The kitchen backsplash is a great place to personalize, finish, and add style to the kitchen design. When the kitchen design already includes multiple features, sometimes the best backsplash tile design is made with white tile. Solid white, tone-on-tone or as a background for a secondary accent color, a white kitchen backsplash can enhance any kitchen from classic to modern in style.
Adding Interest with Only White Tile
A white kitchen backsplash with no secondary color does not have to appear dull or drab. Depending on the tiles used, and the way they are placed, a white kitchen backsplash can have a lot of detail and design.
When designing a white backsplash, consider using some of the following elements to enhance the design.
- Use handmade tiles to bring textures and movement to the space
- Use three-dimensional tiles, both decorative and field tiles to add detail
- Mix different materials of white tiles together, such as white glass mixed with white stone
- Change the sizes of tile throughout the space, including one size as a border, one as a field, and a third behind the cooktop
- Change the pattern of the tile from the counter to the area behind the cooktop, such as running bond mixed with a herringbone
Adding a Secondary Color
Sometimes just a hint of color is desired to break up the amount of white in a kitchen and add some depth to the style. If using an accent color against a white field, try some of the following ideas.
- Use a repeating pattern of small cut-in tiles laid in the corners of field tiles
- Create a very subtle shading through the area by mixing cream with the white tiles in a patchwork effect
- Confine the color to a border that outlines the tiles behind the cooktop
- Pull the color from another area of the kitchen to ensure a cohesive design
Things to Watch Out For
There are multiple shades of white that can be created by tile glazes, stones and glass tiles. When mixing white tiles together, even accent colors and field tiles from the same company, be sure to look at samples of the tiles in the kitchen at all times of day before purchasing and installing. Some shades of white may appear slightly blue, pink, gray, yellow or just plain dingy when laid against other shades of white. Be sure that the shades of white being considered in the kitchen work well together and complement one another before installing them.
Using two sided, heavy tape, tiles can be hung from the backsplash area for a few days where they can be viewed in morning, afternoon and evening light to ensure that they will coordinate. Even if the tile samples need to be purchased, it's better to know ahead of time, than to install a backsplash that brings unwanted color or shading to the room.
White kitchen backsplashes can be used in nearly any kitchen design. Use white glass tiles in modern kitchens, and white, Thassos tumbled stone in rustic kitchens. Handmade tiles can complement a range of styles, while machine made tiles with three-dimensional accents work in transitional designs.
Create a white kitchen backsplash in any kitchen design to create a restful place for the eye in the midst of the kitchen design.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
