White Cabinet Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplash
A farmhouse kitchen backsplash can dramatically enhance the overall look and feel of a kitchen, providing character and style. White subway tiles are a popular choice for a farmhouse kitchen backsplash, but there are many other options, including patterned tiles, brick, stone, shiplap, and mosaic tile, stone, glass, and marble backsplashes in a variety of colors.
The backsplash can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally for a unique finish. Choosing a backsplash that complements the cabinetry, countertop, and decor is crucial for achieving the desired farmhouse look. The texture and material of the backsplash can add warmth and rusticity, while a modern design can create a contemporary feel. The backsplash can also protect the wall from splashes and create a functional space.
Why Choose a Farmhouse Backsplash for White Cabinets
A farmhouse backsplash is an excellent way to complement and accent white cabinetry in your kitchen. The varied textures and materials create a vintage, rustic aesthetic that pairs beautifully with crisp white cabinets. There are endless options to choose from when selecting a backsplash for white farmhouse kitchen cabinets.
Complement and Accent White Cabinetry
Crisp, bright white cabinetry makes a statement in any kitchen. Adding a backsplash in contrasting colors or complementary soft neutrals accentuates the white cabinets. Materials like aged metal, exposed brick, or navy blue tiles pop against the white background. Soft beiges, ivories, and white tile backsplashes blend seamlessly for a coordinated look.
Create Vintage, Rustic Aesthetic
A farmhouse backsplash instantly invokes rustic charm. Subway tiles, brick backsplashes, and natural stone materials capture traditional farmhouse style. Mixing modern materials like metallics with vintage touches creates an eclectic aesthetic. Distressed wood panels paired with classic white tile strike the perfect farmhouse balance.
Options for Materials and Patterns
From subway tile to travertine, shiplap to metal, the material and pattern options for farmhouse backsplashes are endless. Stacked stone makes a textured statement. Hexagon porcelain tiles offer dimension. Brick backsplashes infuse weathered character. Materials can be combined to create custom designs. The options make it easy to realize your perfect farmhouse vision.
Factors to Consider When Selecting
When selecting a backsplash for white farmhouse kitchen cabinets, consider the overall color scheme, style, texture, and ease of installation. Ensure the backsplash accentuates your cabinetry, tying your kitchen elements together rather than competing with them. Think about how your choices reflect and enhance your farmhouse design.
Most Popular Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplash Materials
When designing a farmhouse kitchen backsplash for white cabinets, there are a few go-to materials that capture the vintage look beautifully.
Subway Tile
Classic white 3x6 subway tile is likely the most popular backsplash option for farmhouse kitchens. The recognizable rectangular tiles date back over a century, epitomizing traditional charm. Their size allows for endless pattern options too. Subway tiles are affordable, easy to install, and available in an array of colors and sizes to suit any design scheme.
Brick Backsplash
For an instant farmhouse look, brick backsplashes lend authentic rustic texture. The durable, easy-to-clean material pairs perfectly with white cabinetry. Faux brick panels offer an affordable option, or expose existing brick walls for industrial edge. Painted bricks in soft hues lend cottage character. Brick beautifully balances the crisp lines of shaker style cabinets.
Stone Backsplash
Natural stone backsplashes create an elegant yet rustic look in farmhouse kitchens with white cabinets. Materials like granite, travertine, and marble infuse depth with natural patterns and texture. Their heat resistance and easy-clean finish make stone extremely functional. Paired with white cabinets, stone backsplashes make a striking, timeless statement.
Creative Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplash Design Ideas
When designing your farmhouse kitchen backsplash, don't be afraid to get creative with shape, material, color and texture. Use these ideas to inspire your dream backsplash design.
Subway Tile Patterns and Shapes
Take classic white subway tile to the next level with unique laying patterns. Stack tiles vertically, alternate directions in a herringbone design, or combine varied sizes. Geometric shapes like hexagons modernize traditional materials, while octagon and penny tile designs reference old-world charm. Let grout lines accentuate angles or patterns.
Open Shelving Over Backsplash
Install floating shelves atop a backsplash to infuse farmhouse style. The simple vintage design exposes everyday dishware, playing to the utilitarian farmhouse aesthetic. Alternating closed and open shelving also creates charming dimension while allowing more flexibility in storage options.
Mix Materials
Think outside one material or look when designing your backsplash. Blend textures like subway tile, brick, shiplap panels, or metal for depth and visual interest. Pair glossy ceramic tiles with a reclaimed wood accent wall for rustic contrast. Matching your cabinet hardware finish to metallic backsplash tile pulls everything together.
Backsplash Ideas for White Shaker Style Cabinets
Also known as recessed panel cabinets, the clean, simple lines of white Shaker style cabinetry pair beautifully with a thoughtful backsplash. Use these ideas to accentuate cabinets in your farmhouse kitchen.
Contrasting Colors and Materials
Since Shaker style cabinets present a neutral backdrop, you can choose virtually any color backsplash. Go bold with navy blue or black tile paired with classic white cabinets. Aged metal backsplashes in copper and nickel provide cozy contrast. For industrial edge, expose weathered brick walls to complement the cabinet's recessed framing.
Complementary Neutral Tile
Staying simple with an all-white or soft neutral palette allows your Shaker cabinets to shine. Creamy ivories, beiges and greys blend seamlessly with white cabinetry in sleek, modern farmhouse kitchens. Keep the look light and bright with pastel blue, pink, mint or yellow ceramic tile accents.
Accent with Pastel Tiles
Pastels lend a cheery cottage aesthetic perfectly suiting a farmhouse kitchen with white Shaker cabinets. Accent walls in mint green, pale yellow or baby blue ceramic tile brighten up white cabinets beautifully. Pair soft rose or peach shades with antique brass hardware for sweet traditional charm.
Installing a Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplash
Installing a kitchen backsplash is a manageable project for many DIYers. Follow these basic steps for a successful installation.
Prepare the Wall Area
Proper prep is key to a long-lasting backsplash. Clean the wall surface thoroughly and fill any holes or imperfections with spackle. Remove existing wall outlets and switch plates if necessary. Lastly, mark stud locations for reference.
Calculate Material Needs
Measure your backsplash area accounting for pattern direction and grout lines when calculating. Purchase all necessary tile, adhesive and grout, allowing extras for cuts or breakage. Rent tools like a tile cutter and mixing paddle as needed.
Apply Thinset Mortar
Prep the area by wiping walls clear of debris. Mix thinset mortar according to package directions. Apply to wall area using proper trowel size, covering only sections where tile will immediately be placed.
Set and Grout Tile
Working in sections, press tiles into thinset firmly. Check alignments and make any cuts if necessary. Allow thinset to cure 24 hours before applying grout. Mix and apply grout with grout float, wiping away excess. Allow to dry 72 hours.
Once cured, use grout sealant to protect grout lines and prevent staining or damage over time. Re-apply sealant every 1-2 years.