5 Kitchen Backsplash Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes—and What to Do Instead, According to Tile Pros

Planning to update your kitchen backsplash tiles? Make sure you’re avoiding any major backsplash blunders with these smart fixes for common misfires, courtesy of Kali Gibson, senior brand manager at Fireclay Tile.

You’re Choosing the Wrong Grout Color

“If it contrasts too much with the tile, it can dominate the design,” Gibson explains. Unless you’re trying to be extra bold, pick a shade that lands closer to your tile. “Neutral or matching grout usually works best for a subtle, seamless look, while a slightly darker shade can help hide dirt and stains,” she adds. Don’t forget that oil, grease, and yucky food messes are bound to end up on your backsplash, so make sure you also have the best cleaning solutions and tools for those tough messes.

You’re Not Considering Scale

Using tiles that are too large or too small can throw off the balance of the room. “Oversize tiles in a smaller kitchen can overwhelm the space, and tiny tiles in a large area can make the design feel too busy,” Gibson says. When in doubt, our default is a classic subway tile, which is good for most spaces.

You’re Ending at Weird Points

There’s not always a clear spot to stop when you’re installing tile—especially if you have an open floor plan. (Should these tiles cover the entire wall?!) If you have upper cabinets, use them as your stopping point. If you don’t have upper cabinets, line up your last tile with the end of the counter.

You’re Adding Too Many Colors to a Mosaic

“A kitchen already has a variety of textures and elements, such as countertops, cabinets, appliances, and lighting,” says Gibson. “Adding multiple tile colors in a backsplash can create visual clutter, making the space feel chaotic rather than cohesive.”

On the other hand, as long as the color palette in your kitchen is thoughtful and you have a plan on how to incorporate a few colors into a mosaic backsplash, it can actually make the space feel more cohesive. Just make sure you’re consulting with a pro if things are feeling busy or you aren’t confident in your backsplash choices.

You’re Neglecting Practical Considerations

“It’s important to consider practical factors such as durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning when you’re choosing tile for your kitchen,” Gibson explains. For example, she says, porous materials like marble or natural stone can be prone to staining in a kitchen environment, while ceramic or glass tiles are more resistant to stains and moisture. As much as we love natural stone and marble, it does take a different level of commitment than some other materials—especially in one of the busiest and most used rooms in your home.