplashes can be hard to install. We recommend hiring a pro to help you get the right cut and proper installation. 

10. Marble-Look Quartz

Marble-look quartz is a popular choice for modern kitchens. With all the looks and benefits of natural stone, quartz is usually a stone composite allowing for beautiful color blends. An interior designer can help you pick the perfect color, pattern, and fit for your kitchen. 

11. Carrara Marble Subway Tile

For a modern spin on traditional interior design, try Carrara marble subway tiles. You can use a pencil liner to add a picture frame in a different pattern. Employ a matching marble tile in a herringbone pattern to create a focal point that will give your kitchen that extra “wow” factor.

12. Layered Stone

Layered stone backsplashes bring the beauty of nature indoors. Each stone layer contributes to a rich and dynamic collage of textures, creating a sense of depth and interest on the wall. Whether it's a mix of different stones or layers of the same stone in varying sizes, layered stone backsplashes can bring a natural and earthy feel to a space.

13. Faux Cobblestones

For a unique and vintage-inspired backsplash, consider faux cobblestone tiles. These tiles replicate the look of old-world cobblestones, adding a touch of historic charm to your kitchen or bathroom.

14. Faux Brick

Faux brick veneers recreate the look and feel of real brick while being much easier to install and maintain. Made from materials like high-quality vinyl or tile, they are much lighter and less expensive than a real brick installation. These add an urban, industrial feel to a space, perfectly accenting rustic, farmhouse, urban loft, and similar styles.

Glamorous Glass Backsplash

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, a glass or mirror backsplash can help give the illusion that the room is bigger than it really is.

15. Mirror Backsplash

Want to make a small kitchen look bigger? Try white cabinetry and a mirror backsplash. This combination is eye-catching and makes a small space sparkle.

16. Antiqued Mirror

For a reflective look that’s less intense and much easier to keep clean, opt for an antique mirror tile backsplash. This type of backsplash features mirrors with an aged and weathered appearance, achieved through a process of distressing and etching the glass. The result is a unique and stunning effect that adds depth, character, and antique charm.

17. Solid Glass Backsplash

Create a focal point in your kitchen with a bold statement backsplash made of solid colored glass. A dark blue glass backsplash looks gorgeous against white cabinets or white walls.  

Choose any color that suits your room! These backsplashes are a little trickier to install—especially if you choose to cover a large area—so you should consider hiring an interior designer for the best results.

18. Painted Glass

A painted glass backsplash is colorful and reflective to brighten the surrounding space. With this option, a glass panel is painted on the backside, creating a colorful depth with a smooth and glossy surface. The painted glass allows you to choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, or even hand-painted designs to match your unique style and decor.

19. Glass Mosaic with Square Tiles

Small square tiles are ideal for creating a mosaic backsplash to fit any color scheme. Choose mosaic tiles to complement your existing color scheme, or make an intricate pattern pop against white cabinets.  

20. Glass Mosaic With Rectangular Tiles

Glass tiles come in an assortment of shapes and colors. Try mixing in a rectangular tile to make your mosaic more dynamic. An interior designer can help you mix and match to customize a mosaic backsplash that works for your kitchen. 

Creative Tile Shapes

Creative tile shapes are a great choice for homeowners who want to make an impact without breaking the bank. 

21. Hexagon Tiles

Being choosy about your tile shape is another way to create a stylish statement that draws the eye. Whether you’re filling a small space or a large area, an unusual tile shape can break up straight lines and create natural contrast.  

22. Elongated Hexagon Tiles

This elongated hexagon tile gives a timeless subway tile feel while adding a touch of modern kitchen design. The black grout breaks up the white tiles and cabinetry for a twist on a timeless favorite. 

23. Penny Tile Backsplash

This penny tile backsplash adds texture and a vintage feel to a two-tone kitchen. The choice of gray gives this backsplash an almost metallic look that will brighten up your kitchen and reflect natural light. 

24. Fish Scale Tiles

This flashy fish scale tile is an interior designer's dream when they’re looking to create a kitchen focal point. An unusual shape and color naturally draw the eye to even the smallest of areas.   

25. Geometric Backsplash

A geometric backsplash made of diamond-shaped tiles will stand out in simple, modern kitchens. Plus, there’s no need to spend a lot of money when you can implement a simple backsplash with just the right amount of artistic flair, like this one. Colored grout can add extra contrast and heighten the illusion. 

Mosaic Backsplash

Make the most of your kitchen backsplash ideas with a custom mosaic for individualized interior design.   

26. Mix Modern and Traditional

This gray-and-white backsplash mixes modern and traditional interior design. It’s a striking color combo like this one, in striped marble tile, that can wrap around a modern white kitchen and make it all the more chic. The contrasting mosaic picture frame here gives the kitchen a nice focal point.  

27. Crest Pattern

This modern crest-pattern mosaic mixes porcelain, ceramic, and iridescent glass. Mosaic backsplashes that blend with the existing color schemes are a plus. With a mosaic backsplash, you can always add some iridescence to your day without compromising your personal aesthetics. 

28. Mixed Materials

The beauty of a mosaic backsplash is that an interior designer can help you mix and match to find a custom fit for any kitchen. This custom mosaic backsplash uses a mix of natural stone tile and metallic flare to find harmony between white walls, dark wood cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. 

Tile Patterns

Tile patterns can also come in printed tile, or you can create them with your tile layout. No matter what tile you're working with, tile patterns can take your kitchen to the next level. 

29. Chevron Pattern

Want to make an impact in a small kitchen? Even if you only have a small space, this silver chevron pattern stands out against white cabinetry. Chevron is chic in traditional color schemes and custom colors alike. 

30. Herringbone Pattern

This backsplash is a timeless example of marble tile in a herringbone pattern. It complements the white cabinets while giving the kitchen a light airy feel. The blue kitchen island blends beautifully with the white walls to give this kitchen a seaside feel.  

31. Vertically Stacked

Vertically stacked tile—also called soldier pattern—gives your kitchen backsplash a neat, linear look. This classic white kitchen looks elegant and tidy with shiny gold accents.

32. Pinwheel

Pinwheel backsplashes have a combination of square and small rectangular tiles that create a pinwheel-like pattern. The spiral textures brings a unique and eye-catching effect to a tile backsplash.

33. Diagonal

On a diagonal tile backsplash, tiles are set on a diagonal angle for an interesting and dynamic visual design. This setup adds a sense of movement and visual interest to the backsplash.

34. Basketweave

Basketweave patterned backsplashes feature interlocking square and rectangular tiles that form a woven pattern. The interesting and unique texture complements a variety of styles, from contemporary to vintage.

35. Random

For this backsplash idea, tiles of different shapes, sizes, and colors are randomly arranged, resulting in an eclectic and artistic backsplash. Styles and color options are endless, giving free rein to create any pattern imaginable.

Patterned Tiles 

Printed or painted tiles are an ideal way to get a custom feel for less. They are usually made of porcelain or ceramic, and they come in lots of styles.  

36. Hand-Painted Ceramic

Options abound with hand-painted ceramic tiles! Shades of pink, purple, and light gray give this kitchen a homey feel. If you’re creating your own pattern, painted ceramic tile is incredibly flexible. Customize your tile to create the interior design that’s just right for your home. 

37. Patterned Hexagons

These purple patterned porcelain tiles are a stand out in any kitchen. Printed porcelain makes a splash against white cabinets and is easy to clean compared to a hand-painted pattern. 

38. Mosaic-Print Porcelain

Mosaic-print porcelain tiles are another standout style. Get a custom mosaic look for a more affordable price and an easier install.

39. Floral Pattern

If you can’t get enough of your garden or fresh-cut flowers from the market, floral tiles can recreate the cheerful look of flowers year-round. This whimsical backsplash idea creates a cheerful and inviting ambiance. It works harmoniously with various decor styles, from vintage and cottage to modern and eclectic.

Metal Backsplash Ideas

Metal backsplashes offer a sleek, modern, and versatile option for kitchen design.

40. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel backsplashes are a timeless choice that complements a variety of kitchen styles, from contemporary to industrial. The sleek and reflective surface of stainless steel adds a modern and sophisticated touch to the space. Its durability and resistance to heat and moisture make it a practical and easy-to-clean option that’s perfect for busy kitchens.

41. Copper

A copper backsplash adds warmth and a touch of elegance, developing a beautiful patina over time. The natural reddish-brown tones of copper create a rich and luxurious look, making it a standout feature in any kitchen. As it ages, copper deepens in color, adding to its charm and uniqueness.

42. Bronze

Bronze provides a rich, earthy tone and a unique alternative to traditional metal backsplashes. With its warm and golden hues, a bronze backsplash brings a sense of luxury and sophistication to the kitchen. Over time, the bronze may develop a patina, enhancing its rustic appeal.

43. Metal Mosaic

A metal mosaic backsplash combines various metal finishes for a stunning and dynamic design. The intricate patterns and textures of the metal tiles add visual interest and create a captivating focal point. The play of light on the metallic surfaces adds depth and dimension to the backsplash, enhancing the overall ambiance of the kitchen.

44. Corrugated Metal

Perfect for an industrial or rustic-themed kitchen, a corrugated metal backsplash adds texture and character to the space. The rugged, wavy surface of corrugated metal brings an edgy and urban look to the space. It pairs well with reclaimed wood or concrete elements, creating a raw and industrial-inspired kitchen design.

Out-of-the-Box Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

If the standard backsplash materials don’t match your personal style, get creative with some funky alternatives and let your flair speak for itself.

45. Counter-to-Ceiling Tiled Backsplash

This counter-to-ceiling tiled backsplash is a perfect example of creative interior design. The black tiles accent the white to create a border and draw your eye to the statement range hood. The stainless steel and black tile background contrast with the white walls for a stunning focal point.  

46. Checkered Backsplash

For a vintage feel, try a checkered backsplash. This style is easy to achieve with any square ceramic tiles—just choose colors that complement your existing fixtures. If you’re in the mood to DIY, you can even paint your cabinets to match.

47. Shiplap Backsplash

Tile isn’t the only choice when it comes to your backsplash—you can always keep pre-existing features like exposed brick or trendy shiplap. Shiplap is also a great DIY option, or you could have a pro install it for you in a tight space. This blue-and-white color scheme lends a nautical feel, with shiplap adding the finishing touch.

48. Reclaimed Wood

A reclaimed wood backsplash brings a rustic and eco-friendly charm to your kitchen or bathroom. Using salvaged wood from barns, old buildings, or pallets, this backsplash option showcases the wood's unique weathered and aged appearance. Each piece of reclaimed wood carries a history, adding character and warmth to the space.

49. Chalkboard

A chalkboard backsplash is a creative and functional choice that allows you to personalize your space. This interactive surface lets you write messages, jot down recipes, or create art right on the backsplash. Chalkboard paint can be applied to various materials, such as wood or metal, to achieve the chalkboard effect.

50. Cork

A cork backsplash is an eco-friendly choice that adds tons of warmth and texture to a space. Made from the renewable bark of cork oak trees, this material is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Its soft and resilient surface also serves as a convenient pinboard for notes, recipes, or photos, making it both stylish and practical.