Kitchen Backsplash Tile Materials, Patterns and Colors

Selecting the perfect backsplash tile for your kitchen can elevate the design and protect against cooking messes. With so many materials, colors, and patterns to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide.

A kitchen backsplash serves both form and function. Located on the wall behind countertops, stoves, and sinks, backsplash tiles protect surfaces from water damage, stains, and splatters while cooking. They also provide an opportunity to personalize your kitchen's look.

When selecting backsplash tile, consider the size of your kitchen, countertop and cabinet colors, flooring style, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Your cooking habits should also influence your decision - opt for durable, easy-to-clean tiles if you cook frequently with oil or sauce splatters. If you boil a lot of water or have young kids, moisture-resistant backsplash tiles are best.

Backsplash Tile Materials

From classic ceramic to modern glass and metal, backsplash tiles come in an array of materials. Each has their own properties to consider regarding affordability, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall design.

Ceramic Tile

Glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles are among the most common backsplash options. Available in a huge range of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns, ceramic tiles suit nearly any kitchen decor. They're affordable, easy to install, and hold up well over time.

Their hard, durable finish resists moisture, stains, and heat. Ceramic backsplash tiles can be cleaned with warm water and tile cleaner. Glossy ceramic tiles tend to show less dirt than textured or matte tiles.

Glass Tile

Sleek glass backsplash tiles reflect light beautifully, opening up smaller kitchens. From bold primaries to pastels to metallics, the color options are endless. Some types, like fused glass, feature swirled color variations for added dimension.

Glass tiles cleanly wipe free of spills, splatters, and fingerprints. However, the material itself is breakable and usually requires professional installation. Use care when cleaning to avoid scratching the smooth finish. A gentle glass tile cleaner and soft cloth is safest.

Stone Tile

Backsplash options like marble, travertine, and slate provide natural beauty. Stone tiles stand up well to heat and stains, while adding texture. Each stone boasts unique color variations from subtle to dramatic.

Stone tiles do require some maintenance. Sealing them regularly prevents discoloration and damage from moisture and spills. Use a specially formulated stone cleaner, not harsh chemicals. Take care not to drop cookware or other objects on natural stone, as chips and cracks can occur.

Metal Tile

For contemporary gravitas, metal backsplashes really shine. Stainless steel, copper, brass tiles make a bold statement. Metal resists high temperatures, moisture, impacts, and scratches.

However, cleaning and care is crucial for metal backsplash tiles. Use a specially designed metal cleaner and soft cloth to gently wipe spills and splatters after each use. Avoid abrasive pads or cleaners that could scratch the finish. Proper sealing also helps metal tiles hold up better over time.

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tiles use small, individual tile pieces to form intricate patterns when pieced together. Handmade ceramic mosaic tiles offer old-world artistry and splashy style. Modern takes on smaller tiles showcase playful prints.

Glass, stone, and porcelain mosaic tiles provide their own benefits regarding resilience and easy care. Given the labor involved, most mosaic backsplash installations require professional tilers. Keep in mind that all those grout lines need regular cleaning and sealing.

Backsplash Tile Colors

Choosing a backsplash tile color scheme impacts the whole kitchen aesthetic. Whether matching or contrasting your cabinetry and counters, here are go-to backsplash color ideas.

Neutral Colors

Whites, off-whites, beiges and browns keep backsplashes soft and subtle. These muted backsplash shades blend seamlessly across kitchen designs from traditional to modern. Pair neutrals with bolder cabinet colors or vivid granite countertops.

Consider a white subway tile backsplash to open up a small, dark kitchen. Warm almond or bisque tiles complement antique-inspired spaces. For contemporary lofts, try chocolate brown or soft grey backsplashes as an alternative to stark white.

Bold and Vibrant Colors

Saturated backsplash tile colors make for an eye-catching focal point. Deep teals, navy blues, and emerald greens inject color without overwhelming. Retro color choices like sunny yellow, retro red and terra cotta orange add playful pops.

To keep the bright backsplash from looking too loud, pair it with quieter cabinets and counters in similar tones. For example, vibrant lime green tiles coordinate beautifully with sage green cabinets and a neutral countertop.

Mixing and Matching Colors

Mismatched backsplash tiles provide visual interest through contrast. Mixing complementary hues like deep purple and golden yellow or cool blues with warm coral and peach can look striking.

When combining colors, use a unifying pattern to tie the palette together. Subway tiles, herringbone mosaic, penny rounds, and more intricate motifs allow colors and textures to mingle more cohesively across the backsplash surface.

Backsplash Tile Patterns

In addition to material and color considerations, backsplash tile patterns significantly impact the overall look. From straightforward to ornate, pattern possibilities are endless.

Subway Tile

Classic rectangular subway tiles line up in a grid pattern for a clean, understated look. White is most common, but subway tiles come in every color. Their simplicity complements both traditional and contemporary design.

For variation, stack subway tiles vertically or diagonally instead of the usual horizontal lines. Mixing gloss and matte whites or colored grout also keeps the subways from looking flat.

Herringbone

Herringbone backsplashes add visual dimension with tiles set in opposing angles to form a V shape. The pattern leads the eye across the wall in a dynamic direction. Herringbone works in any tile material - glossy ceramic, natural stone, or glass.

To make herringbone backsplashes really stand out, introduce contrasting colors in the V formations. A crisp white tile background punctuated by gray stone or navy blue glass Vs packs a graphic punch.

Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles literally connect together to cover walls in a unique honeycomb pattern. The six-sided tiles interlock without grout lines disrupting the geometry. Mix gloss and matte finishes for added dimension.

Take hexagon backsplashes from sweet to striking by playing with scale - combine large and small hexagons for honeycomb variation. Shift from classic white to bold citron yellow or midnight black hex tiles to make them transfixing design elements.

Mini Tile

Tiny tiles, including mosaics, make big visual impact covering backsplashes. Penny rounds, squares, and octagons channel Old World charm. Modern takes on miniature tiles like mini subway and tiny hexagons feel fresh and new.

Mini backsplash tiles suit families and high traffic kitchens well since their small scale hides spills, splatters, and other messes. Thumbprint glaze, crackle finishes, grout color, and bold hues all boost mini tile intrigue.

Oversized tiles create clean, sleek backsplash expanses. With fewer grout lines, large floor-to-ceiling tiles feel unified and integrated. From wide subway planks to giant marbled slabs, their generous size makes a statement.

Limit cuts and intricate shaping by using large rectilinear wall tiles instead of mosaic sheets or penny rounds. If working around outlets, pipes or switches, turn to tile inserts rather than complicated cuts for a seamless look.