Choosing A Kitchen Backsplash: From Classic Tile to Unexpected Materials

The kitchen backsplash is no longer just a practical feature—it’s a style statement. Gone are the days of a skimpy four to six inch run of material above the counter. Whether you're contemplating a cosmetic refresh or a full-on kitchen remodel, choosing the right backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of the space. With so many materials available from timeless tile to bold concrete or sleek metals, there’s something for every style and budget.

1. Classic Tile: Endless Styles and Patterns
Tile is the most traditional and versatile option for a backsplash. Whether it’s classic subway tile, intricate mosaic patterns, or hand-painted ceramics, tile offers endless customization. The most popular choice for a tile backsplash is porcelain since it is such a durable, maintenance-free material. But you can also look at tiles of other materials such as glass, metal, or stone. Mixing a gloss and matte version of a single tile can look intriguing for the subtle play of light, but for more drama, you can mix different materials for a completely unique style. Using grout colors that either blend or contrast depending on the material and what kind of feeling you want to create offers another chance for self-expression.

Black subway tile with white grout in kitchen by Corey Damen Jenkins

Small stone mosaic backsplash in kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

Glass subway tiles in kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

2. Glass: Sleek, Modern, and Reflective
Glass backsplashes offer a sleek, seamless look and reflect light beautifully, making your kitchen feel brighter and more open. You can choose from clear, frosted, or back-painted glass in any color. A full-height glass slab backsplash (instead of just a strip) creates a bold, contemporary effect. Reverse painting (called eglomisé) offers an array of design possibilities.

Glass sheet backsplash by Steffen Welsch Architects

Glass sheet backsplash by Griffin Enright Architects

Hand-painted eglomise backsplash by Billet Collins

3. Natural Stone: Rich Texture and Elegance
Marble, travertine, granite, and slate backsplashes bring natural texture and a sense of luxury. Each stone is unique, so you get a one-of-a-kind design. For a high-end look, I like to use the same material for the backsplash that was used for the counter top material. It makes the space feel more expansive. If however you would like to use a different material for the splash, I always let one of the materials be the star of the show. If you want to use a highly patterned backsplash, then a quieter counter top with little to no movement allows the splash to shine without creating a fight between materials.

Slab splash and counter in kitchen by Cari Giannoulias

Bookmatched stone slabs in kitchen by Everage Design

4. Quartz: Durable and Low-Maintenance
Quartz backsplashes are non-porous, easy to clean, and just like the stone options shown above, can match or contrast with quartz countertops. They offer a seamless, polished look without the maintenance of natural stone. Make sure to buy a reputable, well-known brand that has a high quartz to binder ratio for structural integrity.

Empira White quartz by Caesarstone

Primordia quartz by Caesarstone

5. Stainless Steel: Industrial Meets Chic
Stainless steel is heat- and stain-resistant, easy to clean, and offers a cool, industrial vibe. It’s especially popular in chef-style kitchens. Go beyond plain panels—consider pressed patterns or a brushed finish to add depth.

Stainless steel backsplash in kitchen by Cary Bernstein Architect

6. Other Metals: Brass, Copper, and Tin
Metallic backsplashes can add warmth, glam, or vintage charm. Brass and copper age beautifully, while tin offers an ornate, old-world aesthetic.

Brass backsplash

Copper backsplash by Halman Thompson

Pressed tin backsplash

7. Concrete: Raw, Edgy, and Modern
Concrete brings a raw, urban feel to the kitchen. It can be cast in panels or troweled directly onto walls for a seamless finish. So your kitchen doesn't feel too cold or sterile, you can combine with wood or warm tones to soften the industrial edge. (If the thought of real concrete is too much, there are porcelain tiles and quartz materials that accurately mimic the look and color of concrete!)

Concrete backsplash

Waxed and sealed concrete backsplash

8. Wood: Warm and Unexpected
Wood as a backsplash is a very unconventional choice but offers incredible warmth and texture. Reclaimed wood offers a great, organic and rustic look, or try slatted panels for a sleek Mid-Century or Scandinavian style. Keep in mind however that wood is a natural and highly porous material so use around a wet area means your wood must be sealed, preferably with a marine-grade varnish to keep it stain-free. With the right sealant, this material can be surprisingly durable. Additionally, there are porcelain tiles that mimic the look of plank wood and slatted wood that will provide the same look without the worry.

Wood backsplash and live edge countertop

Slatted wood backsplash

I like to think that choosing a kitchen backsplash is about more than just protection—it’s a design decision that can define your kitchen's character. Whether you're going for classic elegance, modern minimalism, or something totally unique, there’s a material out there that’s perfect for your vision. If you'd like to explore these and even more options, give me a call!

Happy designing!