You have successfully selected your kitchen cabinets, counters, and even the appliances, but you don’t quite know what to do about backsplash. There are about a million options at any given hardware store, and they all seem amazing. We’ve researched whether backsplash should be darker than countertops, so you can narrow your choices and best coordinate your kitchen.
Typically, a backsplash is lighter than your countertops. Bright kitchens are vibrant and inviting, so consider white, beige, light grey, and pastel colors for the backsplash. Go with a marbled design, shaped tiles, or contrasting grout to add contrast if you prefer a bold look.
Backsplash can be daunting because there are so many shapes, textures, patterns, and color schemes to think about. We’ll walk you through the latest kitchen color trends, which tile hides dirt, and what color grout to match with your choice. Keep reading to get inspired for your kitchen’s backsplash upgrade!
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What’s the latest trend in kitchen backsplashes?
If you want the most current and hippest trend in kitchen backsplash, then we’d say subway tiles are the way to go! Subway tiles are those chic, white ceramic rectangular tiles that have become extremely popular for kitchen renovations. It makes sense: they’re simple, they’re timeless, and they’re easy to clean. And just in case you aren’t a fan of white, they come in other colors such as greys, blues, and reds.
Another benefit of subway tiles is their versatility. It seemingly doesn’t matter what color cabinets or countertops you’ve picked; subway tiles will match. And for those of you that are going for that all-white kitchen look, these are a great choice. The simple yet glossy sheen allows them to complement almost all kitchen variations, especially those with grey and white color schemes.
If you like simple and classic but not super trendy, herringbone patterns are other popular backsplash trends available. There’s something simple about herringbone patterns, yet incredibly elegant. While the tiles themselves are rectangular like subway tiles, the arrowed pattern provides a subtle modern touch to any kitchen.
Hexagonal backsplash patterns are a great choice if you want something that pops and stands out. A hexagonal backsplash is pretty, eye-catching, and does it all with simple color schemes. If you want your kitchen to pop without bringing in bright colors, this may be the backsplash to consider.
How much backsplash do you need? Check out “Where Does A Backsplash End – At The Cabinets Or Countertops?”
What color tile hides dirt?
With backsplash tiles, multicolor or darker shades will hide the dirt from cooking and cleaning more efficiently than lighter tiles. Marbled tile designs, charcoal greys, or darker hues tend to conceal dirt better than all-white or light-toned colors.
The backsplash’s texture is also important to consider when trying to pick out something that hides dirt. For example, even though the classic subway tile is white, it is also ceramic, which means it wipes off very easily. Glossy tiles are a quick wipe away from looking good as new, making them a kid-friendly choice.
Matte or stone textured tiles, on the other hand, may hide dirt better but are also a bit harder to clean when it does come time. For more details on maintaining a stone backsplash, check out “Does Stone Backsplash Stain? [And What To Do About That!]”
Should grout be lighter or darker than tile?
It’s all personal preference. However, a general rule to follow is to alternate the grout shade to the tile shade. That is, if you have a white or light-colored tile, use a darker grout for contrast. This makes the tiles pop!
You cannot go wrong with a classic white subway tile and dark grey grout. The dark grey really pops in the kitchen and adds texture to the backsplash. It also hides the dirt that may get in between the tiles.
In contrast, if you picked out a darker shade of tile, use a white grout to show them off. Using dark grout with a dark tile will just make your backsplash look too blended and dark in your kitchen. Similarly, if you have a textured or patterned tile, such as marble, also use white grout. This will allow the tiles to stand out on their own and not be overpowered by the grout.
Final Thoughts
Every home is different, which means get the tile that makes you happy to walk into your kitchen and want to cook. Your kitchen is personal. It is that part of the house used daily, seen by everyone, and needs to be functional for your family’s needs. Our best advice–don’t overthink it! Go with your gut and what makes you happy to walk into that space, make a cup of coffee, and tell your kids to make their bed.
