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13 Inspiring Solid Kitchen Backsplashes

Concrete kitchen backsplash behind white cabinets and island

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

When it comes to redesigning an outdated or slightly wonky kitchen, the backsplash design is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make. At the moment, a tiled backsplash is all the rage; you'll hardly see a home renovation online that doesn't have those nearly ubiquitous white subway tiles in the kitchen. We love the look, but it is, like everything else, a trend! If that look doesn't appeal to you, the simple (and practical!) alternative of a solid backsplash—in glass, concrete, or even stainless steel—might be exactly what you're looking for to set your kitchen apart from the pack.

A solid or sheet backsplash is a great way to add a very functional element of sleek design to your kitchen. A glass sheet backsplash is perhaps the most common way to achieve the look with a very specific material—but the point is that a solid piece of material behind your sink and cooking areas is sophisticated and cool—not to mention much easier to clean than a backsplash with grout and tiles. There are a number of different materials you can use to design a solid backsplash in your kitchen, and we'll walk you through some of the most popular options out there.

  • 01 of 13

    Solid White Backsplash

    solid white backsplash

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    In this home designed by Ashley Montgomery Design, she has embraced a mostly-white design scheme in an interesting way. The ceiling, window frames, and walls are all a simple, stark white with little variation or detail. The all-white backsplash serves as a way to help melt that area into the background, letting the floating wood shelving above the cabinets draw the eye upwards. 

    For those who cannot custom-install a real sheet backsplash (like renters), a fresh coat of paint that blends this area into the rest of the kitchen is a good fix to mimic the effect. Like with a sheet backsplash, you won't have to worry about seams or grout, making kitchen cleanup much easier.

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  • 02 of 13

    Light Grey Marble Backsplash

    light gray marble backsplash

    Becca Interiors

    It's hard to explain just how much we love the look of this kitchen from Becca Interiors. The black cabinets are unexpected but so sophisticated, and the sleek kitchen island with a sink gives a fresh, modern feel.

    The designers have finished the backsplash in a beautiful light grey and white marble to keep the cooking space from looking too complicated and busy. Combined with the sleek white cabinets and light wooden floor (not to mention the black ladder statement piece), the kitchen has a modern farmhouse feel that we can't get enough of.

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  • 03 of 13

    Stainless Steel Backsplash

    stainless steel backsplash in kitchen

    @studiosidika

    ​Speaking of functional and industrial, this stainless steel backsplash from Studio Sidika definitely reminds us of something you'd see in a restaurant or in the home of a professional chef. In our opinion, to make this work in your home, the appliances you choose must also speak to this functionality, as you can see from the steel countertops and sleek white cabinetry. We also love the small stainless ledge shelves that are conveniently placed above the sink stocked with dinner and drinkware that is covered with blurred glass to add yet another chic accent to the space.

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  • 04 of 13

    Marble Sheet Glass Backsplash

    glossy marble backsplash

    House of Chais

    The glass backsplash trend is one that started in Europe but has been steadily gaining exposure and popularity in contemporary designs here in the US. If you're considering doing this in your home, note that some contractors already have sheet glass offerings in a variety of colors and styles, but you can also opt to have clear glass custom painted and baked to finish, which eliminates the risk of chips or damage once installed.

    This type of sheet backsplash looks especially visually clean, as you get the shine and reflection of the glass, and no grout or seams to clean. Using color or pattern in this way is also an unexpected tactic for giving your kitchen a unique character, as seen here with the shiny marble backsplash. We've also seen incredible kitchen designs with red, yellow, or even soft pink glass sheet backsplashes.

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  • 05 of 13

    Matte Black Backsplash

    navy blue solid backsplash

    D Burns Interiors

    As part of a thoroughly modern and minimalist kitchen design, we love the look of a matte black sheet backsplash that extends throughout the entire cooking area. The stark contrast with bright white cabinetry, black pendant lights, and a touch of natural wood is incredibly striking in this kitchen designed by D Burns Interiors. While many backsplashes may opt for a glossy effect, a matte version makes a statement that will capture attention.

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  • 06 of 13

    Focus On The Range

    marble backsplash behind stove

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    While tile backsplash may be all the rage for the backsplash along counters, it's not uncommon to see backsplashes that only appear above the stove/range. In this space designed by Ashley Montgomery Design, the marble only adds to the vintage aesthetic of the cabinets and detailing surrounding the oven.

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  • 07 of 13

    Major Marble Moment

    full wall marble backsplash

    Brophy Interiors

    In this striking kitchen by Brophy Interiors, you can tell that marble is the definite move here. The walls are covered in marble as it wraps around the kitchen, allowing the blue cabinets to stand out. The matching marble counter on the island creates a unified appearance without going overboard.

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  • 08 of 13

    Moody and Monochrome

    gray and black marble backsplash

    Brophy Interiors

    Of course, white marble isn't the only way to go. In another kitchen by Brophy Interiors, gray masterfully dominates the color scheme. Patterns are used with gray features to keep the space from appearing flat, most notably the marble backsplash above the stove. Gray floating shelves on each side blend in seamlessly, and the gray marble table completes the look.

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  • 09 of 13

    Large Vein Marble Paired With Colorful Cabinets

    blue marble backsplash

    Cathie Hong

    If you want to take a bolder approach, use large vein marble to make a statement with your backsplash. The look holds serious visual interest, and when paired with a set of colorful cabinets, like in this kitchen by Cathie Hong, the results are modern and stunning.

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  • 10 of 13

    Mini Backsplash

    black and gray marble counter with white walls

    Gray Space Interior Design

    Rather than slathering an entire wall with a design, sometimes smaller approaches can make a bigger statement. This kitchen by Gray Space Interior Design is a perfect example—the counter is covered in a rich black and gray glossy marble that is absolutely stunning. That same black and gray marble rise up to create a mini border along the length of the counter, perfectly contrasted against the white wall behind it.

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  • 11 of 13

    All White

    all white kitchen

    Home and Spirit

    Typically, you might see a tile backsplash on the wall and a sleek, solid material on the counter. Yet, in this all-white kitchen by Home and Spirit, you notice a role reversal—the square white tile forms the countertops, while the backsplash remains a solid white. With matching cabinets and appliances, the space feels clean, sleek, and minimalist in the best way.

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  • 12 of 13

    A Work of Art

    kitchen with solid white backsplash and artwork

    Homestead City Dwelling

    An underrated quality of solid backsplashes is their ability to make other decor items stand out. In the case of this kitchen by Homestead City Dwelling, a soft white backdrop is a perfect foundation for a piece of vintage artwork displayed above the stove. Solid backsplashes can allow for a change of decor and theme whenever the moment inspires you.

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  • 13 of 13

    Half and Half

    backsplash half marble half tile in kitchen

    House of Chais

    In this kitchen designed by House of Chais, there is proof that sometimes you can have the best of both worlds. The lower half of this backsplash is covered in gorgeous marble, an absolute classic. A thin floating shelf separates the lower from the upper half, with the latter covered in small square tile. The black cabinets flanking each side help contain the designs without feeling too busy or overwhelming.

    And finally, if you're considering a backsplash update in your kitchen, don't miss our complete kitchen and bathroom backsplash guide, which is perfect for setting expectations and project management whether you're hiring a contractor or going full DIY. And for more inspiration on different types of backsplashes, we've got 30 design ideas you should see. You may also want to brush up on the best types of backsplash materials, from travertine tile to stone and ceramics.