The white tile backsplash is an all-time classic. But if you’re looking to mix it up while staying true to the traditional design, may we suggest taking a gander at this gorgeous white glass tile backsplash?
Let’s take a closer look at 5 elements you may want to borrow for your next backsplash.
1. Mixing Sheen
The main feature of this backsplash is no doubt the use of both gloss and matte finishes in the same shade of white glaze. The primary tile features a matte finish hand-applied by silk screen as a clear matte glaze onto the surface of the tile. The warm white pigment is glazed to the back of the tile for unmatched depth and complexity.
Tile: Sparrow Matte 4x12, Sparrow Gloss 4x12 // Design: Megan Warren // Image: Kathryn MacDonald
But sporadically blended into the straight-stack pattern are gloss finish tiles of the same shade. This makes for a delicate detail as light is diffused by the matte glass but reflected by the gloss tiles. Especially in a space with such large windows, the look of the backsplash will shift throughout the day and depending on the weather.
2. Large Format Tiles
Glass tile is a great choice for backsplashes since it is impervious to water and easy to clean. But glass tile needs to be grouted nonetheless and grout requires maintenance to protect it from water and staining.
We recommend sealing grout upon installation and every year or two thereafter, but your choice of tile can definitely determine the day-to-day upkeep. Larger format tiles are a great choice for spaces that will regularly see water and debris–like backsplashes–as large tiles will have fewer grout lines per square foot compared to smaller sizes and grout is harder to clean than glass tile.
3. Warm it Up
You know how everything looks better during the golden hour just before sunset? Natural light is full spectrum meaning it contains all the colors of the rainbow. During midday, the light is dominated by blue tones while at sunset the light shifts to orange and red, shades that are naturally relaxing.
Choosing a warmer white tile can help you hack the full spectrum of natural light by infusing your space with relaxing golden hour tones all day–and night–long. This is especially true as night sets in and artificial lights come on (or if your space has limited natural daylight). Energy-efficient LED lights skew cool blue, so balancing that shift with a warmer tile can greatly improve the overall look and feel of your installation.
4. Monochrome Complements
For a timeless design to complement your white glass tile backsplash, you can’t go wrong with an all-white motif including paint, cabinets, and countertops. Some designers may recommend balancing a white backsplash with darker walls or cabinets but my guess is if you’re drawn to white glass, a bright white kitchen will be your best bet.
This also speaks to the longevity of your design. A trend may seem attractive today, but 5-10 years down the road your tastes may wonder what you were thinking. An all-white kitchen is timeless, and instead of thinking of it as playing it safe, consider it a sustainable choice you’ll love for years to come.
You can always add accents to warm things up like this kitchen does with the beautiful wood floors and minimalist open shelving sink side.
5. Trim the Edges
Modern straight stack pattern, check. Sleek glass in matte and gloss finishes, check. Large tiles hung in a bright white setting, check and check. When you’ve done all the work to get a clean and crisp design, the last thing you want is to leave the finishing touches, well, unfinished.
Finishing the exposed edges of your backsplash with Schluter trim caps off your project with a polished look. Schluter makes profiles in a handful of materials but here you’ll find a simple white PVC profile adding a perfect finishing touch.
Not only will these trim profiles improve the aesthetics of your backsplash, but they also offer a layer of protection to extend the life of your glass backsplash tile.
