40 Gorgeous Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas For Any Space

Looking for kitchen tile backsplash ideas to make a big impact on the design of your home? With so many options, it’s important to consider various styles and choose the best one for your space.

Using a kitchen tile backsplash can transform the look and feel of the heart of your home. A well-chosen backsplash can add personality, color, and texture, serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Kitchen backsplashes protect your walls from splattering water, cooking oils, and food, but they also add color and style to a space. Discover different kitchen backsplash design ideas from classic looks to funky, bold options.

Soft and Subtle Tile

Subway Tile - Bluegrass

Choose one of Mercury Mosaics' handmade tile styles to bring your kitchen backsplash idea to life.

Soft and subtle tile backsplashes can bring a gentle elegance to kitchens. Neutral colors with delicate textures add warmth and sophistication without overwhelming the space. For a unique, contemporary look, use minimal tile. You can see an example of this style in the picture above.

Rich and Cozy Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Subway Tile - Sapphire Blue

If you want backsplash ideas for kitchen spaces that kindle that charming cabin feeling, consider a rich tile color. It will contrast nicely with dark warm cabinetry to create a cozy ambiance in the kitchen. Rich colors can add depth and make the kitchen feel inviting and homely. Think navy blue, royal purple, or burgundy.

Ombre Kitchen Backsplash

Medium Moroccan Fish Scales - Custom Colors

Interior Design - Michelle Gage

Photography - Kyle Born

Want fun new backsplash ideas for your upcoming residential or commercial projects? Look into ombre tile backsplash ideas. Ombre tiles produce a gradient effect, transitioning from one shade to another.

Ombre designs add a unique, modern twist and can create a sense of movement in the space. You can use this to bring cohesion to the entire kitchen space or strategically draw attention to a certain area or feature.

Classic Running Bond White Subway Tile

Subway tiles feature rectangular or square shapes, come in many colors and sizes, and allow for various arrangements. However, the classic subway tile is three by six inches laid horizontally in rows, each having a 50% offset from the previous row.

A classic running bond pattern with white subway tiles has a timeless appeal. It can make your kitchen look sleek and clean. The versatility of classic white subway tiles makes them work well with various kitchen styles, from traditional to modern.

Contrast Grout and Tile Backsplash

Small Moroccan Fish Scales - Deco White

Are you looking for grouting and tiling a kitchen backsplash ideas? White is the standard choice for kitchen tile grout, but there is a new trend of using contrasting grout colors to make tiles stand out. This design choice adds visual interest and emphasizes the shape and layout of the tiles. Consider contrasting grout if you are using unique tile shapes that you want to draw attention to.

Small Details Craftsman Square Tiles Backsplash

Small Craftsman Squares - Patina

The intricate design of Craftsman square tiles brings character to any backsplash. These tiles can also enhance your kitchen’s style by adding a touch of artisanal craftsmanship.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style homes of the American Midwest inspire Craftsman square tiles. In line with this style, craftsman square tiles usually come in muted, natural colors. If you are still deciding on a color palette for your backsplash, use Mercury Mosaic’s online color palette tool to search and filter by color, variation, and finish. 

High Gloss Shine Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Find more backsplash tile ideas that can transform your home’s bathrooms, washrooms, and other spaces.

For backsplash options that make your kitchen shine, literally, go with a tile that has a glossy finish. High-gloss tile finishes reflect light and create a bright, polished look. This option can make smaller kitchens feel more spacious because light bounces off the backsplash. It can also upgrade the vibe of your kitchen to make it feel more luxurious.

Coordinated Kitchen Island

Subway Tile - Bluegrass

This kitchen tile design idea goes beyond just the type of tile and pattern you choose. Whether you are remodeling your own kitchen or designing a home for a client, think about the way the backsplash can complement or coordinate with other features of the kitchen. Extending the backsplash tile pattern to the kitchen island can create a cohesive look. This design approach ties different kitchen elements together for a unified feel.

Rise and Shine Vertical Subway Tile

Rise - Fiesta

Rectangle subway tiles can be laid horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Vertical subway tiles have the effect of elongating the wall, adding height to the space. Rise Vertical Subway Tiles feature a vertical layout and diagonal cuts, offering a fresh take on a classic style. This can add a modern touch to any kitchen.

Dynamic Diamond Tile Backsplash

Medium Diamonds - Deco White

Most tile backsplash for kitchens come in standard shapes – square or rectangle. Break the mold with diamond-shaped tiles. They can add an element of geometric flair to your kitchen.

Instead of laying all the diamond tiles in the same direction, use a dynamic pattern like the one pictured above. You can also customize this design with different tile colors to make a bold statement.

Mixed Textures Backsplash Tiles

Subway Tile - Sapphire Blue

Transform a simple backsplash into an eye-catching feature by choosing backsplash tiles that contrast the textures of the adjacent walls, cabinets, and other kitchen features. Mixed texture designs add depth and dimension to your kitchen. This bold design choice can greatly impact your space and create a unique, layered look. 

Coastal Sea Foam Green Tile

Sea foam green is a popular color choice for homeowners and designers alike. Sea foam green tiles evoke a coastal feel, bringing freshness and calmness into the kitchen. This color palette pairs well with natural wood or white cabinetry for a beach-inspired look. Many different tile shapes and layouts work in the sea foam green color.

Monochrome Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Large Moroccan Fish Scales - White

Monochrome backsplash designs for kitchens utilize varying tones of a single color. Monochrome designs work in any color and can be elegant or fun depending on the color you choose. A white monochrome backsplash creates a minimalist, cohesive aesthetic without distracting from other design elements. Understand the effects tile variation can have based on glaze or clay body to help you create the perfect monochromatic look for your space. 

Charming Vertical Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Subway Tile - Rainforest, Iron Smoke

Need backsplash tile inspiration for your bar or modern kitchen? Vertical subway tiles provide a twist on the traditional horizontal tile layout. This orientation can add visual interest while retaining a classic feel. That effect makes charming vertical subway tiles a great addition to small spaces like a bar or kitchenette.

Terracotta Inspired Backsplash Tiles

Subway Tile - Chestnut

Interior Design - Lucy Interior Design

Architecture - SALA Architects

Photography - Spacecrafting

Still deciding which kitchen style to bring to life? Explore these curated kitchen designs from Mercury Mosaics.

Natural textures like terracotta are a cornerstone of Mid-Century Modern designs. Ceramic, terracotta-inspired tiles have a rustic charm that brings warmth and earthy tones into a kitchen. This option adds an old-world appeal, ideal for cozy and traditional spaces. It also pairs great with wood paneling and pastel colors, other key elements of Mid-Century Modern designs.

Dynamic Triangle Lines Backsplash

Small Triangles - Bluegrass

Turn your backsplash into an accent wall with triangle tiles that pop. Triangle-shaped tiles arranged in dynamic lines can create a bold geometric statement. This pattern works well with contrasting colors for added impact.

Herringbone Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Herringbone Pattern - Blue Opal

The Herringbone tile pattern gained popularity in the early 20th century. It uses subway tiles laid diagonally and arranged in its iconic zigzag pattern.

The Herringbone pattern is a classic design choice that can add a sophisticated touch to any kitchen. The nature of the pattern can also create a sense of movement throughout the space. Let your creativity run wild with all the herringbone pattern kitchen tile ideas.

Bright and Bold Color Tiles That Shine

Use bold, vibrant tiles with a glossy finish to make a statement in the kitchen. Of all our kitchen backsplash tile ideas, this one may be the most eye-catching. Bright colors can energize a space and reflect the homeowner’s personality.

Full Wall Kitchen Backsplash Design

Medium Diamonds - Emerald

Interior Design - Emily Pueringer of Quality Cut Design | Remodel

Photography - Alyssa Lee

A full-wall backsplash extends from the counter to the ceiling or across an entire wall. This impactful design choice creates a dramatic focal point. It can also add a sense of luxury to the kitchen. The tile color, size, and pattern used for a full-wall kitchen backsplash will affect the impact the tiles have on the overall space.

Sweet Hexagon Scattered Ombre Tiles

Custom Geo-Hex Pattern - Dusty Rose, Cider, Burnt Sugar, Amber

Honeycomb hexagon tiles arranged in a scattered ombre pattern create a playful look. This unique design adds visual interest and a soft transition of color across the backsplash. Take chances with this whimsical kitchen tile backsplash design.

3D Effect Tile Backsplash

2”x4" Subway Tile and 4”x4” Subway - White

Interior Design - Pinnacle Interior Designs

Photography - Height Advantages

Remodeling - Landmark Remodeling

Are you looking for ideas for kitchen backsplashes that create depth? Look no further. Most kitchen tiles, even ones that have a textured look are flat or two-dimensional (2D).

Subtle, three-dimensional (3D) tiles bring intrigue to your kitchen. While the options for 3D tiles are more limited than 2D tiles, there are still great variations of this captivating design feature on the market.

Mixed Metal Inspired Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Herringbone Pattern - Steel

Interior Design - Redstone Interiors

Photography - Spacecrafting Photography

Building by Steiner & Koppelman

Incorporating metal-colored tiles can add a chic, industrial feel to a kitchen. This approach combines modern and vintage elements for a unique, edgy look. Explore Mercury Mosaics’ steel color palette for design ideas that match your dream mixed metal kitchen.

Hexagon Flower Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Hexagon Flower Pattern - Iris Blend

Get your hands on Mercury Mosaics tiles and test them in your space with our expertly curated sample packs.

Hexagon tiles arranged in a flower pattern add a whimsical touch to a kitchen. Interior designers and DIY homeowners have some freedom in choosing the size and spacing of the flower patterns. When done well, this design adds a playful, artistic element to your kitchen while keeping it visually balanced.

Clean and Crisp White Backsplash Tiles

Geo-Star - White

Photography - Sage E Imagery

Styling - Creekwood Hill

Enjoy the timeless elegance of a clean, all-white tile backsplash. White tile is extremely versatile. It enhances brightness, making the kitchen feel spacious and fresh. This is a great choice for darker spaces that you want to lighten or small kitchens that you want to appear larger.

Make a Statement Kitchen Design

Herringbone Pattern - Dusty Rose

Custom Lettering - Satin Black

Interior Design - Studio BV at The Coven

Photography - Gaffer Photography

Installation - Aurora Tile Works

Unique colors, shapes, phrases, or patterns can express your personal style and bring character to your kitchen. Explore custom tiles to transform your kitchen backsplash into a bold focal point. This could be a powerful tool to elevate your daily affirmations practice by having a positive message literally on the wall in front of you anytime you are cooking or doing your dishes.

Funky Fun Triangle Kitchen Backsplash

Large Triangles - Foxwell Blend

Playful triangle tiles can create a fun and eclectic kitchen vibe. With varied colors and layouts to pick from, this design is ideal for adding an artistic flair to your space. Contrasting color triangle tiles can make an outdated kitchen look more contemporary.

Mixed Tile and Wallpaper For a Maximalist Kitchen

Herringbone Pattern - Patina

Photography and Interior Design - Bari J.

Explore the combination of tiles and wallpaper for a maximalist, layered look. This approach allows for creative expression with color, texture, and pattern all in one space. Finish this look off right with complementary tile edges. You can choose from different design options for tile edges, and you can easily install them as part of your backsplash project.

Dramatic Fish Scale Wave Backsplash Tiles

Subway Tile - Marshmallow

Medium Moroccan Fish Scales - Custom Colors

Interior Design - Kate Roos Design

Photography - Andrea Rugg Photography

Moroccan fish scale tiles in a wave pattern is a one-of-a-kind look. This design can add texture, depth, and richness to your kitchen. If you want your kitchen to have a Mediterranean style while making a strong statement, then the Dramatic Fish Scale Wave Backsplash is for you.

Geometric Modern Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Geo Hex Pattern - Spanish Moss

Interior Designer and Photographer - Shed Tiny House

Shop Mercury Mosaics’ hand-crafted geometric tiles for an eye-catching backsplash.

Asymmetrical geometric tiles are a modern design that gives kitchens a sleek and stylish appearance. This look combines large hexagonal and small diamond-shaped tiles with some freedom in how you arrange them. Geo-hex tile patterns are great for adding structure and sophistication to contemporary spaces. 

Pop of Bold Colored Kitchen Tiles

Top Left: Large Triangles - Custom Colors

Interior Design and Photography by - JMorris Design

Top Right: Medium Diamonds - Custom Colors

Interior Design and Photography - Martha Dayton Design

Bottom: Medium Diamonds - Custom Colors

Interior Design and Photography - slay_at_home

Use a pop of bold color like pink or yellow to energize the backsplash and create a lively atmosphere. These vibrant tiles can act as an accent, adding personality to neutral kitchens. Consider the size of your space when deciding how much of the bold to include in the backsplash tile pattern.

Mid-Century Modern Flare Kitchen

Mid Mod Squares - Blush + Ivy Blend

Mid-century modern-inspired tiles bring retro charm and clean lines to any kitchen. There is a nostalgic feel to this design while staying stylishly timeless. These mid-mod designs feature contrasting colors which also add character to your kitchen.

Painted Edge Kitchen Backsplash

Small Hexagons - Bluegrass

Photography - 188 sqft

Do you want kitchen tile and backsplash ideas that aren’t overdone? Something that feels novel and fresh? Rather than adding tile edges, some designers prefer the unique look of tiles with painted edges.

Painted edge backsplashes create a definition on the wall in a subtle yet impactful way. They are ideal for use when you want the high-quality tiles you chose to be the focal point of the space. 

River Flow Kitchen Tile Design

Medium Diamonds - Custom Colors

Interior Design - Heartbeet Kitchen

Styling - Creek Wood Hill and Frrancois et_moi

Installation - Brian Cherney

Photography - Sage E Imagery

Use wave or flow-like patterns in your tile arrangement to add movement and fluidity to the kitchen backsplash. Consider contrasting colors to create an artistic look, and let yourself be inspired by the natural world. This serene design choice can bring a unique effect to your space. 

Bold and Rich Colored Tile

Subway Tile - Costa Rica

Interior Design - Casa Marcelo

Photography - Nick Glimenakis

Bold, rich-colored tiles create a dramatic backsplash that pairs well with a postmodern-inspired kitchen. Even a small backsplash can make the kitchen feel like it’s washed in color. While rich-colored tile backsplash ideas for kitchens tend to emphasize deep blues, consider warm colors like red, orange, and yellow to give the space a vibrant, cheerful vibe.

Unexpected Kitchen Design and Colors

Geo Hex Pattern - Denim

Medium Diamonds - Custom Colors

Photography - Chelsie Lopez

Whether you have a clear vision already or want guidance from an expert, we can help you create your dream backsplash.

Do you yearn for more non-traditional backsplash ideas in the kitchen? Then, you may want to experiment with unexpected color combinations, shapes, and patterns for a unique look. This bold approach can make your kitchen feel custom-designed and one-of-a-kind.

Mixed Finish Chevron Tile

Medium Diamonds - Black, Satin Black, Steel

Interior Design and Build - STR8 Modern

Photographer - Alyssa Lee Photography

When exploring backsplash kitchen ideas, think about the type of finish you want on your kitchen tiles. Glossy tiles have a shiny, reflective surface and create a fun and bright vibe. Matte tiles have a non-reflective, smooth surface and generate a more calm environment.

Most people choose one or the other for aesthetic reasons but consider a mixed finished backsplash in a chevron pattern to create visual interest and texture in your kitchen. This adds a sophisticated, layered look that really stands out.

Morning Sun Yellow Backsplash Tiles

Subway Tile - Marigold

Interior Design - Emily Pueringer

Photography - Rubinski Visual

Contractor - Quality Cut Design | Remodel

If you want to feel happier every time you walk into the kitchen, explore the cheerful effect that yellow tile backsplash can have. This sunny color brings warmth and positivity to the heart of the home. It will brighten up your kitchen and your day! 

Wrap Around Kitchen Backsplash Design

Geo-Hex Pattern - Custom Colors

Photography - Sage E Imagery

Styling - Creekwood Hill

A wrap-around backsplash extends across multiple walls in the kitchen. It usually does not cover any of the walls fully. It may have a clear line edge or employ a more tapered look. This design achieves continuity and a modern look when paired with any style of ceramic tiles.

Eclectic Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Backsplash

Large Triangles - Sunstone, Burnt Sugar, Espresso and Navy

Interior Design and Photography - JMorris Design

Nothing screams Mid-century modern more than geometric tiles in funky, contrasting colors. The patterns and colors inspired by the era can add a touch of nostalgia and personality to your kitchen. Also, there is a reason why this style remains so popular in the 21st century. Its eclectic, retro vibe is just plain fun!

Retro Checkered Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Checkerboard Pattern - Hazelnut Blend

The classic look of a checkered tile pattern adds retro charm to any space. This design works well with contrasting colors for a striking, vintage-inspired look. Checkered kitchen tiles are square like a checkerboard but come in a variety of contrasting color options.

Get Inspired With Artisan Backsplash Tiles From Mercury Mosaics

Choosing the right tile backsplash can elevate your kitchen, but with so many options, it’s easy to get stuck in decision paralysis. Shop Mercury Mosaics’ collection of handmade, artisan tile by shape or vibe to find unique options that reflect your style and vision. We handmake sustainable tiles with a level of artistry and quality that you do not get from machine-made tiles. Contact us today to schedule a free design consultation and jumpstart your next home improvement or interior design project.