35 Best Backsplash Ideas for Granite Countertops to Try

Are you staring at your granite countertops and wondering what backsplash would look best with them? You’re not alone!

Picking the right backsplash for granite countertops can be tricky. The wrong choice might clash with your beautiful stone, while the right one can make your whole kitchen shine.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to match colors and textures, create eye-catching contrast, and show you backsplash ideas for granite countertops that work well.

From classic white subway tiles to bold patterned options, we’ve got choices for every style and budget.

By the end, you’ll have all the tips you need to make your kitchen look put-together and stylish.

How to Match a Backsplash with Granite Countertops

Picking the right backsplash for your granite countertops can make your kitchen look great. The right match brings out the best in both materials and creates a space you’ll love to use every day.

Consider Granite’s Color

Look at the main colors in your granite first. For light-colored granite with white, tan, or cream, you can try bold blue or green backsplash tiles.

Dark granite with black, brown, or gray looks good with soft colors like light blue, beige, or white backsplash tiles. Take a small piece of your granite with you when shopping to find the best match for your kitchen.

Balancing Texture and Pattern

Mix different textures to make your kitchen more interesting. Pair shiny glass tiles with rough granite or smooth granite with textured stone tiles.

Be careful not to use too many busy patterns together. If your granite has lots of spots or lines, pick a simple backsplash. If your granite is plain, you can use a more detailed backsplash to add style.

Creating Contrast

Contrast helps make both your granite and backsplash stand out. If your granite is dark, try a light backsplash to create a bold look. White subway tiles look great with black granite.

You can also mix warm and cool colors, like pairing cool gray granite with warm beige tiles. This type of contrast makes your kitchen look planned and put-together without being too much.

Backsplash Ideas to Pair with Granite Countertops

After picking the right match for your granite, here are some great backsplash ideas to try. These options work well with many types of granite and can help you create a kitchen that looks good and fits your style.

1. White Subway Tiles

White subway tiles are a safe bet for almost any kitchen. They look clean and fresh with both light and dark granite countertops. Their simple design doesn’t fight with the natural pattern in your granite.

These tiles are easy to clean, not too costly, and will stay in style for years to come. They’re also a good choice if you plan to sell your home, as their classic look appeals to most buyers.

2. Glass Tiles

Glass tiles add shine to your kitchen and make the space feel bigger and brighter. They come in many colors that can match or add pop to your granite. The smooth, shiny finish of glass looks good next to the natural stone look of granite.

Glass is also easy to wipe clean when cooking makes a mess. The way glass catches light can change how your kitchen looks at different times of day, adding life to the space.

3. Stone Slab Backsplash

Using the same stone as your countertops creates a smooth, high-end look. This choice makes your kitchen feel bigger and more open. It also makes cleaning easier since there’s no grout to scrub.

This option works best in larger kitchens where the same stone won’t feel too heavy. Stone slabs cost more up front but can add value to high-end homes and outlast many other options.

4. Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles let you add many colors that pull from the specks in your granite. You can pick tiny glass, stone, or ceramic pieces to make a pattern that links to your countertops.

Just be sure not to pick too busy a design if your granite already has lots of patterns. Small tiles also allow you to mix colors in a way that looks blended rather than bold or jarring.

5. Herringbone Pattern

The zig-zag layout of herringbone adds movement to your kitchen. This pattern works with simple tiles but gives them more style. It looks great with plain granite or can balance granite that has lots of veins and spots.

White, cream, or light gray tiles in this pattern stay classy. Herringbone takes more time to install, but the extra cost is worth it for the custom look it creates.

6. Textured Subway Tiles

These tiles have the same shape as regular subway tiles but with ridges, waves, or bumps. The added texture brings life to your kitchen walls without clashing with your granite.

They catch light in fun ways and add depth to your design without being too showy. Textured tiles hide small marks and spots better than flat ones, making them good for busy cooking areas.

7. Stainless Steel Tiles

Stainless steel tiles bring a clean, modern look to your kitchen. They match well with kitchen tools and can make small spaces feel bigger. These shiny tiles work nicely with both dark and light granite.

They wipe clean easily and resist heat and stains, making them good for busy cooks. For an extra punch, look for stainless tiles with small patterns pressed into them that catch the light.

8. Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles add a raw, simple look that works well in modern kitchens. Their plain, smooth finish lets your granite stand out. These tiles come in many shades of gray and can be sealed to resist stains.

They give your kitchen a cool, city-like feel that pairs well with darker granite. Concrete’s soft matte finish creates a nice balance with the shine of polished granite.

9. Black Glossy Tiles

Black glossy tiles make a strong statement next to light granite. The shine reflects light and makes the kitchen feel alive. This bold choice works best in kitchens with good lighting.

The dark color can hide cooking stains between cleanings, making it practical for everyday use. The high contrast look is perfect for modern and sleek kitchen designs that aim to make a big impact.

10. Wooden Planks

Wooden planks add warmth and a homey feel to kitchens with granite. The natural grain of wood ties in nicely with the natural stone look of granite. These planks can be sealed to handle kitchen splashes.

They work best with light to medium-toned granite and bring a cozy vibe to the space. Wood also softens the sometimes cold look of stone, creating a more balanced and friendly kitchen feel.

11. Limestone Tiles

Limestone tiles have a soft, sandy look that pairs well with earthy granite colors. Their gentle texture and simple appearance add warmth without fighting with busy granite patterns.

These natural stone tiles age nicely over time and bring a calm feeling to your kitchen space. Each limestone tile has tiny fossils and marks that make it one-of-a-kind, just like your granite.

12. Marble Subway Tiles

Marble tiles bring a touch of class that works well with granite’s natural beauty. The soft veins in marble link well with the patterns in granite without clashing.

This mix of two natural stones creates a rich look. White marble with gray veins looks best with darker granite types. Using two types of stone adds depth and shows an eye for quality materials.

13. Colored Subway Tiles

Light blue, soft green, or pale yellow subway tiles can add a touch of color while keeping things simple. These colored tiles work best with plain granite that doesn’t have too many colors already.

They let you show some of your style while still looking clean and put together. Changing just the color of a classic tile shape is a safe way to try something a bit different.

14. Blue Subway Tiles

Blue tiles bring a calm, water-like feel to your kitchen. Light blue works well with white or gray granite, while deeper blues pair nicely with brown granite.

The cool blue tone creates a fresh look and can make your kitchen feel more open and peaceful. Blue is known to lower stress levels, making it perfect for the busy hub of your home.

15. Patterned Cement Tiles

These tiles come with painted designs that can add fun and color to your kitchen. Pick patterns that use colors found in your granite to tie everything together.

They work best in small areas like a strip above the stove or sink, so they don’t fight with your granite for attention. Many cement tile patterns have roots in Spanish or Moroccan design, adding a touch of world travel to your space.

16. Metallic Backsplash Tiles

Tiles with silver, copper, or gold tones add shine and a bit of glam to your kitchen. They catch the light and create a rich look that works with both light and dark granite.

These tiles can hide small flaws and fingerprints better than plain ones. Metallic finishes feel fancy but are still tough enough for everyday kitchen use.

17. White Tiles with Dark Grout

Using white tiles with black or gray grout creates clean lines that frame each tile. This simple trick adds detail without being too busy.

The dark grout also hides stains better than white grout and helps the backsplash stand out against your granite. This choice gives a modern edge to a classic tile and makes the pattern stand out more.

18. Whitewashed Wood Tiles

These tiles have the look of wood that’s been painted white but lets some grain show through. They add a beach house or country feel that softens the hard look of granite.

This finish works well with both light and dark granite and brings a relaxed vibe to your kitchen. The worn-in look means small marks from daily life will just add to their charm rather than looking like damage.

19. Mixed Material Mosaics

Using a mix of glass, stone, and metal pieces in one backsplash creates a one-of-a-kind look. You can pick colors that match the flecks in your granite for a tied-together design.

This option lets you be creative while still keeping your kitchen looking good. Just keep the pieces small so the look stays neat. The mix of shiny and matte pieces catches light in complex ways that can make a kitchen more lively.

20. Hand-Painted Tiles

Hand-painted tiles add a personal touch that can’t be found in big box stores. You can have tiles made that pull colors from your granite or that show scenes you love.

These work best as accent pieces mixed with plain tiles, so they don’t compete with your granite for attention. Each one is slightly different, which adds charm and shows care in your kitchen design.

21. Recycled Glass Tiles

Made from old bottles and windows, these tiles come in many colors and have a slight shine. They’re good for the planet and add depth to your kitchen.

The bits of color in recycled glass often match well with the natural specks in granite. They look modern but still warm and lived-in. These eco-friendly tiles tell a story of reuse that many guests will find fascinating.

22. Full-Height Backsplash

Taking your backsplash all the way up to the cabinets or ceiling makes a big impact. This works well in kitchens with less wall space or when you want to make your granite stand out less.

A full wall of simple tiles can make your kitchen feel taller and more open. This approach can also protect your walls from cooking splashes if you do a lot of high-heat cooking.

23. Accent Strips

Adding a thin line of accent tiles among plain ones creates interest without going overboard. This might be a row of glass tiles in a field of ceramic, or a strip of mosaic among subway tiles.

This small touch can pull in colors from your granite and tie the whole look together. An accent strip is also a budget-friendly way to use some fancy tiles without buying them for the whole wall.

24. Diagonal Layout

Setting square tiles at a 45-degree angle adds movement and makes your kitchen feel bigger. This simple change in how the tiles are placed can make basic, cheap tiles look more special.

It works well with light-colored tiles that don’t clash with your granite’s pattern. Diagonal tiles also hide flaws in walls that aren’t perfectly straight, which is common in older homes.

25. Hexagon Tiles

These six-sided tiles add a modern, beehive look to your kitchen. Their shape is more fun than squares, but still neat and clean.

Hexagon tiles in white or light colors work with any granite and make your kitchen look fresh and up-to-date. The points of hexagons create small shadows that add depth and interest to flat walls.

26. Chevron Pattern

This V-shaped pattern adds energy and style to your kitchen. It works well with white or light-colored tiles placed against dark granite.

The strong lines of the chevron can make a small kitchen seem longer and more open. Chevron feels more current than herringbone but still has a timeless quality that won’t quickly go out of style.

27. Travertine Tiles

These natural stone tiles have tiny holes and a warm, soft color that feels cozy and rich. They work best with granite that has tan, cream, or gold tones.

Travertine has been used for thousands of years and brings a sense of history to modern kitchens. The small pits in travertine can be filled or left open for two very different looks and textures.

28. Peel-and-Stick Tiles

These easy-to-install tiles are perfect for people who rent or want to try a look before making a big change. They come in many styles that can match your granite, from faux subway tile to stone looks.

Most can be removed later without damage to the walls. Some newer types are heat and moisture-resistant, making them more durable than older peel-and-stick options.

29. Marbled Subway Tiles

These tiles look like small pieces of marble but often cost less than real stone. They have swirls of color that can pick up shades in your granite.

The mix of colors in each tile helps hide small spots and stains from cooking. The marble look adds class without the high cost and upkeep of real marble.

30. Gray Slate Tiles

Slate brings a dark, rich tone with slight texture to your kitchen. Its blue-gray color works well with light granite or darker stones with blue tones.

Slate is very hard and can last for many years without showing wear. The slight roughness of slate creates a nice contrast with smooth, polished granite countertops.

31. Glass Subway Tiles

Glass subway tiles combine the classic shape people love with the shine and depth of glass. They clean easily and come in clear, frosted, or colored options to match any granite.

They add a more modern feel than ceramic subway tiles. Glass tiles can also be made from recycled materials for a more earth-friendly kitchen update.

32. Dark Tumbled Marble

These stone tiles have been tumbled to soften their edges and give them an aged look. The dark color works well with light granite, and the worn finish feels rich and lived-in.

This choice adds a touch of old-world charm to new kitchens. The tumbled finish hides water spots better than polished stone, making it very practical.

33. Beveled Glass Tiles

The slanted edges of these tiles catch light and create shadows, adding depth to your kitchen walls. They come in many colors but look most clean and fresh in white or light shades.

The extra dimension works well with flat, smooth granite. The slight 3D effect makes your backsplash stand out more than flat tiles would.

34. Black and White Checkerboard

This classic pattern never goes out of style and works with any granite color. The strong contrast adds fun and energy to your kitchen.

You can use small or large squares depending on the size of your space. This timeless look has been used in kitchens for over 100 years and still feels fresh today.

35. Breezeway Tiles

These tiles have a slightly faded, worn look that brings a sense of history to your kitchen. Their soft colors and aged finish work well with both modern and classic granite styles.

They feel less formal than new, shiny tiles. The vintage look makes your kitchen feel like it’s been there for years, even if it’s brand new.

How to Work with Your Existing Granite

Updating your kitchen doesn’t always mean replacing everything. Granite countertops are a big investment that can last for decades. If you like your granite but want a fresh look for your kitchen, you can work around it. Here are some tips to update your kitchen while keeping your granite countertops:

• Check what colors are in your granite first. Look closely at the flecks, veins, and base colors – you might spot shades you hadn’t noticed before.
• Take photos of your granite in different lighting. Colors can look different in morning light versus evening light or under kitchen lights.
• Pick one or two colors from your granite to use as your main colors for the update. This creates a link between old and new elements.
• Update your backsplash to give your kitchen a new look while still working with your granite. Simple white tiles work with almost any granite type.
• Paint your cabinets in a color that works with your granite. White, gray, navy, or green can all work well, depending on your granite colors.
• Replace cabinet handles and pulls with new ones that match the tone of your granite – warm metals like brass for brown granite or cool metals like chrome for gray granite.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right backsplash for your granite countertops doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you choose simple white subway tiles, colorful glass, or something bolder, the key is to consider how it complements your granite.

Think about how the backsplash works with the colors and patterns of your granite.

If you’re not ready for a big change, try small updates like new cabinet paint or handles that work with your existing granite.

You can even start with a sample board at home – gather tile samples and place them next to your granite to see what looks best before you buy.

With these backsplash ideas for granite countertops, your kitchen can look fresh and new without breaking the bank.

Read other blogs on our website to find more kitchen upgrade tips and find the perfect style for your space.