How to Match Your Backsplash to Your Countertop (2024)

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Colors Materials FAQs References

How to Match Your Backsplash to Your Countertop (1)

Choosing a coordinating kitchen countertop and backsplash isn’t rocket science, but it’s also not as easy as 1, 2, 3. Complimentary colors alone won’t always lead to a perfect match. You must also consider patterns, movement, and sheen to create a matching countertop and backsplash look that you’ll truly love.

Most experts will advise you to choose your kitchen countertop before your backsplash. This is because your countertop is typically a more significant investment than your backsplash. It is what will get the most use, and it is one of the most visible features in your kitchen.

From a practical standpoint, your kitchen countertop must also be installed first. Once it is in place, you can then take home sample backsplash tiles and double-check how they look with the countertops, cabinetry, and fixtures. You can also get an idea as to how they look in different lighting in your kitchen throughout the day.

How to Match Your Backsplash to Your Countertop (2)

Colors

Countertop and backsplash colors should complement one another. Consider using a color wheel to help evaluate your options since it shows you what colors blend nicely together.

Some homeowners will choose a backsplash tile that includes a color that matches the veins or spots of color in their countertop. This can be a great option if you also consider the patterns and movement in the kitchen countertop and backsplash tile. You don’t want them to compete with one another. Get more kitchen backsplash ideas here.

If you have a countertop with a lot of movement in it, which is especially common with granite countertops, consider a more subdued backsplash, so your eyes have somewhere to rest. If your countertop is uniform and neutral, feel free to amp up the backsplash with a burst of color or more intricate tile patterns.

If your kitchen countertop has different patterns and movement but the backsplash tile you love also has a busy design, then try matching the color palettes. This will ensure the countertop and backsplash feel more cohesive rather than competing with one another in both pattern and color.

Another option is to run your kitchen countertop onto the backsplash. This creates a sleek, clean, uniform look, and it can be an economical choice if you have countertop material left over.

How to Match Your Backsplash to Your Countertop (3)

Materials

The purpose of your kitchen backsplash is to protect your walls from spills, splatters, mildew, and mold. Keep that in mind when you choose materials—they are going to get messy. Make sure whatever material you choose can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth or sponge.

If you select larger-size tiles, you’ll have to use less grout, which means fewer joints and less cleaning. You should also note that some backsplash materials need more maintenance than others. Natural stone kitchen backsplashes will need to be cleaned and sealed periodically – probably about twice a year. Some homeowners like the sheen of their kitchen countertop and backsplash to match – meaning if their countertop has a high-gloss finish, they also want shine in their backsplash.

Do you still have questions? Come visit our showrooms for inspiration and talk to our experts. Let us help you turn your kitchen into your favorite room in your home.

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How to Match Your Backsplash to Your Countertop (2024)

FAQs

How to Match Your Backsplash to Your Countertop? ›

So, if you have lighter cabinets and countertops, you should incorporate a darker backsplash to provide more visual interest and depth to your space. When you have darker cabinets and countertops, you should bring in a lighter backsplash to make your kitchen feel fresh and inviting.

What is the rule of thumb for backsplash? ›

There is no right or wrong answer for how high a kitchen backsplash should be, however, the rule of thumb is to make your backsplash end at the bottom of your kitchen wall cabinets.

How to choose backsplash color for kitchen? ›

Select backsplash colors, textures, and materials that coordinate well with your cabinets, counters, and appliances. Repeat an existing kitchen material or use a complementary color. This creates a cohesive, polished look.

Should the backsplash meet the countertop? ›

Leave a Gap

The tiles being installed on the backsplash should not actually touch the granite. Instead, install them approximately 1/8 inch above the granite.

Should backsplash be the same as countertop pros and cons? ›

You can use the same material for your countertop and your backsplash, or you might choose complementary colors. The main advantage of choosing the same material for your countertop and your backsplash is the fact that you can highlight the material you're using.

Should the countertop be lighter or darker than the backsplash? ›

So, if you have lighter cabinets and countertops, you should incorporate a darker backsplash to provide more visual interest and depth to your space. When you have darker cabinets and countertops, you should bring in a lighter backsplash to make your kitchen feel fresh and inviting.

Where should you not put backsplash? ›

The backsplash connects the two sets of cabinets, which helps the room feel bigger and more cohesive. Do not put a backsplash behind your fridge unless you can clearly see that wall. In most cases, the space behind the fridge is not visible anywhere in the kitchen.

What color backsplash is timeless? ›

However, a kitchen backsplash is the most fun and personal decision that you can reflect your style. You can go with a simple design or be bold and make the backsplash the star of the design. Between all these opportunities, the white backsplash is the most classic and timeless option for any kitchen.

What backsplash does not go out of style? ›

"Hexagons and herringbone's patterns don't seem to ever go out of style. A herringbone pattern with a Calacatta marble finish makes for a little subtle interest in an all-white kitchen." Angling your tiles is a great way to add interest without breaking the bank for special patterns or adding colored tile.

What not to do with a kitchen backsplash? ›

6 Common Backsplash Mistakes DIY'ers Make
  • Ending the Backsplash Suddenly. Backsplash runs between your cabinets, behind stoves, and can run up all the way to the ceiling if you choose. ...
  • Installing in the Wrong Order. ...
  • Choosing Too Busy of a Pattern. ...
  • Not Measuring. ...
  • Ignoring Details. ...
  • Underestimating the Timeframe.
May 12, 2022

Should backsplash match counter or cabinets? ›

Typically, countertops dictate the color of the backsplash but everything must flow in the kitchen to look fantastic so you should never underestimate the importance of also matching the kitchen cabinets.

Are 4 inch backsplashes outdated? ›

Although a 4 inch backsplash is generally considered outdated, it is possible to create modern kitchens with this style. It can be used in any area according to the style and taste of the person.

What color backsplash with white countertops? ›

Choosing a neutral color for the backsplash, such as soft gray, beige, or cream, allows it to blend harmoniously with the white countertops and cabinets. Neutral colors provide a timeless and sophisticated look, ensuring that the backsplash remains stylish and relevant for years to come.

How to match backsplash to quartz countertop? ›

If an individual is looking to match their backsplash to their quartz countertops, one option they have is to select a particular neutral colour that can complement the veining in most quartz countertops. Most neutral tones can complement quartz extremely well and tend to go well in most kitchens.

Should you install backsplash or countertops first? ›

Installing your backsplash after your countertops allows you to call any audibles that may be needed as you go through the kitchen design remodel. Rarely does everything go as planned, so having a degree of flexibility to make changes on the fly can prove beneficial to your project.

How far up the wall should a kitchen backsplash go? ›

A standard backsplash continues from the kitchen countertops to approximately three to six inches up the wall, with four inches typically being the most common height.

Should backsplash be even with cabinet or countertop? ›

In the case of a very large kitchen, or one with dramatically tall ceilings, taking tile to full height can bust the budget or completely overload the look. In a case like this, ending the tile vertically at the same line as the upper cabinets gives a better finish.

How far down should the backsplash go behind the stove? ›

When tiling a kitchen backsplash behind a stove, the best practice is to continue the tiles down the wall a minimum of one full course below the countertop height. This is done in order to prevent any visual discontinuity so you cannot see any untiled wall surface.

How do you calculate backsplash? ›

To calculate the square inches, simply multiply the height times the width. If there are multiple walls or sections, you can find the area of each separately and add them together for your final number. For our example in the video above we've measured a backsplash area that is 48" W x 24" H.

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