Matching Countertop and Backsplash

The backsplash is normally overlooked in the kitchen’s planning and designing process. Yes, you’ve created a cohesive design for your kitchen and even chosen the design of your floors and walls. But what about your kitchen’s backsplash?

A backsplash is installed in the kitchen for protection against oil and grease. Besides its main function, the splash guard is now used to add style and ambiance to the kitchen.

 

How to Match Countertops and Backsplash

After deciding on installing a kitchen wall tile, one of the tasks you have to do is to match it with your countertops. Matching your countertops with the splash guard is relevant, just like matching any other part of your design. 

In matching these two (2) elements, choosing the countertops is said to come first before the backsplashes. This means you must match the wall tiling to the countertops you’ve chosen rather than the other way around. 

But how do you match the backsplash to your countertops?

Follow The Color Palette

If you’ve started working on your kitchen, you already have a color palette you’re following. Sticking to that color palette is best when matching the wall tile to your countertop. 

Your countertops and backsplash should be able to complement each other and simultaneously have cohesiveness with the entire kitchen’s palette. 

Choose colors that won’t overwhelm your eyes, whether cold or warm color palettes. Make sure you also consider the spots and veins on the countertop when choosing a splashback tile. 

Always create a balance between these two elements. If the countertop is bold, consider choosing a neutral splashback. 

Matching the Materials

When you point out the splashguard you want for your kitchen, make sure you know to expect that there will be spills and splatters on it. Choose the materials that will make it easier for you to clean and match the countertops. 

Take into account the materials of the countertops and the wall paneling. If you have granite countertops, choose the one with materials that also match them. You can add copper kitchen fixtures to complement warm-colored countertops.

Choose a Focal Point in Your Kitchen

Consider the focal point in your kitchen and match your countertops and backsplashes. The focal point is the element that captures the attention of anyone who enters the room. 

If the focal point is a unique kitchen island, match its style when choosing your backsplash and countertops. 

These are only a few factors to consider when matching your backsplash with your countertops. You can explore and study more factors to help you match the countertops and wall guards more easily. For example, is stainless steel a great accent to your countertop?

Backsplash Countertop Combinations

Now, if you are still stuck and don’t know what backsplash countertop combinations to consider, we have some options for you to skim through. Choosing how to design and style your kitchen will affect the splashback countertop combinations you can use. 

The colors don’t necessarily have to match, but they must at least complement or coordinate. And, of course, the important thing is that your kitchen oozes your personality. 

The Same Countertop and Backsplash

One of the basic countertop backsplash combinations is matching colors. Match the color of your tile backsplash with the color of your countertops to appear connected and cohesive. Here are some perfect combinations following matching colors:

• Wooden countertops – Beige kitchen wall tile
• Neutral-colored countertops – Gray splash guard tile
• Granite countertops – Brown wal guard tile

Contrasting Colors

You may also want to choose contrasting colors for your countertops and backsplash. You can be playful in choosing what contrasting colors to use, but make sure that you also consider the colors of the following cooking space elements:

• Flooring
• Windows
• Curtains
• Light Fixtures
• Appliances
• Pieces of Furniture
• Decorative Accessories

Don’t forget to consider your kitchen’s overall design when choosing contrasting colors for your countertops and backsplash combination. 

Also, don’t forget about the cabinet colors. You match them with the backsplash and countertops or paint them in contrasting colors, a style that’s gained traction in recent years. Bold stone patterned countertops with unique striations are also in vogue. [Source: Architectural Digest]

Coordinating Backsplash and Countertop Colors

It is also possible to choose coordinating colors if that’s what you prefer! Choose one specific color and be creative in what hues and shades you match with each other. 

If you choose dark-colored countertops, your backsplash should have a lighter shade. This also works the other way around. 

Mosaic Tile Patterns

You can also use mosaic tile patterns for a matching countertop and wall tiles. Mix and match them with pre-made and existing mosaic tile strips and their colors. 

Most mosaic tiles use bold colors, including grey, blue, and green hues. In this case, you can choose glass and metal backsplashes, making the cooking space more elegant and sophisticated. 

Mosaic tile patterns won’t work with countertops that have lots of patterns. A good example of this is granite. Granite countertops won’t match with mosaic tile patterned splashbacks and may even be visually overwhelming. 

Mosaic tile patterns used on the cook station backdrops are visually interesting. These patterns are contemporary, playful, and unique, so if you want something new, this might be your option.

Why You Need a Backsplash

But do you need a backsplash in your cooking station? Here are some reasons why it’s a good idea to consider.

Wall Protection

A backsplash can protect your walls from oil splatters and spills. It will also help prevent stains from food and water, which will help you avoid mold and mildew buildup in your cooking space. 

In short, a kitchen backdrop will prevent you from having a dirty and dingy cooking area, free from mold and mildew.  

Keeps Insects and Rodents Away

A backsplash can also reduce the chances of insects and rodents visiting your cook space. It can act as a barrier between the kitchen wall and the countertop. 

Once installed, it helps to keep pests from feasting on the leftovers in the kitchen.  

Easier Cleanup

A splash guard also makes it easier for you to clean up. Since it protects your kitchen wall, it takes away hours of scrubbing that you would have to do if there is no protection from splashes and stains. 

“As much as it makes a great countertop, a quartz slab can also serve as an easy-to-clean backsplash.” – Chris Peterson, Kitchen Ideas You Can Use, Updated Edition

And the best thing about this is that you can easily wipe the wall guard clean using a damp sponge or cloth. 

Adds Aesthetic Value

Yes, a splash guard also adds to your workspace’s aesthetic value. You can personalize your cooking area using it; this is a great factor to consider if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. 

A great alternative to the pricier natural stone, laminate countertops and backsplashes offer the same purpose at a lower price point. Made of formica, laminate backsplashes are available in numerous designs to suit your aesthetics.

See more related content in our article about the different tile patterns & layouts on this page.