9 Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for White Cabinets
You have more backsplash options than you realize
There’s nothing more classic than white kitchen cabinets. Aside from giving your space a clean feel, white kitchen cabinets can be styled to match almost any decor or color scheme. They can even reflect natural light and make your kitchen look bigger.
As if those aren’t enough reasons to love your white cabinets, they also pair well with a multitude of different backsplashes and kitchen paint colors.
There are tons of backsplashes to choose from. To help you narrow your choices down, we compiled a list of backsplash ideas to match your personal style and your white kitchen cabinets.
1. Choose Chic Marble
Marble backsplashes add an elegant touch to any farmhouse, mid-century modern, shabby chic, or contemporary kitchen. Marble comes in several colors and patterns, but don’t dismiss a classic white slab out of fear it will clash with your white cabinets. This all-white look not only makes your kitchen appear larger, but it draws attention to the marble’s one-of-a-kind swirls and patterns.
Heat-resistant, easy to clean, and highly durable, this elegant stone is just as practical as it is beautiful.
2. Add Metal Accents
If you prefer to keep your decor modern, use stainless steel as a backsplash.
There are a couple different ways to accent the walls in your kitchen with metal. For a cohesive look, use a solid stainless steel sheet as a backsplash. Or, use stainless steel tiles to give the modern kitchen of your dreams some dimension.
Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and it can handle high heat (making it fashionable and functional).
3. Go with Earthy Stone
For a calm, relaxing vibe, an earthy stone backsplash may be the best match for your white cabinets. Besides bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to your kitchen, stone backsplashes are also durable, long-lasting, and more affordable compared to other options.
For a more modern look, opt for a darker stone to contrast the cabinets. Or, keep it tranquil by using white or neutral-colored light stones. Complete the look with a lot of plants and natural light if possible.
4. Make It a Mosaic
Mosaic backsplashes are one of the more DIY-friendly options when it comes to updating your kitchen. A mosaic backsplash is made with smaller pieces, usually with various shades of tile, stone, or textured glass to truly give it that mosaic look.
Though any color scheme will stand out against your white cabinets, be sure that it complements the color of your surrounding walls, countertops, and other decor.
5. Keep It Classic with Subway Tile
No matter your personal style, a classic subway tile brings a clean and cohesive look to any kitchen.
When you think “subway tile,” your mind might go straight to the popular white tile with white grout look, but subway tiles come in all different colors and styles. You can even use different shades of grout to further personalize your backsplash—just be sure to choose colors that complement your countertops and kitchen walls.
6. Add a Trendy Herringbone Pattern
A herringbone backsplash can complement any style—if you choose the right color and texture.
For a farmhouse kitchen, consider a herringbone pattern backsplash built with white tile and white grout. In a modern kitchen, build your herringbone backsplash with dark grey or black tiles. Or, for a more contemporary look, opt for a bright, bold color and textured tiles.
7. Make a Statement with Iridescent Tile
Iridescent tiles are colorful, metallic-looking, and create a bold statement next to white kitchen cabinets. These tiles can come in all shapes and sizes, so get creative! Place rectangle-shaped iridescent tiles in a herringbone pattern or use smaller pieces to create your own mosaic backsplash.
If you love the look of iridescent tile, but find it a bit too bold for your taste, consider adding a handful of them to other backsplash materials to create a fun accent.
8. Revisit Retro
They say all styles come back around eventually. Retro accents are currently having a moment—again.
Popular retro-inspired options include silver or copper tin tiles or plain subway tiles in oranges, yellows, and browns. And you can’t go wrong with a classic black-and-white checked tile—it evokes the 1920s, but doesn’t look out of place in a modern kitchen.
In fact, retro accents matched with more modern design elements—such as white cabinets—can create a cohesive yet distinctive look you’ll want to recreate throughout the entire house.
9. Add Stunning Fish Scale Tile
Fish scale tiles are becoming increasingly popular across all decor types. The scalloped shape adds a more playful personality to a kitchen when compared to basic subway tile.
In a farmhouse home, consider using solid white or grey fish scale tiles with matching grout. In modern or contemporary homes, opt for more vibrant tiles with bold colors and an eye-catching finish or texture.
Why Add a Backsplash?
Backsplashes are an important element to any kitchen. The right tiles will help to tie your cabinets and countertop together, highlight your personality, and keep your walls clean from stains and spills.
Inspired to take the next step? Calculate the cost of adding a backsplash and set a budget. Then, you can focus on choosing an option that best complements your style and personality.