White Cabinet Kitchen Backsplash – Ideas that Work with White Kitchens

White is one of the most popular colours for kitchen cabinetry, and we have gathered for you a comprehensive list of white cabinet kitchen backsplash ideas that work amazingly well with all types of decor styles and white cabinets. But first, let us take a closer look at why backsplashes are an essential feature of any modern kitchen and what makes the best kitchen backsplash ideas.

What is a Kitchen Backsplash?

A Kitchen Backsplash is the vertical wall space between your kitchen countertop and the cabinet above. This gap is usually covered in materials like tile or wood, and generally serves a functional purpose- to protect the wall from grease splatter while cooking, or to protect from dampness from the sink. But with some creativity and imagination, the backsplash can go beyond being just functional and become the highlight of your kitchen. Think of it as a canvas, to create a masterpiece and give your kitchen character. 

Is a Backsplash Necessary in the Kitchen?

Kitchen design is of course all about personal taste, and if you feel that covering the walls between your cabinet and countertops is not your design aesthetic, then by all means, do not. Traditional kitchens, if that is your style, do not have backsplashes and still look beautiful. 

Best Materials for your Kitchen Backsplash

While tile is the most commonly used material for backsplashes, there are a host of other materials which can be used to create a truly eye-catching kitchen. Some of these materials include:

• Glass tiles
• Porcelain tiles 
• Quartz
• Marble 
• Granite
• Concrete
• Stainless steel 
• Natural stone 
• Metal 
• Painted glass 
• Lamination

We shall look in some detail at which of these can be part of white cabinet kitchen ideas that work amazingly well. 

Twenty White Cabinet Kitchen Splashback Ideas

White is a colour generally associated with cleanliness and kitchens with white cabinetry generally feel cleaner and more pristine. White cabinets also make your kitchen feel lighter and brighter when there is lack of natural light. It is no wonder that white cabinets are a popular choice for the modern kitchen.

White cabinets, in terms of backsplash ideas, give you a large canvas to experiment with. Here is our list of white cabinets kitchen backsplash ideas that are guaranteed to add that extra oomph to your cooking space. 

1. Go Grey for Clean, Elegant Touches

Often considered too neutral and cold, the right shade of grey can actually bring in warmth and elegance to your space. And grey and white are a match made in decor heaven. They pair beautifully well and layering the colours is also complementary.

Combine your white kitchen cabinets with a grey backsplash patterned tile or natural marble, or even grey granite for a neat, clean and elegant look. 

2. Deco Tiles 

Art deco, or simply deco, is all about bold patterns and bright, rich colours- making it the perfect tile design aesthetic. 

Give your kitchen a definitive character and personality by using vibrant deco patterned tiles in your backsplash. They will bring instant brightness, warmth and serve to lift your mood in the process too. Whilst generally considered vintage, using deco tiles in a modern kitchen makes it fun and eclectic.

Deco tiles are relatively easy to install and require minimal maintenance, and thus perfect for a budget backsplash project. 

3. Mosaic Tiles

The word mosaic refers to a collection of smaller tiles, arranged together to give a pleasing effect. The great thing about mosaic tiles is that they are versatile.

You can play around with them until you find a configuration that works best for your backsplash. They are also available in literally thousands of forms, shapes and colours, and available in many materials such as porcelain, vinyl, glass and more. 

It is literally the most adaptable white cabinet backsplash idea that works for any kitchen.

If you want to use your white kitchen cabinets as a canvas for some creative expression, the mosaic tile is perfect for you. The ability to DIY is also well recognized for mosaic tiles.

4. White Subway Tiles

These simple rectangular tiles used for a subway tile backsplash are a classic addition to your kitchen. Inspired by their use in New York subways, a subway tile has been a failsafe addition to many homes since 1904.

If you’re a purist and love all-white kitchens, then a basic white subway tile will add a classy finish to your decor. A subway tile has the added advantage of fitting into any theme, any design, giving it all a glossy finish.

So don’t think too much about adding another while element below your white cabinets. A White Subway tile backsplash will hold their own in any setting, be it contemporary, country or vintage. 

Add some Floating Shelves to your subway tiles for added storage and design.

5. Go For a Touch of Black

Many are afraid to use black as a decor colour with white cabinetry, especially if they want to add an element of lightness. But black works like magic with white cabinets, adding depth and drama. 

If you don’t want to stray too much down the adventurous path, then stick to the classic subway tile, but opt for black ones instead. Subway tiles can be both black and white for a chequered subway tile effect.

Or use black bricks to give your kitchen an unusual and striking effect.

On a budget? No problem! There are several cheap, DIY black backsplash options available on the market. Think black vinyl stick on tiles, black contact paper or simply a coat of water-proof black paint.

However you choose to employ it, a bit (or more) of black is sure to bring a pleasing yet sophisticated contrast to your white cabinets. 

6. Opt for Geometry

If you love symmetry and classic touches, go for geometrical patterns for your kitchen backsplash. Geometrical patterns work particularly well with white cabinetry and other white accents.

Geometric shapes lend themselves to adding interesting touches to an otherwise bland kitchen and is an easy way to upscale your kitchen without too much fuss. If retro is your theme, opt for the classic black and white tile to complement your white cabinets, or blue nautical patterns for that hint of warmth.

Geometric patterns allow you to play around with shapes as well, so look for tiles which suit the layout of your white cabinets and appliances. 

7. Stacked Stone

If you enjoy a natural look in your home, then you must try pairing stacked stone tiles with your white cabinets. Attaching under cabinet lights will bring out the highlights of the incredibly appealing colours and textures of the stone.

Stack stone is becoming a very popular backsplash option as it blends in flawlessly with stainless steel appliances while enriching a space.

8. Textured Tiles

Textured tiles are for those who want that little extra edge to their decor and are willing to be experimental.

These tiles have textures on their surface, for example ridges, slight bumps or even uneven formations, to give you unusual light and shadow reflections, as well as different feels.

They come in a variety of materials from porcelain to bamboo to stainless steel and can be beautifully contrasting to your white kitchen cabinets.

9. Stainless Steel Tiles

Stainless steel tiles work best for giving you that ultra-modern, efficient look. Stainless steel can add some interesting and very different dimensions to your kitchen, including making it feel lighter and bigger.

The best thing about pairing this tile choice with your white cabinet is that it is simple to clean and extremely durable, as it can withstand extreme heat from your stove.

Stainless steel metal backsplash is the perfect fusing of style with practicality and makes the perfect backsplash for white cabinets.

10. Go Diagonal With Chevron

Chevron is another classic pattern which is widely used in backsplashes. It provides all the focal advantages of colour and pattern without going overboard.

Chevron backsplashes will be all about understated elegance, especially when combined with white kitchen cabinets.

If you want to keep it simple yet chic, opt for chevron patterned backsplashes which are also available in a variety of materials. 

11. Herringbone Pattern

The herringbone pattern is often confused with the chevron, but there are marked differences. Herringbone is the arranging of equal-size rectangular pieces of tile or material, creating a broken (but beautiful) zigzag pattern.

It provides visual appeal and focal interest to any backsplash and coloured herringbone tiles will brighten up your kitchen wall, all the while accentuating the pretty whiteness of your cabinetry.

Herringbone is an extremely popular design option and complements almost all modern or traditional kitchens when used with a colored grout.

12. Iridescent Tiles

If you want a striking, vibrant, and yet metallic-looking pattern to go with your white kitchen cabinets, iridescent tiles are a great option. These tiles are available in various sizes and forms and can be used to create a mosaic or herringbone pattern. 

13. Fish Scale Ceramic Tiles

If your decor scheme is slightly whimsical or leaning towards the nautical, then fish scale tiles are perfect for your kitchen backsplash.

This scalloped designed decorative tile works wonderfully well in blue- from pale eggshell blues to dark navy and indigo, to give your kitchen a beachy vibe. And blue is one of the most perfect pairings with white cabinets.

Pair up your fish scale backsplash tiles with contrasting grout and you have a truly outstanding and eye-catching kitchen wall. 

14. Chic Marble

Marble will never go out of style. This statement-making material works well as a backsplash in both modern and traditional kitchens, adapting and blending itself effortlessly with your style.

Marble slabs as your backsplash can be like a piece of art, drawing your eyes to its timeless elegance.

Marble also has a fantastic natural colour palette, lending itself perfectly and harmoniously to white cabinets and kitchens.

Even though the marble often appears to be all-white, the swirly appearance and patterns are rather striking.

This exquisite material has the wonderful qualities of being heat resistant, incredibly durable, and simple to clean, just like your marble countertop.

15. Earthy Stone

If you prefer natural vibes along with calmness and relaxation then consider using earthy stones to your kitchen backsplash.

Earthy stone tops the list of white cabinet kitchen backsplash ideas that work harmoniously, giving you a tranquil vibe. Complete your look by adding in yellow accents like curtains or loads of potted plants. 

16. Retro Patterns

In contrast to your white cabinets, the retro backsplash gives your kitchen a more contemporary, yet distinctive appearance.

Retro-inspired decor frequently uses tin tiles in silver or copper, as well as plain subway tiles in orange, yellow, and brown. A classic black-and-white chequered tile is also a timeless option for the retro feel. 

17. Glass Tiles

Glass tiles are a fantastic way of adding shine, glitz and glamour to your kitchen backsplash and will fit with white cabinets to a T. All of this, and affordable too!

Glass tiles bounce off and reflect light, making your kitchen feel brighter and airier.

An added advantage is that you can have your backsplash as intricate or as simple as you want without any cleaning headaches. And if you’re a messy cook, well then these are definitely for you. A few wipes and you’re all cleaned up.

If your kitchen is on the smaller side using glass tiles along with white cabinets and appliances will make it appear larger and roomier. 

18. Laminate Backsplash

If you are on a tight budget and want to finish your remodel, laminate is an extremely economical option.

Since printing technology has made such significant strides, laminates are now available with many appealing textures that can resemble almost any material.

This can be a terrific method to mimic stone or wood without having to pay the accompanying costs. However, do keep

19. Granite Backsplash

A Granite backsplash is the perfect contrast medium to show off your white kitchen cabinets. Granite has the added advantage of being heat as well as stain resistant, making it a top kitchen backsplash choice amongst homeowners.

And it can last aeons. So if you’re looking for a long-term backsplash option, then granite will be suitable for you. 

20. Ceramic or Porcelain

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a plethora of shapes, colours and textures, making it a versatile decor choice. They are both moisture resistant and thus a practical choice for your kitchen backsplash.

These tiles can also be printed with stone or wood textures, giving a pleasing, homely aesthetic against your white cabinets. 

Best Practices for Incorporating a Backsplash

If your renovating your kitchen, painting your cabinets and your considering backsplash ideas, they will of course mostly rely on your overall design aesthetic, and how you can bring it all together, but here are some great tips for making the right backsplash choices:

• • • Keep your budget topmost in your considerations. All materials will cost differently, and it is helpful if you are mindful of these when planning your kitchen modelling or remodelling. Some budget friendly options include peel and stick tiles, painted tiles and wallpapers. Glass, stone and pebbles and mosaic tiles fall into the more luxury category.
    • Using lighter shades will  make the room appear bigger and much more calm. This is helpful if you spend a large part of your day cooking.
    • Choose your pattern by taking into account the existing kitchen patterns, textures, and appliances.
    • Measure your walls for accuracy, which will keep the costs of material down as well as save wastage. Using a tile calculator tool such as this one can be of invaluable help.
    • Prepare your wall well before embarking on the project. This includes scraping off any old residue and grout, and checking for stains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Qualities Should a Good Backsplash Possess?

• An excellent backsplash should be simple to maintain
• It should have adaptability to your kitchen design and not break the bank to install
• Backsplashes should be visually pleasing and add an eye-catching focal point to your kitchen 
• The most essential features of all for a backsplash should be the ability to protect your wall from moisture and cooking stains

Which Backsplash Tiles are the Easiest to Maintain?

The easiest backsplash tiles in terms of maintenance are ceramic glass and porcelain tiles. You can simply wash off dirt with mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Make sure to wipe them dry again with a clean cloth.

What Type of Grout Works Best for Backsplash Tiles?

The type of grout you need for your kitchen backsplash will depend on the distance and between the tiles and the design you are using. Use non-sanded grout if the space is less than ⅛ of an inch. If larger than that, use a sanded grout. Cement grouts are budget friendly but epoxy grout tends to be more durable. Pick one which suits your needs and budget. 

Conclusion

While some may tell you that kitchen backsplashes are an unnecessary cost and addition to your home, in the long run it just makes sense. Without a kitchen backsplash, you will be spending more to maintain your kitchen walls.

Choosing the ideal kitchen backsplash may seem excessive and time-consuming at first, but after carefully examining your surroundings and considering your options, you’ll know which option is perfect for you.

Use this list of ideas to easily figure out a white cabinet kitchen backsplash ideas that work best for your style and budget, and create the kitchen of your dreams.