12 Small Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas for 2024

A backsplash can make a big impact in a small kitchen. Tile not only protects your walls from mess, it also showcases your personality and sets the design tone for your kitchen. If you’re looking for backsplash ideas for small kitchens, keep reading for twelve tile ideas that will make the most of your space. For more kitchen ideas, explore 30 Inspiring Kitchen Tile Ideas for 2024.

1. Beautiful Marble Mosaic

A marble mosaic will lend grandeur to a small space. The charming leaf-shaped Bardot Grey tile shown here creates an organic sense of movement that makes this backsplash feel continuous. We love how the natural color variation in the marble adds interest to the wall, without being overwhelming.

2. Chic and Modern Herringbone Pattern

Pattern is excellent for adding movement to a space. The chic subtlety of the Herringbone Gloss White tile makes this small backsplash area flow, while still providing a place to rest your eye. This design is interesting while still maintaining simplicity, perfect for a contemporary kitchen.

3. Glitz and Glamour

Backsplash designs for small kitchens don’t need to be unassuming. Make a statement in your small space with the fabulous Annie Selke Goldleaf Speckle tile. The metallic glimmer of this tile will help illuminate your kitchen prep, making it a great choice for the small area between your cupboard and countertops. If you want an even more dramatic and glamorous design, consider the Patina Gilded Mirror tile from our Kelli Fontana collection.

4. Farmhouse Handmade Look

Complete your Modern Farmhouse aesthetic with perfectly-imperfect handmade-look tile. The purposeful variations in color and surface texture will give your backsplash an artisanal look that will complement wooden details and elevated rustic decor.

5. Charming Geometric Patterns

Make the most of the space above your counters with a bold patterned tile. The simple geometry of the Portsea Grey tile shown here creates order through symmetry on this small backsplash. The calming colors are perfect for a variety of styles, but this is a look that is easy to customize to your particular aesthetic. A bold-colored geometric floral pattern like the Laura Ashley Sunflower tile will create a fun, retro vibe.

6. Sleek & Chic White Subway Tile

If you’re looking for a versatile tile that can easily be updated, always on-trend white subway tile might be the style for you. We love how the extra-long handmade-look Splendours White tile looks on this kitchen backsplash, but there are many options when it comes to white subway tile. Add character to your backsplash by using a dark-colored grout or installing your subway tile in a stacked horizontal or vertical, or even herringbone pattern. Looking for small kitchen backsplash ideas on a budget? The popular Metro Bianco Gloss subway tile is a stylish tile that will help stretch your dollar.

7. Jewel Tones

Brilliant Blues and sparkling greens are a gem of a trend that we predict will dazzle us for years to come. A small kitchen backsplash is just the place to add a pop of color that will accentuate the rest of your decor. If you’re ready to embrace a bold color, then why not also consider a uniquely shaped tile? The Wave Blue Reef tile makes a splash in this chic modern kitchen. For more ideas, shop blue tile.

8. Warming Neutrals

For this contemporary kitchen backsplash, the designers at Timber Trails chose the Retro Perla subway tile for its warm grey tones and its lightly textured surface. The gloss on this tile provides some shin as it reflects the light, giving off a cozy radiance that is modern, yet timeless.

9. Authentic Handmade Tile

Infuse your small space with unique charm and character. Individually crafted handmade tile has a beautiful, variance in surface texture, color and edges. Our newly expanded assortment of authentic Zellige tile offers a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to personalize your backsplash.

10. Basketweave

The Sampson Mosaic tile has an elegant, intricate basketweave pattern that will complement a variety of styles from Contemporary to Mid-Century Modern to Modern Farmhouse. We love how the designers at Timber Trails paired this tile with white cabinets and gold fixtures, but this tile would look just as stunning underneath wooden cabinetry.

11. Contrasting Grout

Your choice of grout can make a big impact in your small kitchen. A dark tile with a light grout (or vice-versa) will add interest to a small space. The white grout with the Noir Honed Amalfi tiles shown here add drama to this modern kitchen.

12. Marvelous Marble Subway

Elevate your basic subway tile design with luxurious and elegant marble tile. The natural veining in the Firenze Calacatta Honed Amalfi tile creates a wonderful sense of movement and character. This is a great option for a stylish take on a classic look.

We hope we’ve sparked some ideas to make the most of your small kitchen backsplash. Shop our full assortment of kitchen backsplash tile to get started on your next project.

You can find even more inspiration on Instagram and our Customer Room Gallery where our tiles are used in a variety of real spaces! Or, if you’re looking for some guidance on an upcoming project, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size backsplash tile is best for a small kitchen?

Virtually any size tile will work well for a small kitchen backsplash. If you want a cohesive look that will make your space appear more expansive, use a larger tile. A small tile, like an intricate mosaic will add movement and interest to a small backsplash.

What is the best color backsplash for a timeless kitchen?

A crisp white backsplash is easily adaptable as your style evolves. White subway tile is a classic look that can easily be updated with colored accents or by painting your cabinets and shelves.

Should the backsplash be lighter or darker than the countertop?

Your backsplash color depends on your personal style. If you tend towards the bold, a drastic contrast between your tile and cabinet color will add a sense of drama to your kitchen. A backsplash that picks up some of the tones of your cabinets–like a gold-flecked backsplash with gold fixtures on your cabinets –will look cohesive while still being interesting. The important thing is not to choose the same color for your backsplash as your cabinet, that will leave your space with little definition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I'm Eimile, Marketing copywriter. What I love about working at The Tile Shop is getting to see all the new design trends. I especially love bright, bold colors and retro designs. When I'm not writing copy, I'm usually reading a novel or taking a walk around my Minneapolis neighborhood.

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