14 Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas With Wood Cabinets

Whether you’re looking for ideas to refresh your current kitchen or planning a remodel, these creative tile pairings will help you master one of our favorite trends for 2024–wood cabinets. Read on for patterns, unique shapes and subway tile designs that complement a variety of wood finishes.

1. Backsplash Tile With Oak Cabinets

A neutral light wood is the great base for a fun and funky pattern. The curved pattern of the Elipse Azul tile echos the woodgrain in theses kitchen cabinets for wonderful, mesmerizing movement. The slightly muted dark blue with off-white coloring of this patterned tile complements this light oak wood.

2. Create a Natural Transition

The Tribeca Oatmeal subway tile provides a balanced transition between the white wall cabinets and wood base cabinets in this bright, modern kitchen. The glossy finish on this creamy subway tile adds shine to this kitchen, so that in the right light the wall looks white, but the color variation creates interest.

3. Make it Monochromatic

Beige tiles paired with maple wood create an elegant, monochromatic color scheme as is proof in this beautiful minimalist kitchen. The curves in the Wave Old Cream tile lends softness to this design with its serene neutral palette. We also love how the white grout joints complement the white light fixtures and countertops.

4. Add Depth With Dark Colors

Pair a dark color with a darker wood cabinet for moodier design that gives your kitchen richness. The dark wood base cabinets complement the vibrant color of the Wave Blue Reef tile. This tile might be too dark with wall cabinets, but the open shelving allows for the light to pass through and reflect off the glossy tile.

5. Metallic Patterned Backsplash

A sparkling metallic pattern adds glamour to this ultra-chic kitchen designed by Annie Selke. The reflective pattern of the Annie Selke Goldleaf Speckle tile shines next to the blond wood and white cabinets. The pattern tile creates a visual transition between the wall and base cabinets, by maintaining the neutral color palette.

6. Complement Your Countertops

If you have wood cabinets and granite countertops, then a handmade-look subway tile, like the Annie Selke Artisanal White tile shown here, will add charm to your traditional kitchen aesthetic. The uneven surface edges add detail to this design that complement the dark wood of the cabinets and brown granite.

7. Groove-y Design

Grooved 3D tile complements the woodgrain in stained wood cabinets. The raised line design on the 4-D Diagonal White tile adds a uniformed movement to a space that is already alive with the movement. The geometry of the tile contrasts the organic flow of the woodgrain for a balance of the natural and engineered.

8. Neutral Backsplash Tile With Dark Wood Cabinets

If your cabinets are dark, a light, cool neutral will help balance the tone of your kitchen. The soft shade of the Neo Hex Gloss Blue-Grey tile provides a lightness to the heaviness of the cabinets, and the glossy finish reflects the light, brightening the prep space. The elongated hexagon tile creates a sleek pattern that adds interest to the minimalist wooden cabinets.

9. Add Drama With Contrasting Grout

A black tile with white grout or a white tile with black grout–like the Imperial Brite White tile shown here–will add a subtle sense of drama to your space. Perfect for creating interest to a minimalist wood cabinet design. We love how the black grout complements the black range hood, shelf and handles in this modern kitchen.

10. Be Authentic With Handmade Zellige Tile

Crafted by hand, Moroccan Zellige tile is truly one of a kind. The subtle variations in size, shape, glaze and color will give your backsplash character that pairs perfectly with the unique look of natural wood. This kitchen designed by Fox Homes uses the Zellige White Gloss tile. The effect is a crisp, clean and creative aesthetic.

11. Embrace a Folksy Pattern

This kitchen designed by Kyndred embodies everything we love about modern farmhouse style–wooden cabinets, open shelving and the folk-art-inspired Star Blue tile stove backsplash. The handmade-look details of this tile add charm to this patterned tile and complement the stained wood cabinetry. For more ideas on how to incorporate this aesthetic in your space, read our Tile For Every Style: Modern Farmhouse, style guide.

12. Keep It Crisp and Clean With White Tile

From blond to dark wood, you can’t go wrong with crisp and clean white tile pairing. We love how this kitchen designed by Molly Howe Design uses the Hex Matte White tile to create a wonderfully textured white backsplash. The white range hood and countertops add to the crispness of this design.

13. Celebrate Your Style With an Art Deco Mosaic

The beauty of wood cabinets is that they will complement a range of styles, so your tile choice may determine whether your look is midcentury modern or modern farmhouse or coastal. The gorgeous flapper-era design of the Skyline with Gold stone mosaic tile transforms this modern kitchen design with the sunning gilded geometrical shapes of art deco.

14. Add an Artistic Touch With a Picture Frame

The simplicity of wood cabinets allows for creativity in your tile design. A picture frame in your stove backsplash will give your space an elegant, designed look. This picture frame designed by Sutherland Home features the Ancient Cordoba tile with its intricate and ornate design that elevates the simple kitchen. Shop our vast assortment of patterned tile and mosaic tile to find a favorite to showcase in your kitchen.

Ready to tackle your kitchen reno? Want to know what color tile goes with cherry cabinets? The tile experts at The Tile Shop are here to help every step of the way. Schedule a free design consultation or find your local store to get started.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I'm Eimile, Marketing copywriter. What I love about working at The Tile Shop is getting to see all the new design trends. I especially love bright, bold colors and retro designs. When I'm not writing copy, I'm usually reading a novel or taking a walk around my Minneapolis neighborhood.

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