Marble countertops are a beautiful, timeless addition to any home and are a real investment, as they will look great for years if cared for properly. However, if you’re new to interior design, you may be unsure how to style your countertops with other elements in your kitchen.
For instance, what type of kitchen backsplash pairs well with marble countertops? If you’re stuck for backsplash ideas, keep reading below for some tips we’ve gathered and some things to consider before installing a kitchen backsplash to find the best one for you!
After you’ve read today’s blog post, you can click here for the top backsplash ideas for dark cabinets and light countertops.
What to consider when installing a kitchen backsplash
Before choosing a backsplash for marble countertops, you need to consider a few important factors: your budget, the installation process, and your personal style.
Budget
First and foremost, ensure that the backsplash material you’ve selected for your kitchen fits within your remodelling budget. Marble countertops are already expensive, so if you’re running on a tighter budget, consider choosing a more cost-effective material.
For example, porcelain is an excellent and inexpensive choice that pairs well with marble and works for both a dark and light colour palette.
Installation process
If you’re an experienced DIY-er, then backsplash installation will be a very straightforward process. However, those who are new to home improvement may struggle with applying tiles and slabs to their wall if they’ve never used grout before. As well, certain materials are harder to apply than others.
Therefore, when selecting the right backsplash material for your kitchen, consider whether you’ll have or need help to do the installation, along with how much time you can set aside to complete it.
Personal style
Finally, when selecting a backsplash for your kitchen, make sure it coincides with your established home aesthetic. For instance, if you have a farmhouse-style kitchen, you’ll want to avoid bold, bright colours like turquoise, which would be better suited to a coastal home.
Instead, focus on a more neutral colour palette for your backsplash, such as white, cream, grey, or light pink, to better emphasize the aesthetic you’ve selected.
The best backsplash materials for marble countertops
While there are many different backsplash materials to choose from, the best backsplash materials for marble countertops are porcelain, glass, wood, and stone.
Let’s examine these further below to see which one best suits your personal needs:
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain is one of the best choices for homeowners looking to save money on their kitchen build. Porcelain tiles are a cost-effective option that offers a smooth, sleek look that is ideal for pairing with marble.
Porcelain is a very versatile material and can fit into a number of different aesthetics. As well it’s very easy to clean and maintain, as it only requires the use of standard kitchen cleaning products.
Finally, porcelain is ideal for a stove kitchen backsplash, as it can hold up against the heat that comes from stove top elements and the oven.
Glass tiles
Glass tiles are another great choice to pair with marble countertops, as they have a smooth look that can fit into a number of different styles and aesthetics. Glass is ideal if you’d like to make your room look and feel brighter, as the light in the kitchen will reflect off the tile.
Glass is an expensive material for kitchen backsplashes, but like porcelain, it holds up well against heat while also being very easy to clean and maintain.
Wood
For homeowners who prefer a more natural, rustic look in their homes, wood is an excellent choice for a kitchen backsplash, especially when paired with a natural stone like marble.
Wood is the go-to material for those who enjoy DIY projects, as homeowners can easily make their backsplash with a few woodworking tools.
This type of backsplash will require a bit more work, as it will need to be sealed and regularly maintained to prevent heat or moisture damage. That said, it’s a cost-effective choice that will add a lovely natural look to any space!
Stone slabs
Finally, a common backsplash for marble countertops is the use of full stone slabs rather than tiles or panels.
While this is a more expensive option, it provides a much more cohesive, sleek look, as homeowners can use the same material for their backsplash as they did for their countertops.
It’s important to note, however, that this type of installation is best achieved with professional assistance.
3 backsplash ideas for marble countertops in residential spaces
Taking the time to learn about the differences between the various backsplash materials is undeniably invaluable for homeowners.
Now that you’re familiar with the materials available let’s find the right design for a backsplash for marble countertops below:
Contrast cool and warm tones
If you prefer a more muted, natural colour palette, try combining two different coloured tiles, such as beige and white, for a nice warm and cool tonal balance.
These colours would look beautiful with marble countertops that have white or beige tones throughout.
White subway tile
If you like a more traditional look, white subway tiles are a great choice for a timeless kitchen design.
This type of simple, sleek backsplash will look great with marble countertops that have brown, beige, or grey veining through the stone and will offer a very fresh, airy feeling to your kitchen.
Farmhouse panelling
If you have a farmhouse-style kitchen, a wood backsplash would add a warm, natural look to the room. Adding the wood in a horizontal panel fashion will add that country look while also making the kitchen look wider and more spacious.
Conclusion: The best backsplash for marble countertops
When choosing the best backsplash material for marble countertops, ceramic tiles or wood are ideal for those who want a cost-effective option. However, those who are willing to spend a little extra are well ahead to choose any of the other options mentioned, such as stone slabs or glass.
Overall, the best backsplash choice primarily comes down to your taste and what you can reasonably afford. Therefore, examine the options listed above, and see what works best for you!