The backsplash is one of the most defining elements of a kitchen, and black is a choice that goes beyond modern design. It works in minimalist spaces, adds freshness in rustic kitchens, and looks sophisticated when paired with other materials.
With options to fit every budget, a black backsplash is a versatile neutral that complements many color schemes and brings timeless style to any kitchen.
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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.