Are you tired of subway tile, but still want a white tile kitchen backsplash? Here are 12 gorgeous tile backsplash ideas that will stand the test of time and make your kitchen look amazing!
Subway tile has had a huge resurgence thanks to Joanna Gaines and the modern farmhouse movement.
There are lots of great reasons why subway tile is great for a kitchen backsplash.
It’s probably the most affordable tile option available and its shape makes it easy to install for anyone new to doing DIY.
The glossy finish means it’s easy to clean up those kitchen splatters.
You can give your backsplash several very different looks just by choosing different grout colors.
And let’s face it, the simple classic style of subway tile has truly stood the test of time!
But what if you want to do something a little different?
LOL!! Don’t worry! This isn’t what I’m suggesting to do at all.
I still roll my eyes every time I see the trendy mosaic tile we installed in our kitchen.
The colors matched our Baltic brown granite perfectly.
But good grief were these two choices busy when you put them together!
They did nothing to help our cherry cabinets look good.
When we decided to update our 2000s kitchen without painting the cherry cabinets, a new tile backsplash was 100% part of the plan.
While I appreciate the look of subway tile, it really wasn’t the look I wanted in my home.
I found a lot of great tile options that are still classic enough that they should also stand the test of time.
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What Are Some Neutral Backsplash Alternatives to White Subway Tile?
Choosing a kitchen backsplash is a pretty big decision.
There are tons of colors and patterns available, but tile is one of those things that can easily date a kitchen.
While you should choose something you love, it’s not a bad idea to also think about how your choice might impact future you.
Choosing white tile is one way to help your backsplash have a more timeless appearance.
A white backsplash also gives you the flexibility to easily change the colors you use to decorate your kitchen.
In fact, this is the main reason I keep the overall color scheme in my whole home neutral!
Want to add red, white, and blue details for the Fourth of July? No problem!
Loving the look of pops of yellow or orange for fall? That works perfectly too.
Fortunately, there are so many unique styles of white tile.
Another backsplash option that gives a truly seamless appearance is to continue the stone you’ve used as your counters and use a slab as the backsplash.
This option is significantly more expensive, but it really looks amazing!
If you like the look of stone, a number of these tile designs are available as marble tiles so you can get the stone look at a lower price point.
Just note: marble tiles are significantly thicker than porcelain tiles and will always require a wet saw to cut them.
Narrow White Tile Sheet Designs
You can find lots of “mosaic” tile options where the tile is perfectly spaced and attached to a mesh backing.
These sheets of tiles work really well for a backsplash! Since the tiles are often smaller, you might be able to install them without needing a wet saw to trim tiles for outlet and switch openings.
Another nice feature of the mosaic tile sheets is the tiles are already spaced evenly on the backing. You will only need to use spacers between sheets of tile instead of needing them for every tile.
The only downside is you don’t have any flexibility about the spacing and the width of the grout lines.
Remember, if you haven’t had a tile backsplash before, you’ll need to install electrical outlet box extenders too.
I strongly considered the herringbone pattern and the basketweave style! I like the chevron tile but it felt a little too contemporary for my home’s style
Three Unique Versions of a Hexagon Tile
Hexagon shaped tile is another alternative to subway tile that’s still a classic style.
These hexagonal tiles are having a moment right now in the design world!
I found three very different hexagon tile options: an elongated picket style, a traditional honeycomb option, and an elongated hexagon.
You can install the picket and elongated hexagon styles either vertically or horizontally depending on your preference.
The honeycomb tiles are individual tiles so you can decide the width of the grout lines.
I’ve also seen the honeycomb tiles in several different sizes so you can get a different look by choosing larger or smaller tiles.
The elongated picket style tile was on my short list!
Tiles with Some Curve Appeal
If you want to add some curved lines to your kitchen, these tile options are a great way to soften things up!
The matte white lantern tile is a classic design and sometimes this style is called arabesque tile. The matte version of these tiles is only sold as a mosaic sheet of tiles, however, you can buy them individually if you prefer the glossy version. You have the flexibility to install these tiles horizontally or vertically.
Look closely at the Magnolia style of tile and you’ll see the pattern is made with two tile designs: one that’s got rounded edges and one that’s more of a diamond.
Fish scale tiles are a classic style that can give an art deco feel to your space or can add a coastal vibe. These tiles are sold individually so you can decide how thick you want your grout lines.
The lantern tiles have been one of my favorite styles of tiles for years, so they were on my list of four top contenders for my kitchen.
Subtley Patterned Cement Tile
The old world patterns of cement tiles have become more popular lately, and it’s easy to see why!
Considering that this style of tile has been around since the 1850s, it’s safe to say it’s a classic style.
If you want to add a pattern to your backsplash, consider using this kind of tile, but the neutral colors still give you freedom with the rest of your kitchen’s decor.
Gettin’ Bricky with It
If you love the look of painted bricks but don’t want to worry about maintaining them, these porcelain faux brick tiles are a great alternative.
You can install them with a wide grout line that looks like a traditional brick and mortar style, or place them closer together for a custom look.
Be sure to seal the grout for easy clean up! This was another option on my short list for my kitchen.
Subway Tiles: Reimagined
If you love the classic look of subway tile but want something that’s a little different, there are a variety of options out there now!
You can find rectangular tiles now that have textures in them like this one that has a handmade appearance because of its varying thickness.
This subway tile has a rippled texture that gives it some visual movement.
These 3×6 subway tiles are beveled which adds a subtle texture while maintaining a traditional style.
While this mosaic option has subway tiles with three different styles of beveling. This is the only subway tile option that has the tiles adhered to a mesh backing so you don’t have to think about spacing out the different patterns.
A Quick Word on Grout
Did you guess that I chose the lantern or arabesque style of tile?
I love the matte finish on these tiles. But they still glazed for easy cleaning.
When you install a tile backsplash, the grout color you choose can have a big impact on how it looks!
I wavered between white, sand, and light gray grout which would all coordinate with the colors in my counters.
Choosing a color will make the pattern of your tile stand out and the backsplash becomes more of a focal point.
I was able to visualize what a darker color of grout would look like as it was installed because the spacing between the tiles was darker.
Ultimately, I decided to stick with white grout.
The natural shadows that occur because the grout is a little more shallow than the tile still allow the shape of the tiles to be visible, however, it’s not as busy looking as it would have been with a darker grout.
If possible, hold off on choosing your grout color until after the tiles are installed. Take your time looking for examples online or at the tile store to see what you like best.
Finally, don’t forget to seal the grout within a week of installing it to make cleaning it easy!
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