What color backsplash shoud I go with?

by Beverly P

+63

Answered

We have cherry cabinets and dark countertops, what color would look best for the backsplash? We will be using tile of some sort, but after going this far with this kitchen redo, I don't want ordinary tile.

Backsplash ideas.

65 answers

Leslie D on May 31, 2012
Our cabinets are lighter than yours, but the countertop is a similar gray/black color. We tried several samples against the pattern of the granite and decided on a green glass bar-shaped glass backsplash and love the way it turned out. It's so easy to care for, too.

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Rachel F on May 31, 2012
Use the floor as a frame of reference, and also, other decor in the area. For example, you have a pop of blue on the shelf, you could incorporate something that has splashes of blue... Or something that picks up the pattern on the floor. Excited to see your choice! It looks great.

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Cher D on May 31, 2012
gray subway...it would blend with the gray in the granite and your appliances somewhere if you want a splash..add some like a row or a splash

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Leslie D on May 31, 2012
Sorry, didn't realize the backsplash was so difficult to see. Here's a closer shot. (forgive the mess...I was painting an old artillery shell)

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Catherine T on May 31, 2012
I agree with Rachel. Something with a touch of color that you can also use in accessories might be nice. But keeping things neutral and choosing accessories for color also means you could change the colors to accent the room without a lot of work. Really nice choices you have made so far. I am sure you will select something nice. Problem being there are sooooo many choices!

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Leslie D on May 31, 2012
We found that picking up multiple samples helped tremendously. The tile we thought we wanted to use looked awful when we actually held the sample up against everything. Can't wait to see what you choose!

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Rhonda M on May 31, 2012
This tile panels in nickle

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Laura K on May 31, 2012
Looks like it's uba tuba granite, which is what I used in our bath for the double vanity. pair it with a Travertine tile that is more 'quiet' than the granite. Our walls are painted a green that has a lot of yellow so the gold on the granite comes alive and you don't want the back splash to compete or be too busy. You can still do a lot of color with accessories, window coverings, etc.

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Kathy M on May 31, 2012
You might try a shade of green or gold. Your granite looks a bit green in the picture and I noticed your gold glass on the shelves. I really like what you have done so far.

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Susan B on May 31, 2012
Black and white rough stone tile in a staggered checked pattern.

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Susan B on May 31, 2012
My grandson in front of the tile work.

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Paula on May 31, 2012
I would go with a stainless steel look to match the appliances. You can use metal ceiling tiles to get this effect or you can go with the new "glass tiles" in a verigated color pattern.

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Cherish C on May 31, 2012
Maybe you could go with a cream or similar color, to match the floor. This will also help brighten up the area with the lighter color in contrast to the dark counters and dark cabinets.

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Becky H on May 31, 2012
Tile companies are making mosaic tile square with a variety of colors and materials. I've seen some that include some stainless steel in with stone or glass. You might consider looking at some of those.

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Wanda M on May 31, 2012
I agree with Cherish. A cream color to match the floor and will keep it bright also.

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Sharron W on May 31, 2012
I saw some glass mosiac tiles at home depot that the sheet included two shades of green, a golden color, a brown and some cream color...I think that would be a fabulous choice to incorporate all the colors of your kitchen into the backsplash...

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Designs by BSB on May 31, 2012
I think the sky is the limit ! While your counter top is a dark green, it really is a natural tone neutral. There are numerous mosaics in 1x2, 2x3, 3x3 .. even linear patterns/sizes. Id take a further step back and look at how much of a statement do you want in your backsplash .. how does the kitchen flow with the rest of the home. Any other colors you want to carry into the kitchen, even if gold tones, etc. ... or do you want to stay real neutral and add focal with decor?

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Classy Clutter on May 31, 2012
I think an off-white mosaic would look amazing!

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Beverly P on May 31, 2012
I should have posted pics of the wall color opposite from the sink, I chose a wallpaper with golds and reds, then painted the bottom a soft red. The floor is not done yet, we are going with a laminate in Brazillian Koa, which is dark cherry looking.

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Beverly P on May 31, 2012
We did like the Uba Tuba but went with the Mystic Green instead. It had a bit more depth to it and alot of interesting colors in it. And that is exactely what my issue is, I don't want the backsplash to be too busy so as not to take away from the granite.

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Beverly P on May 31, 2012
I agree, that is the problem! Lol...too many choices, but I do like the gold theme. It looks rich and there is gold flecks in the granite. Thank you for your help!

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Tina C on May 31, 2012
Go with a subway tile format and maybe a pretty beige...depends how daring you are .. but since the cabinets are so dark...it might be too much to add a dark tile...the ones that look like bricks always look awesome..something shiny..

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Linda S on May 31, 2012
subway tile format with a few rows of vertical glass tiles to accent....did this in my bathroom and it was stunning...

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Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on May 31, 2012
Subway seems to have it won. My thoughts on this is to choose something that will go forever. Remember your not going to choose or change your counter tops anytime if in fact you ever do. Using glass tiles, or any other fancy tiles you will someday want to change up the look and we will stuck having to match what you put on the wall. Keeping it simple with a basic subway tile layout with perhaps an accent tile boarder and or a pattern behind the oven/stove area should be enough. Glass tiles are expensive and look great, but like everything else goes out of style in sort order and it can become expensive to change later on. As a prior home inspector I have seen all sorts of really nice kitchens that for their time were fantastic. Only to get the question from the buyer, how can we change that? Take lots of photos once done We all want to see!

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Artistic Metal Works on May 31, 2012
I agree with your choice of Subway tiles...a green glass subway would be beautiful..

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Home Repair Tutor on May 31, 2012
Green glass subway tiles would look fantastic. Whatever you choose please post a picture-I think we'd all like to see the final product :)

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Tina on May 31, 2012
I think a light glass tile would look sharp

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Designs by BSB on May 31, 2012
Subway tile would be classic, timeless. Glass tile.. more modern.. here to stay .. I think! Larger the tiles, the more timeless (IMO)

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Jo L on May 31, 2012
I would go wit one of two choices from Lowes: 14" x 12" Maroon Beige Tones Mixed Material Wall Tile Item #: 354385 | Model #: 20-610 or 14" x 12" Brown Beige Tones Mixed Material Wall Tile Item #: 291274 | Model #: 20-597 I have a friend who used these tiles and it looks fantastic.

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Kelly S on May 31, 2012
Subaway tiles with smaller square nickle or steel metalic tiles. That will tie your appliances and fixtures in.

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Alethea S on May 31, 2012
I really like my copper glass tiles. My counter tops are very much like yours and have small flecks of a coppery color in them. I haven't found a color yet that doesn't work well with the tiles. Blue is especially pretty.

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Andrea T on May 31, 2012
I agree with the glass tiles would bring out the cherry and break things up

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Vicki S on May 31, 2012
What ever you pick it will be because you like it personally and you will love it for many years.... I personally think you should pick a light color because the counters and cabinets are dark and you need to brighten the kitchen some. Should be very easy to clean so not small tiles with a lot of grout. Whatever you choose....enjoy!

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Steph A on Jun 01, 2012
Natural river stone would be lovely.

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Becky H on Jun 01, 2012
Beverly P., I understand what you are saying about the green granite and color. We chose the green marinace granite for all the colors and pattern. I wanted it to be the focal point of the kitchen. What we used on our backsplash was Artic Mist subway tile. It is listed as a white tile, and in fact, has white coloring on the back of the tile with a very light green clear glass over that color. We avoided stark contrast of a real white next to the green granite and it offered enough contrast next to the white cabinets to offer interest. Depending upon what you do with your colors as to which becomes the focal point. Have you decided which you wish to have as your focal point?

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Superior Remodeling, LLC on Jun 01, 2012
I would recommend using a light travertine similar to the picture I will attach and with the style of your cabinets I would go with a subway tile rather that a square tile.

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Frances S on Jun 01, 2012
Light color tile, tumbled marble is nice.

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Ilene D on Jun 01, 2012
Your cabinets are nice rich tones. I would add a black/grayish/blueish granite with a lot of mica in it. Your lighting will make it appear real rich.

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Faye G on Jun 06, 2012
I think the small multi colored tile in co-ordinating color would be awsome! Some come with the glass tile scattered throughout in complimentay color........Good luck on a hard decision.....

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DeMarie I on Jun 07, 2012
I would keep it a neutral color and tiles that are simple (not busy). Beautiful cabinets.

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Juana A on Jun 07, 2012
Have you seen the tin looking but they are plastic sheets at home depot. My friend used them in her backsplash in her million dollar home I was redoing a kitchen and thought I want that look but if she can afford it I can't. I was surprised apx $20 asheet and you cut them to the size you need they are easy to install you can do it yourself. Good luck.

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Beverly P on Jun 07, 2012
Well, I have decided on black 1 inch square sheets....I am not completely sold on it but my husband and best friend say it is the best choice....I will post pics on the end result. Thanks for all the input folks!

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Frances S on Jun 08, 2012
Don't settle, get a bunch of samples and line them up on the edge, I have the same granite. it took me five months to decide.

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Alethea S on Jun 08, 2012
Hold out, Beverly. Chances are that it is you who will be spending the most time in the kitchen.!!!

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Beverly P on Jun 08, 2012
Frances, I agree...I am ready to take a break from all this home improvement anyway for awhile so we are going to take our time on deciding. This has been a six month long project so far, what's a few more months...lol.

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Leslie D on Jun 08, 2012
Don't feel bad, Beveraly. Took us a year to do our kitchen. Pick what you like. My personal opinion is that the black will darken the area too much since your cabinets are already semi-dark. I think you need a little sparkle back there.

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Beverly P on Jun 08, 2012
That is the second choice...stainless steel backsplash. I agree on it being too dark..that is why I am waiting out myhusband til he comes around to my way of thinkin'...lol.

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Leslie D on Jun 10, 2012
They also make a foil-backed glass mosaic that looks like stainless. http://search.babylon.com/imageres.php?iu=http://www.wholesalersusainc.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/8/g8035.jpg&ir=http://www.wholesalersusainc.com/home-improvement/glass-tiles/cristezza-club-collection/club-collection-silver-foil.html&ig=http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsbxG4xvgw2A_l2DAYaQ1LvakyeAxr97jiL8hOHKdbLCkqkUSTejPkuvGJtw&h=800&w=800&q=foil+backed+glass+silver+tile&babsrc=NT_ss

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Becky H on Jun 11, 2012
What is it with men and them needing black in the kitchen? When we were remodeling our kitchen, the first thing out of hubby's mouth was he wanted a black countertop. It didn't happen, but fortunately the (male) contractor we were working with agreed with my choice of green marinace.

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Sharron W on Jun 13, 2012
http://www.wholesalersusainc.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/0/g0605_1.jpg

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Sharron W on Jun 13, 2012
http://www.wholesalersusainc.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/8/g8902_1.jpg

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Alethea S on Jun 16, 2012
Whatever you choose, make sure that it cleans easily. Porous stone, is difficult to clean. Marble stains easily. It's not called a backsplash for nothing!

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Sharron W on Jun 17, 2012
Good advice there! @Alethea S.

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Lisa O. on Dec 30, 2014
Don't forget to factor in your flooring color. A lighter flooring and backsplash would contrast the dark cabinets and counter top and keep the eye flowing.

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Lisa Schneider on Jan 21, 2015
we had ubatuba granite when we did our backsplash. we still have it on the island. We used travertine and added green glass and slate tiles for a custom look .

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Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2015
Pick up some samples of things you like, take them home and look at them in your kitchen, under different time of day light sources. The colors change with the amount of light they have. Don't make a quick decision, if it takes you a month to decide....so be it. You have to look at this for a long period of time, so you don't want a hurried up job.

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- Jessica Serrano-Gregg on Sep 25, 2016
  That's excellent advice. Our home was built in 1880 and there's a lot of original dark cherry woodwork in the house that I love and we want to keep that original. But we have Cherry wood cabinets that are really dark in the kitchen... White counter tops and the blacksplash is that crappy white, I think maybe laminate? It's white and boring but I want to peel it off so bad to see what's underneath it so bad but we've opened up Pandora's box many times so it's a gamble so I'd really like to just looksee but playing it safe would be to cover it but not sure with what. My husband already said I'm not to touch the color of the cabinets in anyway that he likes them dark... Ughhh it's the only thing he's every said definitively...DO NOT lol so they are pretty but hard to " lighten" up the dark kitchen. We also have pine hardwood floors that are just the right color for me but nothing ties together and it's old farmhouse rustic chic? I Made that up but I don't know how else to describe it. There's also exposed brick original to the house On one wall in the kitchen area (and throughout the first floor) so I'm wondering if that's not underneath the backsplash too. But I think you're right, get samples of Different types and see what looks best since I'm not allowed to redo the cabinets nor am I redoing the floor lol. It's just odd looking in there but I don't know what to do while keeping the integrity of the home but yet improving it at the same time... Ughhh lol
  
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Jean Cummins on Aug 30, 2016
I have cherry cabinets and med/dark granite counter top and went with beige travertine subway tiles. The floor consists of large off white porcelain squares. With the cherry cabinets, I wanted to keep a light floor and backsplash. It looks good!

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Janice Blanford Harder on Aug 30, 2016
I think I may have your countertop! I used a copper tin for my backsplash, and I love it! The light bounces off the tin and brightens that area.

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Elizabeth Miller on Sep 26, 2016
If this is your kitchen redone (pictures posted)......its a beautiful kitchen. I would probably go with subway tile in a white (to brighten up things). Maybe put in some decorative tile behind the stove.

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Tisha Rockholt on Jan 16, 2017

I want some suggestions please. What color backsplash would look good for my kitchen? I have a black oven, aluminum fridge, dishwasher, Black-with some gold granite countertops and cabinets.

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Tisha Rockholt on Jan 16, 2017

Actually the cabinets are not black but sort of orangey color. Share your thoughts!

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Charl on Jan 17, 2017

Light gray subway tile.. Maybe even white subway tile. Classic, never looks dated. The counter looks grayish black on my screen. If so, light gray would look good and you can paint the kitchen a light gray.

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Bonnie Barnes on Feb 18, 2024

Beverly, I have the same countertop and similar cabinet colors. What did you decide on for your backsplash?

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Redcatcec on Feb 18, 2024

Blue, green or even teal.

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Johnavallance82 on Feb 18, 2024

As your units are dark and your work top is dark, I would go for bright cheery colours such as Moroccan mix.

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