Kitchen Backsplash Tile Layout Designs: Best Layout Options

Selecting the ideal backsplash tile layout for your kitchen can be an exciting yet daunting process. With so many backsplash design options to choose from, it’s important to consider your kitchen’s size, style, and needs when deciding on the perfect backsplash tile arrangement. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the most popular kitchen backsplash tile layouts and design options to help you choose the best layout for your space.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Backsplash Tile Layout

Before diving into specific backsplash tile patterns and arrangements, there are a few important factors to take into account that will impact your layout decision:

Kitchen Size and Shape

• Small, galley kitchens do best with simple layouts like stacked or grid tile designs. Large open kitchens can handle more elaborate or decorative backsplash tile layouts.
• Consider the shape and footprint of your kitchen. For example, play up the lines in a long, rectangular kitchen with a grid-style layout.

Style of Cabinetry and Countertops

• Match classic white cabinetry with traditional backsplash tile patterns like subway brick or penny tile.
• Complement bold cabinet colors or materials like wood with eye-catching mosaic or Moroccan fish scale tiles.
• Marble countertops pair nicely with marble subway tiles or intricate patterns.

Backsplash Goals and Purpose

• Protect your walls from splashes and spills with easy-to-clean glossy tile.
• Make a design statement with artsy murals or metallic tiles.
• Tie together other finishes like your counters or floors using corresponding materials.

Budget

• Intricate tile patterns cost more in materials and labor compared to simple layouts.
• Handmade artisan tiles are pricier than mass-produced varieties.
• Go big with special tiles only in prime focal areas, use affordable options for the rest.

Once you consider these factors, you can zero in on the perfect backsplash tile layout for your kitchen. Let’s review some of the most popular design options.

1. Stacked Tile Layout

One of the most classic and versatile backsplash tile arrangement options is a straightforward stacked layout. This style features tiles lined up in continuous vertical rows, staggered horizontally like bricks. Stacked tiles create clean lines and symmetry for a very ordered look.

Key Features:

• Clean, linear aesthetic works well with many kitchen styles
• Staggered rows add visual interest
• Joints align for a streamlined look
• Often uses rectangular subway tile or square shapes
• Easy DIY installation
• Affordable option using basic tile shapes

To create this pattern, tiles are installed in an offset “bricklike” arrangement with part of each tile exposed to the row below. This small offset creates the staggered effect. Consistent grout lines between the tile pieces finish the tidy, orderly look. This backsplash tile layout works well in both small and large kitchens. The vertical lines visually enhance narrow spaces.

:strip_icc()/Stocksy_txpd8c6ea1dU100_Medium_2499778-5aab867baca149cd99791fa0eb10fb40.jpg)

Stacked white subway tile backsplash tile layout. Image Source:strip_icc()/Stocksy_txpd8c6ea1dU100_Medium_2499778-5aab867baca149cd99791fa0eb10fb40.jpg)

The versatile stacked tile pattern works well with almost any kitchen decor from contemporary to farmhouse. Stick with a simple single tile color like white for timeless appeal. Or use varying shades of one hue for subtle interest. Adding tile trim details, mixing up grout colors, or combining tiles of different textures or finishes can add more dimension to this straightforward layout.

2. Horizontal Tile Layout

For a backsplash design option that feels a bit sleeker and more modern than the stacked tile pattern, go for a horizontal layout. As the name implies, this style arranges longer rectangular or square tiles in continuous horizontal bands across the backsplash surface.

Key Features:

• Streamlined minimalist look
• Lets longer tile shapes shine
• Elongates the look of the kitchen
• Grout lines aligned vertically for visual interest
• Easy to achieve symmetrical lines
• Modern appeal works well with contemporary kitchens

The continuous horizontal bands highlight the linear form of the tile pieces themselves. This type of backsplash tile layout works best with at least 3-4 inch tall rectangular subway, planks, or square tiles. The elongated shape and direction create a sleek, eye-catching look. Using glossy finish tiles adds to the modern aesthetic.

Sleek marble subway tile installed in a horizontal layout. Image Source

One disadvantage of the horizontal tile layout is its tendency to accentuate any unevenness on the backsplash wall. Any waves in the surface will be more visible. The installer must make sure the substrate is as smooth as possible. This handsome tile arrangement works great behind today’s streamlined kitchen designs.

3. Grid Tile Layout

For another modern backsplash tile layout option, consider arranging rectangular subway tiles or small squares in a grid pattern. This style sets square or rectangular tiles both vertically and horizontally in a syncopated layout for a tailored look.

Key Features:

• Graphic style with visual rhythm
• Overlapping grid design is a bit bolder than stacks
• Streamlined pattern complements modern kitchens
• Works well with many tile sizes and shapes
• Grout lines create decorative grid outline
• Dimensional interest on a flat backsplash surface

The overlapping tile arrangement sets each tile partially over the pieces above and below in both directions. This layout highlights the individual tiles and grout lines to form a grid-like framework. Using glossy tile finishes or alternating dark and light grout lines can accentuate the criss-cross design.

Subway tiles set in grid pattern backsplash. Image Source

The syncopated grid style works well in contemporary kitchens, paired with simple cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Or make the look more classic by opting for beveled subway tiles and coordinating grout. Use just one tile shape and color for the boldest grid aesthetic. Adding tile insets, metallic accents, or other materials can create more elaborate takes on the overlapping tile grid.

4. Herringbone Tile Pattern

Add a touch of whimsy and visual interest to your kitchen backsplash with a herringbone tile layout. This arrangement sets rectangular or square tiles in an interlocking zigzag design. The tiles overlap at their corners to form a distinctive fishbone pattern.

Key Features:

• Timeless zigzagging design with antique roots
• Playful irregular look compared to linear layouts
• Works with variety of tile sizes, shapes and colors
• Makes a statement in any kitchen style
• Challenging pattern for DIYers, best for pros
• Focus the herringbone on a backsplash focal point

This angled tile pattern has been used in home flooring and wall coverings for centuries. But it feels fresh and current when used in backsplashes today. The dancing lines and geometric molding-like contours add artistic flair to kitchen walls. Use natural stone or marble tiles for an earthy vibe. Opt for small colorful glass, ceramic or porcelain tiles to amp up the whimsy.

Herringbone marble tile backsplash makes a statement. Image Source

One important tip for installing a herringbone backsplash is to plan the tile layout on paper first to ensure you have the right amount of material and achieve the proper angles. The intricate arrangement takes some skill to install. But the dazzling geometric results are worth it for kitchens that can pull off the look.

5. Pinwheel Tile Pattern

The circular pinwheel tile layout provides loads of eye-catching appeal and visual texture for modern kitchen backsplashes. This fun design sets tiles in a spinning pattern that radiates out from a central point, resembling a flower.

Key Features:

• Circular flower-like pattern rotates around a focal point
• Combines tiles in pie shape wedges to form rings
• Works well with mosaic tile sheets
• Makes a bold artistic statement in contemporary kitchens
• Challenging layout best done by an experienced pro
• Use an accent tile color to define the pinwheel circles

This layout arranges triangular pie-shaped tiles carefully around a center point to create the pinwheel effect. The circular flow of the tile design resembles the spinning blades of a windmill. Often mosaic tile sheets are cut into wedges to form the backsplash pattern. Using a combination of glossy and matte tiles in contrasting colors can accentuate the dizzying design.

Vivid mosaic tiles set in a modern pinwheel backsplash pattern. Image Source

Pulling off a pinwheel backsplash takes careful planning and precision. Use materials that have consistent sizes and shapes for the best result. Make a bold contemporary design statement by focusing the circular pattern behind a stove or sink area. The intricate lines lend lots of visual motion.

6. Basketweave Tile Pattern

The basketweave tile pattern adds a touch of traditional charm with its woven, textural look. Like woven fabric, the tiles intersect to form an interlacing diamond design. This timeless layout works well with ceramic, porcelain, glass, and even stone tiles.

Key Features:

• Interwoven diamond pattern resembles textile
• Traditional style with antique roots
• Works nicely with square, rectangular or mosaic tiles
• Makes a textural statement with stone or glass
• Classic pattern complements traditional kitchen decor
• Consider metallic tiles for a glamorous vibe

The basketweave pattern has the appearance of braided strands overlapping diagonally to form a diamond grid. With the right color and material combinations, this backsplash tile layout can take on a fabric-like texture. Use natural stone or marble versions for an organic vibe. Metallic tiles add a glam touch.

Intricate metallic basketweave backsplash tile pattern. Image Source

To create the illusion of woven strands, lay the tiles carefully to align the edges in an intersecting pattern. Plan out the design beforehand for the best results. Pair with kitchens featuring traditional styling like beadboard cabinetry and ceramic knobs. The basketweave tile arrangement adds artistic impact yet classic appeal.

7. Moroccan Fish Scale Tile Pattern

The visually striking Moroccan fish scale backsplash tile layout easily brings exotic flair to contemporary kitchens. Inspired by centuries-old mosaic styles, this layout sets tiles in slightly overlapped rows resembling colorful fish scales.

Key Features:

• Overlapped tile rows create eye-catching fish scale effect
• Artsy Moroccan influence and global style
• Works well with thin rectangular mosaic tiles
• Lends artistic boldness and vibrance
• Colorful pattern makes a statement
• Challenging layout best installed by professionals

The rows of partially exposed mosaic tiles let the edges create a contoured effect like the overlapping scales of fish or the rounded forms of mosaic tile work. Using glossy tiles in shades of blue, green and purple emphasizes the aqueous inspiration. This artistic fish scale tile arrangement adds vibrant character to plain walls.

Moroccan-style blue fish scale mosaic backsplash tile. Image Source

Creating the curved rows of fish scale tiles takes some skill and planning. Leave it to tile pros for flawless execution. Use the colorful mosaic pattern to infuse artistic personality in contemporary, transitional or eclectic kitchen spaces.

8. Geometric Tile Pattern

Make a modern design statement by using geometric shapes like triangles, diamonds, hexagons, and zigzags to form an artistic backsplash tile pattern. Get creative combining patterned mosaic sheets and colorful glossy tiles for tons of wow factor.

Key Features:

• Geometric shapes like triangles, diamonds arranged in patterns
• Great way to utilize premade patterned tile sheets
• Colorful mosaics create an artistic focal point
• Has an energetic vibe perfect for contemporary spaces
• Mix and match complementary hues
• Professional installation recommended

Using premade mosaic sheets featuring triangles, diamonds, zigzags, or other shapes takes the guesswork out and makes a geometric backsplash pattern achievable. Complement with additional tiles like triangles and narrow rectangles to complete your own artistic design.

A geometric tile pattern adds modern style. Image Source

Go bold with glossy tiles in contrasting hues like navy, yellow, turquoise and white. Or opt for a calmer combination using different values of one color like light to charcoal gray. Geometric patterns feel current, adding artistic flair without overcomplicating a space.

9. Brick Pattern

Traditional brickwork arrangements translated into backsplash tile designs add subtle dimension and visual texture. Stacked, running bond brick patterns infuse rustic charm using creatively shaped tiles.

Key Features:

• Mimics dimensional look of brick masonry work
• Works with rectangular subway, plank tiles
• Straight or staggered brick-like arrangements
• Rustic, antique personality perfect for traditional kitchens
• Adds subtle textural interest
• Relatively easy DIY-friendly installation

Using rectangular plank-shaped tiles is key for the look of individual bricks. Lay them vertically like stacked bonds, horizontally like a running bond, or staggered like offset rows of bricks. Add texture by embossing or beveling the tile edges. Use natural stone or terracotta tiles for an authentic brick finish.

Brick-patterned ivory tiles create a traditional backsplash. Image Source

For a less literal brick design, use glossy rectangular tiles in pale neutrals. The staggered rows evoke dimension of stacked bricks without overtly mimicking the look. Keep grout lines thin for discrete mortar-line effect. Let faux brick tile patterns infuse cottage character.

10. Picture Frame Backsplash Tiles

One unique modern backsplash idea features innovative picture frame tiles. These customizable tiles inset photos, materials like stone and wood, or even unexpected objects to create a literal framed focal point.

Key Features:

• Picture frame tiles inset photos, found objects, stones
• Make your own photo collage backsplash
• Add dimension with different inset materials
• Con