32 Backsplash Ideas for Dark Cabinets and Light Countertops We Love

If your kitchen contains dark cabinets and light countertops, you may be wondering what style of backsplash is best to use. We're here to help with these stylish ideas that prove there are a number of backsplash options to choose from, regardless of your personal design aesthetic.

Whether you're drawn to farmhouse style, have a modern kitchen, or are looking for something classic, there's a pick for you below.

01 of 32

Subway Tile

@cherishedbliss / Instagram

Classic subway tile has been popular for the past several decades and doesn't seem to be going out of style anytime soon. Here, it brightens up this sunny kitchen even further and serves as a nice backdrop for hanging cutting boards and art.

Continue to 2 of 32 below
02 of 32

Luxe With Marble

@alliebeckwith / Instagram

Marble adds a luxe touch to any kitchen, and there are so many variations of the stone from which to choose. It'll easily create a European chic look.

Continue to 3 of 32 below
03 of 32

Farmhouse Style With Shiplap

@baileyhomeinteriors / Instagram

Although shiplap is popular in farmhouse-style homes, it can really shine in a range of spaces. Here, it adds a nice dose of texture to this transitional-style space while the decor accents help bring the look together.

Continue to 4 of 32 below
04 of 32

Modern Marble

@ae_design_ / Instagram

Here's another example of marble backsplashes; paired with ribbed cabinetry, the material looks nice and mod. The lighter tones complement the pops of gold in this kitchen.

Continue to 5 of 32 below
05 of 32

Gold Honeycomb Tile

@oxr_farmhouse / Instagram

Don't be afraid to have a bit of fun with your backsplash pattern—this cheerful, geometric look is family-friendly and welcoming with its playful honeycomb design.

Continue to 6 of 32 below
06 of 32

Mirrored Backsplash

Louis Duncan-He

Many people will install a mirrored backsplash above their home bar area, as exemplified here. This technique makes a space appear larger and luxe since it reflects the light throughout the room.

Continue to 7 of 32 below
07 of 32

Simple Marble

Louis Duncan-He

A simple marble backsplash looks nice and elevated alongside the wooden cabinetry and stone in this warm, rustic kitchen. It allows the wooden tones to pop and become the main design focus.

Continue to 8 of 32 below
08 of 32

Classic White

Victoria Bell

Here's another example of subway tile at play in the kitchen. Paired with the soft gray cabinetry and bistro chairs, it leans a bit coastal in style.

Continue to 9 of 32 below
09 of 32

Patterned Backsplash Above the Oven

Victoria Bell

Feel free to choose one backsplash to go above the countertops and another to go above the oven, as seen in this kitchen. This is a nice way to mix things up if you're hesitant to commit to a louder pattern throughout the entire room.

Continue to 10 of 32 below
10 of 32

Contemporary Tiles

Gray Space Interiors

Black cabinets and marble tile look contemporary and chic in this spacious kitchen. The neutral hue adds subtle texture without overwhelming the space.

Continue to 11 of 32 below
11 of 32

Gray Marble Details

Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

How pretty are the teal accents in this kitchen? The white countertops and white marble backsplash ensure that the room doesn't become too overpowered with color and allow the focus to really be on this beautiful blue.

Continue to 12 of 32 below
12 of 32

Tiled Mirror

Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

Once again, a mirrored backsplash shines in this kitchen's bar area, opening up the space even more. Unlike a regular mirror, this one uses a subway tile pattern which adds a unique flair to the rest of the space.

Continue to 13 of 32 below
13 of 32

Mixed Styles

Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

Here's another instance where the backsplash above the oven is a bit bolder and more detailed compared to the rest of the space. Mixing styles allows you to experiment with a few favorites to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Continue to 14 of 32 below
14 of 32

Stoned Brick

Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

To add major warmth to your kitchen, select a stone backsplash like this one, which contains plenty of variation and is perfectly imperfect.

Continue to 15 of 32 below
15 of 32

Green Tiles

arbor & co

Say hello to this gorgeous green—don't be afraid to go colorful when choosing your kitchen backsplash, particularly if your cabinetry is neutral.

Continue to 16 of 32 below
16 of 32

Funky Pattern

arbor & co

Bring on the patterns if you wish, too! This mod black and white design is an instant conversation starter and looks right at home alongside the deep green cabinets. The half-circle hardware pays a nod to the pattern, too.

Continue to 17 of 32 below
17 of 32

Matching Colors

arbor & co

If you don't wish to install a full backsplash, you certainly don't have to—however, if you make this design choice, it's best to opt for a tile that matches your wall color so that the transition appears natural, not jarring.

Continue to 18 of 32 below
18 of 32

Subtle Honeycomb Design

arbor & co

Sweet honeycomb tiles shine once again, this time in a small kitchen with gorgeous green cabinets.

Continue to 19 of 32 below
19 of 32

Timeless Marble

Becca Interiors

Marble also looks lovely with green—this contemporary cooking space contains elements that are both trend-forward and timeless.

Continue to 20 of 32 below
20 of 32

Chevron Backsplash

Kate Marker Interiors

Check out that chevron—the wavy pattern adds visual interest to this otherwise simple white and gray kitchen.

Continue to 21 of 32 below
21 of 32

Square Pattern

Chez Vu Decor / Photo by Vero Suh

We often see rectangular tiles installed in the kitchen, so this is a nice alternative that is a bit unexpected yet not risky.

Continue to 22 of 32 below
22 of 32

Bold Geometric

@newenglanddesignworks / Instagram

Bold geometrics shine above the oven in this kitchen, adding an artful, old world feel to the space.

Continue to 23 of 32 below
23 of 32

Low Backsplash

@ttmhomedesign / Instagram

Here is another instance where the backsplash is a bit lower in height. In the absence of many upper cabinets, open shelving comes into play and becomes the main focal point in the left corner of the kitchen.

Continue to 24 of 32 below
24 of 32

Glam Mirrored Backsplash

@hamsahome / Instagram

Mirrored backsplashes come in many shapes and styles—there's truly something for everyone, no matter whether your style leans glam, eclectic, or traditional.

Continue to 25 of 32 below
25 of 32

Pops of Gray

@onesmithstory / Instagram

White tile with pops of gray fits into this kitchen perfectly, tying the different elements of the space together seamlessly.

Continue to 26 of 32 below
26 of 32

Eclectic Pattern

@saslovedesign / Instagram

For an eclectic look, opt for a busy patterned tile like the kind seen here. As a bonus, it'll quickly camouflage stains while you cook!

Continue to 27 of 32 below
27 of 32

Black and White Pattern

@aspencreekdesignerhomes / Instagram

Here's another instance where a busy tile pattern shines in the kitchen. Black and white designs will always be a classic.

Continue to 28 of 32 below
28 of 32

Exposed Brick

Design by Lisa Gilmore / Photo by Amy Lamb

If you're fortunate enough to have exposed brick in the kitchen, allow it to make a statement—whether you paint over it or keep it in its natural state, don't let go of this special architectural feature.

Continue to 29 of 32 below
29 of 32

Terracotta Tiles

Design by Lisa Gilmore / Photo by Amy Lamb

This handmade terracotta tile, painted white, adds plenty of texture to the kitchen. Keep styling to a minimum to allow material like this to do the talking.

Continue to 30 of 32 below
30 of 32

Glossy Subway Tile

Design by Meg McSherry / Photo by Joyelle West

For a slightly different take on classic subway tile, opt for a variant with some shine to it to bring some glamour into the kitchen.

Continue to 31 of 32 below
31 of 32

Aquamarine Tiles

Design by Michelle Gage / Photo by Brian Wetzel

If you can't decide between a blue backsplash or a green one, why not go with aquamarine? The color really stands out above these deep black cabinets and can be styled to look coastal, eclectic, or even boho-style.

Continue to 32 of 32 below
32 of 32

Abstract Backsplash

Michelle Boudreau Design

If you have two color tones in your kitchen, take it another step and add a fun abstract backsplash to make an eclectic statement. Pair everything with a consistent accent hue, so the space doesn't become too overwhelming.