Tile Backsplash Ideas With Dark Granite Countertops

Ceramic Tile

• The number of ceramic tile options is staggering before you even consider other tile materials. Rectangular subway tiles or square tiles in white or cream tiles keep granite from looking too formal in casual kitchens with painted cabinetry. You can also mix ceramic tiles in two or more solid colors — sometimes even mixing different sizes and shapes — to create a mosaic. Include some dark tiles to tie the mosaic to your countertop.

  Patterned tiles made of ceramic are another option, particularly if they contain a dark color that makes the countertop color pop. Mexican tiles typically have stylized, repeating patterns. Some hand-painted Italian tiles create a larger, mural-like design that spans multiple tiles. Install either in sections bordered by solid tiles or use repeating patterns for the entire backsplash.

Granite Tile

• Granite tiles are an obvious backsplash choice for granite countertops, but the look is far from dull. You can install square or rectangular tiles in a straight-lined grid or install square tiles on the diagonal for a diamond-patterned effect.

  Choose dark granite tiles if you want a matching look, but add interest by mixing the patterns. If your countertops have a consistent, pebbled pattern, choose variegated granite tiles with irregular streaks or swirls, or vice versa. For solid black countertops, you can use tiles in either granite pattern for the backsplash or use solid tiles for countertops in either pattern.

  Even when the overall look is dark, patterned granite countertops don’t consist of a single, solid color. You can pull out one of the lighter colors to use for the granite tiles, but duplicate the pattern you used for the countertops. The lighter color provides enough contrast.

Glass Tile

• Glass backsplash tiles come in matte, frosted and iridescent finishes. The shapes include round, square and rectangular tiles in a variety of sizes. Choose a mix of finishes for a mosaic effect or choose a mix of colors. Treat the dark granite countertops as a neutral background for glass tiles in bold or bright colors or mix dark tiles into the mosaic to treat the countertop as part of the arrangement.

  A shimmering grid of square, 1-inch, iridescent tiles makes for the most dramatic look. For something striking with less sparkle, arrange matte-finished, rectangular bars in a mix of colors and lengths into a horizontally inclined mosaic. For the latter, include a few dark tiles that match the countertop for the most cohesive look.

Metal Tile

• Metal is an unexpected tile material, but it works with a variety of kitchen decorating styles. The tiles are typically made from aluminum, stainless steel or copper; all three complement dark granite. Aluminum and stainless steel work well for industrial, contemporary and transitional kitchens. Copper tile backsplashes warm up kitchens with decorating styles ranging from traditional to modern.

  Pressed tin comes in sheets rather than tiles, but it creates a tile-like effect. The sheets are frequently divided into square sections that resemble miniature versions of vintage tin ceiling tiles.