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 to rustic kitchens and looks classy when combined with other materials.
With options to suit every budget, a black splashback is a versatile neutral option that complements many color schemes and brings timeless style to any kitchen.
While black and other dark colors are a staple in modern design, black is a color with endless versatility. Therefore, it is popular among interior designers and homeowners alike as it adds elegance to the kitchen.
Let’s take a look at some kitchens with black backsplashes to see how versatile this color is.
Black back panel for black cabinets
No one can doubt the drama of a kitchen with black marble countertops and matching backsplash. Not only does it look beautiful, it is also functional and easy to clean as there are far fewer cracks and crevices for food and liquids. The black cabinets have a simple style with long brass drawer handles that provide a bright contrast.
Traditional cuisine
This traditional style kitchen by Heidi Caillier Design is the perfect mix of modern functionality and the rustic feel of a country style kitchen.
The cabinets are painted a light sage green and have ivory wood walls. The black soapstone countertops and backsplash have a beautiful natural texture.
Also note the higher back wall behind the stove to protect the walls from food splashes. The designer combines the terracotta floor tiles with black, creating a warm color contrast.
Black and white kitchen splashback
If you want a black backsplash but feel it will make your kitchen too dark, consider adding a partial black backsplash behind the stove and adding contrasting white tiles next to it. This kitchen has a more modern feel due to the contrasting tiles and clean lines of the custom cabinets.
Mosaic backsplash tiles in black and white
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 such as mosaic tiles, which 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 together the tones of the kitchen. Additionally, the gold hardware serves to incorporate a bright element that adds liveliness to the room.
If you like this look but don’t have the budget for a new backsplash, there are black peel-and-stick backsplash tiles with mosaic patterns available on Etsy and other sources.
Black and white kitchen
Both black and white kitchens are bold and elegant in style. Instead of adding other colors to soften the look, there is a strong contrast in any stylish kitchen that is crisp and clear. The black backsplash in every kitchen is glossy and covers the entire wall area behind the stove and sink. Of course, these types of backsplashes are more suitable for a modern kitchen than a traditional one.
Back wall made of black tiles
We love the mixed materials of this black kitchen. Black, light gray and warm wood tones provide contrast. The black tiles on the back wall appear more noticeable due to the lighter grout lines. This works well in this high-contrast kitchen.
Black subway tile backsplash
The black subway tiles cover the entire back wall between the countertop and the ceiling. This emphasizes the height of the room and creates a simple and clean appearance. The stainless steel appliances harmonize 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 backsplash. Also note the open shelves above the back wall, which they have used to create a personal, beautiful and functional display of their favorite kitchen appliances.
Matte Black Backsplash Tiles
The matt black finish of the backsplash gives this kitchen a sophisticated and modern look. Since the surface of the back wall tiles is matt, it appears more dark gray than stark black and goes well with the wooden furniture.
Back wall made of black painted wood
If the price of most new black backsplashes is prohibitive, you can make one for your kitchen with some black stain and plywood. Check out this eye-catching final product from blogger and photographer Nina Holst of Stylizimo. She was able to create a beautiful look with a few materials while enjoying the process.
Dark gray backsplash
If black still seems too modern for you, try a dark gray backsplash that has a similar tone but a more traditional feel. 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 floor light, they were able to achieve a more balanced look.
Chalkboard back wall
The cousins designed this modern-style kitchen that features a chalkboard backsplash. This is ideal for jotting down lists or fun pictures for your children or partner. The glass-fronted cabinets provide just enough contrast to the solid fronts and allow the colorful cookware to shine through.
Modern kitchen back wall
Herringbone tiles are a real eye-catcher, but we love the way this black herringbone tile backsplash allows the shelves to become the focal point of the wall rather than the tiles themselves. Because the tile and grout are the same color, the texture of the tiles provides the perfect backdrop for the floating shelves instead.
Black shiplap backsplash
Here is another wood option that looks trendy and classic at the same time. While a small portion of the stainless steel back panel does the heavy lifting, the black shiplap along with the wood details on the cabinets provide the organic texture.
Modern mosaic backsplash tiles
Christopher Strom Architects designed this beautiful transitional kitchen. In this modern kitchen design, they used black and white mosaic tiles to tie together the white cabinets and black island. The gold hardware adds just the right amount of glamour.
Black hexagonal backsplash
This elongated hexagon tile is the perfect shape for modern backsplash tiles. The shape is trendy yet clear and elegant. The combination with the dark wood and stainless steel appliances is effective, as is the addition of natural elements like the plants on the top shelf.
Beadboard back panel
Beadboard gives any room a traditional look and this kitchen is no exception. The white marble counter extends a few inches above the counter, then the black molding takes over and connects the base cabinets to the upper cabinets, creating a seamless unit.