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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.

Why choose a white kitchen backsplash?

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.

white triangle tile for a new construction mid-century modern style kitchen
Kitchen 3

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 –

  1. Timeless: White is a classic, timeless color that never goes out of style.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
white tile backsplash

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).

Is subway tile outdated?

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

white geometric/mosaic tile kitchen backsplash

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.

white textured tile kitchen backsplash

Almost solid white tile (but not quite)

Sometimes you want tile backsplash that is white, but with just the smallest amount of interest.

design tips for a white tile kitchen backsplash

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.

Sterile white 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.

white kitchen that isn't cold and settle

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.

warm white kitchen with wood accents

Here are two more good examples of a white backsplash with white cabinets.

how to do a white on white kitchen
cozy kitchen with white cabinets and white backsplash

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!

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8 Comments

  1. Wow! Thanks for the depth and insight in this post. I am walking into my kitchen to analyze my choices right now!

  2. The picture at the top with the wood box that inspired you is my FAVORITE. So lovely and interesting. Is it your kitchen???

    1. 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 :)

  3. 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.

    1. 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.

  4. 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.

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