Add Height with Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile

Crisp, Classic White Tile

Classic white tile makes a seamless transition from wall to backsplash in virtually any kitchen design from modern to Craftsman.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Craftsman style kitchen with white square tiles hung from the countertops to the ceiling in a classic offset pattern — Tile: 4x4 Calcite, 8” Hexagon Antique

We admit it, we’re a sucker for the timeless appeal of white subway tile. A fresh white tile color, like warm white Salt Creek from our budget-friendly Essentials Collection, paired with white grout subtly blends your design while offering your space a unique sense of texture that reflects light all the way up the wall.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Moody modern traditional kitchen with warm white subway tile backsplash between deep charcoal cabinets — Tile: 3x6 Salt Creek Gloss

Want to keep it classic but push the boundaries a bit? Choose one of our Specialty Shapes, like Kite shown here, with a timeless white glaze to get the best of both worlds. Kite’s elongated shape adds height to the space while the neutral glaze allows the shape to be the star of the show.

Please note, Kite has been discontinued. See more of our unique shapes here or chat with our tile experts to find the best match for your project.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Delish kitchen studio with an expansive backsplash of Kite Tile in a glossy white glaze — Tile: Kite White Wash | Design: Betsy Wentz | Image: Christian Harder | Installer: Delish

Highlight Architectural Features

One of the main benefits of extending your backsplash to the ceiling is the opportunity to highlight the architectural features of your kitchen. If you have a window above your sink, counter-to-ceiling tile will frame the feature, turning what could be an overlooked design element into a showstopping focal point.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Star Cross Tile kitchen backsplash in a pinkish red color with black sprinkled in stretching from counter to ceiling around a large window behind the sink — Tile: Mini Star & Cross Red Rock, Basalt | Design: Lottie Fowler | Image: Becca Lea Photo Interiors

Counter-to-ceiling backsplash tile is also a great way to highlight your hood range. Choose a color, pattern, and backsplash material that complements your range, but doesn't overpower it. We love how the white modern hood range below is perfectly balanced by the texture and soothing sagey color of our Glazed Thin Brick.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Modern coastal kitchen with textural Brick backsplash in sagey turquoise — Brick: San Gabriel | Design: Gina Rachelle Design | Image: Christopher Testani

Lean Into Color

If you’re drawn to bold, saturated colors we encourage you to go all in by using those colors counter to ceiling! A foolproof way to play with color in your kitchen backsplash is to apply it to a standard subway tile size. Vertically stacked subway tile draws the eye upward, giving your space the illusion of height even if you don’t have soaring ceilings.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Midcentury modern kitchen with chartreuse subway tile backsplash stacked vertically and yellow hexagon tile floor — Tile: 2x6 Palm Tree, 8” Hexagon Sunflower | Design: David Quarles IV | Image: Sarah Rossi, Michael Butler

Another beloved tile trend is to create a moody accent backsplash. A counter-to-ceiling backsplash in a dark tile color creates depth and drama, making the tile the center of attention. To keep the space bright, surround the dark accent tile with light colors.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Modern bathroom with deep navy blue Scalene Triangle Tile backsplash surrounded by white walls and countertop — Tile: Scalene Triangle Navy Blue | Design: Studio Collab | Image: Brandon Vogts | Installer: Foxden Hospitality

Make It Mosaic

Whether you prefer a monochromatic look or a blend of colors, Mosaic Tile provides endless options to express your personal style. These small tiles create a striking backsplash taken up to the ceiling. And unlike some design trends that may fade over time, a well-executed Mosaic backsplash will remain an elegant feature for years to come.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Minimalist kitchen with soft green mosaic tile backsplash hung behind open shelving — Tile: 3x3 Manzanita Satin

With a plethora of sizes and materials available, it’s easy to customize your Mosaic backsplash exactly to your own specifications. The modern bathroom below basks in a soft pink glow from the sheeted Glass Tile counter-to-ceiling backsplash.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Soft pink glass mosaic tile in a modern bathroom hung behind three arched black rimmed mirrors — Tile: 2x4 Lark Matte | Design: Cathie Hong Interiors | Image: Margaret Austin Photography

A Handpainted Statement

A counter-to-ceiling backsplash is the perfect place to use that Handpainted Tile you've had your eye on. If your kitchen features open shelving, the Handpainted Tile’s design is visible between the shelves for a stunning seamless look.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Bright new traditional kitchen with soft blue cabinets open shelving and light grey and white Handpainted Tile backsplash with botanical motif — Tile: Ginkgo in Neutral Motif | Design + Image: Banner Day Interiors

We suggest using a color motif that pairs well with the other surfaces in your kitchen, which will help highlight the other design elements rather than competing with them. The serene grey-white color scheme of the Handpainted backsplash below ties together the light wood upper cabinets and green base cabinets.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Bright modern kitchen with white and grey handpainted graphic tile backsplash — Tile: 4x4 Dot Dash 7 in Plein Aire Motif, 4x4 Feldspar + Dolomite | Design: Natalie Myers, Veneer Designs | Image: Jessica Alexander | Installer: Lion Builder

If you choose an intricate Handpainted pattern, consider focusing the backsplash in a contained area in your kitchen so it isn’t overwhelming. The floral motif of the custom tile below, thoughtfully placed behind the stove only, is the focal point of the entire kitchen.

Counter to Ceiling Backsplash Tile Traditional kitchen with blue and white floral Handpainted Tile backsplash behind stove — Tile: Sintra in custom motif | Design: Annabode Interior Design | Image: S. Brenner Photography