9 Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas That Add Instant Color and Character

Zellige Tile

Zellige tile has long been a favorite of designers thanks to its natural irregularity, which lends a stunning depth to kitchens.

"Each tile reflects light differently, creating a luminous surface that feels organic and soulful," says John Stivale, designer and co-founder of Stivale Graffam Home. "It brings an artisanal warmth to the kitchen that feels both timeless and expressive."

Pencil Tiles

We often think of tile in a standard rectangular shape. However, more petite variations bring something new and fresh—particularly pencil tile, a slender shape measuring around 1-by-12 inches.

"Installed vertically, they instantly make the kitchen feel taller and more architectural," says Mikel Welch, interior designer and founder of Mikel Welch Designs. "The lines pull your eye upward, which is great in kitchens, where you want to emphasize ceiling height, or create a sense of drama behind the range."

Aubrey Butcher, principal of Gilded Heights and founder of Riad Tile, adds that one of her favorite styles is reeded pencil limestone. "The impact is very special," she says. "It also has a quiet sophistication to it, which is lovely in small and large spaces alike."

Slab-Style Tiles

You can take scale to the opposite extreme with large-format stone tiles.

"Using marble tiles or slab-style stone for a backsplash creates a seamless, elevated look," says Stivale. "It feels luxurious and timeless—especially when the veining continues from the countertop up the wall."

The effect is almost gallery-like. "The natural veining becomes a work of art, introducing movement and depth while maintaining a refined, architectural elegance," says Steven Graffam, co-founder of Stivale Graffam Home.

Vertical Stacks

Subway tile is timeless, but it can be a predictable choice. That doesn't mean you have to do away with it entirely—sometimes, it just needs a new point of view.

"A modern take on the classic subway tile, either elongated or in a vertical stack, adds architectural interest while remaining clean and versatile," Graffam says. "It’s a great way to introduce pattern in a subtle, sophisticated way."

Rich, Saturated Hues

A color-drenched backsplash creates a bold, brazen look.

"I [really] appreciate seeing rich, saturated hues used on the backsplash," says Butcher. "Color in this context adds an incredible sense of depth and character, while allowing the material to become a true focal point."

Statement Patterns

If your kitchen feels flat, tile can be a perfect way to add some character.

"Encaustic cement tiles and hand-painted or handmade ceramic tiles provide wonderful opportunities to introduce patterns and colors that feel fresh and distinctive," says Emily LaMarque, principal and founder of Emily LaMarque Design Studio.

Creams, blues, and greens are LaMarque's go-to color palette for patterned tile—though you get creative in more than one aspect. "While I always embrace a subway tile, fun geometric shapes can also be hard to refuse," she says.

Marble Mosaics

Marble mosaics are another classic option for kitchen backsplashes, and for good reason.

"There is such an incredible variety of patterns available for marble tile that range in feel from modern to traditional, and there's also a wide range of price points," LaMarque says.

One of her favorites? "Calacatta tile in a herringbone mosaic is a wonderful neutral that translates across almost any style kitchen," she says.

Artisanal Tile

There's a certain quality and charm to handcrafted tiles that's hard to replicate. They're an opportunity to get acquainted with the artists behind the tiles—some may even be local to your area.

"I love to use artisanal, handmade tile because it brings warmth and an expressive, artistic quality to a kitchen. [They] naturally vary in tone, sheen, and texture, which brings a unique and distinctive feel," LaMarque says.

Checkerboard Pattern With a Twist

Welch loves using 4-by-4-inch tiles laid in a checkerboard pattern, but not in the usual black-and-white.

"I’ve been drawn to deeper, almost harvest-inspired tones, like mustard yellow paired with a creamy neutral, or aubergine mixed with soft ivory," he says. "When you use those richer colors, the checkerboard pattern suddenly feels less retro diner, and more like something pulled from an old European kitchen."