Find the Perfect Backsplash to Showcase Your Black Granite Counters

Upgrading your kitchen with sleek black granite countertops makes a bold style statement. But the right backsplash is key to bringing out the beauty in those dark counters. Whether your taste runs traditional or modern, the perfect backsplash can transform your whole kitchen.

With limitless options for materials, colors, and designs, selecting that ideal backsplash may seem daunting. But understanding what works well with black granite helps narrow your search. Focus first on finding a color palette and texture that complements--without competing with--your dramatic counters.

Complementary Neutral Tones Keep It Classic

Sometimes keeping it simple is best. A backsplash in muted natural tones allows the gorgeous black granite to take center stage. Opting for a light color backsplash against the dark counters creates an eye-catching contrast. But you'll want to stick with soft hues so as not to overwhelm the space.

White Subway Tile

White subway tile remains the quintessential backsplash for any kitchen. This classic tile style paired with black granite counters gives a crisp, luxe look. Going with a light grout keeps the focus on the tiles, while dark grout makes a bolder statement.

The versatility of white subway tile makes it a foolproof option. Pair it with some contemporary stainless steel hardware and lighting for a modern edge. Or use vintage brass fixtures for some traditional farmhouse charm. White subway tile always looks right at home.

Gray Subway Tile

For a subtler take on the subway tile trend, soft gray is an elegant alternative. Gray maintains the clean, neutral look that flatters black granite's sophistication. But it mutes the severity of stark white.

Cool-toned grays work particularly well, picking up the blue-gray veining often found in black granite. A glossy gray subway tile gives a glamorous vibe, while matte grey tiles have a more industrial feel. Gray subway tiles lend themselves to both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Beige and Taupe Tiles

Warm neutrals like beige and taupe make an attractive contrast against the solid black granite counters. The natural textures of travertine, limestone, or marble backsplashes in these earthy hues add depth. Keep the tone lighter so as not to overwhelm the dark countertops.

For a truly seamless look, select a beige or taupe stone backsplash containing wisps of grey veining. This mimics the movement in the granite for a cohesive finish. A straightforward subway laying pattern prevents competing visual elements.

Pops of Color

While neutrals play it safe, don't be afraid to get creative with pops of color in your backsplash. Vibrant glass or handpainted tiles can provide the perfect accent to liven up black granite counters. Just take care that your palette complements, rather than clashes with the countertop.

Blue and Green Glass Tile

Deep blue and green glass tiles provide an unexpected pop of color to contrast the black granite. These darker jewel tones work better than pastels, which may look out of sync with the sophisticated vibe of the counters. Limit blue or green tiles to a single focal area--behind the range or around a window.

The reflective nature of glass tile makes the color really shine. Consider a mosaic tile design or metallic tile for added radiance. For a contemporary edge, surround the colorful tiles with sleek metal or marble borders.

Patterned Or Handpainted Tile

Intricately painted or patterned tile introduces artistry and texture as a backsplash focal point. Vintage-style motifs like Moroccan patterns, floral designs, or geometric shapes interject visual excitement. Handpainted tiles offer a custom look.

Keep the ornate tiles minimal--as an accent band or medallion--to prevent a busy backsplash from competing with the countertops. Use solid colored field tiles like white subway tile to frame embellished sections. The simple framing keeps everything chic.

Unique Textures Add Dimension

Shifting gears from smooth subway tiles to materials with distinctive textures adds appealing dimension. Weathered natural stone, brick motifs, or sleek metallics complement the sophisticated black granite aesthetic.

Herringbone Backsplash

The classic herringbone pattern instantly livens up any space. While herringbone backsplash designs typically use rectangular subway style tiles, you can also achieve the look with marble, travertine or wood strips.

Since herringbone involves meticulously piecing together angled tiles, opt for a simple color palette like white, beige or gray. The bold zigzag design makes enough of a style statement on its own. Allow it to shine against the black granite.

Brick Backsplash

Brick backsplashes offer a charming vintage vibe, blending seamlessly with black granite's modern sophistication. Genuine reclaimed brick has an authentic timeworn character. But faux brick tiles give you added color options.

Whitewashed bricks keep the rustic appeal while lightening up the look. Or stick with natural earthy red brick tones to play up the textural dimension. Incorporate a brick backsplash selectively behind the range or around a focal point without overdoing it.

Stainless Steel or Metal

If your kitchen leans more modern contemporary, a sleek metal or stainless steel backsplash pairs perfectly with black granite countertops. The polished surfaces play up the glamour of the dark granite.

Brushed metal finishes like brushed nickel, bronze or copper provide the same reflective surface with a warmer, more textured look. Coordinate your metal backsplash with the cabinet hardware and fittings for a pulled together look.

Creative Touches

With the endless combinations of colors, patterns and textures available, some well-placed creativity can make your backsplash design truly unique. Try combining materials in an unexpected way or adding an artistic focal point.

Two-Tone Combination

Take your backsplash to the next level by using two complementary tiles or materials. For example, pair a marble subway tile on the lower portion with blue glass mosaic tiles above. Or mix contemporary metal sheets in the center, framed by more traditional bricks.

The distinct separation gives your backsplash depth. And it allows you to highlight specific areas of the countertops, like framing a cooktop with eye-catching tiles. Just be sure the combination remains cohesive.

Mosaic Inset

Mosaic tiles lend artistic flair. Defining a portion of the backsplash surface using mosaic tile surrounds that area with visual interest. For best effect, integrate the mosaic into primarily neutral subway tiles or field tiles.

Framing it minimizes the busyness, while still letting the colorful mosaic tiles dazzle. Black granite's bold presence means you can push the design envelope a little with mosaic tile patterns. But retain some simplicity in the overall kitchen scheme.

Bold Grout Color

Take your tile design up a notch by swapping out basic white or gray grout for a bold accent color. Contrasting grout calls attention to the tile shapes, transforming a simple backsplash into a focal feature.

Vibrant red, electric blue, or deep green grout packs visual punch. Keep surrounding cabinetry and walls plain to prevent overwhelming the black granite counters. An eye-catching grout color lets your creative backsplash be the star.

Finding the ideal backsplash comes down to choosing colors, patterns, and textures that enhance--not compete with--your dramatic black granite countertops. Neutrals like soft white or gray subway tiles provide an elegant contrast and timeless vibe. If your style is more adventurous, painted tiles or mosaics interject artsy pops of color. Natural stone, brick, or metal backsplashes infuse irresistible texture.

Throwing in creative touches like two-tone combinations or bold colored grout tailors the look to your unique taste. With the right backsplash, your stunning black granite counters become the centerpiece they deserve to be.