8 of the Biggest Kitchen Backsplash Trends of 2026

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 bold 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.

One thing to note about trends, though, is that the bolder they are, the quicker they tend to fade, so only choose this style if you’re sure you can love it long-term. Otherwise, stick to a more neutral slab like Carrara or Calacatta Gold.

2. The Scalloped-Edge Slab Backplash

A sub-trend of the slab backsplash that’s also gaining steam this year? The scalloped-edge slab backsplash. This little detail adds a traditional, cottage-y vibe to the kitchen. Perfect if you love a chance to add some flourish and interest to the functionality of your kitchen design.

3. The Ledge Backsplash

The ledge backsplash is yet another take on 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 tounge-and-groove (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. Subway tile

As far as kitchen tile trends go, this is one you’ll probably recognize. Yes, subway tile is still on a list of kitchen backsplash trends, even in 2026. Subway tile was THE trend about 10 years ago, and while it’s not quite as hot as it was at the height of the farmhouse trend craze, subway tile is a classic choice that’ll always look fresh.

If you want to make the look more unique, choose a handmade-look or Zellige tile, while will give your backsplash a more organic-modern feel.

Shop Subway Tile

Which brings me to…

6. Zellige tile

Zellige tile is not just a kitchen tile trend. This beautiful, slightly irregular handcrafted tile is being added to bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any place that needs an artisinal detail.

This pretty backsplash idea adds a warm, organic touch to the kitchen. It’s become a more bohemian, rustic alternative to subway tile. For a classic look, white is always a top choice, but if you’re looking for a bolder vibe, Zellige tile also comes in a wide range of shades including blues, taupes, greens, and terracottas.

Shop Zellige Tile

7. Large-format Subway Tile

Versions of subway tile are also on trend this year (and have been for a number of years now). Extra large, matte porcelain tiles add beauty and depth to a space, while still feeling timeless.

8. 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?

Of course, with every trend that comes in, there are a few that we say goodbye to. 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.