34 Backsplash Ideas for White Cabinets and Granite Countertops

If your kitchen features granite countertops and white cabinets and you're wondering what route to take in terms of selecting a backsplash, note that you have many viable options. Whether you choose something classic and neutral like subway tile or experiment with pops of color, you can't go wrong.

Below is a variety of kitchen designs that will leave you inspired.

01 of 34

Stone Backsplash

Mix and Match Design

For a rustic, down-to-earth look, consider using stone in the kitchen, which will add texture to the space, too. This is a particularly fitting backsplash choice if the exterior of your home features stone.

Continue to 2 of 34 below
02 of 34

Classic Marble

Designthusiasm

A subway tile backsplash with a marble design adds a touch of luxury to this kitchen. Marble has long been in vogue in the kitchen and will surely continue to be popular for decades to come.

Continue to 3 of 34 below
03 of 34

Two Patterns

Bless This Nest

Why choose just one pattern for your backsplash when you can mix and match? Of course, you will want to keep your tile color consistent to ensure that everything looks cohesive in the end.

Continue to 4 of 34 below
04 of 34

Geometric Pattern

Bless This Nest

This geometric tile pattern is full of pep and charm. It's a bit unexpected without being too out of the box if you're seeking a design that is a bit off the beaten path.

Continue to 5 of 34 below
05 of 34

Extended Countertop for Contrast

With Love, Mercedes

This granite countertop extends higher up and is then met by subway tile, resulting in a dramatic, stylish contrast.

Continue to 6 of 34 below
06 of 34

Mixed Neutrals

11 Magnolia Lane

Subway tile doesn't have to be all-white; instead, you can choose a multicolored yet neutral finish, like the one seen here to make a timeless statement.

Continue to 7 of 34 below
07 of 34

Beige Palette

@acloreinteriors / Instagram

Warm up your kitchen with an off-white or beige backsplash that will pop against all-white cabinetry, as seen here.

Continue to 8 of 34 below
08 of 34

Shiplap

@haymounthomes / Instagram

Shiplap continues to shine in many kitchens and looks great with granite. You can always choose to paint your shiplap a favorite hue, but there's nothing wrong with opting for traditional white.

Continue to 9 of 34 below
09 of 34

Diamond Pattern

@edenfieldinteriors / Instagram

A diamond pattern is always a crowd-pleaser and complements a wide array of aesthetics, whether you prefer farmhouse style, modernism, or another look entirely.

Continue to 10 of 34 below
10 of 34

Contemporary Design

Design by Sandra Mijan / Photo by Elijah Saldana

For a contemporary look, opt for subway tile with a shiny finish. This will ensure that your kitchen appears nice and new looking—and ultra sleek, too.

Continue to 11 of 34 below
11 of 34

Behind the Oven

Alexandra Rae

Many people will choose to work a backsplash behind the stove into the mix, opting for a design that is a bit different. This blue tile arrangement perfectly complements the tone used on the island.

Continue to 12 of 34 below
12 of 34

Herringbone Pattern

Randolph Interior Design / Photo by Spacecrafting

Herringbone isn't just a pattern for clothing—this classic design looks great in the kitchen by providing a subtle touch of design.

Continue to 13 of 34 below
13 of 34

Multicolored Tile

Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors / Photo by Michael J. Lee

A multicolored tile like this one mimics the effects of stone and adds warmth to the kitchen. Better yet, it will camouflage stains much more efficiently than a plain white.

Continue to 14 of 34 below
14 of 34

Mod Touches

Estee Design / Photo by Larry Arnal

Create a modern feel with sleek white finishes. This kitchen is full of mod details, including sleek upper cabinets free of hardware, sculptural pendant lights, and a Japanese Kit Kat tile backsplash.

Continue to 15 of 34 below
15 of 34

Whimsical Details

Design by Studio Ziga / Photo by Pelican Image Creation

Who says that the kitchen has to be super serious? For a more playful look, work a curved backsplash design like this one into the room—it adds the right amount of whimsy without being a distraction.

Continue to 16 of 34 below
16 of 34

Classic Subway Tile

Design by Molly Littlejohn / Photo by Spin

This kitchen successfully mixes warm tones and neutrals and feels nice and airy due to the abundance of windows and natural sunlight. A classic white subway tile backsplash completes the room.

Continue to 17 of 34 below
17 of 34

Layered Accessories

@aldarastudio / Instagram

Open shelving is a nice way to add style to your kitchen but can appear busy alongside a patterned backsplash. When working with open shelving, it's therefore best to keep your backsplash simple and minimal to let your decorative pieces take precedence.

Continue to 18 of 34 below
18 of 34

Trellis Pattern

@thehighlandhome.co / Instagram

This trellis-style tile pattern couldn't be cuter. It's cheerful and while appearing elevated at the same time.

Continue to 19 of 34 below
19 of 34

Different Backsplash Styles

Design by Vani Sayeed / Photo by Jared Kuzia

This kitchen features a herringbone-style backsplash above the oven and a simple white tiled backsplash elsewhere. Don't be afraid to combine multiple backsplash styles within your space; the key is sticking to one tile color to create a consistent look.

Continue to 20 of 34 below
20 of 34

Bold Grout Lines

@aspleyhouse / Instagram

For some contrast, incorporate subway tile with prominent grout lines, as illustrated here, for a more maximalist touch.

Continue to 21 of 34 below
21 of 34

Multicolored Backsplash

Case Architects & Remodelers

A multicolored backsplash adds visual interest to the kitchen. If you're worried about such a design appearing too overwhelming, stick to neutral colors, as exemplified here.

Continue to 22 of 34 below
22 of 34

A Luxe Look

Case Architects & Remodelers

Here's another example of a beautiful herringbone backsplash paired with granite countertops. The subtle marbleized look is nice and luxe.

Continue to 23 of 34 below
23 of 34

Bordered Backsplash

Case Architects & Remodelers

Many kitchen backsplashes feature some kind of border; this can add visual intrigue instantly and is a nice way to dress up a more simple backsplash pattern. With so many tile options on the market, you'll surely be able to design a custom look for your own kitchen.

Continue to 24 of 34 below
24 of 34

Exposed Brick

@shady_pines3interiors / Instagram

If your home features exposed brick, there's no need to cover it up—this architectural feature is having a major moment and is beautiful in its natural state.

Continue to 25 of 34 below
25 of 34

Colored Subway Tile

@farmhousetofrills / Instagram

We often see white subway tile used as a backsplash, but there's nothing wrong with going a different route and opting for a gray color. This soft gray hue adds a soothing touch to this small kitchen.

Continue to 26 of 34 below
26 of 34

Vintage Penny Tile

@christinestarfish / Instagram

Pay a nod to vintage style by incorporating penny tile in your kitchen. It rose to popularity over 100 years ago but is still a favorite among many today—could the design be more adorable?

Continue to 27 of 34 below
27 of 34

Stone Subway Tile

@glam_home_decor / Instagram

Think outside the box with your subway tile and try a stone material, as seen here. It adds a moody, unexpected look to the kitchen.

Continue to 28 of 34 below
28 of 34

Bordered Design

@blooming__interiors / Instagram

Note that in some instances, people will choose to extend their countertops up a bit higher. The addition of a border helps distinguish where this tile backsplash officially begins.

Continue to 29 of 34 below
29 of 34

Plain Details

@ivy_country_cottage_living / Instagram

Perhaps you don't wish to incorporate a backsplash into your kitchen—there's nothing wrong with plain walls, but you can always choose to install peel and stick tile as an affordable, simple solution down the line.

Continue to 30 of 34 below
30 of 34

Styled Accessories

@westcottonwoodlane / Instagram

Additionally, to hide the fact that your kitchen lacks a backsplash, you can style accessories with some height, such as cutting boards, cookbook stands, and more, so that the presence of a plain wall isn't so jarring.

Continue to 31 of 34 below
31 of 34

Painted Walls

@home_in_highlane / Instagram

Painting the walls a color that complements but is different from your cabinets is another viable option. This gray adds a soothing touch to the kitchen.

Continue to 32 of 34 below
32 of 34

Matched Range Hood

Kara Childress

This European style kitchen is ultra grand with its stunning exposed beams. The backsplash matches the range hood cover for a cohesive look.

Continue to 33 of 34 below
33 of 34

Wavy Pattern

@cabinet_connect / Instagram

Try a wavy pattern to spice things up in the kitchen. Ovals come together to form a sweet, squiggly design.

Continue to 34 of 34 below
34 of 34

Dark Hues

Dorling Design Studio / Photo by Emily Kennedy

If your granite is lighter in color, work in some contrast with a black or gray backsplash like this one, which is ideal for a transitional style space like this one.

Which type of backsplash clashes with white cabinets and granite countertops?

Avoid busy patterns, loud colors, and shiny finishes that will compete with granite countertops. Choose neutral finishes for a complementary look.

How do you maintain a backsplash to keep it looking clean and stylish?

Regularly wipe your backsplash clean, especially after cooking. Routinely clean the grout on a tiled backsplash to avoid grease and grime from building up. Use mild soapy water and soft sponges or cloth to avoid scratching the tile as you clean.