9 of the Biggest Kitchen Backsplash Trends of 2027

The kitchen backsplash might have started out as a purely functional design element, but it’s now one of the biggest design opportunities in the whole room. A backsplash can tie together your cabinets and countertop or create a style moment in a room that’s primarily utilitarian. No pressure, but it’s gotta be good.

After writing about interior design for more than 12 years, I’ve seen all sorts of kitchen backsplash trends come and go, so I thought I’d share some of my favorites that I’ve seen lately, from simple to statement-making.

For a more graphic look, you can also do a slab backsplash in a bolder stone, like a Calacatta Viola or Arabescato marble. These statement-making marbles have large swaths of black, deep purple, or brown color that gives them a bolder, more graphic look than simple Carrara marble.

2. Sculptural Edge Backsplashes

A variation of the slab backsplash that’s gaining steam? Sculptural stone backsplashes, which use decorative edges and shapes to add interest to an otherwise simple slab. Scalloped edges are especially popular, but I’m also seeing curved silhouettes, arched details, and more traditional profiles. It’s a relatively subtle way to bring a little old-world charm and architectural interest to a kitchen, while still keeping the overall design clean and streamlined.

3. The Ledge Backsplash

The ledge backsplash is yet another cousin to the slab backsplash (and the last one, I promise). Instead of going all the way up the wall, these backsplashes go a quarter or halfway up, and typically have a small ledge or shelf on top. The look is very English, which makes sense as all things English design are on-trend this year. It’s also a more economical alternative to the full slab-style backsplash since it requires less material.

4. Painted beadboard / tongue and groove backsplashes

If I had to pick the second-biggest kitchen backsplash trend happening right now, it would be this one. I first started to notice painted beadboard or tongue (AKA vertical shiplap) backsplashes in the early 2020s, and the look has gained major steam in the last few years. The reason for the popularity of this backsplash is because it goes perfectly with the modern cottage decorating style that’s exploded recently. Painted paneling feels charming, cozy, and country.

To keep the look relevant and fresh, choose a wider beadboard and paint it the same color as your kitchen cabinets, like designer Shauna Speet did in the kitchen, above, or us a white beadboard against a colored cabinet. This backsplash idea is also inexpensive (yay!).

Shop beadboard & shiplap panels:

5. Delft and Heritage Tile

Decorative, old-world tiles are making a comeback in kitchens, bringing color, pattern, and a little history to the backsplash. Traditional blue-and-white Delft tiles are probably the most prominent example at the moment, but I’m also seeing hand-painted florals, Mediterranean-inspired patterns, and tiles featuring pastoral scenes and other historic motifs.

These designs are especially charming in English Country and traditional kitchens, whether they’re used across an entire backsplash or as an accent behind the range. The key is choosing patterns and colors that feel collected and timeless, rather than overly coordinated or busy.

6. Counter-to-Ceiling Tile

One way to make a kitchen backsplash feel more intentional is to extend the tile all the way from the countertop (or floor) to the ceiling, rather than stopping beneath the upper cabinets or range hood. It’s a look that works especially well on walls with open shelving or around windows, where the tile can become a feature in its own right.

It’s also a way to give classic subway tile a more updated feel. While subway tile itself is timeless, installing it from counter to ceiling, rather than as a traditional backsplash, can make even a simple, inexpensive tile feel more current and impactful.

Shop Subway Tile

7. Handmade-Look Tile

Handmade tile, particularly Zellige tile, continues to be a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes, as well as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and anywhere that could use an artisanal touch. Known for its slightly irregular edges, glossy finish, and subtle color variations, traditional Moroccan Zellige adds texture and character to a kitchen without needing a bold pattern.

While white and cream Zellige remain classic choices, there’s also plenty of interest in richer, earthy colors like olive green, deep blue, terracotta and warm brown. These deeper shades bring a little more personality to a backsplash while still feeling organic and timeless, especially when paired with natural wood cabinetry and traditional finishes.

Shop Zellige Tile

8. Large-Format Tile

Large-format tiles are another popular choice for kitchen backsplashes, especially those that mimic the look of natural stone. Oversized porcelain tiles with marble, limestone, or travertine-inspired finishes offer a similar look to a stone slab backsplash, often at a lower price point.

The larger size also means fewer grout lines, creating a cleaner, more seamless appearance. I particularly like the warmer, matte finishes, which add subtle texture and depth to a kitchen while still feeling timeless.

9. A statement range backsplash

If you’re looking for a fun kitchen backsplash trend, I’ve seen more and more kitchens with mixed-media backsplashes, where most of the room has a simple, classic backsplash, and then the area around a stove, or in an alcove has a bolder tile choice. This almost accents like wallpaper on an accent wall and highlights key features of a room. It’s also a budget-friendly way to use a pricey tile, because you can use it for a smaller space and choose a less expensive tile for the larger area.

What kitchen backsplash trends are out of style?

Well, I’m glad you asked because there are some bad ones out there. These backsplash trends are officially out of style.

Subway tile with contrast grout. Installing subway tile with a black or dark gray grout was a big trend during the modern farmhouse craze in the early 2010s, but this look is now dated. If you’re going to do subway tile, stick to a white grout for a classic, seamless look.

Glass mosaic tile backsplash. Another big 2010s kitchen backsplash trend was the small, linear mosaic backsplash tiles, usually done in a few different shades of gray or blue-gray (see above). This backsplash has passed its prime, even in contemporary spaces.

Ceramic farmhouse tile. You know the ones. The geometric patterns in black and white, with a very matte finish. These were huge in the 2010s, but are now considered a dated look.