No kitchen design is complete without a stylish backsplash. When you have white cabinets, a backsplash is a perfect way to add pops of color without overpowering the design. We’ve put together a list of 21 white kitchen backsplash ideas to give your kitchen a fresh makeover.
White Kitchen Backsplashes Ideas
1. Decorative Taupe
Using neutral colors with white cabinets is the perfect way to prevent your kitchen from feeling sterile and unwelcoming. Taupe is a fantastic complement to white kitchens to add a touch of class.
Bring your design a step further by choosing a decorative-shaped tile, such as a medallion or diamond design. The size of the space you’re covering will help you choose the right size and shape.
2. Herringbone Pattern
An easy, affordable way to give your white kitchen contrast to prevent looking washed out is to lay the backsplash in a herringbone pattern. You can use standard subway tiles, which come in a range of colors and finishes.
And because subway tiles come in various sizes, you can pick a size that fits with your kitchen space. Top with colored or white grout to complement the color of your tiles.
3. Sea Glass Look
Creating a sea glass backsplash can tie together a coastal kitchen. Typical beachy colors go well with white, providing pops of color that won’t be distracting.
You can make sea glass by breaking up glass bottles or tinted mason jars in shades of seafoam green, turquoise, and blue. Then place the pieces onto a layer of tile adhesive applied to the wall using a notched trowel.
Editor’s note: Check out this DIY tutorial for more information about making a DIY sea glass backsplash.
4. Neutral Chevron
If you prefer a more neutral look that offers subtle color contrast to your white cabinets, try a classic chevron pattern, using understated colors like light gray, gold, and white.
The contrast of colors will create an elegant focal piece with wood counters and brass hardware.
5. Hexagon Marble
If you’re looking to jump onto the trend wagon, you’ll want to consider a hexagon marble backsplash. This design gives your kitchen a clean, elegant feel that goes great with white.
Many people feel apprehension about DIY installing hexagon marble. But there’s no reason to when you can buy peel and stick tiles, with the hexagon pattern already applied.
6. Classic Subway Tile
Nothing complements a kitchen backsplash better than classic subway tiles. This style is a signature feature of farmhouse chic, although it can also work with modern, contemporary, and traditional style kitchens.
Subway tile owes much of its trending popularity to HGTV interior decorator Joanna Gaines. Like the lady, these tiles will never go out of style. Give a touch of color contrast by using gray grout.
7. Gold Grout
If you’re wanting to add some glam to your white kitchen, how about using gold grout over white tiles? Or you can choose tiles with gold flecks.
Complete your glitzy design with gold hardware and complimentary lighting.
8. Brown Glass
Brown is another neutral color that can add contrast to white cabinets without being loud and overpowering.
Choosing glass tiles in subtle browns can give your space depth and texture while being simple and understated.
9. Mod Design
To achieve a mid-century modern design, find tiles with mod designs. Sites like Wayfair or stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot carry multiple designs.
10. Removable Wallpaper
Installing a backsplash can be expensive and time-consuming. Depending on the look you want, you may have to hire a contractor rather than DIY. If you’re going to give your kitchen a temporary makeover while you’re saving up for the significant expense, try removable wallpaper.
There is a wide variety of textures, colors, and patterns, including some designs that will look like traditional kitchen backsplashes. However, this option wouldn’t be the best option for splash zones.
11. Adhesive Stick Ons
Not a fan of wallpaper? Adhesive stick-on tiles are the easiest DIY way to create a stunning backsplash. As with regular tiles, you have various shapes, colors, patterns, and materials, including vinyl (most common), glass, stone, or metal.
There’s no need for tools or tricky installation. Peel the paper off the back and put each piece in place on your wall. The adhesive on the back will keep the tiles in place, even for around water.
12. Grey Retro
Gray is a color that compliments white, no matter what shade you choose. If you want to keep your white kitchen looking airy and bright, gray is the solution you need without the distraction of bright color.
Picking a retro design in gray is an elegant way to give your kitchen character and a unique feature. You’re sure to be the envy of all your company.
13. Iridescent Tiles
Iridescent tiles aren’t for everyone, but they’re sure to be a favorite for many who like shimmer and sparkle. This type of tile will have different hues and looks from various angles, giving you a wall that will never get boring.
White iridescent tiles offer a pearly shimmer, while light blue offers subtle colors. Or go bold with a deep blue with pink and purple accents.
14. Matte Blue
Matte blue is a great color to add a soothing color that compliments white cabinets without looking out of place. The matte finish means these tiles won’t have a shiny, glossy surface, allowing for understated pops of color.
15. Black and White
Black and white is a color combination that never goes out of style. No matter the changing trends of what’s in for backsplashes, one with this color scheme will always shine. There’s no right or wrong way to do these tiles – decorative, checkerboard, or mosaics.
16. Touch of Pink
Choosing pastel colors like light pink provides subtle color to break up an all-white kitchen. Shades like dusty rose or pastel pink offer a soft, warm look. Complete the design with gold hardware and gray walls.
17. Calming Turquoise
Turquoise is another subtle color choice that won’t be over the top but adds more contrast than warm pastels like pink. Pair turquoise tiles with navy blue accents and nickel hardware.
18. Pebble Look
Pebble backsplashes can resemble stone pebbles while being made of porcelain or ceramic. These stones look great with white cabinets for a country cottage or rustic feel.
19. Classic Stone in a Unique Shape
Want to have something different than all your friends and neighbors? Consider classic stone tiles cut into unique shapes, such as leaves, ovals, or long strips.
20. Brick
Brick is a fantastic way to add warmth and texture to a predominately white room. Not all will enjoy this look, but it works well for industrial, European farmhouse, or rustic themes. Bronze accents and stainless steel appliances complete the look.
21. Fish Scale
For a jaw-dropping factor, choose fish scale tiles. These scallop tiles make a statement that gives character to white cabinets.
You can get traditional materials like marble cut into rounded tiles that add slight pops of color contrast of gray.
Factors to Consider
When trying to decide on the perfect tile for your kitchen, consider these factors. Having specific criteria helps you narrow down an overwhelming selection into your ideal match.
Kitchen Size
The size of your kitchen will also play a role in which backsplash you choose. If you have a large kitchen and a tight budget, you may have to play it wise to find a backsplash that’s affordable enough to cover all your space without breaking your pocketbook.
If you have a large kitchen and high ceilings, you could save time and money by choosing larger-sized backsplashes rather than small ones that will look lost in a massive space.
Price Point
As with any remodeling job, you’ll want to choose materials that are within your budget. When shopping for a backsplash, a budget helps you narrow down your price range and the suitable materials.
The great thing about backsplashes is you can find one to find any budget, from high-end luxury materials to budget-friendly options made of imitation materials that look like the real thing.
Other Colors in Kitchen
Another factor to consider when choosing a backsplash is the colors already present in your kitchen. Consider the color of your countertops, flooring, and wall color to ensure you pick an option that will complement your design rather than clash. Or you may also want to consider color-coordinating your backsplash with accent pieces.
Coverage
You’ll also need to decide how much surface area you want to cover with your backsplash. There are two choices you can have for backsplash coverage.
- Counter to Ceiling
If you use open shelving or decide to nix having upper cabinets, you’ll have a lot of space. Covering the common area above your sink or stove may leave your kitchen looking unfinished.
A trending design idea is to take your backsplash to the ceiling. This design is fantastic for small kitchens. Given that you’ll cover more space, you’ll need to factor the extra materials into your budget to ensure you pick a design you can afford.
- To Cabinet
If your kitchen has upper cabinets, you’ll get the best look by running the backsplash from the counter up to the bottom of the upper cabinets. The areas where you’ll do food prep need the most protection from backsplash.
The space behind your sink, cooktop, and vent hood are top spots that need a backsplash. And stop your design where your cabinets stop or extend the tiles wall to wall.
Editor’s note: Here’s a great article for advice on where to start and stop your backsplash for kitchens.
Play with Color
There are multiple ways to add color to your kitchen to complement white cabinets. Try these three methods to give your space a color that won’t overpower your white kitchen.
- Grout
Want an easy way to make your backsplash stand out against white cabinets? Consider using colored grout. Most types of backsplash require some material to keep the pieces in place. Instead of leaving the gaps between your backsplash pieces a standard color, try using colored grout.
- Tiles
There is a vast selection of tile choices you can use for your kitchen backsplash. Choosing colored tiles is the easiest way to give your kitchen color. The great thing about white cabinets is they go great with plenty of colors. Most people choose a backsplash with patterns or colors to brighten up a white kitchen. If you select white tiles, use colored grout to keep the space from looking too sterile.
- Paint
No kitchen remodel is complete without having painted walls. While many people may choose to keep white walls with white cabinets, you’re not limited to this neutral design. Giving your walls a contrasting color will help your kitchen feel more aesthetically pleasing.
White Kitchen Backsplashes Ideas FAQ
Before we wrap out this guide on 21 kitchen backsplash ideas for white cabinets, we put together a short frequently asked questions section.
What is the best backsplash for a white kitchen?
The best type of backsplash for a white kitchen would be tiles – porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone. This material can be cost-effective or luxury prices, easily DIY’ed, and makes a great statement.
What’s trending in kitchen backsplashes?
Subway tile is a type of timeless backsplash that never goes out of style. Recent trends are seeing the use of larger or smaller-sized subway pieces instead of standard sizes. Another growing trend is using colored subway tiles rather than traditional white. The marble backsplash is another trending design that will never get old and goes excellent with multiple designs.
And the final backsplash trend is covering the entire area beneath the bottom of your upper cabinets, or a minimum of 18″ without upper cabinets. Or take the design to the ceiling for a true WOW effect.
Should backsplash be lighter or darker than countertop?
The color of your cabinets and countertop will affect what color you should choose for your backsplash. For white cabinets with a light counter, choose a darker backsplash. For darker countertops, your design would look best with a lighter-colored backsplash.
Conclusion
Installing a backsplash is a trending remodel that can give your kitchen an affordable and easy makeover. Choosing the right backsplash is crucial for a put-together kitchen design that’s sure to impress visitors and family members. But picking the wrong one can cause your design to be an epic failure. We’ve provided 21 white kitchen backsplash ideas to get you started.
FAQs
What color backsplash to use with white cabinets? ›
Marble, glass, ceramic, and metal backsplashes are the most popular and best kitchen backsplash for white cabinets.
What color tile goes well with white cabinets? ›Dark floors: Dark colors, from espresso to true black, make a dramatic statement with white cabinets. Dark options are best with white cabinets in modern spaces, especially if you have dark accents in your kitchen, such as your backsplash.
Should backsplash be lighter or darker than cabinets? ›So, if you have lighter cabinets and countertops, you should incorporate a darker backsplash to provide more visual interest and depth to your space. When you have darker cabinets and countertops, you should bring in a lighter backsplash to make your kitchen feel fresh and inviting.
What color walls go best with white cabinets in kitchen? ›Identifying the right paint colors that will work best with white cabinets can be a time- consuming task. However, the good news is that there are several options that one can consider. Kitchens look best with white, gray, blue, red, yellow, or green. These colors give the kitchen walls a shiny look.
What backsplash adds warmth to white kitchen? ›Change Out Your Backsplash
Your backsplash might be white and grey subway tile or the popular Carrara marble, but to transform the room's feel, try a ceramic tile or stone slab with a sandy hue. Opting for a warmer tone can make the room go from stark to cozy.
A timeless kitchen backsplash is a classic design that will never go out of style. It is a simple, clean, and elegant way to update your kitchen without having to do a complete remodel. A timeless backsplash can be made from a variety of materials, including natural stone like marble or slate, glass, or even metal.
What kind of backsplash makes a kitchen look bigger? ›Add a Reflective Backsplash
Adding a reflective backsplash is a reliable way to make a kitchen look bigger without a large renovation. Using materials such as glass, stainless steel, glossy tiles, and mirrors can provide that reflection to make your kitchen look far bigger than it is.
Backsplashes need to line up with the upper cabinet.
Usually the end of the backsplash tile, if aligned with the uppers, will die ON TOP OF the countertop below.
Warm Gray and Greige. Shades of gray and greige (gray + beige) continue to be popular choices for kitchens with white cabinets because they are neutral colors that don't compete for attention. Whether you have warm or cool toned white cabinets, a warmer gray in particular is an excellent choice.
Does white backsplash go with white cabinets? ›Whether your style is traditional or modern, farmhouse or rustic, a white ceramic tile backsplash will be a perfect addition to your white cabinets.
How do I choose a timeless backsplash? ›
There are many timeless options for a kitchen backsplash such as hexagon tiles, picket tile, penny tile, and square format tile (just to name a few). Timeless Backsplash Tip: Opt for a natural stone like marble or slate for a more traditional and timeless look. For example, marble or slate mosaic tile!
What size tile is best for kitchen backsplash? ›Larger tiles, such as 12 x 24 or 24 x 24, are easier to cut and install than smaller tiles. Smaller tiles require more cutting, laying, and grouting. However, smaller tiles give you more options for a customized backsplash. If you want a smaller tile for a backsplash, look into using 3×6, 2×10 or 2.5×8 tiles.
What is the best backsplash behind the stove? ›Ceramic or porcelain tiles for a backsplash behind the stove provides a durable, heat-resistant surface that combats inevitable oil splatters and sauce splashes, while offering tons of room for a creative kitchen wall décor.
What color white walls go with white kitchen cabinets? ›White is the most compatible color to be paired with white kitchen cabinets. If you're going for a clean or minimalistic look, white on white is a perfect choice. You should experiment with different shades, for example, bright and bright white, bright and warm white, or bright and cool white.
What wall color goes with SW pure white cabinets? ›Paint, quartz, and granite hues such as white, beige, grey, and black will go extremely well with the SW Pure White cabinets.
What classic backsplash won't go out of style? ›Choose a classic backsplash
Subway tile is the most enduring choice for a backsplash. Avoid bold, trendy colors, and instead look for white or neutrals. Keep it simple, and bring in color elsewhere in the kitchen, with more easily replaced items, such as dish towels, art, bowls of fruit and rugs.
For a stronger look, introduce bolder and brighter accent shades that will punctuate the look. Bright orange, red, yellow and citrus shades would all work well. Add depth to a white scheme with rich, dark shades of green, navy and gray.
Should backsplash be different behind stove? ›Even in a room with an extensive tile backsplash, think about choosing a different design for the area behind the stove to distinguish this zone of the kitchen.
What is the most popular backsplash right now? ›Ceramic tile is the most popular option for a kitchen backsplash. Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile—they come in many shapes, sizes and colors and can be installed in numerous patterns.
What is the easiest kitchen backsplash to maintain? ›Porcelain, ceramic, metal, and glass tile top the easy-care list because they resist staining, are naturally nonporous, and don't require any special cleansers to do the job.
What is the easiest backsplash? ›
We recommend square tiling for beginners because it'll be the easiest to cut and align together. In the video, and the steps below, we walk you through how to decide how big your backsplash should be, selecting your tile, and how to install it from start to finish.
What is the ideal backsplash size? ›In general, a standard backsplash is installed to be four inches from the surface of the countertop. As of late, however, this height is being overshadowed by 15” installations. These can be made of any material, however, many times they are cut from the same slab as the countertop.
Should backsplash go to top of cabinets or ceiling? ›In terms of how high your kitchen backsplash should be, that's up to you. Many homeowners stop their backsplash level with the bottom of their upper cabinets. However, some choose to take the tile all the way up the ceiling. This can make the kitchen feel taller, drawing the eye up the wall.
What do you put between backsplash and cabinets? ›Copper Sheeting
The area between the tile backsplash and kitchen cabinets is roughly 12 and 18 inches requiring only one or two sheets of copper. Choose acid-etched or textured copper and easily install it using a construction adhesive. Cut 24-gauge copper with tin snips or shears.
Matching or Contrasting Tops and Walls
Complex or colorful backsplashes go best with solid countertops. Likewise, bold patterned countertops work best with backsplashes that have a subdued uniform color palette. “If everything is a similar shade, we recommend contrasting the backsplash,” Kelly says.
- Caulk the Edge. This is the easiest and most cost-effective solution. ...
- Rail Moldings. Coordinating tile moldings in natural stone and porcelain are usually readily available. ...
- Metal Edges. Metal edges are available in a wide array of styles and finishes. ...
- Create a Bullnose Edge.
For a contemporary kitchen, paint your cabinets in a frosty white paint color (a white with grayish undertones) and use an abundance of silver and cool grays around the space. You can install chrome light fixtures or add nickel cabinet pulls and stainless steel appliances. And don't forget the countertops.
How do you make white cabinets look nice? ›Dark hues are a great way to break up the monotony of an all-white ensemble with powerful accents and rich variation. Black hardware pulls stand out against white cabinetry and give a bright white kitchen a touch of bold color.
Should white cabinets be lighter or darker than walls? ›White cabinetry can pair well with most wall colors. To brighten and expand your room, select a light color like white, yellow or beige. One of these shades will likely make your kitchen feel cheerful and pristine. On the other hand, if you'd prefer to darken the room, try darker colors like red or mocha.
How do you make a white kitchen pop? ›Consider Subtle Kitchen Colors
Punchy brights and rich jewel tones are impactful, but muted colors can be just as eye-catching in a white kitchen for a pop of color. Soft pastels, used in paint colors or on a tile backsplash, maintain the elegant feel of a white kitchen while adding subtle interest.
What wall tiles make a kitchen look bigger? ›
The more light there is in a room, the more spacious it will feel so choose glazed tiles or those with a glossy finish. These tiles will bounce light around, making the room feel larger, whereas matt tiles absorb the light.
What Colour tiles make a kitchen look bigger? ›Use colour
Changing the colour of your kitchen is a low-cost, simple update that will immediately make a space feel bigger. White kitchens are on-trend and this is the best colour for visually opening up a space.
Satin-finish paints will give your kitchen cabinet a modern look because it is not quite matt nor shiny, which is ideal if you have trouble choosing between the two. The perfect combination between matte and gloss bounces just enough light in the room without overpowering or overwhelming it.
What color backsplash is timeless? ›Between all these opportunities, the white backsplash is the most classic and timeless option for any kitchen. A white backsplash can work with any color scheme and design aesthetic and add value with its effortless beauty.
What is the best backsplash shape? ›Rectangular Tile Backsplash
A classic for a good reason, rectangular backsplash tile shapes are the most popular and timeless option for all kitchen types. They come in a wide range of color, material, pattern, and textures options and this variety provides versatility for these tiles!
White kitchen backsplashes are always a safe option if you're unsure what color to choose. They work well in traditional and modern kitchens and can be paired with any kitchen countertop. White kitchen backsplashes are also the easiest to clean and maintain.
Should I use large or small subway tiles for kitchen backsplash? ›We recommend using the 1 x 2 subway tile sizes for your kitchen backsplash, shower wall, or shower floor. If you want the benefits of a small backsplash with a lot of concentrated tiles, but are looking for a rectangle pattern, then this size is perfect for you.
Do bigger backsplash tiles make a kitchen look bigger? ›Think about tiles in the kitchen
These large format tiles are excellent for making spaces appear bigger than they are. ' Using oversized kitchen floor tiles in a small room tricks the eye into thinking that the space is much bigger than it really is, so can help to create a sense of scale.
It's traditionally installed horizontally, but “breaking the rules” by going vertical can produce amazing, unique results. So, how do you choose? Many decorators consider horizontally-oriented tiles, such as subway tiles, more visually appealing. However, this depends on many factors.
What goes in first countertops or backsplash? ›As you begin the remodel, getting the countertops done first allows you the chance to make on-the-fly changes that can directly affect how your kitchen wall tile gets installed. Getting your countertops set first allows you to make crucial decisions about your incoming backsplash placement, layering, and color choices.
Does backsplash go behind stove or sink? ›
You need a backsplash behind the stove to protect from grease and cooking splatter that could damage the surface behind the stove. The backsplash should be made of durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to clean material that will not discolor easily.
Should backsplash be same color as cabinets? ›Having an identical (or similar) backsplash, countertop, and cabinets is a simple approach. Matching works best with neutral colors, commonly seen in all-white kitchens. It gives everything a clean, consistent look.
Should white cabinets match white backsplash? ›From classic porcelain subway tiles to stunning natural stones there are plenty of materials, to incorporate a white backsplash into your kitchen with white cabinets. This timeless combination can work with both small and large kitchens and keeping it bright is a perfect way to give an illusion of space and luminosity.
Should white kitchen cabinets match the wall color? ›The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The color of your walls does not have to be identical to the color of your kitchen cabinets. If your walls are painted white, for example, you don't have to have pure white cabinets. However, the paint colors can be the same if you want them to be.
Should backsplash match cabinet color? ›You want to create variation between moderate and traditional styles. Pick one color for the lower cabinets and one color for the upper cabinets. The backsplash and the countertop will become the area of transition and should boast a third color that matches somewhat to both the upper and the lower cabinets.
What is the most popular backsplash for kitchen? ›Ceramic tile is the most popular option for a kitchen backsplash. Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile—they come in many shapes, sizes and colors and can be installed in numerous patterns.
What is the most modern backsplash for kitchen? ›White kitchen backsplashes are among the most popular and preferred options for all kitchen types and they will remain their popularity also in 2022. From classic white subway tiles to modern hexagons, white backsplashes come in an endless variety of styles, shapes, patterns, and texture options!
What colors compliment a white kitchen? ›For a stronger look, introduce bolder and brighter accent shades that will punctuate the look. Bright orange, red, yellow and citrus shades would all work well. Add depth to a white scheme with rich, dark shades of green, navy and gray.
What goes first countertop or backsplash? ›As you begin the remodel, getting the countertops done first allows you the chance to make on-the-fly changes that can directly affect how your kitchen wall tile gets installed. Getting your countertops set first allows you to make crucial decisions about your incoming backsplash placement, layering, and color choices.