1. Keep it Simple…and Chic!

A backsplash staple, white subway tile is a timeless classic with endless versatility. This modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Esslinger Design Co., features a Signature Bianco Gloss tile backsplash behind open wood shelves. The simple brick-lay tile provides a neutral background, allowing the dark green range hood and brass swing-arm sconce light fixtures to stand out.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Modern Farmhouse

2. Create a Stylish Slab Look

A backsplash crafted from a large block of stone is a popular feature of high-end design, but you can achieve this look on a more modest budget with large format tile. These supersized tiles (defined as any tile with one side longer than 23″ with styles up to 48″ x 48″) mimic the appearance of a single piece of stone while offering the durability and easy maintenance of ceramic or porcelain. As demonstrated in this contemporary kitchen, a counter-to-ceiling backsplash featuring extra-large marble-look tile makes your space feel expansive as well as elevated.

3. Show Off Your Style with a Graphic Pattern

Patterned tile offers the ornamentation of wallpaper with the superior protection of ceramic or porcelain. Perfect for adding design to a mess-prone backsplash, patterned tile can easily be stretched to the height of your wall to further celebrate your style. This fashionable kitchen features the graphic-patterned Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. The eclectic hand-drawn print is bold in its simplicity, adding definition to the space while allowing flexibility to swap out accessories and change paint colors for easy updates.

Discover more unique, fashion-forward designs in our exclusive Nikki Chu collection.

4. Display Your Taste with Diamond-Shaped Tile

When your tile covers a large area, choosing a design that creates a sense of movement and rich visual texture not only makes your space feel more expansive but also adds interest. This can be achieved through pattern, shape or material. This beautiful kitchen features the Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton tile, a diamond- and chevron-shaped mosaic made from vividly veined marble. The zigzag pattern, combined with the grey and beige veining, draws the eye up the wall, creating the illusion of height and adding a touch of luxury.

Shop diamond-shaped tile for more brilliant designs. 👉

5. Tile the Range Hood

When you have a tile as elegant and expressive as the Firenze Calacatta marble subway tile, you’ll want to display it without interruption. That’s exactly what Christie Juncaj did in her magnificent contemporary kitchen. By using the tile to disguise the range hood, the kitchen maintains a cohesive appearance from the counter to the ceiling and across the wall.

6. Showcase Mid-Century Modern Design

Even if you don’t have an A-frame house, you can embrace the simple sophistication of mid-century modern style with The Tile Shop’s new Stoneware collection from Fired Earth. Featuring a sleek, elongated subway format in five retro-inspired colorways, these tiles celebrate the best of 20th-century design. Here, the Stoneware Rainwashed tile runs along the expanse from the counter to the tip of the angled ceiling, creating a vibrant statement wall that feels contemporary while evoking a vintage appeal.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Midcentury Modern

7. Marvel with a Mosaic Tile

Perhaps counterintuitively, a small-format mosaic tile can have the same space-widening effect as a large-format tile. The petite pieces provide visual texture that draws the eye across a space, adding depth and a sense of movement. This charming kitchen, designed by @dwellwithmichelle, features the Hex Matte White with Black Flowers mosaic. The repeated retro floral pattern guides the eye up the wall, while the open shelving makes the space feel light and airy.

8. Create a Work of Art

A tall backsplash allows for creative use of the space behind your stove or kitchen sink. Take advantage of the expanse by showcasing a beautiful patterned or mosaic tile within a tiled picture frame. Using trim to “frame” the decorative tile, this design technique elevates your space while providing a pleasing focal point you can admire while cooking and cleaning. This elegant transitional kitchen features the Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey tile, framed by a double layer of Firenze Carrara Somerset trim.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Transitional Design

9. Achieve Artisanal Excellence

Zellige tile is handcrafted using ancient techniques, ensuring that each tile is authentically unique. Showcasing this singular tile from counter to ceiling creates a one-of-a-kind backsplash that celebrates artistry. This chic kitchen, designed by Fox Homes, features the Zellige White Gloss tile. The square format aligns with contemporary design, while the traditional craftsmanship connects it to the past.

10. Embrace English Cottage Style

Put the kettle on and take in this charming kitchen backsplash featuring the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile. With a whimsical floral motif inspired by historic prints from the iconic British brand’s archive, this patterned tile is made to be displayed. We love how it pairs with white cabinets, but a bold blue or sunny yellow would look equally delightful.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage

11. Showcase Your Stove

If your kitchen cabinets cover most of your counter-to-ceiling space, the area behind the stove might be the only place to showcase this design trend. However, even this limited space can deliver big results, as is evident in this stylish kitchen designed by Georgia Pepperberry Interior Design. The Liria Negro tile adds a pattern that helps to highlight the stove and the dark copper range hood. The use of white subway tile below the white cabinets prevents the room from feeling too busy and ensures the stove remains the star of the show.

12. Make “Hex-Cellent” Choices

The six-sided hexagon is a classic tile shape that’s surprisingly versatile. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials, hex tile offers a wealth of possibilities and timeless design. This contemporary kitchen features the Royal White polished marble hex tile. The stone’s natural tonal variation, combined with the tile’s shape, gives the backsplash a sense of movement that draws the eye up the wall.

13. Tile Above the Cabinets

Your wall cabinets don’t have to define your backsplash. This elegant kitchen takes the Cheverny Blanc patterned encaustic tile to the ceiling by tiling the space above the cabinets. The result is a stunning statement wall that maintains a sense of continuity.

14. Go Retro

An expanded backsplash offers a unique opportunity to showcase your style. This groovy kitchen, designed by Total 360 Interiors, embraces flower-power ideals with the Star Olive/Grey Encaustic tile. The bold, bright geometric floral pattern exudes 70s vibes, while the modern stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets ground this space firmly in this century.

15. Create Contrast

Contrasting colors–whether they be classic black-and-white or contemporary neutral-and-bright–add depth to your space. This chic kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features Noir limestone tile installed with contrasting white grout. In addition to complementing the white cabinetry and window frame, the white grout lines highlight the tile’s classic brick-lay pattern. By extending the tile to the ceiling, the designer enhances the dramatic effect of the stark contrast.

16. Find Historic Inspiration

Popular in the Victorian era, tin tiles were embossed with decorative patterns, adding both texture and visual interest. The 19th-century-inspired Victoria Gris Fonce tile (this tile is no longer available; achieve a similar look with Antigua Lis Black tile) features the characteristic raised pattern in a durable ceramic format. Here, You Neek Designs updates Victorian aesthetics for a contemporary kitchen. The tin-look tiles behind the stove are flanked by white subway tile, another popular style of the era. However, the Fired Earth Designs Homespun tile’s handmade look and the horizontal straight-stack layout add a modern twist. Extending the subway tile behind the open wooden shelving makes this design feel fresh.

17. Add Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

If you love the sleek, chic silhouette of subway tile but want a more dynamic design, consider installing your favorite tile in a herringbone layout. The zigzag pattern of this classic format evokes a sense of movement by drawing the eye both up and across the space. We love how this backsplash, designed by Twigg + Lu Design Company, uses the Look Oliva subway tile as both a backsplash and window frames.

18. Choose Classically Chic Chevron Tile

Another classic tile pattern that adds dynamic interest, chevron tile offers the same zigzag as herringbone, but with tiles specially cut to form the characteristic V-shape. This elegant kitchen, designed by Accent on Cabinets, features the Bianco Puro Honed Chevron tile. The luxurious white marble enhances the sophistication of this gold-accented white kitchen.

19. Add Rustic Details

You probably wouldn’t put real wood behind your stovetop, but wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers the contemporary rustic aesthetic of a cabin in an easy-to-clean, flame-retardant material. Available in a range of realistic designs–like the distressed Colonial Wood White Brillo tile shown here–wood-look tile makes your kitchen feel rugged without sacrificing modern conveniences.

20. Reflect Your Style

Glass tile’s naturally reflective surface adds brightness and depth to your space. This contemporary kitchen, designed by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, features the Winter Morning glass tile. The light playing across the surface makes the small backsplash feel more expansive. While it looks amazing in this bright and open kitchen, glass tile would also help illuminate a space that doesn’t receive much natural light.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style. If you’re up to tackling a DIY project, check out our guide on how to tile your backsplash yourself. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Celebrate the Classics

Founded in 1861 by William Morris, Morris & Co. continues the renowned British designer’s mission of bringing beauty to everyday life. The Morris & Co. St. James Farringdon Grey tile, shown here, features warm grey coloring and an ornate pattern derived from the wallpaper commissioned in 1881 for the grand staircase of London’s St. James Palace. Though originally designed for the aristocracy, this lovely tile–also available in Pure Cloud (light blue) and Wandle River (bright blue)–embodies the casual elegance and vintage appeal of a well-appointed English cottage.

If your sensibilities lean toward the sophisticated, explore all the historic patterns available in our exclusive Morris & Co. collection.

2. Add a Touch of Whimsy

From King Arthur to Mary Poppins and Harry Potter, the British have a long tradition of creating classic characters and fanciful worlds. A spoonful of decorative whimsy brings the cheer and charm of imagined places into your very real spaces. This endearing kitchen backsplash features the Laura Ashley Wexbord Midnight tile (also available in Fresh Green). The petite floral motif is based on a 1981 pattern from England’s iconic Laura Ashley brand.

Full of delicate geometric botanicals, classic colors and unique shapes, the Tile Shop-exclusive Laura Ashley collection brings the best of British design to American homes.

3. Embrace Elements of Cottagecore

The on-trend cottagecore style is akin to English country cottage in many ways, but while English cottage embraces an abundance of patterns, cottagecore takes a more serene and rustic approach to the rural aesthetic. Combining traditional tile styles with playful patterns helps to tone down some of the busyness associated with the English style (though feel free to be busy if that’s your cup of tea!). This bathroom, designed by I SPY DIY, pairs the Splendor Blanco wall tile with the Laura Ashley Mr Jones Charcoal floor tile. The white, handmade-look subway tile, arranged in a classic brick-lay layout, is common in cottages and farmhouse design, while the patterned floor tile adds a distinctly English country touch.

4. Tile Your Floor in Natural Stone

Marble, slate and travertine offer natural beauty that elevates any design. Tumbled stone adds rustic appeal to your floors, while polished or honed stone creates a more sophisticated aesthetic. This pleasant bathroom, designed by @sposadesignllc, features the Hampton Delray marble mosaic tile. The basketweave pattern, reminiscent of traditional handicrafts, is complemented by a border of Hampton Carrara polished marble, making this floor feel both homey and high-end. The marble tile, paired with the blue-painted wood wainscotting and floral wallpaper, creates a space that exudes the cozy elegance of a posh cottage.

5. Add Traditional Molding Details

Common in English cottages, molding is a decorative detail often found where the wall meets the floor, ceiling or door and window frames. Available in a range of durable and stylish natural stone and man-made materials, skirting, cornice, capital and Barnes tiles allow you to incorporate these traditional trims, even if they aren’t original to your home. The wall in this bathroom is divided by Siberian Pearl cornice and Somerset, creating a classic chair rail feature. Though traditionally used to protect walls from dining room chairs, it is employed here as a transition between the painted wall and Siberian Pearl honed marble wainscoting.

6. Create Cozy Spaces with Warm Neutrals

Bright colors have a place in an English country cottage home, but that doesn’t mean you need to surround yourself with rainbow hues. Warm neutrals, especially when used in patterns, evoke a sense of comfort associated with this style. This mudroom, designed by West Bay Homes, features the Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey floor tile. The tile’s soft greige background and white geometric floral pattern complement the burnt orange accent wall and white cabinetry, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.

7. Gather Around a Rustic Brick Hearth

Recreate the timeless appeal of a countryside cottage hearth with red brick-look porcelain tile. Its natural-looking distressing gives the fireplace a storied, well-loved feel, making it the perfect centerpiece for cozy moments at home. Add an armchair and ottoman, as in this inviting living room, and you’ve got a spot to put your feet up and savor a quiet, comfortable moment year-round, even when the fire isn’t lit.

8. Favor Florals

No English cottage is complete without a well-tended garden. Bring the botanicals indoors, and fill your home with year-round cheer with a floral-patterned tile. This dainty backsplash features the Maeva Petal Deco tile. The continuous design creates the look of wallpaper while offering the superior durability and easy maintenance of porcelain.

If you find a floral motif as enchanting as Mr. Darcy, shop our wide assortment of patterned tile.

9. Add Texture With Victorian-Inspired Tiles

Popular in Victorian homes, tin tiles featured ornate patterns punched into the metal to create a raised surface design. You can achieve this antique look in a more durable ceramic format with the Victoria Blanc tile. With their raised pattern and weathered appearance, these tiles add texture and vintage appeal to your space. We love how this chic kitchen pairs the tile backsplash with white and light green cabinets, but these tiles would also look stunning with cottage-style open shelving or rustic wood cabinets.

10. Use Wood-Look Tile for a Cottage Feel

A wood floor is a quintessential cottage element. Achieve this aesthetic in every area of your home (even mess- and water-prone areas) with durable, water-resistant and easy-to-clean porcelain or ceramic wood-look tile. This charming dining room, designed by At Home with Ashley, demonstrates the versatility of this tile. The blonde wood tones of the Baltimore Beige tile are in harmony with the botanical wallpaper and fireplace yet would complement a range of styles.

Find more durable, affordable and easy-to-install wood alternatives in our wide assortment of wood-look luxury vinyl flooring. Or, for naturally beautiful floors in less moisture-prone areas, explore our newly expanded selection of engineered hardwood.

Bring Your Dream Space to Life!

Whatever your style, The Tile Shop is here with tile, tools and expert advice to help bring your dream space to life. Explore stunning tile ideas for every room, or schedule a free design consultation to get started.

The post Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Change Your Tile’s Direction to Create Distinction

This space, designed by Principle Design & Remodeling, features the Bulevard Snow subway tile installed in a herringbone pattern behind the stove and a brick-lay pattern under the cabinets. Placing the herringbone design in the center creates a sense of movement and helps provide visual separation between meal prep and cooking, making it feel like you have more room for both. Shop subway tile for a wealth of styles to achieve this design.

Choose Blue Hues

From dazzling sapphire to deep navy, blue across the spectrum creates spaces that connect with the natural brilliance of the sky and sea. Equally calming and stimulating, this versatile color complements virtually any style. This stylish kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features the grey-toned Signature Slate Blue Gloss tile. The cool, slightly muted blue introduces elegant serenity to the transitional space, contrasting beautifully with the white cabinets.

If this versatile color is the hue for you, check out our expansive collection of blue tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Brilliant Blue Kitchen Tile Ideas

3. Design a Serene Nature-Inspired Space

Bring the expansive, mood-boosting feel of the outdoors to your space with nature-inspired colors, shapes and materials. We love how this bright and cheery kitchen pairs the Glass Tea Green tile with a blonde wood range hood for natural appeal. Learn how to create serene spaces in every room of your home with this guide to biophilic design.

4. Add Lush Beauty With a Lovely Leaf Shape

Intricately beautiful, mosaic tile offers shapely designs to enliven your space. Just as the seamless look of large format tile makes tight spaces feel more expansive, the fine detail of mosaic tile can make a space appear larger by creating visual interest that expands the sense of scale.

This elegant backsplash features the Bardot Grey marble mosaic. The interlocking leaf shapes create a gentle sense of movement that is enhanced by the stone’s natural grey veining and subtly contrasting white grout lines. The result is a beautiful space defined by organic curves and soft tones.

Create a gorgeously detailed tableau with our wide selection of mosaic tile.

5. Add an Abstract Pattern

Fashion-forward and globally inspired, the Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile features an abstract geometric black-on-white pattern of concentric squares. Drawing from her original wallpaper designs, celebrity designer Nikki Chu created this porcelain tile to bring her distinctive motif to spaces that require a durable, easy-to-clean surface—like a hardworking kitchen backsplash.

If you love this distinctly chic style, explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

6. Decorate Your Space with an Ornate Pattern

Small spaces can showcase major style. An ornately patterned tile makes your space feel decorative and highly designed. This lovely stove backsplash features the Morris & Co. St. James Wandle River tile (also available in Farringdon Grey and blue-grey Pure Cloud). Set against a beautiful blue background, the intricate white floral pattern is lavish and alive with embellished movement.

If you love this historically detailed design, explore our exclusive Morris & Co. designer collection.

7. Add Natural Texture With Wood-Look Tile

Ruggedly refined, incorporating wood adds texture and sophistication with organic appeal. While real wood is rarely the best choice for a mess-prone kitchen backsplash, wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers a durable, easy-to-clean alternative that achieves an authentically rustic aesthetic.

Here, the Bari Aural Grey tile features alternating wood-look planks and recessed matte ribs, creating a chic fluted effect that adds both tactile and visual texture to the stove backsplash. While these long, skinny lines create a sense of width when installed horizontally, they can also be installed vertically to draw the eye upward and add height to a small kitchen.

Add natural appeal to your space with our wide selection of wood-look tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Ruggedly Chic Modern Rustic Kitchen Ideas

8. Bring in Botanicals

Colors, shapes and designs inspired by the natural world can boost your mood and make even a small space feel as though it’s bursting with life. Biophilic design brings the outdoors in through botanical patterns, organic color palettes and natural materials.

This charming sink backsplash features the Morris & Co. Hawkdale Willow Olive tile (also available in China Blue). The leaf motifs—inspired by iconic designer William Morris’s historic wallpaper patterns
—seem to sway across the wall, creating a restful yet lively tableau. The coordinating Morris & Co. Hawkdale Pure Chalk tile, interspersed between the patterned subway tile, provides a necessary neutral balance to the foliage.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Biophilic Design

9. Play With a Checkerboard Pattern

Checkerboard is a classic pattern that’s always a style win. Play with this hopscotch design by bringing in unique shapes and fresh colors. This charming sink backsplash features squares of Laura Park Bespoke tile in Aegean Blue and White rotated to create a diamond checkerboard. The diagonal lines draw the eye up and across the wall for an invigorating design that makes the small space appear more expansive.

Find more winning plays on this classic pattern when you explore our curated checkerboard tile collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Unique and Unexpected Checkerboard Tile Ideas

10. Achieve a Stylish Slab Look

Love the look of a marble slab backsplash? Achieve a similarly elegant effect with affordable, easy-to-maintain marble-look porcelain or ceramic tile. Available in a range of on-trend styles, the large-format version of these tiles (categorized as any tile with a side longer than 23″ and available in sizes up to 48″ x 48″) requires fewer grout lines, making small spaces feel more expansive and cohesive.

11. Add Charm With English Cottage Patterns

Backsplash designs for small kitchens don’t have to be unassuming. The Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile brings the quaint, romantic sensibility of English cottage style to this cozy backsplash. If this whimsical design style is your cup of tea, shop our exclusive Laura Ashley collection.

12. Give Your Space a Sense of Movement

Hampton Carrara marble subway tile installed in a herringbone pattern creates a fluid sense of movement that draws the eye up and across this small backsplash, designed by Two Chicks and a Hammer. While the zigzag layout alone infuses the space with a dynamic flow, the grey and beige veining in the stone enhances that energy, as subtle shifts in tone invigorate the design with natural distinction. The result is a small space that stimulates the eye and is rich in organic detail.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Super-Chic Herringbone Tile Pattern Ideas

13. Stretch Your Budget: Tile Your Backsplash For Under $200

Even if your budget is as small as your space, you can afford a stylish refresh with our expansive selection of tiles under $7. This backsplash, designed by Timber Trails, features Regent Bianco ceramic subway tile. At just $5.39/sq. ft., you can tile a 20- to 30-sq.-ft. backsplash for under $200.

DIY Like a Pro!

Learn How to Install a Kithcen Tile Backsplash with this step-by-step guide.

14. Create a Modern Farmhouse Moment

Modern farmhouse design favors open shelving, which can make your kitchen feel more spacious. This backsplash, designed by I SPY DIY, features the Nuovo Riad Bianco tile beneath an open wooden shelf. The purposeful variations in color and surface texture in this handmade-look tile add an artisanal touch, complementing the refined rustic decor.

15. Embrace Simplicity with Japandi Style

The exquisite minimalism of Japandi design creates a feeling of intentionality in a small space. In this backsplash, designed by Yellow Brick Home, the long, skinny tiles comprising the Home Kit-Kat Milk mosaic provide a sense of harmonious symmetry. Learn more about this organic and calming design style in our Japandi tile guide.

16. Add Extra Space to Your Grout Lines

An essential element of your tile installation, grout is also a powerful design feature. While narrow grout joints make large format tile feel seamless, wide joints emphasize the layout of a smaller format tile. Here, the wide grout lines between the Zellige White Gloss tiles beautifully highlight the handmade tile’s inherent irregularities. Perfectly imperfect, Zellige tile is cut and crafted by hand, resulting in purposefully uneven edges. The wide joints create slightly askew lines in a subtle, neutral beige that runs throughout the layout.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color & Design

17. Add Interest by Mixing Subway Designs

One sure way to make a small space outstanding is by incorporating unique, eye-catching details. Here, the Signature Gris Matte tile is featured in subway, bevel and frame styles. The raised and recessed edges of the bevel and frame tiles add both visual and tactile texture, creating a customizable look that enlivens the compact space. Explore our newly expanded Signature collection for more endlessly versatile subway and trim tiles in a variety of contemporary hues, as well as matte and glossy finishes.

18. Create a Coastal Chic Escape

Any home can feel like a beach retreat with the elevated, breezy aesthetic of coastal chic design. So much more than shells and nautical decor, modern coastal style embraces the organic tones and weathered textures of the shoreline. Take, for instance, this stunning kitchen featuring the Jeffrey Alan Marks Natural Zen Birchwood Ash tile (also available in Sea Blue and White). The tile’s gently raised texture mimics the look and feel of driftwood, while the muted palette evokes the calm of a hazy summer day.

If you love this serene, seaside style, explore our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collection.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Coastal Chic

19. Create a Hex-Cellent Design

What has six sides and countless design possibilities? Timelessly chic hexagon tile! Available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and materials, this versatile shape can be elegant, playful or organically beautiful. Here, Bianco Puro marble hex tile infuses this contemporary kitchen, designed by Jkath Design Build, with subtle detail through fine grey veining and light grey grout lines.

Discover the endless potential of this many-sided shape when you shop hexagon tile.

20. Steep Your Space in Soothing Beige

Soft and serene, the Tribeca Oatmeal subway tile fills this space with warm, undulating beige tones. The rich shade variation in this perfectly imperfect, handmade-look tile creates a complex tableau across the small backsplash, even within a simple neutral color scheme. The glossy finish reflects sunlight to brighten the space and draw out the white tones, which complement the upper cabinets; meanwhile, the brownish shades harmonize with the lower wooden cabinetry.

If this warm neutral is the hue for you, explore our wide selection of beige tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas to Pair With Wood Cabinets

21. Marvel with a Versatile Basketweave Mosaic

The Sampson Mosaic tile features an elegant, intricate basketweave pattern that suits a variety of styles, from transitional to mid-century modern to modern farmhouse. This marble tile is stunning paired with white cabinets and gold fixtures, but it would look just as intriguing beneath wood cabinetry.

22. Give Your Space a Diamond Treatment

Pointedly exquisite, diamond-shaped tile brings sleek movement and dazzling design to a small space. This chic Two Chicks and a Hammer-designed kitchen features the Modena marble mosaic tile along the stove backsplash. Installed horizontally, the pattern helps elongate the area, while natural white, beige and grey tones echo the room’s palette—namely the stainless appliances, cabinetry and gold hardware—creating a cohesive, yet visually complex, tableau.

If you want to make this stunning shape your best friend, shop our wide selection of diamond tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Pair With White Cabinets

21. Create a Sense of Depth With Black Tile

Reflecting the light, the glossy surface of the Signature Black Gloss Frame tile creates a sense of depth in this stylish but snug stove backsplash, designed by Albie Knows. Sleek and effortlessly chic, black is an excellent choice for any space. On a small backsplash, the dark tile adds drama and distinction without needing much embellishment. Notice how the simple tile makes this space feel stylized, even with the plethora of objects displayed on the counters and open shelves.

Add drama to your design with our wide selection of black tile.

24. Go Grey

Cool and always chic, grey is an endlessly versatile color that complements a wide range of designs. Zellige, handmade-look, marble-look, and natural stone tiles—like the Bianco Colorato marble tile shown here—are available in this moody hue, making it easy to find a style to suit your space. We love how the subway tile’s expressive dark and light grey tones infuse this transitional kitchen with a soothing sense of movement.

Discover a style to make your backsplash a standout when you shop our many shades of grey tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Transitional Design

25. Invest in Marble Tile

If your budget allows, a small space is the perfect opportunity to splurge on real stone. The limited square footage means you can choose a higher-end tile without breaking the bank—and it can make even a compact kitchen feel luxurious. This chic kitchen, designed by Angelia Guthrie, features Calacata Evora honed marble tile. The lush grey and beige veining adds a fashionable, contemporary feel, while the open shelving lets the tile take center stage. Shop our wide assortment of marble tile to find a look that’s both unique and sophisticated.

26. Make a Point With Picket Tile

Reminiscent of a classic picket fence, this elongated hexagon-shaped tile is on point! With its mix of straight and diagonal lines, picket tile creates a sense of movement and natural flow in your space. Here, Picket Florencia Super Bianco is installed using white grout for a subtle design, but you could enhance the shape’s appearance by using contrasting grout.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style, and check out our 30 Inspiring Kitchen Tile Ideas for even more inspiration. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

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 makes your space appear more expansive, use a large-format tile, while a small mosaic tile adds movement and interest.

What is the best color backsplash for a timeless kitchen?

A crisp white backsplash will adapt as your style evolves. White subway tile is a classic look that can be easily 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 toward the bold, contrasting your tile and cabinet colors adds a sense of drama. 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 adding interest. Contrasting trim or grout will add definition to matching backsplash, countertops and cabinets.

Pick A Petal Pattern

Emphasize Your Design With Contrasting Grout

Offset Your Tile Pattern

One way to add interest to

Make Your Space ✨Shine✨ With Glass Tile

Add Handcrafted Character

Add an Antique Look

Make It Midcentury Modern

Create a Custom Pattern

Set Your Stove Backsplash Apart

The post 26 Small Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas With Maximum Style appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Maintain a Minimalist Palette

Minimalism is a key tenet of Japandi design, and the right tile can help you maintain a tranquil, uncluttered space. A soft neutral tile is a great base to your design, allowing you to layer in other colors and materials. This bathroom features the Lanse Matte White Picket tile, pairing the crisp white tile with metallic gold accents and a soft grey sink. Though this space has few adornments, the mix of vertical and diagonal lines in the picket tile adds interest and a sense of movement.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Wellness-Focused Bathroom Ideas

2. Incorporate Greenery

Japandi emphasizes a connection with the natural world, and incorporating plants and other natural elements into your design will help create a sense of serenity. Soft, earthy greens function as a neutral color, and nature-inspired decor–when used sparingly–is encouraged. The Morris & Co. Hawkdale Willow Olive tile features elegant leaf designs that are both decorative and minimalist. Pair this tile with the corresponding Hawkdale Pure Chalk tile to add neutral space between the designs.

Shop the Morris & Co. Hawkdale tile in two other popular colorways: Willow China Blue and Pure Dove.

3. Choose Warm Neutrals

The Scandinavian concept of hygge refers to the feeling of coziness and contentment, which is incorporated into Japandi through warm colors and materials. This cozy nook, designed by Christy Bloom Design & Build, features the Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey tile. The soft, greige coloring complements the wooden cabinets for a soothing and inviting space. Shop brown and beige tiles to achieve this warm neutral aesthetic.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Stylish & Durable Mudroom Tile Ideas

4. Embrace Imperfections

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi celebrates the imperfect–the very quality that makes our authentic Zellige tile so compelling. Each tile is crafted, glazed and painted by hand, resulting in a unique look from piece to piece. With Japandi’s emphasis on handmade and authentic materials, Zellige tile perfectly encapsulates its ethos; however, if you’re interested in a tile that’s a little more uniform (and affordable), check out our wide selection of handmade-look tile.

5. Use Wood-Look Tile for a Natural Appearance

While authentic materials are essential to Japandi design, they might not be practical for every space in your home. Hardwood is commonly associated with Japandi, but to get this aesthetic in high-traffic or damp areas, wood-look tile is a great alternative. This serene shower features the Nidus Decor Mix tile. The blonde wood look and textured surface (which would be difficult to replicate in real wood) create the soothing atmosphere expected in Japandi but in a material suited to the space.

6. Combine Rustic and Refined Elements

Achieve a look that seamlessly combines the rustic Scandinavian aesthetic with the grace and elegance of Japanese style, with natural stone. The veining inherent to marble, slate and travertine creates a one-of-a-kind character that embodies the spirit of Japandi design. This living room, designed by @savingourspaces, features the Noir Chevron tile on the fireplace surround. The natural variations in the rustic black stone give the space visual texture, while the V-shaped chevron provides a wonderful sense of movement.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Fabulous Fireplace Tile Ideas

7. Use Texture

Since Japandi mostly adheres to a warm neutral color palette, texture is key to creating interest in your space. A fluted, or 3D tile, adds a tactile element to your walls that will stimulate the senses while providing a unique visual element. This tranquil entryway features the Khali Flash Off White tile, the subtle pattern of soft, flowing raised lines adds depth to the space, with a design that changes effect as light moves through the room.

8. Embrace Elegant Symmetry

Japandi favors clean lines and symmetry for a sense of harmony. Subway tile arranged in straight vertical or horizontal stacks, or neatly aligned mosaics like the Home Kit-Kat Milk tile used in this kitchen, designed by Yellow Brick Home, will achieve this aesthetic. The long, skinny tiles of this handmade-look mosaic form smooth horizontal and vertical lines, giving this space an orderly feel, while the slight variations in color and texture between the pieces provide an organic appeal.

9. Choose Natural, Sustainable Materials

With its emphasis on natural, long-lasting materials, Japandi design aligns beautifully with a sustainable lifestyle. Combining real oak veneer with an eucalyptus core, engineered hardwood delivers both style and durability. Natural woodgrain and warm earth tones bring warmth and serenity to minimalist spaces, as seen in this bright, open bedroom featuring Corlee Valley Oak flooring.

Explore natural looks to suit your space in our selection of engineered hardwood flooring. 👉

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Whatever your style, The Tile Shop has the tile, tools and expert advice to help you take your project from design to completion. Explore stunning tile ideas for every room, or schedule a free design consultation to get started.

The post Tile for Every Style: Japandi appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Choose a Durable Hardwood Alternative

If you like the look of hardwood but are hesitant to install it in a space where spills and heavy machinery are a given, water- and scratch-resistant wood-look tile is the answer. The Woodsman Deep Forest tile, shown here, embodies the rustic characteristics of natural wood while providing the durability of porcelain.

2. Transform Your Space Into a Spanish Villa

Your laundry room tile has the ability to transport you to another time and place. The terracotta-look Provenzal Alhama Cotto tile features a unique shape and terracotta coloring you’d expect to find in a Mediterranean home. If you love an unusual silhouette, shop our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile.

3. Add Elegance With a Marble Mosaic

Don’t be afraid to display your delicates—a marble mosaic exudes dainty, elegant style. This luxurious laundry room, designed by Ela Bobak, features the Meram Blanc Carrara Chevron mosaic tile. The zig-zag tile format and soft grey and beige veining add a subtle sense of movement, creating a beautiful and serene space.

4. Choose a Retro Pattern

Add a vintage flair with the Hex Matte White With Black Flower tile. This cute mosaic is a classic black-and-white pattern that harkens back to 1960s and-70s flower-power designs. Want to recreate this design in a custom color palette? Shop our wide selection of hexagon tiles.

5. Create an On-Point Look

Like neatly folded sheets, the Picket Florencia Super Bianco tile backsplash features crisp lines and precision corners. A twist on traditional subway tile, picket tile offers a sense of movement as well as the orderliness of a picket fence. If you love this pointed design, shop our wide selection of picket tile.

6. Throw a Color In The Load

Pops of blue enliven this well-ordered laundry room, designed by Personal Pride Construction. Choose a patterned tile with a small amount of color—like the fine blue details in the Talavera Encaustic tile—and add matching painted accents to achieve this joyful design.

7. Add Fabric Details With a Textile-Inspired Tile

The faded linen details on the Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland Toro tile give this laundry room floor the look of sheets drying in the sun. Discover more sun-drenched coastal chic looks when you shop this tile in all three colorways: Miramar (blue), Rincon (grey) and Toro (black).

8. Embrace Old-World Charm

You don’t need to revert to Medieval washing methods to infuse your space with the charm of the old country. Encaustic tiles, like the Liria Negro tile shown here, utilize the centuries-old tradition of inlaying a pattern into a cement tile. Shop our wide selection of encaustic tiles for more delightful and durable designs.

9. Create an Elevated Modern Farmhouse Aesthetic

Cozy and chic, modern farmhouse design connects you to the tradition of living off the land, even if you’re settled in the suburbs. This refined space, designed by Timber Trails, takes the typical modern farmhouse style up a notch by including the Sampson tile along the backsplash. This basketweave mosaic uses a classic pattern and luxurious marble to create an elegant, yet homey, design.

10. Fill Your Space With Color and Pattern

Clockwork Designs didn’t shy away from color and patterns in this cozy laundry room. The Zara Blue tile, featuring a deep blue floral scroll design, complements the forest green cabinetry, while the wooden bench adds another layer of visual texture. Shop our wide selection of patterned tile to find a design that works for your space.

11. Create Elevated Drama With Black Marble

Uniquely luxurious, marble tile takes any space to the next level. Make your laundry room a space you want to linger between loads with the Black Marquina Hex tile. The grey and white veining adds visual texture to the floor and can also help mask the appearance of dirt and spills.

12. Use a Small Hex Tile to Create a Dotted Pattern

This well-ordered laundry room, designed by @prettyhouseproject, features a small hex tile backsplash. The 1” x 1” Hex Gloss White tile creates a dotted effect, adding interest to this monochromatic space. Choose any small hexagon-shaped tile or penny round tile to achieve this look.

13. Protect Your Wall With a Backsplash

Guard your walls against splashes and spills with a tiled backsplash. This lovely laundry room features the Atins Shell tile behind the sink–a durable, large-format ceramic tile with minimal grout lines that makes clean-up a breeze. Shop our wide selection of large-format tile to find a design that suits your style.

14. Use a Neutral Palette for a Serene Space

Neutrals add a sense of tranquility to your space, making even a chore a calming activity. Here, the Hampton Carrara Hex tile features an elegant mix of warm beige and cool grey veining on a crisp white background. The mix of warm and cool neutrals creates a contemporary palette that complements a variety of colors and styles.

15. Embrace English Cottage Charm

The whimsical patterns in our Laura Ashley collection are a perfect match for popular cottagecore styles—from English country cottage to the trending granny chic. This charming blue laundry room features the Laura Ashley Wicker Sea Spray tile. If you love this cozy, kitschy look, explore our comprehensive guide to English country cottage design.

16. Use a Marble-Look Tile for an Elegant & Durable Floor

Your laundry floor probably withstands a lot of traffic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a luxurious space. Marble-look tile combines the elegance of marble with the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain. This traditional-style laundry room pairs stylish black-and-white Marble Star floor tile with taupe cabinets for a space that feels both elevated and relaxed.

17. Go Natural with Slate Tile

Natural stone features unique variations between pieces making this a one-of-a-kind design trend that has been around for literally ages. With colors ranging from black to rust, slate tile is popular for its rustic look and natural surface variation. The Adoni Black tile shown here has a natural grey tone that elevates this laundry room, while the colored veining adds a sense of movement that softens the space.

18. Make Your Walls Pop

Add texture to your walls with a sculptural or 3-D wall tile. The Flow 1 Greige tile used for the walls in this traditional-style laundry room adds a stylish pattern that will appear to change as the light moves through the room.

19. Mix Your Darks and Lights

You wouldn’t think of mixing your lights and darks together in the washer, but a black-and-white patterned tile can enliven your laundry room floor. We love how the Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal tile brings bold design to this simple space. Shop our wide selection of black-and-white tile for more chic and unique designs. 

20. Break Out the Plaid

A checkerboard tile floor is a design win, but if you want to add an extra element to your room, try adding squares in a third color. This black, white and grey tile floor is classy and fun and the simple color scheme keeps this small space looking clean and orderly. Shop our vast selection of square tile to achieve this (or a more traditional two-tone checkerboard) look.

We hope these small space ideas have sparked some big ideas! For more inspiration, check out these laundry room tile design ideas, or visit our Instagram and Customer Room Gallery to see our tile in action in real customer spaces. Ready to tackle your reno? Set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post Top 20 Small Laundry Room Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

10. Handcrafted Excellence

Authentic handcrafted Zellige tile adds artisanal appeal to this boho chic bathroom, designed by Carmeon Hamilton. We love how the traditional star and cross design complements the abstract art, graphic wallpaper and decorative fans, creating a unique, worldly aesthetic. For ideas on incorporating this global, eclectic style into your space, check out our guide to boho chic design.

Featuring: Zellige Charcoal Chabone Cross Gloss, Zellige Charcoal Chabone Star Matte and Nuovo Riad Bianco. Design and photography by Carmeon Hamilton.

9. Transitional Kitchen

Jennifer Janeway Designs paired the Volakas Honed Large Herringbone tile with white cabinets and countertops to create a bright and inviting kitchen. The designer crafted a beautiful transitional space by mixing marble–often found in traditional design–with contemporary cabinet pulls and a black faucet. Discover how to achieve the perfect balance between old and new styles in our guide to transitional design.

Featuring: Volakas Honed Large Herringbone. Design and photography by Jennifer Janeway Designs.

8. Relaxing Shower

This stunning shower, also designed by Jennifer Janeway Designs, uses a mix of neutrals to create a stylish, contemporary space. The grey and beige Aspire Hex Ash mosaic tile focal point extends to the shower floor, creating a pleasing waterfall effect. Shop our wide selection of mosaic tiles to replicate this design in your style.

Featuring: Aspire Hex Ash and Colorgloss White. Design and photography by Jennifer Janeway Designs.

7. Magnificent Fireplace

Warm grey paint and a blue-and-grey mosaic fireplace surround transform this cozy living room from “okay” to OH YAY! We love how the color variation in the Penny Round Cloudy tile adds visual texture to the space (and how the blue and grey tones complement the rug). For more ideas on upgrading your home hearth, shop our wide selection of fireplace tile.

Featuring: Penny Round Cloudy. Design and photography by Jennifer Janeway Designs.

6. Sleek & Chic Backsplash

This stylish kitchen update is on point! The Picket Florencia Super Bianco tile offers a modern twist on the traditional subway. The horizontal and diagonal lines create movement in the backsplash, giving it a chic, contemporary feel. If you love this sleek shape, shop our full selection of picket tile.

Featuring: Picket Florencia Super Bianco. Design and photography by RLH Residential.

5. Oasis Bathroom

Large-format stone-look tiles give this space a cohesive, expansive appearance. The Carrara Gris wall tile features subtle grey veining for an authentic marble look, while the Linear Stone Black tile, with its expressive grey coloring, mimics the appearance of limestone. Both tiles offer the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain. The result is a luxurious space that will retain its beauty for years to come.

Featuring: Carrara Gris and Linear Stone Black. Design and photography by Jennifer Janeway Designs.

4. Marble Shower

Luxurious Ashford Carrara marble completes this elegant bathroom. The subway tile shower walls and Niles mosaic tile floor are classic shapes that complement the curved silver hardware and Victorian-inspired door handle, creating a timeless, traditional design.

Featuring: Ashford Carrara Polished Nilse with Black Dot and Ashford Carrara Subway. Design and photography by @thebirdsdothus.

3. Boho Bathroom

With unique style and worldly sensibility, I SPY DIY completely transforms this small bathroom. The custom subway tile walls and Moroccan-inspired cross-and-star-shaped floor tiles add a personal, stylized touch, taking the space from simple to stellar. If you love this perfectly imperfect style, shop our vast selection of handmade-look tile.

Featuring: Villa White Gloss, Villa Warm Grey Gloss, Kasbah Star Terracotta and Kasbah Cross Terracotta. Design and photography by I SPY DIY.

2. Serene Shower

The gently flowing 3D waves of the Nora White tile create a soothing, tactile experience in this shower, designed by @juliachristinehomes. The brilliant white, textured surface awakens the senses, making it the perfect space to start the day.

Featuring: Nora White. Design and photography by @juliachristinehome.

1. Contemporary Bathroom

We can see why this contemporary bathroom update, designed by All About Bathrooms, was your favorite project of 2024! The vivid Look Avio tile, installed vertically with a horizontal offset, is so chic! While the large-format, marble-look floor tile makes this spacious bathroom feel even more expansive. The effect is a luxurious and revitalizing space.

Featuring: Look Avio and Everest White Natural. Design by All About Bathrooms. Photography by @raemirue.

Have a reno on your New Year’s to-do list? The Tile Shop is here to help every step of the way. Stop by one of our many showrooms or schedule a free in-person or virtual design consultation to get started creating your own amazing before-and-after moment!

Discover more of our 2024 Year In Review Series: Top 10 Bathrooms and Top 10 Kitchens.

The post Year In Review: Top 10 Before and Afters of 2024 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Create a Statement Wall Masterpiece

This expressively original tile from celebrated designer Jeffrey Alan Marks takes its inspiration from glazed pottery. Atop a cream-colored matte base, the abstract glossy blue with patina design captures the light as it moves across the room. The Big Sur tiles are available in Sea Spray and Off the Hook (shown here) and include six distinct tile faces that offer countless design possibilities.

2. Add Visual Texture With Textile-Inspired Designs

This delightful bathroom demonstrates how pattern can create texture to your space. The raised woven design of the Annie Selke Crosshatch Soft Pink tile invokes the soft look of textiles, which is echoed in background of the charming bird mural. The effect is a tactile space that is at once elegant and inviting.

3. Showcase Your Personality with a Distinctive Design

The open edged-pattern of the Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite tile allows for creativity in designing a layout. The tile faces can be installed any way you desire– end to end for a circular pattern, facing the same way for an orderly line of arches, or in alternating patterns as shown here. Whatever way you choose, this globally inspired design will create a distinctly modern space. Shop our new and exclusive Nikki Chu collection for more bold and eclectic styles.

4. Fill Your Space With Whimsical Charm

Pour a cup of tea and delight in “English cottage” style. Evoking drawing rooms straight out of a Jane Austen novel, the Laura Ashley Wexbord Midnight tile (also available in Fresh Green) is based on historic prints from the iconic British brand. This delicate floral motif would also look stunning in a “modern farmhouse” design. Shop our exclusive Laura Ashley collection for more charming patterns.

5. Create Interest: Stripe Shower Tile Pattern Ideas

A tiled picture frame or stripe, like the one created here using the Trois Bandes geometric patterned tile, will give your shower a natural focal point. While this look can be created with any tile placed within a trim border, showcasing a favorite patterned tile will add an artistic flair to your space.

6. Show Off Your Artistic Side with a Tiled Picture Frame

Like the tile stripe, a tiled picture frame is a decorative addition that will enhance any design. Most popular for showers and stove backsplashes, this feature can be used to highlight a beautiful pattern or mosaic tile. We love how this transitional kitchen uses a simple somerset trim piece to frame the Vintage Nero patterned tile.

7. Decorate Your Niche With a Stunning Pattern

A shower niche provides a stylish and function place to showcase a patterned tile in a small format. This shower designed by Haneen’s Haven features a double niche with the Saltus tile displayed in both. The detailed black and white nature scene has the appearance of wallpaper, creating an unexpected and highly designed moment recessed in the white subway tile wall.

8. Make a Statement With This Bathroom Tile Pattern Idea

The interlaced black squares of the Hampton Carrara Geo Mosaic with Noir tile makes an elegant focal point on this shower wall. The “pattern” in this tile is created through the repetition of intricately cut pieces of marble, and the effect is a stunning and chic statement piece full of shape and movement. Shop our full selection of mosaic tile to turn your bathroom into a masterpiece.

9. Mix a Patterned Tile With a Bold Wall Print

The Amazonia Emerald Tropic tile adorns the floor and half the wall in this vibrant bathroom designed by Bailey Li. The mix of the nature-inspired patterned hexagon tile with the bold gold leaf wallpaper on the top half of the wall, makes this space come alive with movement and greenery. For more ideas on how to infuse your space with the natural themes, materials and colors of “biophilic design,” check out this comprehensive guide.

10. Make Your Walls “Pop” With 3D Patterned Tiles

Texture and pattern are one in the same with a 3D patterned wall tile like the 4-D Nature White tile shown here. With its raised tree branch design, this tile adds a tactile dimension to this transitional kitchen backsplash. Shop our full assortment of 3D tile to discover more ideas.

11. Adorn Your Space With This Great Floor Tile Pattern Idea

If you’re short on wall space, let your floors be the canvas. Based on iconic British designer William Morris’s 19th-century wallpaper patterns, the Pure Net Black Ink tile (also available in the popular Linen and Cloud Grey colors) features an ornate floral motif that adds sophistication to this charming kitchen. For more historic designs from the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, shop our exclusive Morris & Co. collection.

12. Create Custom Designs With These Hexagon Tile Pattern Ideas

Black and white and on-trend, this hexagon tile bathroom is custom design done right. Created using the Hex tile in Black and White paired with the Hex Matte White and Black Flower floor tile, this unique shower showcases a bold and chic pattern. We love the way the white hexagon tiles create diamond shapes in the black background tying into the black and white floral floor design without mirroring it completely.

Ready to plan your next reno? It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more whimsical patterns in real spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!

The post 12 Chic & Unique Tile Pattern Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.