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Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash Tile Pattern

Sep 7, 2020

Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash Tile Pattern

Sep 7, 2020

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This post contains affiliate links. I earn a tiny commission, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure here.

Updated December 2022 – see the backsplash pattern we chose at the end of this post!

Choosing a backsplash tile pattern for the kitchen is one of my favorite elements of remodeling. You can dress up builder-basic cabinets, bring in color and pattern, or calm down a bold countertop with neutral design. For our current kitchen, I’m planning to install backsplash tile that is classic, yet also adds some pizzazz to the space. I’m debating a few subway tile patterns for our space and would love to hear your vote.

Our First House Tour | Our Blonde Brick Ranch House Tour

2023 Update: this is the final kitchen (surprise!) just to show you how visible the kitchen is when you enter the house. The backsplash is on display immediately, so the design makes an impact. I shared more photos at the end of the post.

Common Backsplash Tile Patterns

If you choose a special tile, like a hexagon or other shape, you’ll probably have a clear direction for your backsplash. However, if you go with a subway tile, typically 3 x 6 but also available in other sizes, you might want to investigate pattern options. These are common choices, in addition to the standard horizontal running bond:

We installed 3 x 6 subway tile in a running bond pattern in our previous kitchen, and I loved it. I chose a simple white tile (similar) with white grout for a classic look in the gray and white kitchen.

Our First House Tour

offset backsplash tile pattern

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Tile for Our Current Kitchen Reno

We’re finally seeing the light at the end of our current DIY kitchen remodel. Our new quartz countertops have been installed, and they are beautiful! I chose Lattice by Pental Quartz and they look gorgeous with the gray cabinets. Backsplash tile and floating shelves are the last two tasks!

Yes, A DIY Kitchen Remodel is Possible – Here’s Ours

pental quartz lattice countertop
Pental Quartz countertops in Lattice

Originally, I wanted to tile up to the ceiling on the wall behind the sink, but Wyatt nixed that plan. The last cabinet door won’t be able to open if we add tile to the wall next to it. That’s because we installed full overlay doors and there is no filler creating space next to the cabinet. Instead, we’ll just run the backsplash tile pattern up to the bottom of the cabinets and carry it across the sink wall at that same level. It would be easiest to use a rectangle tile for this part of the installation, so that’s what I picked, a 3 x 12″ white subway tile.

tile
3 x 12″ white ceramic tile
diy kitchen current progress

Which Backsplash Tile Pattern Should We Pick?

Please help me choose! I’m debating between three tile patterns that will work with the small spaces where we need backsplash. I love a herringbone layout, but I already chose that for the floor tile. Do you remember that post? Here’s what the floor looks like:

herringbone floor tile pattern

THREE PATTERN CHOICES

These are the tile patterns I’m considering with this 3 x 12″ tile.

backsplash tile pattern

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Feeling Impatient? Jump to Our Fully Remodeled Home Tour!

CHOICE 1 – Running Bond

Standard running bond always looks good, in my opinion. Here’s a mockup of what that might look like on the third wall, between the fridge and the hutch (where the microwave lives). It’s hard to see with the white on white, but you can see the lines if you look closely.

backsplash tile mockup running bond

And here it is above the sink.

offset tile mockup

CHOICE 2 – 1/3 Offset

Since this is a 12″ tile, a staggered pattern might look more interesting than basic running bond. Can you even spot the difference? I like this one a lot.

1/3 offset mockup
1/3 offset tile mockup

CHOICE 3 – Stacked

I wonder if this stacked layout might be a tad modern for our classic house design. What do you think?

stacked layout
stacked layout

CHOICE 4 – Vertical 1/3 offset

Surprise! I know I said three choices, but I couldn’t resist this vertical 1/3 offset mockup. I love it on the back wall, but not around the sink. What do you think?

vertical offset mockup
vertical offset mockup backsplash tile pattern

Dec 2022 Update: Finished Kitchen!

Here it is! We chose a 1/3 offset running bond for the backsplash in the kitchen. I love the timelessness of the design with a more modern tile. Plus, the wavy texture is beautiful as it catches the light! I highly recommend this tile. I actually ended up putting it in both main-floor bathrooms, too! You can see those rooms in this tour of the house.

Come See Our Fully Remodeled Home Tour!

backsplash tile pattern
backsplash tile pattern
backsplash tile pattern
backsplash tile pattern

Read More From List in Progress

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1 – 8 Upcycled DIY Craft Projects to Try
2 – Favorite Behr White Paint Colors
3 – Our New White Smart Thermostat
4 – Tips and Tricks to Spray Paint Metal

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Erin

Hi! I’m Erin, a Colorado-based home improvement blogger and lover of all things DIY. I aim to inspire creative folks to tackle home improvement with confidence and style. READ MORE

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Steph
Steph
6 months ago

Where did you purchase the ceramic tile for your backsplash in kitchen?

Diane Davis
Diane Davis
3 years ago

I’m planning a backsplash with 2” x 10” tiles and I’m considering the 1/3 offset. Which pattern did you use?

Alice
Alice
4 years ago

Aren’t basketweave and stacked variation the same?

cindy
cindy
4 years ago

CHOICE 2 – 1/3 Offset
Loooove your process!
-cindy

LindaZ
3 years ago
Reply to  LIP

Definitely #2. The best compliment with floor pattern! Good work!

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