White Kitchen Backsplash Tips and Ideas
When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, there are a ton of options and directions you can go. The tile options can seem limitless, there are so many beautiful ones available. I love color and unique decor choices, but I also know that you need to be very careful when selecting hard surfaces like countertops, flooring, and tile. Not only are these things expensive, but replacing them isn’t easy. You need to pick something you’re going to love forever.
When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, white tile is always a good option. It’s timeless, safe, clean, and a great backdrop for other (more easily changeable) decor choices. It’s such a good choice that despite fighting it each time, all my kitchens have ended up with a white backsplash.
Why choose a solid white kitchen backsplash?
There are plenty of reasons to choose a solid white kitchen backsplash. Here are some of the big ones –
- Timeless: White is a classic, timeless color that never goes out of style.
- Bright and airy: White backsplashes can make a kitchen appear brighter and more spacious. They reflect light and help create an open and airy atmosphere, especially in smaller kitchens or those with limited natural light.
- Versatile: White is a highly versatile color that can complement a wide range of kitchen styles and color schemes. A solid white backsplash can seamlessly blend in whether your kitchen has a modern, traditional, or eclectic design.
- Easy to Coordinate: Since white is a neutral color, it is easy to coordinate with other elements in your kitchen, such as countertops, cabinets, and appliances. It provides a blank canvas that allows you to experiment with different accent colors and textures in the kitchen.
- White allows focus on other design elements: A solid white backsplash can serve as a backdrop, allowing other design elements, such as colorful accessories, artwork, or unique cabinet hardware, to stand out and become the focal points of your kitchen.
The case for subway tile
There has been talk of subway tile not being cool anymore. I’ve heard people say it’s dated, it’s boring, and not a good choice for modern-day kitchens. I can’t help but completely disagree with this. It’s true that subway tile has been heavily used and is kind of a “default” option, but that’s for good reason. You simply cannot go wrong with subway tile. It will always be in style. While it might not be the most exciting option, and you might not drool over it every day, it will likely never be something you grimace at or want to replace either (and neither will any future owners of your home).
Looking for the cheapest white subway tile? Here it is!
Daltile 3 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Bright White Subway Tile
White Tile Backsplash Options (that aren’t subway tile)
As I said earlier, there are so many options when it comes to tile! Even narrowing it down to “white” still leaves you with a crazy amount of choices. Here are a few of my favorites.
Mosaic tile
This is a huge tile category with a ton of great options. Click the thumbnail image of each tile for more information
3D/textured tile
This category is a favorite of mine. I think textured tile is a fantastic way to add subtle interest to your kitchen.
Almost solid white tile (but not quite)
Sometimes you want tile backsplash that is white, but with just the smallest amount of interest.
Don’t forget to consider the sheen
Many (if not most) of your tile options will come in different finishes. Here are a couple things to consider before you choose.
High-gloss tile
- Gives a polished, modern look. High-gloss finishes reflect light and make a space appear brighter. Easy to clean, but can also show fingerprints, smudges, and scratches more easily than other finishes.
Matte tile
- Provides a more subtle, understated appearance. Being less reflective, matte sheens can maintain their appearance better over time and may be more resistant to daily wear than glossier finishes.
Expert advice – Be very thoughtful about choosing black grout with your white tile backsplash. Not only is this a harsher look, but it is very difficult to do correctly (every mistake shows). The tile installers I work with will instantly double the price of labor if you choose a dark grout with light-colored tile.
Can you have a white kitchen backsplash when you have white cabinets?
My personal preference is to have either wooden or painted cabinets when you have a solid white backsplash, but you certainly don’t need to. If you want a white-on-white look you can absolutely achieve that without ending up with a cold, sterile, boring kitchen.
The key element to having a beautiful, homey, timeless kitchen is WARMTH. Every space needs a little warmth so it doesn’t feel cold and uninviting.
Compare the kitchen pictured below to the one above it. They are both white on white, but the below kitchen adds a wooden island, barstools, and wooden roller shade, contrasting grout, interesting hardware, and colorful accessories.
Same story for this kitchen. The overall color scheme is still white on white, but it feels inviting. The countertop breaks up the white, and the table, chair, and lights add warmth and texture. The cabinets are also a warmer white color, and the white backsplash is simple but interesting. Warm metals such and brass, copper, and gold also help to warm up the space.
Here are two more good examples of a white backsplash with white cabinets.
Design tip – Every room needs warmth to make it feel inviting (yes, even kitchens!). Wooden elements are a great way to achieve this, as are metals like brass, copper, and gold.
As you can see, white kitchen backsplashes aren’t going out of style anytime soon. They are timeless and versatile, and with so many options you can definitely find one that will look amazing in your kitchen!
More Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Posts
- 7 Mid-Century Modern Kitchens That Inspired My Own
- Small Kitchen Design & Elevations
- Flat Panel Custom Cabinets
- White Kitchen Backsplash Tips & Ideas
- How to Coordinate Your Countertop & Backsplash
- Mid-Century Modern Kitchen: Countertop & Backsplash
- Guide to MCM Cabinet Hardware
- Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Reveal!
Wow! Thanks for the depth and insight in this post. I am walking into my kitchen to analyze my choices right now!
The picture at the top with the wood box that inspired you is my FAVORITE. So lovely and interesting. Is it your kitchen???
It is! I have a few finishing touches to do (add missing hardware, hang art, etc) and then it will be finished! I think it turned out really well and I can’t wait to post about it :)
Your kitchen looks so nice. Congratulations on the entire project for you and your boys. :-)
I really like to read your posts, they are very impressive and informative!
Ashley, I love white tile backsplashes as well and thank you for all the possibilities that you showed us! We are moving soon and have been talking about redoing the kitchen fairly soon after moving in. Question: In the past, I have had trouble keeping the white grout clean, even with a sealant. Spaghetti sauce spashes didn’t quite disappear. Do you have any tips about maintaining the grout and preserving its whiteness for longevity? Thanks! I remember all of your kitchens and even live near Randolph Brooks AFB.
Stains haven’t been a big problem for me, usually they come up with a magic eraser. I did spill some stain on my current backsplash while staining the shelves though. It wiped right off the tile, but the grout is not going to come up. My solution is to chip it out just a bit and use a tube of sanded grout in the same color to fill it in. Sounds intimidating, but it’s like a 5 minute project.
I absolutely agree with the idea of choosing a white kitchen backsplash! It’s a timeless choice that provides a clean and fresh look. Plus, it’s a great canvas for experimenting with other decor elements. I’ve had my white backsplash for years, and I still love how it makes my kitchen feel bright and open. It’s also easy to coordinate with various styles and colors.