13 Statement-Making Tiled Black Backsplash Ideas
Whether in a kitchen, bathroom or utility space, backsplashes are an essential design feature. Usually installed behind sinks, ovens and baths, backsplashes are used to protect wall surfaces from water and spills.
Backsplashes are most often tiled and there are no rules when it comes to tile material, colour, shape or size. With so much choice, choosing the right tiles for a backsplash can be daunting.
Opting for a neutral-coloured backsplash tile can be a smart move if you’re unsure what colour to pick and black has many benefits. Sophisticated, dramatic and super practical, black is one of the most stylish splashback solutions.
Keep reading to find out why black tiles are a good idea and uncover our black backsplash inspiration.
Image credit: Original Style
Tiled black backsplash ideas
From rustic natural stone to the glossiest glass, we’ve selected 13 of the most dramatic and elegant black tiled backsplash ideas.
Black herringbone tiles
Metro or subway tiles are a classic choice for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash. These simple rectangular tiles can be laid in myriad ways to produce an understated but seriously stylish splashback.
The herringbone pattern is a gorgeous alternative to the more often seen running or brick bond layout and the beauty of this time-honoured design is that it’ll fit into all styles of interior.
Image credit: @mystudiohome
Recreate This Look: Asha Nero/Rio Nero
Black square tiles
Create a simple and chic backsplash with square tiles in an inky black finish. For added interest, try laying the tiles in a staggered pattern for a change to the usual grid-style layout.
Black goes well with all colours but works especially well alongside natural wood, cream, gold and copper accessories.
Image credit: @mirandaand.co
Tiles Like This: Damask Noir
Vertical stack subway tiles
Give your black subway tiles a modern twist by laying them in a vertical stack design. This clever layout isn’t only easy on the eye, but it can help to make the walls look taller too.
Image credit: @1538missipippi
Recreate This Look: Asha Nero/Rio Nero
Horizontal stack subway tiles
If you have a narrow kitchen or bathroom, laying splashback tiles in a horizontal stack pattern can make the room seem wider.
Grid-style tile layouts are a great option for contemporary homes, creating a clean and simple aesthetic.
Image credit: @nicholestakerdg
Suggested Tile: Webber Wall Brick Black
Metallic glass tiles
Add a dash of sparkle to your home with beautiful textured glass tiles. Glass tiles are completely impermeable, making them an excellent option for a backsplash. Dark metallic tones will add a touch of glamour to your kitchen or bathroom, lifting it to new levels.
Image credit: Original Style
We recommend: Fantasy Sentinal
Black marble tiles
One of the most luxurious materials, marble is elegant, timeless and versatile. Working with all types of interior styles, marble will blend in with a wide range of kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures, creating the ultimate high-end look.
You can opt for very large marble tiles for a seamless feel or choose from a range of marble mosaics. Real marble and the best quality marble effect tiles can be expensive so using them over a smaller area, like a backsplash, can be a savvy move, enabling you to get the luxe look for less.
Image credit: @yassibanayaninteriors
Tiles Similar To This: Elements Lux
Hexagon tiles
These geometric tiles are perfect for adding interest to walls. Available in a range of materials and sizes, hexagon tiles can completely transform a splashback area and are ideal for fitting into less-than-perfectly sized spaces.
Another big advantage of hexagonal tiles is that you can edge a backsplash with whole tiles instead of an edging strip or border. Rather than cutting a straight edge, leave the tiles whole to create an unusual and attractive finish. You can lay the tiles with the pointy or straight side up to create a different look.
Image credit: @houghshome
Recreate This Look: Ava Negro
Slate tiles
Natural slate is one of the toughest stones, making it ideal for splashback surfaces, where its rugged texture and natural colour variations add depth and interest. Slate is the most non-porous of the natural stones (which is why it’s often used for roofing) so it’s a perfect addition to the walls behind sinks and baths.
Image credit: @phyllisharbinger
We recommend: Graphite Black Natural Slate
Glossy tiles
Although black tiles don’t have the same light-enhancing qualities as lighter ones, opting for glossy black tiles will add a layer of luxury to your walls.
Sleek and elegant, glossy tiles are a practical choice for splashback areas, they are versatile, easy to clean and endlessly stylish.
Image credit: @johanna.andruchovici
Get The Look: Habana Graphite
Black tiles, white grout
A match made in tile heaven, pristine white grout and jet-black tiles are a winning combination. White grout will complement and emphasise black tiles and works particularly well if you’ve chosen an attractive tile pattern.
White grout with black tiles creates a stark contrast so be sure that the tiling is absolutely on point as it will emphasise any imperfections.
Image credit: @maria.decotiis
Get The Look: Asha Nero / Webber Joint Premium White
Large black tiles
Large tiles can work wonders in small, backsplash areas. They’re easy to fit and easy to clean and the lack of grout lines helps to create a modern, flowing finish, particularly if you opt for a matching grout.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
We LOVE: Welsh Porcelain Slate Bangor Black
Cast glass tiles
For something a little different, consider using beautiful cast glass tiles for a backsplash area. These unusual, wavy-textured tiles are created by pouring molten glass into moulds. The colour of the glass runs right through the tile, like encaustic tiles, adding a depth of colour that you don’t get with standard glass tiles.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Large glass tiles
Large glossy glass tiles are one of the most popular options for splashback zones. Contemporary, sleek and simple, you can choose from a vast range of colours and finishes including plain, etched, embossed, iridescent and metal-infused glass.
Glass is unbeatable for its reflective qualities and works brilliantly in smaller kitchens and bathrooms.
Image credit: Original Style
Is a black backsplash a good idea?
With their dramatic looks and ability to match with all other colours, there is much to be said for black tiled backsplashes.
Not only do black tiles look incredible, but they’re extremely practical too. There is also a surprisingly large range of black tile types to choose from including glass, porcelain and stone.
If you are searching for a stylish and practical splashback solution, we highly recommend black tiles. You’ll be unlikely to go off them and they will create a breathtaking contrast next to pale wall cabinets and white sanitary ware.
Thinking of taking your backsplash over to the dark side? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions:
Can you use white grout with black tiles?
White grout with black tiles makes a striking contrast and it can fit in with all types of interior styles from modern or industrial to more traditional schemes. Just remember that, like black grout with white tiles, it emphasises the good (and the bad) and can be unforgiving if there are any mistakes. With neat tiling (and even neater grouting) this can be one of the most attractive ways to tile.
Do black tiles make a room look bigger?
Although black tiles don’t have the same brightening qualities as lighter tiles there are some clever ways to use black tiles to enhance your space.
Look for black tiles with a glossy surface to help bounce light around, smooth glass tiles are particularly reflective. Larger tiles help to make spaces feel bigger with their seamless appearance, and you can take advantage of space-enhancing tile layouts. Horizontal and vertical stacks, herringbone and diagonally laid designs can all help to widen or elongate spaces, depending on the direction of the tiles.
Are glass tiles waterproof?
Yes, glass is completely waterproof, durable and super easy to clean. It’s one of the most popular materials for backsplashes, particularly in kitchens.
What types of tiles are best for splashbacks?
You can use tiles in any shape, size and material for a backsplash, but tiles that are easy to clean and resistant to stains are the most practical.
For ease of cleaning, look for tiles with a smooth glossy surface; glass and polished porcelain are ideal. Stone tiles can also make beautiful and practical additions to a kitchen or bathroom and matte surfaces are more forgiving than shiny ones.
Ultimately, pick a tile style that you love, one that will enhance your space and add beauty and interest to your kitchen or bathroom.
Atlas Ceramics stocks a full range of porcelain, stone and glass tiles for backsplashes. We also stock a variety of coloured grouts and suitable adhesives. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our helpful experts for advice.