So, you’ve decided to go with white cabinets for your kitchen. Good choice! They’re popular for a reason: they’re clean, classic, and versatile. But now comes the tricky part – what kind of backsplash should you pair with them?
When we remodeled our kitchen, we were working with a shoestring budget because, well, life. Sometimes you just can’t save up enough to achieve the remodel of your dreams, and that’s okay.
As you can see from our project, changing the right things can make a HUGE difference.
Since we were moving away from dated dark oak and cherry, I wanted to embrace pretty much the opposite: white. White cabinets. White flooring. Just overall bright and white!
So white cabinets were a MUST in our redesign. But after, I ran into a bit of a quandary trying to figure out the best counters and backsplash for white cabinets. There are so many options that it can feel overwhelming, and surprisingly, not everything works well with this classic kitchen staple!
Things to Consider when Choosing Backsplash
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to know where to even begin when choosing things like backsplash. That’s particularly true when there are sooo many ideas out there that could potentially work!
To help you narrow it down and choose the backsplash of your dreams, here are a few things to consider:
- What is the overall style you are drawn to? Take out your phone and do a quick scroll through your Pinterest boards (here’s mine!), and take a look at all the kitchens that you have been drawn to over the years. What kind of common threads do you see?
- How do the adjoining rooms look? Unless you are planning on overhauling all of them, it’s important to consider visual flow from space to space.
- What’s your budget? As you can imagine, backsplash costs can vary widely depending on the material, size, and complexity of the design. Set a budget before you start shopping to help narrow down your choices.
- How much maintenance are you willing to do? Some backsplash materials are easier to clean and maintain than others. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining your backsplash.
Transform Your Kitchen with These Stunning Backsplash Ideas with White Cabinets
When it comes to choosing a backsplash for white cabinets, keep the focus on selecting the one that will complement your kitchen’s overall design. Here are some popular backsplash options to consider that will make your white cabinets pop:
Subway Tiles
First up, we have the classic subway tile. It’s simple yet stylish and timeless. Subway tile pairs perfectly with white cabinets, and it’s available in many color options, although white is the most popular.
Outside of playing with color, you can also have fun by changing up the pattern of the tile. You can go with the traditional staggered brick pattern for a farmhouse-friendly look or mix it up with a stacked or herringbone design for a modern twist.
Not sure how to install them? Herringbone, running board, brick…check out this article.
Stone Tiles
Stone tiles, such as slate and travertine, are another great choice that can add some texture and movement to your kitchen. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and each one is unique, so you can find one that matches your color scheme perfectly.
While stone certainly makes a pretty backsplash for white cabinets (or any other color!), it does require a bit more maintenance than other options. Plus, you’ll need to use specialty cleaner for natural stone options.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are a great way to add some shine and sparkle to your kitchen. The options for colors are practically endless, and they also reflect light, making your kitchen look brighter and more spacious.
Finally, they’re a breeze to clean and maintain, making them a great choice for a busy kitchen.
Marble
If you want to add some luxury to your kitchen, then a slab marble backsplash is a great choice. It’s elegant and sophisticated and will add visual interest to your kitchen. It’s a pretty, elevated look, particularly with white cabinets.
You can also opt to keep things more classic with subway tiles made from marble, which can be a more affordable route than slab.
Again, with natural stone like marble, you’ll need to be prepared to seal the marble as well as use specialty cleaners. But if you like the look, the effort is more than worth it!
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are a great choice for those who want a stylish yet budget-friendly option. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, so you can get creative with your design. Plus, they’re easy to clean – just wipe them down with soap and water!
Real-Life Examples of Gorgeous Backsplashes for White Cabinets
Now that you know the range of options available as you choose your new kitchen design, let’s have some fun and dive in to see some examples!
1. Classic White Subway Tile Backsplash
I couldn’t create a list of backsplash examples without starting with the most classic. White subway tile is timeless and subtle, but it’s the perfect choice for a Farmhouse-style kitchen like this one from Room for Tuesday.
Pro Tip: When you pair white subway tile with white cabinetry, consider your grout colors carefully. It can change the entire look of your backsplash!
If you are looking to add depth and interest, choose a grout that is darker, like the pretty gray below. If you want your backsplash to fade in a bit with the cabinets, stick with white (just be prepared to spend some extra elbow grease to clean your grout!)
2 and 3. Not a Fish Story – Fish Scale Tile is Fancy and Fun
In my own kitchen renovation, we didn’t use upper cabinets, so I needed a TON of backsplash tiles to abut our white cabinetry and white countertops. To keep a clean look, (and keep on budget) we decided to use porcelain tiles and stay with a white-on-white look from floor to ceiling.
Far from boring, this can be a classic look, and you can use a white grout to really adhere to a monochrome color palette, or branch out a bit, and go with a different grout color. We did both!
Here in our coffee bar/butler’s pantry, I chose white grout:
But in the heart of our kitchen, I decided I wanted the tile to stand out, and a subtle pop of color, so we opted for dark grout (it’s actually more of a medium gray)…
4. Warm Gray Subway Tiled Backsplash
Remember how I said that subway tile backsplashes can come in a ton of colors? How about dark gray?
Rarely do white kitchen cabinets stand out more than when paired with dark counters and a dark backsplash like this example from The Yellow Cape Cod.
5. Shiplap Style Backsplash
I never get tired of looking at shiplap! Can you see why?
Gorgeous! The Grit and Polish paired white cabinetry with a shiplap backsplash, marble countertops, and brass handles in a stunning Farmhouse-style kitchen that will make all your friends and family drool with envy.
6. Warm Backsplash with White Cabinets
Awed by Monica’s warm-toned backsplash design (and matching island color) adds warmth and depth to a space that may otherwise seem austere. Even with those dark, almost black, floors, the room is warm and inviting.
7. Spanish Tile Backsplash
So fun! Ceramic tile like this blue Spanish tile patterned backsplash from Sharp and Grey add intricate detail and visual interest. I love how they stuck with a single band of accent tile to make the room pop and allowed white subway tile elsewhere to give eyes a place to rest.
The blue island ties the design together, while brass accents and other pops of color make the entire room feel welcoming and even playful.
8. Seaglass with Subtle Color
I know there are people who love loud, bold decor. But there’s something to be said for subtle elegance too.
This kitchen from Sand and Sisal makes great use of subtle sea glass tile and accents with warm pops of color to create an exquisite design!
9. Bold and Beautiful
Wow! These bold glazed Bejmat mosaic tiles create a gorgeous focal point and play well with the white shaker cabinets and live plants in this fun kitchen from Justina Blakeney (photo credit: Danae Horst).
This backsplash seems to sparkle as light reflects off of it to moderate the boldness of the color.
10. Touch of Gold Backsplash for White Cabinets
Ah, the possibilities! Friday We’re in Love found a fun tile design that adds elegance through gold dots in this unusual tile pattern.
Add a little gold hardware to the white cabinets, and you have a cohesive but understated and timeless design.
11. Pressed Tin Backsplash
Can you believe this detailed backsplash from Blesser House is a metal backsplash?
A pressed tin backsplash is an easy way to add a touch of subtle elegance to a kitchen. And even though this is a white backsplash, the detail in it makes it stand out against the white cabinets.
12. Hexagon Tile
These hexagonal ceramic tiles in Haneen’s Haven’s kitchen are another way to add some texture and visual depth!
Pair the white tile with the longer contemporary bar hardware for a modern yet timeless kitchen design.
13. Marble Backsplash
If you crave a taste of sophistication, consider using marble tiles as a backsplash for white cabinets.
And as you can see in this example from Shabbyfufu, a marble tile backsplash looks incredible with marble counters!
14. Pink Kitchen Backsplash
Want to add a touch of whimsy and, dare I say, FUN to your kitchen?
Take a page from McGuire & Co.’s design book and use colored ceramic tiles as a fun backsplash with white cabinets. You can use one shade or mix and match colors to your heart’s content!
15. Unique Tile Shape for White Cabinets
The shape of these tiles isn’t one that I’ve seen before, but I’m loving what Emily Welch Style did with this backsplash!
It’s subtle but also impressive and lends some interest to this small kitchen!
16. Backsplash with a Pop of Color
This kitchen feels like cheery summer (my favorite season!) all year long! The colored subway tile backsplash adds a pop of color to this white and silver kitchen from I Wash You Dry.
Pair it with a colorful mat or throw rug for a space that always looks inviting.
17. Dark Tiles Let Decor Stand Out
I don’t know that I would have come up with a design like this one from Designer Trapped on my own, but I’m hooked!
Not only do the dark tiles stand out against the white cabinets, but they are dark enough that they provide a terrific neutral background for the colorful decor.
18. Patterned Backsplash
Bless This Nest took a chance with this busy backsplash, but it really works with the white cabinets and dark hardware. What an easy way to spruce up a kitchen design!
19. Focal Point Backsplash with White Cabinets
Love! Alison Giese Interiors used slab marble for this backsplash, and it leaves an incredible impression. The dark silestone countertop was a genius way to tie the design together, and the brass hardware offers a pop of color.
White Kitchen Backsplashes – Final Thoughts
If you’re tackling a kitchen remodel as a DIY project, don’t be afraid to get creative! A unique backsplash can really make your kitchen feel one-of-a-kind. Consider using shiplap, reclaimed wood, or colorful glass tiles to create the space of your dreams.
In the end, the best backsplash for your white cabinets is the one that makes you happy. Whether you’re going for calming, bold, sophisticated, or somewhere in between for your kitchen decor, there’s a backsplash out there that’s perfect for you.
Pin this project for later! And if you decide to try it, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try it, too!
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