A shaker style cabinet paired with the right backsplash can create a timeless and beautiful kitchen design. The simple lines and fuss-free aesthetic of shaker cabinets allows for versatility in backsplash options. Whether you prefer a more traditional or contemporary look, the choices are endless. We will explore how different backsplash materials, patterns, and colors can complement shaker cabinets to achieve your ideal kitchen style.
What is a Shaker Style Cabinet?
Shaker style cabinetry is characterized by its simple design. The cabinet doors and drawer fronts typically feature a recessed center panel and a flat frame around the perimeter. This clean lined look provides a flexible backdrop that works with many kitchen styles from traditional to modern.
Some key features of shaker cabinets include:
- Flat door and drawer fronts with a square recessed center panel
- Minimal ornamentation for a fuss-free aesthetic
- Made from various materials like wood, MDF or thermofoil
- Commonly painted or stained for added color and visual interest
- Timeless versatility suits both classic and contemporary kitchens
Shaker cabinets have endured over time because their simplicity pairs well with so many designs. They can also be customized with hardware choices and color to create your ideal look.
Why Add a Backsplash?
A backsplash serves both form and function in a kitchen. Not only does it protect the walls from splashes and stains, it provides an opportunity to add visual interest. Backsplashes come in an array of materials, textures, colors and patterns to complement your cabinetry.
Some benefits of adding a backsplash include:
- Protects walls from moisture, grease, food splatter and more
- Easy to clean unlike drywall which can stain and discolor over time
- Visually expands the space by using reflective materials like subway tile
- Ties the design together by pulling colors from countertops, cabinets and floors
- Showcases your personal style through unique materials and designs
- Adds visual depth and texture to the kitchen environment
- Durable and long-lasting materials like ceramic tile stand up over time
With the simple shaker style, backsplashes do a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of design. Take the time to choose a look that showcases your personality.
Backsplash Ideas for Shaker Style Cabinets
From materials to colors and patterns, you have many options for achieving your dream backsplash design. Here are some top ideas for complementing shaker cabinets:
Materials
- Subway tile – Classic 3×6” glossy or matte tiles in white or colored glass work beautifully. Pair with pencil liner tile for added detail.
- Marble tile – Elegant and timeless. Carrara, statuary or veined marble backsplash tile brings a touch of luxury.
- Metal tile – Add contemporary edge with metal tiles in stainless steel, copper, bronze or other metals. Great for modern kitchens.
- Glass tile – Available in endless colors, shapes and finishes like frosted, shiny or textured. Provides a clean sleek look.
- Porcelain tile – Durable, affordable and available in lots of colors, sizes and finishes. Easy to clean and maintain.
- Natural stone – Granite, travertine, slate and limestone offer texture. Can be polished or tumbled for different looks.
- Mosaic tile – Small tiles in geometric or artistic patterns create visual impact. Consider designing a custom mosaic layout.
- Brick – Classic brick veneer backsplash provides a timeworn rustic feel. Easily cut into any shape or design.
Colors
- White – Crisp, bright white tile has a fresh clean look. Especially nice with painted shaker cabinets in white or light gray.
- Black – For dramatic contrast, pair black backsplash tiles with white shaker cabinets. Also works with darker cabinet colors.
- Wood tones – Warm up a kitchen with natural wood-toned tile that picks up colors from the cabinets and counters.
- Neutral earth tones – Backsplashes in beige, tan, cream or gray work with many shaker cabinet colors from white to espresso.
- Pops of color – Add vibrancy with a colored glass or porcelain tile backsplash in aqua, navy, green or other hues.
Patterns and Textures
- Subway tile patterns – Stacked, offset, herringbone, basketweave and chevron arrangements provide visual interest.
- Moroccan fish scale – Intricate tiles laid in a fish scale pattern infuse exotic global flair.
- Penny tile – Tiny mosaic tiles laid in grid patterns reflect light and add movement.
- Geometric designs – Hexagons, diamonds, arrows and triangles create modern geometric impact.
- Arabesque tile – Curvilinear and geometric shape tiles form beautiful interlocking patterns.
- 3D dimensional – Tile with concave and convex shaping adds architectural detail.
- Handpainted tiles – One-of-a-kind tiles featuring hand-painted designs, images or lettering.
- Textured tiles – Choose tiles with glossy, matte, crackled, or pebbled surfaces for extra depth.
How to Select a Backsplash for Shaker Cabinets
With limitless options, selecting the perfect backsplash requires considering your overall kitchen design, lifestyle needs and personal style preferences. Here are some tips for choosing:
- Take inspiration from your cabinet finish – For white shaker cabinets, white or light colored backsplashes complement nicely. For wooden cabinets, pick up some warmth with natural stone or wood look porcelain.
- Consider ease of maintenance – Materials like ceramic tile or metal are very durable and easy to keep clean. More porous options like wood or marble require sealing.
- Decide on regular or accent backsplash – Full backsplashes protect more of the wall while mini-splashes save on cost. Use accents behind sinks or stoves only.
- Pull inspiration colors from counters, floors and appliances – Tying the elements together creates harmony. Notice colors and textures already in your kitchen.
- Add personality with special touches – Showcase your interests or hobbies through handpainted tiles, mosaics or collections of found objects.
- Light colors open up smaller kitchens – If your space lacks light, avoid dark backsplash colors which can make it feel closed in.
- Arrange samples at home – Order tile samples and tape them to the wall to get a sense of how they’ll look. Check them at different times of day.
- Consider ease of installation – Some materials like peel-and-stick tile go up quickly. Others like natural stone require more specialized skills.
By taking stock of your kitchen’s existing features and how you want to use the space, you’ll select the ideal backsplash to pair with your shaker cabinets.
Complementary Countertop Options
Along with the backsplash, your countertop choice impacts the overall look of your kitchen. For shaker cabinets, you’ll want counters that align with the simple clean-lined style. Options include:
Granite Countertops
Granite is a go-to choice for many kitchens because it combines elegance and durability. The natural stone comes in a spectrum of colors from dramatic dark hues to white and beige neutral tones. Granite works with any style of cabinets and pairs nicely with many backsplash options from marble tile to glass or porcelain.
Quartz Countertops
For a low maintenance option, engineered quartz blends natural stone with resin for an extremely durable surface. Quartz comes in a wide array of patterns to mimic marble, granite and other luxury looks. The material resists scratches, stains and heat damage. With shaker cabinets, white or light gray quartz provides a bright clean look.
Laminate Countertops
Budget-friendly laminate counters provide lots of options to match any décor. From solid colors and faux marble to wood grain patterns, laminate can mimic pricier materials at a fraction of the cost. Matte finishes help reduce glare and make laminate appropriate for pairing with shaker style cabinets.
Butcher Block Countertops
For a woodsy cottage look, butcher block offers natural warmth and texture. The wood material requires regular oiling to protect from stains and damage. Butcher block pairs nicely with painted shaker cabinets in white or black for pleasing contrast.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete counters offer a contemporary industrial vibe with their raw, bespoke look. The material can be molded, shaped and finished in many ways. Concrete’s gray neutral tone works well with crisp white shaker cabinets or darker cabinet colors.
FAQs about Backsplashes for Shaker Cabinets
What is the most popular backsplash for shaker cabinets?
The most popular backsplash for shaker style cabinets is white subway tile. The simple clean lines complement the minimalist look of flat inset cabinet fronts. White subway tiles also make small kitchens appear brighter and more spacious.
What color backsplash goes best with white shaker cabinets?
White backsplashes pair beautifully with white shaker cabinets for a seamless monochromatic look. Crisp options like glossy white subway tile, marble brick mosaic, or white penny tile reflect light and enhance the airy vibe. Adding tone-on-tone color with soft gray or almond backsplash tiles is also an attractive choice.
Can you do a dark backsplash with light cabinets?
Absolutely! A dark backsplash with white or light shaker cabinets makes a dramatic statement. Black, navy or charcoal colored ceramic, porcelain or glass tile provides stylish contrast. Keep the lower cabinets light to maintain an airy look and use the backsplash as an accent.
What backsplash goes with espresso shaker cabinets?
Rich mocha espresso shaker cabinets look stunning with backsplashes in lighter neutral tones. Cream, beige or tan subway tiles, travertine stone, or ceramic mosaics in soft natural hues pop against the dark cabinet color. Adding some white tiles in geometric patterns provides nice contrast.
Can I use wallpaper as a backsplash?
Yes, wallpaper offers a budget-friendly fully customizable backsplash option. Choose waterproof wallpaper designed for kitchens and baths that can withstand moisture and stains. Install it using a professional wallpaper adhesive and caulk edges with silicon for water resistance. Use removable wallpaper to make changes easier.
What tile do you put behind a range?
Heat and grease resistant materials are best behind a stove range. Metal and glass tiles withstand high temperatures. Textured stone like slate stands up to cooking splatters. Easy to clean glossy ceramic or porcelain tile also works well. If using more delicate tile like marble or limestone, protect the area with an extra layer of waterproof sealant.
Achieving a Timeless Look with Shaker Cabinets and Backsplash
The classic simplicity and clean lines of shaker cabinetry provide a versatile backdrop that works with traditional and contemporary design styles. By pairing shaker cabinets with the right backsplash tile, you can achieve a timeless look perfect for any home.
Focus on choosing durable beautiful materials like subway tile, marble or porcelain in neutral hues. Crisp whites, beiges, browns and grays work nicely for a seamless look. Add pops of color, texture or geometric shapes in your backsplash design to reflect your personal taste.
Take care to properly seal and install your backsplash. Clean lines and a meticulous finish will complement your shaker cabinetry for years to come. With an endless array of options, create a kitchen that stands the test of time with shaker cabinets and a backsplash that completes your unique style.
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