How To Choose A Kitchen Backsplash To Match Your Countertop

Choosing Materials

When choosing a kitchen backsplash to go with your countertop, both need to work together and be functional.

Glass Tile

Flat, reflective glass tiles in a variety of colors and transparencies give the exterior a modern appeal. They add more light and make the room look larger. Glass is easy to clean and stain-resistant. But it can be easily scratched, and the installer must pay close attention when installing it.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain tiles have been used for generations. They create a variety of designs from solid colors to very intricate ones. These materials are more heat-resistant and easy to clean, making them perfect for places to place hot pots or other cooking utensils.

Natural Stone

No two backsplashes are exactly the same, as each one is different. With stone, the need for stain treatments and sealing can increase the cost, but it is very durable and has a timeless look. A beautifully polished, slightly textured marble backsplash can outline a similar color on a marble countertop and provide a seamless look.

Stainless Steel

Ultra-modern or industrial kitchens. They are virtually indestructible, very simple to clean, and will not be damaged by heat or rust. The reflective surface can also give the feeling of a high ceiling, as it makes the kitchen look larger.

Evaluating Your Space

The layout of your space will largely determine the material or style you choose. Considering the size of your kitchen and how much natural light hits it will influence which material you should choose.

Evaluate Kitchen Size

In a small kitchen, a light-colored or reflective backsplash can create the illusion of more space. Glass or polished ceramic reflects light, creating the illusion of more space.

Consider Lighting

The amount of natural light that comes into your kitchen will help determine what colors and textures your backsplash should include. Glossy finishes or lighter tones can make the space feel open and airy by reflecting light in a kitchen with limited light. In a bright space, slate can act as its own neutral texture to avoid visually overstimulating you when sunlight floods the room.

Pair with Countertops

If your countertops are complex and bold, a glossy backsplash will neutralize the decor. A busy granite countertop with rich colors and textures might look great paired with dull dark gray or black tile.

Place Items Where They Work

Be influenced by where you place different materials. Darker tiles won’t show all the splatter – like the tiles directly above and behind the stove.

Matching and Contrasting

The perfect backsplash will complement or contrast with your countertops. It can be a key decision in setting the mood and style for your kitchen.

Color Coordination

Without proper color coordination, you’ll never achieve a harmonious kitchen design. Choose a backsplash for a unified finish that goes with the tone of your countertops. If your countertops are a mix of blue and gray spots, choose a material that feels similar to the backsplash to tie everything together.

Texture Contrast

Adding texture contrast will add depth and interest to your kitchen. If your countertops are shiny, a backsplash with a matte or textured finish can also be a great contrast. Combine a high-gloss granite countertop with a matte ceramic floor tile. The shifting changes in texture differentiate each area, and the whole room feels interesting and balanced.

Reflective and Matte Surfaces

Reflective surfaces like mirrored or metallic tiles are a great match for matte counters, helping to bounce light back into areas of the kitchen where it’s needed—even more helpful in smaller kitchens. Placing satin tiles next to shiny countertops can reduce the reflective nature of the stone and provide an overall softer space.

Strategic Color Blocking

This material makes it so easy to color block in the kitchen - or add a touch of decor. When using a backsplash of denser and darker tones in the cooking area; contrast with lighter or even glossy materials in the prep area.

Material Continuity

Using the same material for the countertop as for the backsplash can make the transition between the two smoother, creating a seamless visual element – ​​perfect design continuity.

Seamless Integration

Using the same material for both the countertop and the backsplash can make any style visually more expansive. One could choose a marble slab to cover an entire wall, extending from the counter all the way to the floor for a dramatic effect.

Complementary Materials

Choosing complementary materials/finishes can also help maintain visual connectivity, but using different materials isn’t always possible. If you have silver specks on your granite countertops, a backsplash with the same size and color veining will add continuity to your kitchen.

Transition with Accents

This gives a very modern feel and provides a focal point for your countertop, as the wood pickets contribute to the higher warm tones of the tile floor. A solid color quartz countertop and the same quartz with thin strips can create continuity between other materials.

Tone and Texture Matching

Even when using different materials, it is absolutely necessary to maintain harmony in tone and texture. A backsplash made of the same material can be matched to a polished countertop with a similar high-gloss finish.

Color Coordination

Your backsplash and kitchen countertops must ultimately share the same space, and color coordination between the two becomes quite important when determining the look you want for the room. A good color match can make the look blend together, or the right placement of contrasting layers can become a striking design element.

Coordinating Colors

Q: What color backsplash should I choose to pair with my Apollo Quartzite kitchen countertops? Backsplashes with greens and blues create a harmonious environment by playing up the same hues against eco-friendly countertops, which can carry subtle shades of those colors.

Contrasting Effects

Make your backsplash the focal point of your kitchen with a variety of colors. If your countertops are neutral, a bold colored backsplash can create exciting texture and life to an otherwise calm space. Opt for a deep blue tile backsplash to contrast with the beige marble countertops in the cooking area for a unique accent.

Neutral Color Tones

Neutral tones remain popular, offering versatility and lasting style for those seeking to transcend the present. The grey veining on the backsplash complements the countertops, and the sharpness of white subway tile works well, making it a classic choice as it offers clean, simple lines, while its darker sister grey complements the busy countertops.

Gradient Technique

Use different colour gradients, which can also add visual interest and depth. A backsplash that uses a gradient from dark to light may remind the eye and brain of the hues of a sunrise or sunset – natural colours that humans naturally find appealing. This approach works especially well if the countertops are a solid colour, as it will add the pop of colour you want, ensuring your backsplash is eye-catching.