8 Trendy Kitchen Backsplash Colors

Choosing a kitchen backsplash color can be tricky. It has to complement all the other room’s fixtures and possibly even the décor of the living and dining areas if you have an open-concept floor plan. A kitchen backsplash is also an opportunity to add some color and personality to an otherwise mostly neutral space. Here, we are sharing our favorite kitchen backsplash ideas, from a black backsplash to a metallic one to a mosaic and beyond.

Black Backsplash

Whoever said dark and moody colors do not belong in a kitchen has never seen a great black backsplash. Popular thinking says black can make a room appear smaller, but that is not necessarily true. In fact, a lot of black can go a long way. In other words, a black backsplash is a helpful space design element – it can create an illusion of the wall receding to make a kitchen look larger. A matte ceramic tile is smooth, sophisticated and available in many shapes and sizes. Prefer to go glossy? Its high shine looks lovely and reflects light. 

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Metallic Backsplash

Metallic tiles reflect light. Not only does that brighten your kitchen, but it can give your backsplash a nearly iridescent sheen. It’s also surprisingly neutral. It brings a contrasting lightness to dark cabinetry, plays well with earthy tones, and perfectly blends with whites. It adds a touch of color that is safer than a brighter hue. Opt for a herringbone or other geometric pattern to really enhance the look. Combine metallic tiles with quartz counters for a lovely jewel-esque look throughout the kitchen. 

White Backsplash

What would this list be without white? Timeless yet always on-trend, a white backsplash looks amazing in every kitchen style, from traditional and classic to luxe and modern. All-white kitchens are popular for their crisp and clean look. A white backsplash can act as a neutral background that allows painted cabinets to pop, like a rich blue or sage green. Play with texture and tile configurations to create depth and add visual interest. 

Wood Backsplash

Want something totally different? Try paneling your backsplash in wood or wood-look tile. Wood can evoke nature and add a grounded, calm feeling to your space. Choose a medium-toned wood without undertones of gray to keep things timeless. One note: choose either a wood-look ceramic/porcelain tile or choose an artificial wood with a shiny surface that is easy to wipe down. Authentic wood is possible, but would need to be sealed and maintained, which may be more work than you want to do long-term for a backsplash.

Blue Backsplash

For a non-neutral in the kitchen, consider a shade in the blue color family. Blue can evoke feelings of calm and serenity, two welcoming additions to kitchen spaces that are often buzzing with activity. Choose a hue with gray undertones to keep it on the cool side of the color wheel, or opt for a bold navy for a bright burst of color. If you live near water (or decorate like you do), a scalloped tile can mimic the movement of ocean waves. 

Multicolored Mosaic Backsplash

More households want to show off some personality in their kitchens. In a recent survey of kitchen and bathroom design professionals, bolder colors were found to be “gaining more traction” with homeowners. A mosaic tile backsplash is a great way to experiment with color and pattern in a way that keeps the design timeless and fresh. Choose from ceramic, porcelain, or glass mosaic tile in hundreds of colorways and shapes for a bespoke kitchen that is truly one of a kind. Or, if it feels too busy as a backsplash, consider what the homeowners in the photo above did: tile one side of your kitchen island with a mosaic to bring a focal point of color and pattern to the room.

Blue & White Backsplash

A blue-and-white combination is welcoming and bright, and will infuse a kitchen with energy and optimism like a breath of fresh air. Get the look with a fun backsplash that balances neutral and color in equal measure. Embellish a nautical theme with navy and white or opt for something subtle with a powder blue or a shade with gray undertones. Make this contrast the star of the show with dual-toned kitchen cabinets or a blue center island. 

Gray Backsplash

Gray is being replaced with brown as the neutral-of-choice in the design world. However, many homeowners and professionals still love the color. If you want to use gray without risking looking dated, choose a darker/warmer tone that will blend with browns and wood tones. Using large tiles or a concrete-look also maintains a modern edge. A glass tile in gray is also striking, and it allows light to bounce around the room.

Don’t Backsplash Alone

While it’s entirely possible to replace a backsplash yourself, many households are leaving this project to the pros. A professional kitchen designer or tile installer will be able to provide suggestions on color, material, and size, whether you are planning a backsplash update or a full kitchen remodel.