Enjoy free samples when you book a consultation. Click to schedule. Find a Showroom

Get free samples with a consultation. Tap to begin.

Fireclay Tile Mark
Hi, ! Search Site View cart
Application
Original Ceramic
Natural Press Ceramic
Glass
Mosaic
Handpainted
Brick
Filter By Application
  • Kitchen + Backsplash
  • Bathroom + Shower
  • Floor Tile
  • Wall Tile
 
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor Tile
  • Pool Tile
Modern subway tile striped pool 8
Original Ceramic
  • All Original Ceramic Colors
  • Studio Glazes
    New
  • Ceramic Stains
    New
  • Shop Shapes
  • Shop Patterns
  • Trim + Architectural Moldings
Resources
  • All Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Guide to Tile Trim
2023 img hi res full usage design Atypical design Studio photo jordan Layton wainscott offset cardamom 3x9 floor tile iron ore 2 hexagon FC596427 1

Original Ceramic tiles showcase handmade qualities with unique variations in color, crazing, and finish.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Natural Press Ceramic
  • All Natural Press Colors
  • Shop Shapes
Resources
  • All Natural Press Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Trim Guide
2024 residential full usage 4x4 terre verte satin red jasper satin indigo satin 2x2 red jasper satin bathroom checkerboard straight set 6x12 cove base indigo satin Pluck Architecture Leonid Furmansky FC796720 2

Our budget-friendly ceramics line, Natural Press is made with your largest indoor and outdoor projects in mind.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Glass Collection
  • All Glass Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Glass Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
Modern blue subway wall glass tile 2

Our radiant Glass Tile provides a freshness that pairs perfectly with today’s modern designs indoors or out.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Mosaic Collection
Learn More
Original Ceramic Mosaics Original Ceramic Mosaics Natural Press Mosaics Natural Press Mosaics Glass Mosaics Glass Mosaics
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Handpainted Collection
Shop All Nine Collections
Agrarian Agrarian Moroccan Moroccan Classic Cuerda Seca Classic Cuerda Seca
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote
Resources
  • All Handpainted Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Brick Collection
  • All Brick Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Brick Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Brick Trim
Glazed Thin Brick Destination Eichler Blue Brick Fireplace

Brick’s hand-mixed glazes enrich its surface, delicately exposing its unique textures and variations with the colors of the environment around us.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Quick Ship Tile
  • All Quick Ship Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Glass Tile
  • Brick Tile
  • Handpainted Tile
Budget-Friendly Tile
  • $12 Essentials
  • $18 Foundations
  • Factory Sale
2022 img hi res full rights residential photo design plural design studio bathroom floor tile mini star and cross antique white grout FC 407104 2

Our bestselling tile products all ready to ship in five days or less.

Residential Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Design Packages
Commercial Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Commercial Pricing
  • 2025 Resource Book
Meet Your Partners
  • Virtual CEU
Trade callout

As a member you’ll receive exclusive access to new products, a professional discount, plus personalized service from our trade team who can help bring your vision to life.

Learn More →
Design Packages
  • All Design Packages
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Pool + Fountain
Custom Tile
  • Our Custom Capabilities
  • Book A Free Consultation
Tile Installation
  • Overview
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
Enscape 2025 04 08 12 57 54

Visualize our tile in your space with our comprehensive design packages.

By Product
  • Original Ceramic
  • Natural Press
  • Glass
  • Brick
  • Handpainted
By Type
  • Product Specification
  • Installation Guides
  • Design Files
  • Price Guides
  • Product Guides
  • Brochures + Catalogs
Popular Topics
  • Trim + Moldings
  • Pools
  • Customization
  • Sustainability
Get Help
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Contact Us
  • Track Order
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Find a Showroom
Support
FAQ Track Order

Questions? We're here to help
Available 6am-5pm PST Monday-Friday

FCT Icons Chat cropped
Live Chat Online Now
FCT Icons Call cropped
Call Us (800) 773-2226 (toll-free)
FCT Icons Email cropped
Email support@fireclaytile.com
Modern subway tile striped pool 8
  • Kitchen + Backsplash
  • Bathroom + Shower
  • Floor Tile
  • Wall Tile
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor Tile
  • Pool Tile
2023 img hi res full usage design Atypical design Studio photo jordan Layton wainscott offset cardamom 3x9 floor tile iron ore 2 hexagon FC596427 1

Original Ceramic tiles showcase handmade qualities with unique variations in color, crazing, and finish.

  • All Original Ceramic Colors
  • Studio Glazes New
  • Ceramic Stains New
  • Shop Shapes
  • Shop Patterns
  • Trim + Architectural Moldings
Resources
  • All Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Guide to Tile Trim

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
2024 residential full usage 4x4 terre verte satin red jasper satin indigo satin 2x2 red jasper satin bathroom checkerboard straight set 6x12 cove base indigo satin Pluck Architecture Leonid Furmansky FC796720 2

Our budget-friendly ceramics line, Natural Press is made with your largest indoor and outdoor projects in mind.

  • All Natural Press Colors
  • Shop Shapes
Resources
  • All Natural Press Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Trim Guide

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Modern blue subway wall glass tile 2

Our radiant Glass Tile provides a freshness that pairs perfectly with today’s modern designs indoors or out.

  • All Glass Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Glass Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Mosaic Collection
Learn More
Original Ceramic Mosaics
Original Ceramic Mosaics
Natural Press Mosaics
Natural Press Mosaics
Glass Mosaics
Glass Mosaics
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Handpainted Collection
Shop All Nine Collections
Agrarian
Agrarian
Moroccan
Moroccan
Classic Cuerda Seca
Classic Cuerda Seca
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote
Resources
  • All Handpainted Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Glazed Thin Brick Destination Eichler Blue Brick Fireplace

Brick’s hand-mixed glazes enrich its surface, delicately exposing its unique textures and variations with the colors of the environment around us.

  • All Brick Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Brick Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Brick Trim

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
2022 img hi res full rights residential photo design plural design studio bathroom floor tile mini star and cross antique white grout FC 407104 2

Our bestselling tile products all ready to ship in five days or less.

  • All Quick Ship Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Glass Tile
  • Brick Tile
  • Handpainted Tile
Budget-Friendly Tile
  • $12 Essentials
  • $18 Foundations
  • Factory Sale
Trade callout

As a member you’ll receive exclusive access to new products, a professional discount, plus personalized service from our trade team who can help bring your vision to life.

Learn More →
Residential Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Design Packages
Commercial Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Commercial Pricing
  • 2025 Resource Book
Meet Your Partners
  • Virtual CEU
Enscape 2025 04 08 12 57 54

Visualize our tile in your space with our comprehensive design packages.

Design Packages
  • All Design Packages
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Pool + Fountain
Custom Tile
  • Our Custom Capabilities
  • Book A Free Consultation
  • Overview
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
By Product
  • Original Ceramic
  • Natural Press
  • Glass
  • Brick
  • Handpainted
By Type
  • Product Specification
  • Installation Guides
  • Design Files
  • Price Guides
  • Product Guides
  • Brochures + Catalogs
Popular Topics
  • Trim + Moldings
  • Pools
  • Customization
  • Sustainability
Get Help
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Contact Us
  • Track Order
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Explore All Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Natural Press Samples
Natural Press Samples
Glass Samples
Glass Samples
Brick Samples
Brick Samples
Handpainted Samples
Handpainted Samples

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Certified B-Corp Climate Neutral Employee Owned American Made Search Shopping Cart User Lightning Bars Houzz Instagram Pinterest Tiktok LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Twitter Times Check Check Circle close arrow-right Next Arrow Previous Arrow question question print envelope PDF File Minus Plus Pencil
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. 20 Black and White Backsplash Ideas for a Bold Focal Point

Design & Inspiration

20 Black and White Backsplash Ideas for a Bold Focal Point

By Ted Ryan

Black and white backsplash

Black and white tile is a classic look with loads of contemporary interior design appeal. From the timeless checkerboard to a more sophisticated handpainted tile, this high contrast combination can turn your bathroom vanity or kitchen backsplash into a main attraction, with no color required.

Read on as we walk you through 20 of our favorite black and white backsplashes.

Q&A

Should a backsplash be light or dark?

The choice to go light or dark with your backsplash depends on a bunch of variables, first and foremost being your personal tastes. Even if you’ve never thought about designing a backsplash until this very moment, the colors of your decor, wardrobe, car, or bicycle are all evidence of your preferences.

Other design elements of your kitchen also dictate which direction to take in the debate between light and dark. What color are your countertops, cabinets, appliances, wall decor and paint–or what would you like them to be? A dark backsplash can add depth and contrast to light-colored cabinets. Alternatively, a light backsplash with light cabinets and counters gives a kitchen a bright and refreshing look.

All this is to say that there is no correct answer or rules to abide by which leads us to the indecisive designer's ultimate solution: make it light and dark using black and white.

20 Black and White Backsplashes

1. Escher Diamonds

white diamond tile backsplash with black grout

Tile Shown: Frost Matte Small Diamond Sheeted // Design: Jen Pinkston // Image: Katie Jameson

Famous for his black and white illustrations, M.C. Escher is a fitting inspiration for this black and white backsplash by Jen Pinkston. The Escher pattern of white small diamond mosaic tiles pops with a high contrast black grout. The white cabinets and black counters marry the color scheme and the geometric wire pendant lights echo the pattern perfectly.

2. High Contrast Herringbone

brownstone kitchen with herringbone backsplash

Tile Shown: Calcite Gloss 2x8 // Design: Brownstone Boys // Image: Brownstone Boys, Bridget Badore

Herringbone is a classic pattern that’s well served by a high contrast black and white look. This 45-degree herringbone backsplash by the Brownstone Boys deconstructs the grey and stainless elements of the kitchen with a focal point that both blends in and stands out.

3. Light Interlocking

white h shaped tile backsplash

Tile Shown: Calcite Chaine Homme // Design: R. Apple Co. // Image: Rhionnon Apple

Granite counters set the tone with their black and white speckles for a backsplash of white Chaine Homme tile with black grout outlines. With a backsplash that leans light, white cabinets are an excellent choice to keep the white kitchen looking bright.

4. H on the Other Hand

kitchen with black h shaped tile backsplash

Tile Shown: Raven Matte Chaine Homme // Design: Maureen Stevens // Image: Kayla Stark

Alternatively, the same tile in black adds a deep sophistication to this kitchen. Black cabinets follow suit while white countertops and white walls above complement the white grout lines.

5. Braided Black

black picket tile backsplash

Tile Shown: Akoya Picket // Design: 328 Design Group // Image: Chayce Lanphear Photography

High-contrast tile and grout combos are a perfect way to accentuate a specialty shape or pattern, and this Picket Braid pattern is no exception with white grout joints bringing out the inventive design of the glossy black tiles.

6. Rustic Brick

wine cellar with brick backsplash

Tile Shown: Black Hills Brick // Design: Vaught Frye Larson Aronson Architects // Image: James Maynard

Black Brick Tile gives a backsplash rustic personality while saving weight and emissions compared to using standard bricks. That refined rustic quality is right at home in this luxurious wine cellar with white grout drawing out the tasteful lines of the straight set pattern.

7. 2 Material 2 Tone

brick bathroom backsplash

Tile Shown: Black Hills Brick // Design: Paula Oblen, Bobby Berk // Image: Sara Tramp

The contrast between black and white doesn’t have to come only from tiles and grout. Wallpaper, wall paint, and other decorative accents can all create the light-to-dark design you’re after. This bathroom vanity does just that with a black backsplash of black brick and black grout underneath a wall of white painted plaster for a dramatic two-tone backsplash.

8. Black and White Wall Art

hand painted black and white tile backsplash

Tile Shown: Elephant Star Black and White Motif // Design & Image: David Tsay

Every piece of handpainted tile we sell is painted by one of our expert artists, each with a one-of-a-kind style and signature making no two pieces exactly alike. This Elephant Star backsplash is like a wall of high fashion granny squares in a bold black and white motif.

9. Dark Domes

black and white hand painted tile backsplash

Tile Shown: Fallow Cool Motif & Calcite Gloss 3x6

Our Fallow Tile is simple, modern, and highly configurable. The bold black and white tiles sit handsomely between the white wall tile, framing the range with a dramatic focal point.

10. Maximalist Moods

bar with tile backsplash and floors

Tile Shown: Fallow Custom Motif // Design: Me & General Design // Image: David Patterson

Same tile but very different styles, Fallow flips the script in this bar with a custom reverse motif and a maximalist mezcal serving surround.

11. Contemporary Creativity

contemporary lounge with black and white backsplash

Tile Shown: Fallow Cool Motif // Design: AC Martin // Image: Lawrence Anderson Architectural Photographer

Fallow once again shows off its versatility in this contemporary lounge with an assorted configuration of circles, squiggles, and half domes that look decidedly decadent against the red room accents.

12. Moroccan Magic

white kitchen with black and white backsplash

Tile Shown: Kasbah Trellis Neutral Motif // Design: Mokume Design Studio // Image: Christopher Stark

This classic Moroccan motif is our most popular handpainted tile and for good reason. The black dryline matched with the simple white hand-painted glaze gives this tile a clean look with high contrast lines. And a little goes a long way, as you can see here in this simple column above the range in this bright white kitchen.

13. Bar Back

bar with hand painted backsplash

Tile Shown: Kasbah Trellis Neutral Motif // Design & Image: Destination Eichler

As with the previous example, Kasbah can make a big impact with only a handful of tiles. This midcentury Eichler kitchen is awash with character, but the tiled bar backsplash is what catches your eye, inviting you to enjoy a beverage and take in the beautiful kitchen.

14. More is More

kitchen with black and white backsplash

Tile Shown: Kasbah Trellis Black and White Motif // Design: Gingerwood Design // Image: Jerry Hayes

If you’re of the more is more mindset, Kasbah can cover ground too. This kitchen features full walls of hand-painted black and white tiles. Among the black cabinets and white countertops, the graphic pattern is intricate and enticing but never overpowering. It’s perfection!

15. Kindred Spirits

kitchen with moroccan tile

Tile Shown: Kasbah Trellis Neutral Motif, Frost Matte Mini Star and Cross // Design: TVL Creative // Image: Jess Blackwell Photography

As we’ve seen, a black and white backsplash can come together in a number of ways. This kitchen employs two of those, pairing white tile with black grout on one side of the kitchen and handpainted black and white Kasbah Trellis tile on the other. Both the color combo and the pattern coordinate to create a modern Moroccan kitchen.

16. Star Power

black and white backsplash

Tile Shown: Padma Black and White Motif // Design: Karen Tsay // Image: David Tsay

This hand-painted backsplash tile features a Moorish star punctuated with a bold black and white motif. Together, the stars draw a decorative lattice to liven up the clean white kitchen.

17. Tehran to Taos

persian backsplash

Tile Shown: Old Cairo Black and White Motif // Design: Laure Joilet // Image: Kirsten Grove

Evoking styles of both the Middle East and the American Southwest, Old Cairo is a bold pattern for this kitchen backsplash. We think the black and white motif is an excellent pairing for such a sharp pattern.

18. Drawn In

custom hand painted backsplash

Tile Shown: Malta Custom Motif // Design: Kristen Peña

This pattern looks like an intricate pen and ink drawing with Mediterranean shapes decorating this backsplash from counter to ceiling.

19. Depth and Detail

black hand painted backsplash

Tile Shown: Kabuki Sphere Dark Motif // Design: Kristin Reisinger & Space Craft, LLC // Image: Benjamin Hale

Lacey geometric tile in a bold black glaze and web-like drylines make for one impactful handpainted tile backsplash. Hexagons, circles, triangles, and stars all jump from the pattern with a bold finish to give this backsplash depth and detail.

20. Block Shop Beauty

hand painted backsplash

Tile Shown: Roundabout Gesso Motif // Design & Image: GLAM Studio

Delicate parallel lines of dark dryline course through these white tiles collaborated on with Block Shop Textiles to evoke the tradition of block printing in backsplash form.

Ready to start your black and white backsplash design? Get in touch with our Design Consultants for free personalized design assistance including sampling, estimating, renderings and ordering.

Loading samples...

Calcite Gloss

Calcite Gloss

Raven Matte

Raven Matte

Halite

Halite

Lewis Range

Lewis Range

Bitterroot

Bitterroot

Frost Gloss

Frost Gloss

Raven Gloss

Raven Gloss

Olympic

Olympic

Black Hills

Black Hills

Calcite Matte

Calcite Matte

See all Samples

Footer

About Us

  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • The Factory
  • Installation Services
  • Showrooms
  • Press
  • Careers

Get Help

  • 1-800-773-2226 6am-5pm PST M-F
  • Email Us
  • Track Order
  • FAQ
  • Shipping
  • Returns

Resources

  • Trade
  • Commercial
  • Design Assistance
  • Specs
  • Design Files
  • Installation FAQs
  • Shop our Catalog

Become an Insider

We'll keep you updated with new products, design trends, promotions and any exciting happenings around the studio.

Instagram Tiktok Houzz Pinterest Facebook YouTube LinkedIn
Privacy Policy Terms of Service Accessibility

© Fireclay Tile 2025

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.  Learn More