35 Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for White Cabinets

By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 10/18/24
kitchen backsplash ideas with white cabinets

Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

If you're looking for backsplash ideas for white cabinets, the options are endless. Pair white cabinets with a white backsplash in a contrasting material or finish to create a monochromatic look that will complement any style countertops. Choose a dark backsplash in a dramatic stone or tile for a high contrast. Or add color to a kitchen with white cabinets with DIY patterned tile or budget-friendly subway tile in a vibrant shade.

Get inspired with these backsplash ideas in a range of materials, colors, patterns, and finishes that will add style and functionality to your white kitchen cabinets.

  • 01 of 35

    White Painted Shiplap

    backsplash for white cabinets

    Marie Flanigan Interiors

    Pair white Shaker cabinetry with a painted white vertical shiplap backsplash for a low-contrast look that works well in modern farmhouse interior. Marie Flanigan Interiors complemented the white cabinetry and walls with brown countertops and brick tile floors to create a traditional feel in this airy kitchen pantry.

  • 02 of 35

    Patterned Tile Backsplash

    patterned tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Michelle Berwick Design

    Choose a patterned tile backsplash with a subtle geometrical pattern to create variation against all-white cabinetry while retaining a light neutral feel. Michelle Berwick Design paired white cabinetry with black and rose gold and copper accents in this spacious modern kitchen.

  • 03 of 35

    Colorful Patterned Tiles

    blue patterned tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Erin Williamson Design

    Blue is a crowd-pleasing color that pairs well with white. Erin Williamson Design paired white cabinets with silver hardware and a vibrant and playful patterned tile backsplash in shades of blue that energizes the bright space.

    Tip

    The limited footprint of a kitchen backsplash makes it affordable enough to swap out in years to come without renovating the whole kitchen, so feel free to experiment with color, pattern, and texture. 

  • 04 of 35

    Gothic Cross Tile

    graphic tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Tyler Karu

    When renovating an older home, incorporate finishes with an antique feel to honor the history of the space. Interior designer Tyler Karu chose Gothic cross tile that complements white cabinetry finished with black pulls and knobs and a dramatic black-and-white stone countertop. Polished brass reproduction antique plumbing fixtures add warmth.

    Continue to 5 of 35 below
  • 05 of 35

    Solid Black Backsplash

    black backsplash with white cabinets

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Mixing white cabinets with a solid black backsplash adds depth to this Newport, RI, beach house kitchen from Desiree Burns Interiors. Oversized black pendant lights and black countertops help to balance the mix of solid and glass-front painted white cabinetry.

  • 06 of 35

    Multicolored Mosaic

    multicolored backsplash white cabinets

    Erin Williamson Design

    Pair simple white cabinetry with a custom backsplash to personalize your kitchen. Erin Williamson Design designed a multi-colored graphic backsplash that is a focal point for this open-plan kitchen that is visible from the living room and doubles as wall decor.

  • 07 of 35

    Handmade Tile Backsplash

    handmade tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Pair flat-front modern white cabinets with a handmade tile backsplash to add texture to your kitchen. Desiree Burns Interiors kept it neutral with handmade tile in shades of off-white. Black accents and a rustic exposed wood ceiling add balance.

  • 08 of 35

    DIY Penny Tiles

    white penny tile backsplash with white shaker cabinets

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    A classic white penny tile backsplash will never go out of style (and works just as well in a bathroom). This small apartment kitchen from Desiree Burns Interiors features a white penny tile backsplash with white grout that adds subtle texture against simple white cabinets finished with rose-gold hardware.

    Continue to 9 of 35 below
  • 09 of 35

    DIY Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

    removable wallpaper backsplash with white cabinets

    A Beautiful Mess

    If you're a renter who wants to add some color and pattern to your plain white kitchen, consider a DIY peel-and-stick wallpaper (or tile) backsplash. A Beautiful Mess chose a cheerful pink pattern that creates an instant focal point and can be removed without damaging walls when it's time to move or change it up.

  • 10 of 35

    Geometric Backsplash

    hexagon backsplash with white cabinets

    Britt Design Studio

    A streamlined geometric pattern in shades of black and white can add a graphic element that will add interest to a block of white cabinets. Britt Design Studio chose a soft geometric tile backsplash of elongated hexagons laid in a vertical pattern with dark grout.

  • 11 of 35

    Vertical Tile Stacks

    blue vertical tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Tyler Karu

    Add coastal style to a kitchen by mixing white cabinetry with deep blue backsplash tiles. Interior designer Tyler Karu stacked glossy vertical tiles in shades of blue in this coastal Maine kitchen that add contrast with the white cabinets and window trim.

  • 12 of 35

    Dramatic Stone Backsplash

    marble backsplash with white cabinets

    Hannah Tyler Designs

    A dramatic stone backsplash will redirect focus from plain white cabinetry to create an eye-catching focal point. The stormy gray-and-white backsplash in this beach house kitchen renovation from Hannah Tyler Designs creates a dramatic focal point in an otherwise neutral-toned open space that is warmed up with touches of wood.

    Continue to 13 of 35 below
  • 13 of 35

    Tin Tile Backsplash

    vintage tin tile backsplash with white cabinets

    My 100 Year Old Home

    In a modern farmhouse kitchen, use vintage-style finishes to create interest and add texture to plain white cabinetry. My 100 Year Old Home tiled this Texas kitchen backsplash with vintage-style tin ceiling tiles with a weathered patina to complement the rustic shabby chic farmhouse aesthetic of the home.

  • 14 of 35

    Navy Blue Subway Tile

    midcentury modern backsplash with white cabinets

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Christy Q. Photography

    Complement streamlined cabinetry in a midcentury modern kitchen with simple backsplash tiles stacked horizontally for a long and lean feel. Cathie Hong Interiors paired a matte navy tile backsplash with bright white cabinetry and wood and leather touches in this renovated midcentury modern home that helps to ground the high-ceilinged space.

  • 15 of 35

    Lightly Veined Quartz

    quartz backsplash with white cabinets

    JLA Designs

    Select a white quartz marble-effect backsplash for a polished look that is easy to maintain. JLA Designs paired lightly veined stone with white cabinets finished with gold hardware in this sleek Manhattan apartment kitchen.

  • 16 of 35

    Textural Backsplash

    vertical stack tile backsplash white countertops

    @houseofchais / Instagram

    Handmade vertical tile stacks add a textural 3D quality to a kitchen backsplash. House of Chais paired handmade white vertical stack tiles with a composite wood countertop, and added brass half moon pulls on the white cabinet doors to add interest.

    Continue to 17 of 35 below
  • 17 of 35

    Electric Orange Subway Tile

    orange tile backsplash with white kitchen cabinets

    Design by Ghislaine Vinas / Photo by Garrett Rowland

    Tiling your backsplash in a vivid shade of your choosing will add personality and energy to a modern kitchen outfitted with sleek white slab cabinetry. Interior designer Ghislaine Viñas electrified all-white kitchen cabinets with an orange subway tile backsplash that could just as easily be a bright shade of yellow, green, or any other color.

  • 18 of 35

    Herringbone Pattern Tile

    white herringbone subway tile backsplash

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Christy Q. Photography

    Pair white upper cabinets with a white subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, then paint the base cabinets in a warm gray to ground the space beneath the countertops, like this serene space from Cathie Hong Interiors.

  • 19 of 35

    Mirror Finish Backsplash

    mirrored backsplash with white cabinets

    Maite Granda

    A mirrored backsplash pairs well with modern flat-front cabinetry, bouncing around light and doubling views. Interior designer Maite Granda used a plain mirrored backsplash to complement glossy white cabinetry and black and silver fixtures in this cool-toned contemporary Florida kitchen. Choose a bronze mirror finish for a warmer effect.

  • 20 of 35

    White Subway Tile and Grout

    white subway tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Design by Sissy + Marley Interiors / Photo by Marco Ricca

    For a modern farmhouse feel, choose white subway tile finished with white grout to complement painted white cabinetry. Sissy + Marley Interiors finished upper and lower cabinets with silver-toned hardware for a cool and calming atmosphere, adding Danish modern lighting and painted wood spindle bar stools to add a Scandi-style feel.

    Continue to 21 of 35 below
  • 21 of 35

    Exposed Stone Wall

    exposed stone backsplash with white cabinets

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

    White cabinets will modernize a backsplash of exposed brick or stone. Leanne Ford Interiors lightly whitewashed the original stone kitchen wall to create an organic feeling backsplash, skipping upper cabinetry and installing white cabinets with perforated doors to lighten things up.

  • 22 of 35

    Square White Tile Backsplash

    white square tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Square tiles have been making a comeback, challenging the reign of the subway tile backsplash in kitchens and bathrooms. Make them look current by pairing square white handmade tiles with light beige grout, and finishing simple white cabinetry with soft gold hardware, like this fresh and minimalist kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors.

  • 23 of 35

    Textured Tile Backsplash

    textured tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Studio Peake

    Sleek flat-front white cabinetry and open shelving is paired with a textured tile backsplash in the same shade of white in this compact kitchen from Studio Peake, creating a cohesive backdrop for neat stacks of dishware, glassware, and cooking utensils.

  • 24 of 35

    Glazed Tile Backsplash

    glazed tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

    Pair white base cabinets with oversized glazed white tiles to create texture and interest in an all-white kitchen. Leanne Ford Interiors added open shelving on top, and styled the space with vintage pitchers, dried flowers, and framed art to create a timeless feel with a handmade quality.

    Continue to 25 of 35 below
  • 25 of 35

    Dark Grout Lines

    white subway tile backsplash with black grout

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Max Kim-bee

    White subway tile with dark grout lines lends an industrial feel to modern kitchens that complements white cabinets. Leanne Ford Interiors ran this white subway tile backsplash around the window above the kitchen sink, butcher block open shelving and countertops, a vintage glass-front china cabinet, and simple cabinetry with old school silver-toned pulls.

  • 26 of 35

    Blackish Subway Tiles

    white cabinets with black backsplah

    Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

    Jessica Nelson Design covered the walls of this modern black-and-white kitchen with grayish-black subway tiles that function as a backsplash, complementing black countertops and adding contrast with white painted cabinetry.

  • 27 of 35

    Zellige Tile Backsplash

    zellige tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls

    Gleaming white zellige tile pairs well with white cabinets to add dimension to an all-white kitchen that can be accented with color as your mood changes. Leanne Ford Interiors used solid wood cabinets on the bottom and glass-front cabinets on the left wall of this U-shaped kitchen to lighten things up, and contrasted all the white with tomato red accents.

  • 28 of 35

    Black-and-White Tile

    black and white backsplash with white cabinets

    Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Rachael Smith

    A geometric black-and-white tile backsplash will energize a small kitchen outfitted with simple white cabinetry, like this eclectic London space from Emilie Fournet Interiors.

    Continue to 29 of 35 below
  • 29 of 35

    Neutral Patterned Tile

    beige patterned tile backsplash with white cabinets

    Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Jeanne Canto

    Pair white cabinetry with patterned tile in a neutral shade to add interest to the kitchen backsplash without overwhelming. Calimia Home warmed up the white cabinets in this bright kitchen with wood accents and soft patterned tile in a washed out beige-toned hue that softens up the modern space.

  • 30 of 35

    Blue-Gray Stone Slab

    shiplap and stone backsplash with white cabinets

    Tyler Karu

    A grayish blue stone slab backsplash adds drama to a coastal kitchen. Interior designer Tyler Karu paired simple white cabinets with silver hardware and a heavily veined patterned stone backsplash for this coastal Maine kitchen that evokes the waves of a swirling sea.

  • 31 of 35

    White Subway Tiles

    white subway tile with white cabinets

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Pair all-white cabinets with subway-tiled walls to create a seamless feel in a galley kitchen. Desiree Burns Interiors accented cabinetry with black cabinet pulls for definition, but used white grout on the backsplash for a cohesive look.

  • 32 of 35

    Whitewashed Brick

    white brick backsplash with white cabinets

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    A whitewashed brick backsplash creates texture against modern white cabinetry. Whittney Parkinson Design ran both the cabinets and the backsplash all the way up to the ceiling to maximize space. Rustic wood accents and bright metallic lighting adds warmth.

    Continue to 33 of 35 below
  • 33 of 35

    DIY Hex Tile Backsplash

    hex marble backsplash white cabinets

    @houseofchais / Instagram

    Hexagonal marble tiles add elegance to a modern kitchen. House of Chais chose a hex marble backsplash to add texture to this L-shaped space that complements a white range hood, countertop, and creamy white base cabinets.

  • 34 of 35

    Earth-Toned Herringbone

    earth tone backsplash white cabinets

    Kendall Wilkinson Design

    Pair high-gloss white cabinets with an earth-toned backsplash for a modern mix that balances cool and warm finishes. Kendall Wilkinson Design added contrast in this modern white kitchen with a herringbone tile backsplash in earthy shade of brown.

  • 35 of 35

    Medium Gray Tile Backsplash

    gray tile backsplash white cabinets

    Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

    Mix white cabinets with a gray tile backsplash to create a timeless neutral feel. Jessica Nelson Design warmed up this compact kitchen with gold-tone hardware and plumbing fixtures.

What type of backsplash is the most trendy?

Trendy kitchen backsplash materials include handmade square zellige tiles, large stone slabs with dramatic veining, and terrazzo tiles.

Should the backsplash be lighter or darker than the cabinets?

The backsplash can be either lighter or darker than kitchen cabinets. Choose a light backsplash for a cohesive feel. Opt for a darker backsplash to add contrast or create a dramatic focal point.

Should a tile backsplash align with the cabinet or countertop? 

If your tile backsplash won't fit perfectly in the allotted space, align the first row of tiles with the cabinetry, not the countertop.

For example, if your backsplash is 20 inches tall and you are using 3-inch subway tile, you can fit 6 tiles on top of each other, and will cut the rest of your tiles down to fill the 2-inch space that remains. That row of shorter tiles should end up along the counter, if you aligned your tiles with the top edge of the cabinetry.