The backsplash is one of the major design elements of a kitchen. While many consider a black backsplash a modern design choice, it works well with many design styles.

It does not just look at home in the minimalist kitchen but also gives a fresh look in a rustic kitchen and looks sophisticated paired with other materials.

Further, there are a wide array of types of black backsplashes that work well for any budget. Black is a powerful neutral and works well with many complementary color schemes. In fact, it is a color that everyone can love.

Black Backsplash: Types

Laura Medicus Interiors

The types of black backsplashes are varied, ranging in price and style.

Tile Backsplash

There are many varieties of tile that you can use to create the backsplash of your dreams in any style. For example, there are black subway tiles, mosaic tiles, herringbone tiles, hexagonal tiles, and other black tiles of all varieties. Further, you can maximize or minimize the look of the tiles by the color grout you choose.

Painted Backsplash

@stylizimoblog

Black paint is the perfect way to add a chic look to your backsplash without breaking the bank. You can paint over brick, wood, or tile to create a new look for your kitchen. Paint sheens vary from glossy to matte, each having different durability and looks. For example, matte paint works well for rustic style kitchens and glossy sheens complement more contemporary styles.

Natural Surface Backsplash

If you have the budget, a natural stone backsplash elevates any space. Choose a black natural surface like marble, granite, or soapstone. These range in color from deep glossy black to matte gray for a more subtle look.

Black Backsplash Design Ideas

While black and other dark colors make a constant appearance in modern design, black is a color with endless versatility. Therefore, it has been a favorite for interior designers and homeowners alike as a way to add sophistication in the kitchen. Let’s browse through some kitchens with black backsplashes to see just how versatile this color is.

Black Backsplash For Black Cabinets

No one can doubt the drama of a kitchen with black marble countertops and matching backsplash. This is not just a beautiful look, it is functional and easy to clean as there are far fewer cracks and crevices for food and liquid to find. The black cabinetry has a simple style with long brass drawer pulls to add bright contrast.

Traditional Kitchen

Heidi Caillier Design

This traditional style kitchen from Heidi Caillier Design is the perfect blend between modern functionality and the rustic vibe of a farmhouse-style kitchen.

The cabinets are painted in a light sage green with ivory paneled wood walls. The black soapstone countertops and slab backsplash have a beautiful natural texture.

Also, notice the higher backsplash behind the stove to protect the walls from food splashes. The designer pairs the terracotta flooring tiles with black providing a warm color contrast.

Black and White Kitchen Backsplash

If you want a black backsplash but feel it would make your kitchen too dark, consider adding a partial black backsplash behind the stove and adding contrasting tiles of white beside it. This kitchen has a more modern look due to the contrasting tiles and the clean lines of the tailored cabinetry.

Mosaic Black and White Backsplash Tiles

A Well Dressed Home

The combination of black and white tiles does not always create a modern look. Rather, there are options with the combination of black and white like mosaic tiles that have a more classic look. Consider this kitchen from A Well Dressed Home.

The mosaic pattern on the tiles creates a beautiful focal point that ties the tones of the kitchen together. Also, the gold hardware is there to incorporate a bright element that brings vibrancy to the room.

If you like this look but you don’t have the budget to get a new backsplash, there are black peel and stick backsplash tile options with mosaic designs available from Etsy and other sources.

Black and White Kitchen

Both of these black and white kitchens are bold and sleek in style. Rather than add other colors to soften the look, there is a strong contrast in each stylish kitchen that is clean and distinct. The black backsplash in each kitchen is glossy and covers the whole wall section behind the stove and sink. Of course, these types of backsplashes are more at home in a modern kitchen than a traditional one.

Black Tile Backsplash

We love the mixed materials of this black color kitchen. It features black, light gray, and shades of warm wood for contrast. The black tiles on the backsplash have a more distinct look because of the lighter-colored grout lines. This works well in this kitchen of high contrast.

Black Subway Tile Backsplash

The black subway tiles cover the entire backsplash, between the countertop and the ceiling. This adds emphasis to the height of the space and helps maintain a simple and clean look. The stainless steel appliances blend with the neutral colors of the room.

Transitional Kitchen

Moontower

This is a stunning transitional kitchen from Moontower. They used a soapstone slab for the countertop and the backsplash. Further, notice the open shelving above the backsplash which they have used to create a personal display of favorite kitchen tools that is lovely and functional.

Matte Black Backsplash Tiles

The matte black finish on the backsplash gives this kitchen a refined and modern look. Because the finish on backsplash tiles is matte, it has a dark gray rather than stark black look that blends well with the wood cabinetry.

Black Painted Wood Backsplash

Nina Holst

If the price of most new black backsplashes is prohibitive, you can make one for your kitchen with some black stain and plywood. Look at this striking finished product from blogger and photographer Nina Holst from Stylizimo. She was able to create a lovely look with a few materials and enjoy the process at the same time.

Dark Gray Backsplash

Haggard Home Cabinetry and Design

If black still seems too modern for you, try a dark gray backsplash which has a similar color tone but a more traditional vibe. In this kitchen, Haggard Home Cabinetry and Design paired black cabinets with quartz countertops with the dark gray tile backsplash. By keeping the walls and the floor light, they were able to deliver a more balanced look.

Chalkboard Backsplash

The Cousins

The Cousins created this contemporary style kitchen which features a blackboard backsplash. This is ideal for jotting down lists or fun images for your kids or partner. The glass fronted cabinetry add just enough contrast to the solid fronts and allow the colorful cookware to peek through.

Modern Kitchen Backsplash

Ariel Bleich Design

Herringbone tile is a showstopper, but we love how this black herringbone tile backsplash allows the shelves to be the focal point of the wall rather than the tiles themselves. Instead, because the tile and the grout are the same color, the texture of the tiles provides the perfect backdrop for the floating shelves.

Black Shiplap Backsplash

Here is another wood option that looks on-trend but classic at the same time. While there is a small section of stainless steel backsplash to do the heavy lifting, the black shiplap provides the organic texture along with the wood detailing on the cabinetry.

Modern Mosaic Backsplash Tiles

Christopher Strom Architects

Christopher Strom Architects designed this beautiful transitional kitchen. They used black and white mosaic style tiles in this modern kitchen design to blend the white cabinetry and the black island. The gold hardware provides just the right amount of glam.

Black Hexagon Backsplash

Artisan of Seagrove

This elongated hexagon tile is the perfect shape for modern backsplash tiles. The shape is trendy yet clean and sleek. The combination with the dark wood and the stainless steel appliances is effective as is the addition of the elements of nature like the plants on the upper shelf.

Beadboard Backsplash

Salt Design Co

Beadboard adds a traditional look to any space and this kitchen is no exception. The white marble counter extends a few inches above the counter and then the black beadboard takes over and connects the base cabinetry with the upper cabinetry creating a seamless unit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What backsplash goes with black granite?

A matte gray works well with a black granite countertop. Another option for black granite countertops is marble backsplash tiles.

What color should a backsplash be?

The color of your backsplash depends on the look you want in your kitchen. If you want a light and cheerful kitchen, try a lighter backsplash like white, ivory, or light gray. If you like a moody look, try black or dark gray.

Should backsplash be lighter or darker than the countertop?

Most people advise choosing the countertop first as this is an expensive investment and worth considering first. A backsplash can either blend with the counters or contrast. There is no rule whether they should be lighter or darker though many people choose a lighter backsplash.

What is the most popular backsplash for a kitchen?

The most popular backsplashes in the current day are white natural stone like marble and white tile options like subway, hexagons, and herringbone.

What backsplash is out of style?

According to interior design data, short backsplashes, colorful tile, and cement tiles are becoming less popular options for backsplashes. In contrast, marble, organic textures, and large backsplashes are the most popular options.

Who should I get to install a backsplash?

Consider what kind of backsplash you want to have installed. If it is something like tile, you can watch some Youtube videos on the web to see if you think you could do it yourself. If it is a more complicated project than you want to take on, look for the support of a contractor for the services you need. Have them visit the site and give you a quote. Ask for references and make sure to contact them to get other users’ experiences with a particular contractor before you use them.

How high should a backsplash go?

A backsplash should extend at least 4 inches above the counter. However, the higher the backsplash, the more the walls will be protected from splashes of liquid and food.

Black Backsplash: Conclusion

While many black backsplashes are featured in contemporary kitchen design, they are more versatile than this look suggests. Further, when paired with organic elements like wood and natural stone, black can look traditional and even cozy. In the end, it is a way that a homeowner can differentiate their space making it modern and traditional at the same time.