A matte tile is better than a shiny tile if you want a bold backsplash. A glossy tile backsplash is perfect for creating a clean kitchen aesthetic since it is stain-resistant.
While glossy tile might bring in more light, there is already plenty of light reflection from all the white. The matte finish will eliminate unwanted reflections during video recording, minimize seeing the water spots and splattered grease, and be better suited to the era of you home.
Even though the matte surface makes it easier for dirt and grime to stick when compared with glossy tiles, matte remains tend to hide scratches efficiently. They may then be more difficult to clean and require cleaning more often.
Contrast: A darker backsplash can create a striking contrast with a lighter countertop, adding depth and visual interest to the space. Conversely, a lighter backsplash against a darker countertop can create a clean and cohesive look.
Black and White Backsplash Ideas for a Timeless Kitchen. When it comes to creating a kitchen that never goes out of style, a black and white backsplash is a perfect choice. This classic combo works with any decor, bringing a touch of charm and simplicity to your space.
Marble Magic
For homeowners who crave a touch of luxury, marble is the undisputed queen of backsplashes. Its natural veining brings sophistication to any space, ensuring your kitchen remains chic and classic. While marble can require a bit of upkeep (let's not talk about red wine spills), its payoff is immense.
Typically, the backsplash fills an area between lower and upper cabinetry. For the most cohesive look, the general rule is that your backsplash should line up with the bottom part of the upper cabinets. Vertically, this means that there are no backsplash tiles behind the cabinets.
The most popular method is to start with the countertop; although there are many different countertop materials, colors, and patterns to choose from, the choices for backsplash wall tile is nearly unlimited.
As a general rule, a backsplash should be at least three inches above the countertop surface for optimal protection against spills and stains. The usual height for installation is four inches, giving your cooking area a polished and cohesive appearance.
You can also read our blog post on How to Clean Matte Finish Tiles. Not A Good Choice For Darker Rooms: The biggest disadvantage of matt tiles is that they are not reflective. In darker rooms like basements, the presence of reflective surfaces is important.
A glossy tile backsplash is perfect for creating a clean kitchen aesthetic since it is stain-resistant.
Glossy Tiles
As opposed to the matte finish, the gloss or high gloss tiles are expected to feel dated sooner and exhibit a chic vibe. Meanwhile, matte-finish tiles can feel more relaxed, calm, and timeless.
For balancing aesthetics and upkeep, you can't go wrong with a neutral grey or beige grout. These lightly pigmented grouts will enhance the pattern of both light and dark colored tiles, have less risk of staining your tile compared to a dark grout and will conceal dirt and stains better than a white grout.
Non-Slippery Tiles
Matt tiles are non-slippery as a result they have better friction than glossy floor tiles. This makes them an ideal option for the bathroom and other moisture-prone areas.
So, if you have lighter cabinets and countertops, you should incorporate a darker backsplash to provide more visual interest and depth to your space. When you have darker cabinets and countertops, you should bring in a lighter backsplash to make your kitchen feel fresh and inviting.
Cabinets and countertops will be first and your backsplash follows after. Installing the new backsplash before the others may require ordering more materials or adjusting the backsplash to fit the new countertops or cabinets in place. By installing in the right order, you will save time, effort, and resources.
If you mishandle the seams, your project could become an eyesore. If you install the backsplashes first, the spacing between these two can become wonky, making sealing the seam more difficult. Installing the counters first allows you greater control and flexibility over the seams.
Don't Choose Tile That is Too Busy
Choosing something too over the top can make the backsplash distracting or make the kitchen feel cluttered. Additionally, a backsplash that is too busy steals the spotlight from the rest of the kitchen might be missed.
If you want your kitchen to remain timeless in design, we suggest sticking with a classic field tile size such as a 3 x 6 subway tile or a 4 x 4 in a straight-set pattern. Or add some design detail with a herringbone pattern. Field tile will transcend trends, making your tile backsplash a sustainable design feature.
A backsplash is a surface installed behind the sink, stove, and countertop. It serves two primary purposes: to protect the wall from stains and splatters and to provide you with an aesthetic design element that can separate upper and lower countertops and frame the kitchen.
Recent research from Houzz indicates that top materials for kitchen backsplashes in 2024 include porcelain or ceramic; engineered quartz; and marble. Handmade zellige clay tiles are also increasingly popular with designers and homeowners.
The average backsplash installation cost is $1,000, with prices ranging from $480 to $1,500, based on 35 square feet of backsplash. You could pay as much as $4,500 for a high-end material like a marble backsplash or as little as $300 for more affordable materials like brick.
Ceramic Backsplash
One of the main advantages of ceramic tiles is their minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient. Additionally, ceramic tiles are resistant to stains and moisture, making them an ideal choice in high-splash areas such as behind sinks and stovetops.